Everyone knows that the prices of Rolex watches have skyrocketed over the years. Some of their popular watches are now selling for double, and in some situations triple, their list prices. This has made purchasing a Rolex watch harder for those who don’t have large sums of money to spend.
Rolex watches are luxury items hence the reason they are generally expensive. However, it is possible to purchase some of the cheapest Rolex watches. For instance, the Submariner and the Sea-Dweller watch models are both dive watches, yet one costs more than the other.
Cheap Rolex watches range between $6,000 to $11,000 or less. And, we’ve put together a list of the cheapest Rolex watches that are a lot more affordable than the brand’s most popular model.
Cheap Rolex Watch Models and Their References
In this section of this article, we will talk about the cheapest Rolex watches. We will explore specific models you can purchase without breaking the bank which will still give you that desired Rolex experience.
Rolex Datejust
Rolex Datejust was introduced in 1945 to mark its 40th anniversary. The Datejust was the first self-winding wristwatch to show the date in a window on the dial. It was a groundbreaking invention that transformed the watch industry. Presently, the Datejust is still a symbol of timeless complexity and technical skill.
The Datejust is another Rolex model that gives you more affordable options without compromising quality or style. You can also purchase fid used Datejust models at about $3,000. This is a nice sweet offer putting into consideration the craftsmanship and prestige that come with a Rolex.
Datejust Ref. 16013
If you love classic two-tone luxury watches, then this reference 16013 is a nice option for you. This timepiece features a yellow-gold fluted bezel on a smaller case with a Jubilee bracelet and automatic movement.
Distinct from other watches on this list, the dial has different colour options that range from simple white to champagne, and in some cases, even a rich blue dial. Unlike previous models, this reference features an acrylic crystal that protects the dial, but it doesn’t take away its beauty.
Key Features
- 36mm stainless steel case
- Automatic 3035 movement
- Acrylic crystal
- Stainless steel and gold Jubilee bracelet
- Price: $6,000 – $7,000
Datejust Ref. 16233
Another great timepiece to consider is the Rolex 16233 Datejust. It is an affordable Rolex watch with different dial designs. Datejust ref. 16233 is a stylish dress watch that looks good in the case or on the wrist.
Key Features
- 36mm stainless steel case
- Automatic 3135 movement
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Stainless steel and gold Jubilee bracelet
- Price: $7,000 – $8,000
Datejust Ref. 16234
If you love stainless steel watches, then purchasing a Rolex Datejust 16234 is a great choice. It features a white gold fluted bezel on top of its 36mm steel case and Jubilee bracelet.
Key Features
- 36mm stainless steel case
- Automatic 3135 movement
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Stainless steel Jubilee bracelet
- Price: $8,000
Datejust Ref. 16200
The Datejust ref. 16200 features a smooth steel bezel, an Oyster bracelet, and a few dial options, including Arabic numerals or silver indexes. It is a straightforward watch produced for its simplicity and functionality rather than looks. It also features the Cyclops lens over the date for easy viewing. And, just like almost any other Rolex, it can be worn with more formal wear to augment the outfit.
Key Features
- 36mm stainless steel case
- Automatic 3135 movement
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Stainless steel Jubilee bracelet
- Price: $6,000 or $7,000
Date Ref. 15210
Date Ref. 15210 preserves the brand’s commitment to excellence by combining classic aesthetics with practical features. It features a distinctive engine-turned bezel, which gives it a unique texture thereby setting it apart from the smoother options. This model is designed for daily wear, thereby bridging the gap between casual and formal attire.
Key Features
- 34mm stainless steel case
- Automatic 3135 movements, ensuring precise timekeeping
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, offering durability
- Stainless steel Oyster bracelet is known for its comfort and strength
- Engine Turned bezel
- Price: $5,000 – $6,000
Rolex Air-King
Rolex primarily manufactured the Air King to honour the pioneers of aviation. It is a timepiece created to tribute to those daring individuals who took to the skies, conquering the vast expanse above us. The Air King’s robust construction and aviation-inspired design showcase the spirit of adventure and exploration.
Air-King 5500
The Rolex Air-King 5500 made its debut in 1957. Rolex continued to produce the Air-King ref. 5500 up till the 1990s, leaving behind a solid variety of well-priced, pre-owned examples for today’s collectors.
Key Features
- 34mm stainless steel case
- Automatic 1520, 1530, and 3130 movements
- Smooth steel bezel
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
- Average Price: $6,500
Air-King 14000
In the 1990s, Rolex launched the Rolex Air-King 14000 reference. Although the watch features a 34mm steel case and time-only dial, protecting the face of the watch is scratch-resistant sapphire crystal instead of one made from acrylic.
Also, some of the ref. 14000 dials weren’t just vibrant blue; they featured the 3, 6, and 9 indexes which were found on Explorer watches.
Key Features
- 34mm stainless steel case
- Automatic 1520 and 1530 movements
- Smooth steel bezel
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
- Average Price: $5,000
Air-King 114200
Polex Air-King 114200 was launched at Baselworld in 2007. This Air-King reference was the first in the collection to be COSC-certified, as designated by the “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” text on the dial.
Some of these new affordable Rolex watches have a fancier dial execution with Roman numerals, 11 hand-applied white gold hour markers, and a prominent minute track.
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Key Features
- 34mm stainless steel case
- Automatic 3130 movement
- Smooth steel bezel
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
- Price: $5,000 to $6,000
Air-King 116900
Rolex stopped the 114200 Air-King reference in 2014, then substituted it with the Oyster Perpetual ref.114200. This act made people question if it was the end of the Air-King collection. But, in 2016, the Air-King was brought back with an entirely new design.
Having almost no likeness to its predecessors, the Air-King ref. 116900 features a larger case borrowed from the Rolex Milgauss watch model. It also features an antimagnetic shield, a sportier dial with hour and minute numerals, and flashes of green and yellow.
Key Features
- 40mm stainless steel case with antimagnetic shield
- Automatic 3131 movement
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
- Average Price: $8,000
Rolex Explorer
Rolex designed the Explorer to honour the successful ascension of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. It was a watch created to survive the toughest conditions and aid explorers in conquering the world’s highest peaks. Rolex Explorer’s robustness and reliability make it a trusted companion for those who intend to venture into uncharted terrains.
The Rolex Explorer is one watch that is equipped to defeat the great unknown. When strap on your wrist, you get to feel a surge of exploration coursing through your veins. The watch has various options, from classic black dials with luminous hour markers to bold white dials that radiate a modern flair. It does not count if you’re searching for a timepiece that echoes the spirit of the original Explorer or one that adds a contemporary twist, the Explorer has you covered.
Explorer 14270
The Rolex Explorer 14270 was launched towards the end of the 1980s. Just like the earlier references, this one has a smaller case, the classic Oyster bracelet, and a black dial with the characteristic 3/6/9-hour markers.
But Rolex embellished the ref.14270 with modern touches like a sapphire crystal, a glossy dial, and hand-applied white gold hour markers (rather painted ones) filled with luminous material.
Key Features
- 36mm stainless steel case
- Automatic 3000 movement
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
- Price: $5,000 – $8,000
Explorer 214270
The Rolex 214270 Explorer watch features a larger 39mm Oyster case. It is also powered by the updated Caliber 3132 movement, which features Rolex’s new Paraflex shock absorbers. This Explorer ref. 214270 is a previous example of this reference family with the so-called Mark I Dial, which consists of solid white gold 3, 6, and 9-hour markers in the place of the lume-filled ones that came after.
Key Features
- 39mm stainless steel case
- Automatic 3132 movement
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
- Price: 9,000 – $10,000
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest Rolex watch to purchase?
Rolex Air-King, Datejust, or Explorer are great watches you can purchase if you need a cheap Rolex watch. A popular opinion among many Rolex enthusiasts is that the Air-King is the cheapest Rolex watch.
Are Rolex watches cheaper in Dubai?
Due to the tax-free status in Dubia, Rolex watches are affordable there. Although the primary or retail price may be similar to UK prices, the absence of VAT makes the entire cost lower.
How much is my Rolex watch worth?
The best way to determine the worth of your Rolex watch is to try to buy that exact reference from a dealer or private seller. Although you won’t be buying the same watch twice, the stress test you will carry out will give you a good idea of how much your Rolex watch is worth.
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