Is a pre-owned Rolex Submariner a good investment?
By Paul Hornblow, Owner of Watches of Wales
Rolex produces some of the most prestigious wristwatches in the industry. Our website features many pre-owned Rolex kept in pristine condition – most of which still have either the box, papers, or both, with them when you buy from us.
Many wonder whether or not purchasing a pre-owned Rolex Submariner is a good investment. After all, one can spend an exorbitant sum of money on something so seemingly trivial as a wristwatch when so many other things seem to take priority, especially in the cost-of-living crisis we’re going through.
For this reason, many people face the same internal conflict of whether or not they should purchase what’s probably the most famous Rolex wristwatch. However, a purchase such as this is not a waste of money for many reasons.
Some Watches Can Increase In Value
The Submariner has become Rolex’s most recognisable model since the company’s founding back in 1905. They’re known for being hardy and reliable watches, capable of surviving daily life for many years without much thought. Over time, the value of these quality watches can increase if they are kept in good condition. Depending on certain traits of the watch, like rarity and condition, its value could increase by more than 30% over the years.
Though this process of increasing value generally occurs over long periods – sometimes up to 40 years – it is most definitely worth the wait. This isn’t always the case anymore, though, brand new Submariners also fetch more than their retail price on a pre-owned market.
Over time, we have seen the price of the Rolex Submariner increase exponentially from its humbler beginnings. During the 1950s, the price of a Rolex Submariner was – interestingly enough – just $150 to $200 without factoring in the currency values.
That all changed with the release of the first film of the “James Bond film: Dr No (1963). In the movie, star Sean Connery dons a beautiful Rolex Submariner, rumoured to belong to a production crew member. From then on, the cost of a Rolex would continue to skyrocket – making it one of the most prestigious sports watches.
Between 1980 and 1984, the retail price of the Submariner remained stagnant at around $1,000. By 1992, however, the price doubled to about $2,000; by 2014, that price shot up to $7,500. Of course, the rapid skyrocketing of the Submariner’s value when new may be partially due to inflation. As the dollar devalues, it is evident that the prices of different items will increase.
However, this is not the primary reason the prices have increased. This graph shows that, if adjusted to inflation, the price of a Rolex Submariner in 2014 would be well over $1,000 – which is nevertheless considerably more than it was worth during the 1950s. This shows that though inflation has most definitely influenced the cost of a Rolex, that is not caused to discount its current increase in value.
Today, the Submariner’s pre-owned value continues to increase steadily with the worldwide reputation associated with its name and the fact that more high-profile celebrities are choosing to wear it for their films.
It’s an Iconic Piece
The Rolex Submariner is a timeless classic that has remained en vogue for decades. One reason this is important is that you will not have to worry about your piece becoming outdated soon. Even as the movements get more advanced and accurate and the design seems to get larger, a Submariner from the 1970s is still as recognisable as one from today.
We mentioned earlier that Sean Connery was famous for wearing a Submariner while playing the fictional super spy James Bond, but he’s not the only time the “Subbie” has been seen on the silver screen. In the 1997 film, “Titanic,” we see actor Bill Paxton adorned with a stunning Rolex Submariner; he even made a cameo in a Rolex commercial in 2017 before passing away just hours later from a stroke.
Investing in a Rolex Submariner will set you apart from the general crowd, and you will become part of an exclusive community – one that includes most, if not all, of the most famous celebrities in the world. Moreover, on our website, you can purchase a pre-owned Rolex in pristine condition with our guarantee included too.
A Submariner Shows a Sense of Style
It’s common knowledge that wristwatches are some of the most stylish accessories and some of the only socially acceptable pieces of jewellery worn by men. Why not step it up a notch? There aren’t many accessories that will give you a similar return on your investment as a Rolex will.
Whether you’re purchasing for a specific occasion or just someone looking to increase their style portfolio, our website has the watches for you. In our society today, a good sense of style is not only valued but is appreciated by the general public. It demonstrates that you are not someone who shops to be clothed but someone who shops to make a statement, even if that statement is “I’m in my jammies at 6PM”, you do you. The Submariner will still look and feel timeless.
Aside from being a great style accessory, Rolex wristwatches are also convenient pieces; and we aren’t just referring to the time. Because Rolex watches like the Submariner and Sea-Dweller are primarily divers’ watches, they can withstand an immense amount of pressure below the sea.
These watches can go up to 300 metres under the sea – the dream piece of equipment for any sea-lover. Their movements are also very robust and capable, thanks to shock protection and some level of magnetic resistance.
Rolex is where the roads of style and practicality intersect. Many accessories either lack one or both, and this is the case when it comes to some cheaper watches. These generally can’t make the trip down to the depths of the sea, nor do they enhance the aesthetic or style of the person on land.
It Can Become Your Family Heirloom
For centuries, each family has had their own piece of jewellery, a book, pen, or another artefact passed down from parent to child over generations. Watches – both pocket watches and wristwatches – are quite unique in this tradition as they are often thought of as the perfect heirloom. Purchasing a Rolex Submariner from our website will give you the ideal gift to pass down through the generations.
Should You Buy a Pre-Owned Rolex Submariner?
So, to answer your question about whether or not you should purchase a Rolex Submariner, our answer is a resounding “yes!” When you buy your Rolex (or another watch you fancy) from us, you can rest assured that you are getting your money’s worth.
You will become part of an exclusive community that will set you apart from the crowd. It will make you unique. This is not to say that all you need to be unique is a Rolex, but it will make you unique whether you want it to or not – that is the beauty of Rolex.
So, with all this in mind, head on over to our website and browse through our gallery of Submariners, Daytonas, Seamasters, and many more. And, if you feel ready, make the decision to purchase a Submariner – you won’t regret it.
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