5 Rolex Watches to Buy in 2025 for Long-Term Value

From the highly in-demand Daytona Panda to the Oyster Perpetual’s colourful dials, we reveal 5 Rolex watches to invest in!

Being the biggest watchmaking brand in the world, Rolex are known for their beautiful craftsmanship and innovative timekeeping, Rolex watches possess the ability to hold their value and even appreciate overtime.

Rolex acquires an extremely high demand and whilst their production numbers are fairly high for a luxury brand, reaching over 2 million watches produced each year, the Swiss brand is certainly able to obtain high volumes of requests for their timepieces.

Despite this, not every watch Rolex produces is admired by horological fanatics and enthusiasts and as demand plays the biggest role in a watch’s market value, only the most desirable are the best investment Rolex watches.

Not only does demand and desirability play a huge role but also the rarity of a Rolex watch and whilst the Crown do not produce limited editions, there are some models that have had a short production run or been secretly offered to certain clientele.

Using our horological knowledge and expertise, we have analysed market and social trends to suggest five Rolex watches that are a strong investment in 2025 with the intention of increasing your bank account in the near future, then briefly answering the common question, are Rolex watches a good investment?

1. Rolex Daytona Reference 116500LN/126500LN “Panda”

Key Specifications (116500LN/126500LN):

Why is the Rolex Daytona "Panda" a good investment?

The Rolex Daytona is arguably the most iconic and prominent model to have ever been produced by Rolex which, as a base, is the best Rolex watch to buy for investment. Starting this list is the Rolex Daytona “Panda” which is one of the most sought after Daytona models.

Yes, these are two different reference models of the Daytona “Panda” and whilst they have their slight differences, they are both treated as strong investment pieces.

The reference 116500LN was released at BaselWorld in 2016 enduring a 7-year production run discontinuing in 2023, replaced by the 126500LN. The previous reference features the former Calibre 4130 which made the case slightly thicker but the lugs were shorter and the crown guards were thinner.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Stainless Steel White Dial 116500LN

• ▪ White dial and Black ceramic bezel
• ▪Oyster bracelet with fold over clasp
• ▪ Automatic movement

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Whereas the 126500LN is viewed as an upgrade in aesthetics and performance offering a refined and sleek design with a new movement, the Calibre 4131 improving the efficiency and accuracy of the model’s performance.Moreover, this makes the case thinner but there are details that make the watch look bulkier like longer lugs and an insert between the black ceramic bezel and case.

Rolex Daytona 126500LN Steel White Dial Watch

• ▪White dial and Black Cerachrom bezel
• ▪Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
• ▪ Automatic movement calibre 4131

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Even though the 126500LN may seem like an upgrade, there are some enthusiasts and fanatics who prefer the 116500LN because of the visual changes that have hindered the aesthetics of the newer reference.

Despite the models' differences, they are similar in the way they are made accessible to a Rolex customer. The previous generation of the Daytona “Panda” was extremely difficult to obtain from Rolex’s AD (Authorised Dealership) with long waiting lists because of an extremely high demand.

Also, this is a highly collectible piece for watch enthusiasts and collectors alike due to the model’s rich history, iconic design, exclusivity and discontinuation meaning there is scope for appreciation in value in the near future demonstrating strong investment potential.

Identical to the 116500LN, the newer and updated reference 126500LN has long waiting lists because of the same reason. In order to control the demand, Rolex have implemented long waiting lists and a low annual production number for the Daytona “Panda” which is the same method used by Rolex for the previous generation of the model.

Although the 126500LN lacks the discontinuation factor, its mass demand and low supply is enough for market values to appreciate in years to come as Rolex will not put an end to waiting lists or increase the supply.

2. GMT-Master II Reference 126710BLRO “Pepsi”

Key Specifications of the Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLRO "Pepsi"

Why is the Rolex GMT-Master II "Pepsi" a good investment?

Rolex sports models are going to be a familiar sight throughout this article and here is another, the Rolex GMT-Master II. Amongst the various GMT-Master II models that have been released throughout its history, the “Pepsi” is certainly the most popular due to its rich history and distinctive blue and red bezel.

Introduced in 2018, the GMT-Master II “Pepsi” reference 126710BLRO wasn’t the first to implement colours fading into each other using the ceramic bezel. Rolex released the GMT-Master II reference 116710BLNR “Batman” which was a blend of blue and black.

This pathed the way for more two-tone bezel configuration to enter the GMT-Master II collection and whilst there are various bezel configurations part of the 126710 reference, the blue-red ceramic bezel is the most popular and in-demand being a highly collectible piece with long waiting lists.

What makes this a collectible watch is the history behind the “Pepsi” bezel, first featuring on the GMT-Master in the 1950s using the fragile material bakelite designed for the pilots of Pan American Airways.

The GMT-Master II came out at a later time implementing the blue-red bezel using aluminium which was also an extremely fragile material, prone to damage and fading. Due to ceramic being scratch-resistant and stronger against damage, this reference of the “Pepsi” has an enhanced durability making it attractive for collectors.

Rolex GMT-Master II Black Dial Pepsi Oyster 126710BLRO

• ▪Blue/red "Pepsi" Cerachrom bezel
• ▪Oyster bracelet
• ▪ Automatic movement calibre 3285

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Where there is a high demand and relatively low supply, there are long waiting lists which has a massive impact on the secondary market values. In fact, this reference of GMT-Master II “Pepsi” has demonstrated incredible value retention of over 70% since its release whilst the values of Rolex models generally appreciate at an average of just over 10%.

So, due to the model’s strong popularity, historical significance and solid market value retention, it is a strong investment piece to consider.

3. Rolex Submariner Date Reference 116610LV “Hulk”

Key Specifications of the Rolex GMT-Master II 116610LV "Hulk"

Why is the Rolex Submariner "Hulk" a good investment?

Like the Rolex Daytona, the Rolex Submariner is an iconic timepiece, potentially Rolex’s most popular watch ever created. The Crown have released some very interesting and colourful Submariner Date models since its introduction in 1969.

It is very well-known in the horological world that the Rolex Submariner investment potential is strong due to the model’s well-acclaimed status and history. However, this only applies to specific Submariner models.

One being the Submariner Date reference 116610LV nicknamed the “Hulk” due to the model’s popping green bezel and green dial. The Rolex Submariner “Hulk” lasted 10 years being released in 2010 and discontinuing in 2020 making it a highly collectible piece.

Moreover, it is a very popular piece due to the nickname and striking colour configuration admired by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Due to the discontinuation and liking of the “Hulk,” there is a strong demand for the model resulting in high secondary market prices.

During the Submariner “Hulk’s” production run, the retail price of the watch was around £5,000 to £7,000 with secondary markets falling around the same margin. Since the model’s discontinuation, the market price has always fallen above retail as it currently sits over double what the retail price was.

Rolex Submariner Date Stainless Steel Green Dial (Hulk) 116610LV

• ▪ Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
• ▪Green dial
• ▪ Automatic movement calibre 3135

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Using our knowledge and understanding, we expect the Submariner “Hulk” to slowly creep up in price on the secondary market so even though you are unable to buy this from Rolex’s AD, if you were to buy one from the grey market, expect to get a good return in the future.

4. Rolex Oyster Perpetual 124300 Coral Red, Yellow,Turquoise & "Celebration"

Key Specifications of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 124300 Coral Red, Yellow, Turquoise & "Celebration"

Why is the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Coral Red, Yellow, Turquoise & "Celebration" a good investment?

The Oyster Perpetual is produced in five different case sizes: 41, 36, 34, 31 and 28 but we are taking a closer look at the 41mm reference 124300. In an attempt to spice up the Oyster Perpetual collection, the Crown has implemented intriguing dial colours featured for the watch as over the past few years, Rolex has used the Oyster Perpetual to showcase the brand’s creativity and unique ideas.

When understanding the investment potential of the Oyster Perpetual, it is essential to consider what case sizes and dial colours are open to appreciation in the secondary market. We have selected 4 different dials:

• Coral Red
• Yellow
• Turquoise
• Celebration

When wanting to understand investment potential, it is vital to know that these dials have strong investment potential when partnered with the 41mm case size because they are masculine colours and the case size is worn by the majority of men.

In 2020, Rolex released the coral red, yellow dials part of the Oyster Perpetual collection, inspired by the “Stella” dials which were part of vintage Rolex watches. These dials had a short lifespan lasting only two years in production which, during this time, had availability made limited as they were in-demand.

This combination of low supply, high demand and a discontinuation is perfect when considering investment as the prices on the secondary market have tripled what the retail price was and it looks to increase in the future due to the collector value in the dials.

Also in 2020, the Crown unveiled the turquoise dial, instantly getting the “Tiffany” nickname attached to the model from the watch community. To be clear, this is an unofficial collaboration between Rolex and Tiffany&Co. as the nickname is applied to the dial by horological fanatics.

Despite coming out in the same year as the coral red and yellow dials, the turquoise dial lasted in production one year longer, but only with the 41mm reference 126400; this turquoise dial is still applicable for the Oyster Perpetual 36 and 31.

Due to the beautiful turquoise colour and the “Tiffany” nickname, the model gained a high demand worn by many famous figures so despite the low retail price, this configuration of the Oyster Perpetual was being attained by Rolex’s biggest clients. Like the previous dials we have mentioned, the turquoise dial also endured a short lifespan of only two years.

Following the discontinuation of the turquoise dial in 2023, the “Celebration” dial was introduced in the same year to commemorate 60 years of the Oyster Perpetual. On the dial, there are bright colourful bubbles over a turquoise dial which was very unique, something Rolex had never produced before making it one of a kind.

Initially, not many favoured this dial however it grew on fanatics and enthusiasts but it was too late as due to its acquired taste, Rolex discontinued the dial from the Oyster Perpetual range this year, lasting two years in production, making it one of the best Rolex watches to invest in 2025.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 Steel Blue Dial 124300

• ▪Stainless steel with blue dial
• ▪Oyster bracelet with fold over clasp
• ▪ Automatic Movement

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Due to the nature of this dial being an anniversary piece and the gradual increase in demand makes up the reasons as to why this is a solid investment with requests coming late on in the “Celebration” dial’s lifespan.

All four dials consist of a vibrant and bold aesthetic which attracts the younger generation and collectors resulting in a high demand because of their unique colour and rarity.

Additionally, they are all discontinued with a short lifespan which, as you should have known by now, plays a huge role in the appreciation of market values. Also, their market values have tripled their retail price when part of the Rolex catalogue and have high chances of appreciating further in the future as their discontinuations are all very recent.

5. Rolex Datejust 41 “Wimbledon”

Key Specifications of the Rolex Datejust 41 "Wimbledon"

Why is the Rolex Datejust 41 "Wimbledon" a good investment?

The Rolex Datejust is similar to the Oyster Perpetual surrounding the idea of investment as certain dial configurations with materials and case sizes have strong investment potential. The Rolex Datejust 41 with the “Wimbledon” dial, fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet in any Rolesor material (Rolex’s term for the mixture of gold and Oystersteel) is a great investment.

There are various reasons behind the investment potential of the Datejust 41 “Wimbledon,” the first being the model’s association with the prestigious tennis competition Wimbledon.

Since 1978, Rolex has sponsored Wimbledon, being the official timekeeper of the tournament. The nickname stemmed from the dial which features a stunning slate grey colour along with black roman numerals outlined in green which is the distinctive part that distinguished the dial from others.

Rolex Datejust 41 Steel/Yellow Gold Wimbledon Dial 126333

• ▪Stainless steel and yellow gold
• ▪"Wimbledon" dial
• ▪ Automatic Movement

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Due to the green outline, fanatics instantly made the synonymous link to Wimbledon resulting in the “Wimbledon” nickname being paired with every Datejust model featuring this dial by enthusiasts and collectors which increases desirability.

Moreover, there is a high demand for this watch with a controlled supply from the AD because there are large volumes of requests. So, as the Datejust “Wimbledon” is produced and offered in smaller quantities, the demand remains large resulting in a strong secondary market performance trading above retail.

Is a Rolex watch a good investment?

As highlighted in the introduction of this article, Rolex’s reputation in the horological world is the greatest, it can be argued that it is unparalleled to its competitors.

Focusing heavily on their incredible craftsmanship and materials to produce some of the most beautiful pieces to have ever been released, fetching market values above retail prices with appreciation chances being high.

However, it is important to highlight the nature and purpose of a watch; they are not to be treated as investment but instead be treated as a work of art to be worn on your wrist. Yes, the watches we have selected indicate validity and truth, the watch market has shown signs of strong volatility in the past with stability only starting to form.