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It’s not surprising that most people feel they can’t afford a Rolex watch when Rolex watches are known for being luxurious, high-end and expensive. And for the most part that’s true, there are many expensive Rolex watches that the average income will struggle to afford however that does not mean missing out on the opportunity of owning a Rolex. This article will focus on the cheapest Rolex watches and why their affordable price tag does nothing to diminish the pure outstanding quality of a Rolex watch. It really is the best of both worlds with these watches-a cheap price and a high quality watch with the same materials and meticulous craftsmanship as any other more expensive Rolex. 

If you’re looking for the cheapest Rolex watches, these are definitely what to look out for.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 

 Approximately £4,700- Retail 
 The Rolex Oyster perpetual is a classic and iconic Rolex watch with over 90 years of history and is a direct descendant of the original Oyster watch launched in 1926. The iconic Oyster bracelet was introduced in the 1930s and has become a mainstay and identifiable characteristic of the Oyster collection alongside the smooth bezel and of course the standout range of coloured dials. Despite the cheaper price tag, this is still an exceptionally crafted high-end watch. The case and oyster bracelet are made out of corrosion-resistant OysterSteel, it boasts a self-winding mechanical 3130 movement with a 48 hour power reserve and it features 18 carat gold hour markers as well as scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. It really is quite an amazing watch and definitely an excellent choice as an entry-level Rolex watch if starting your collecting journey. 

Rolex Explorer

 Approximately £5150- RETAIL 
Nothing says highly durable sophistication quite like a Rolex Explorer. A beautifully simple watch identified with its legible black dial, large hour markers and numerals in the 3,6,9 position. The Chromalight hour markers and hands contain luminescent material that emits a lasting blue glow ensuring legibility even in the dark.  It also features the bold and distinct triangular marker at the 12 o’clock point similar to its airborne sibling the Rolex Air King (below). In 1953 Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay climbed to the summit of Everest wearing an Oyster Perpetual Expedition watch. The feedback from the Everest expedition and feedback from many other extreme climber experiences guided Rolex to design its first Rolex Explorer in 1953. This is a true tool watch designed to withstand extreme conditions to help explorers reach their destinations but alongside its usefulness is the sleek and beautiful look of the watch itself making it a very popular dress watch.  
 

Rolex Datejust 36

Approximately £5650- RETAIL
The Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 is a legendary watch. Developed in 1945, the Datejust is one of Rolex’s longest-running models and is one of the brand’s most iconic and recognisable watches. Over the years Rolex has expanded the Datejust 36 line and there is now a variety of different Datejust 36 watches to choose from. If searching for the cheapest Rolex watch we would recommend the stainless steel smooth bezel with the oyster bracelet (as shown right). These models represent an excellent entry-level option for buyers offering classic appeal as an ideal dress watch that can be worn for any occasion. Black, white, silver and blue dial colour options are available and buyers also have the option of having Roman numeral or Arabic numeral dials rather than the simple markers. 

Rolex Air-King 

Approximately £5150- RETAIL

In 1933 Oyster watches accompanied the Houston Expedition as it made the first ever flight over Mount Everest at an altitude exceeding 10,000 metres in extreme weather conditions. Since then Rolex has had very privileged ties with the aviation world and the Rolex Air King pays tribute to the pioneers of flight and the Oyster’s role in the epic story of aviation. Much like other Rolex watches, the Air King is flawless and beautifully designed. It boasts a 40 mm Oystersteel case, a solid link oyster bracelet with an Oysterclasp and features a distinctive black dial with a combination of large 3, 6 and 9 numerals marking the hours and a smaller but prominent minute scale. 

Rolex Submariner

Approximately £6450- RETAIL
A truly remarkable underwater survival tool with a design that has been dictated solely by the practical needs of divers. The Submariner was originally created in 1953 for the exploration of the seas and it quickly became a very popular divers watch with a waterproof depth of 100 metres. Now through Rolex’s constant drive for improvement and enhancement, the Submariner is waterproof to a depth of 300 metres. It has been redesigned with a slightly larger 41 mm Oystersteel case, a distinctive dial with large luminescent hour markers, a unidirectional rotatable bezel with a cerachrom insert and an oyster bracelet. The submariner can also feature a cyclops date (Submariner Date) however to keep to the theme of this article, the cheapest Rolex submariner watch is one without the date as pictured left. 

 

As you can see, despite Rolex’s reputation of being a highly expensive watch brand, there are specific models that are surprisingly affordable considering the quality of the watch. These cheapest Rolex watches are all superbly designed and showcase just how excellent Rolex engineering is alongside it being a very impressive and recognisable watch to anyone looking at your wrist. Check out our Rolex Watches Here To Find Your Perfect Watch. 

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