It is really no surprise that the Rolex has a crown as its logo. The Swiss luxury watchmaker is the number one name on everyone’s lips when asked about brands that represent boldness, extravagance and class. Its timepieces have been featured on the wrists of various high profile individuals, from world leaders to actors and musicians.
Another recognisable element of a Rolex watch is the price. An entry level Rolex could set you back around £3,250 for an Oyster ladies’ timepiece, a Rolex GMT 116710LN can fetch £6,450 and a Rolex Daytona 116500LN would cost around 9,550.
The question is, why are Rolex so expensive? Is the high price tag justified, or is it just for show?
Why are Rolex so Expensive?
While Rolex watches may be seen by many as unnecessarily expensive, there are actually a number of reasons why this is not the case. After all, a lot of work and effort goes into manufacturing these works of art. The materials used are of the highest quality, so they will hardly come cheap.
Here are a few of our reasons why the timepieces have such a high price tag:
They are Meticulously Made
Rolex watches are assembled entirely by hand, by the most experienced watchmakers. The company demands nothing but the best, and keeps tight control on the processes involved and materials used in production. If a timepiece is set with gems, then you can be sure that every single one is internally flawless – and also that it was set by one of the 20-plus specialists employed just to set gems.
When it comes to materials, the company will only use 950 platinum or 18 karat gold. Its rose gold is a proprietary alloy known as Everose, while its ceramic is an extra-hard material called Cerachrom – which is practically impossible to scratch and does not change with UV exposure. Even the steel is known as Oystersteel, and is the type used in the aerospace industry, thanks to its resistance to corrosion.
If a company ensures that everything they produce is made using only the highest quality materials, it is no surprise that they are so expensive.
Rolex Watches Cost a Lot to Design
The art of watchmaking is a meticulously tiring and challenging profession that can cost a lot of money. Rolex has several research and development departments that are extremely well-equipped and highly professional facilities. They also use only the latest ground-breaking tools and equipment. All of this ensures the company can continuously come up with new manufacturing techniques and technologies to ensure it always stays one step ahead of the competition.
To make their timepieces some of the best in the world, Rolex uses some highly sophisticated equipment – such as gas spectrometers and electron microscopes. As the parts for the watches can be quite small, it is very important that they are up to the task. This is why the company’s stress rooms test these parts to literal destruction – so everything is as it should be.
A Rolex Watch will Last
If you are looking for a luxury wristwatch that is built to stand the test of time, you will be hard pressed to find anything better than a Rolex. Any change in humidity, temperature, altitude or movement can be extremely damaging for some timepieces – but not for a Rolex.
Rolex watches are synonymous with exploration and pushing boundaries. It was a Rolex that accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary on his quest to be the first person to scale Everest, and it was also a Rolex that was worn by Ed Viesturs when he climbed the mountain decades later.
Another example of this is water resistance. Some timepieces are able to withstand depths of up to 300m. To ensure this is achievable, the brand’s dive watches are first tested in pressurised tanks that are developed by COMEX, before being tested in actual waters.
Rolex Watches Hold their Value
While many people simply purchase timepieces as collectors’ items or for everyday use, it is becoming a lot more common to buy a watch as an investment opportunity. If this is something you are looking to do, then a Rolex watch is ideal.
The truth is that not all watchmakers will see their creations hold their value, never mind appreciate over time. This is not the case for Rolex, as its collections have a consistent, instantly identifiable appearance and the brand has never found itself embroiled in a scandal. The brand is loved by watch aficionados and collectors from all over the world.
If you are looking to purchase a Rolex watch as an investment opportunity, we have produced a useful guide that tells you everything you need to know.
Rolex Watches were not Always Expensive
It may not matter much now, but it is certainly interesting to note that Rolex watches did not always command such a high price tag. When they were first released in the 1950s, they were not anywhere near as expensive as they are today. As time went on, however, the quality of their timepieces improved exponentially, as did their prices.
Second Hand Rolex Watches from Blowers Jewellers
If you are looking for a preowned Rolex watch, whether as an investment opportunity or to add to your collection, you can rely on Blowers Jewellers to help. We have decades of experience in the luxury watch and jewellery industry, meaning we are perfectly placed to assist you in finding your ideal timepiece – no matter your taste.
Over the years, we have cultivated a strong reputation for the quality of our service and advice. We recognise that buying a second hand Rolex watch, or any other item of luxury jewellery, is an extremely personal experience – which is why we will take the time to understand your style and requirements before using our expertise to recommend what we believe is the best product for you.
All of our second hand Rolex watches are available to view at our boutique in Kingston Upon Hull, or by appointment at our office in London’s Mayfair. We also offer an extremely generous finance scheme to make owning your ideal item of jewellery that little bit easier.
For more information about how Blowers Jewellers can help you, contact a member of our team today.