A Helpful Guide On How To Invest In A Rolex

“Guido Mondani Editore” is a publishing house founded by Guido Mondani in 1979, specialized in haute horlogerie, that has become a reference for dealers and collectors all over the world. Today, Giorgia Mondani perpetuates her father’s passion, revealing the secrets behind the most prized vintage watches, and hoping to guide our readers towards their dream purchase.

We will be frank with you, collecting Rolex watches can be an extremely safe investment, but only if you know the products and the market very well. What’s the secret? Find reliable information. It sounds easy, but it’s not! Having analyzed the price of Rolex watches over the years, we can see that some Rolex models have seen their value increase tenfold, and we wanted to explain the reasons through a few examples:

A limited edition of only 78 pieces, the “Polipetto” (meaning little octopus) was produced in 2008 to celebrate the golden jubilee of the State Police Scuba Divers Institution. Not only is it a rare watch, but it’s one of very few Rolexes that bears the symbol of another association on its dial. This watch achieved the amazing price of CHF 125,000 at Christie’s auction Geneva in 2013. This is a perfect example of rarity: only 78 examples worldwide. It is what a collector should look for. Not easy and not cheap, but for sure it is an investment ! Furthermore, not many dials are personalized and it makes the watch even more particular.

Although you would think a fading dial would damage the value of the ‘original’ watch, the Daytona becomes more valuable when it’s the change in color makes it a unique piece. This dial is called “Patrizzi dial” and it represents a sort of myth today. A collector should have it in the safe ! This watch is a perfect example of the fact that, when you are talking about a Rolex, a flaw can become an important value. Current value: € 18,000 to € 22,000

The Submariner Date ref. 16610 Panama Canal has a current value of € 40,000 to € 50,000 – Built by the United States between 1904 and 1914, the Panama Canal became property of the Panama State on December 31, 1999. In order to commemorate the event, a limited edition of only 75 Submariner Date watches was produced.

The Reference 5513, available only in stainless steel, will remain in production for 28 years. From about 1967-68, the dial print becomes white and the depth rating is inverted, 660 ft = 200 m, remaining unvaried until the end of production in 1989. This reference is not rare, but in nowadays market it is not that easy to find a 100% authentic example. In fact, it is easy to find this watch with some parts that not correspond to the right period. Current value: € 5,000 to € 6,500

This reference was produced from 1963 until 1969. Pump push buttons, metal calibrated bezels and Oyster twinlock 600 crown. The example in this picture is the rarest one, with 3 colors on the dial. catalogue price: Current value: € 75,000 to € 95,000.

Nowadays, what a collector must look for quality and rarity. Limited editions or watches produced in limited amounts are the best you can find, especially Ref 6062 moon phases and Ref. 6538 James Bond models. Submariners and Daytonas personalized for Cartier and Tiffany are extremely precious too.

Below you’ll find a longer list of the best Rolex watches to invest in:

Rolex Daytona:

Ref. 6239 in stainless steel – Current Value: € 19,000 to € 24,000
Ref. 6239 in stainless steel with Paul Newman dial – Current Value: € 70,000 to € 90,000
Ref. 6239 in gold 18k catalogue price: Current Value: € 70,000 to € 85,000
Ref. 6239 in gold 18k with Paul Newman dial – Current Value: € 140,000 to € 170,000
Ref. 6241 in stainless steel
 – Current Value: € 21,000 to €26,000
Ref. 6241 in gold 18k
 – Current Value: € 80,000 to € 95,0000
Ref. 6241 in gold 18k with Paul Newman dial
 – Current Value: € 150,000 to € 180,000
Ref. 6263 in stainless steel 
- Current Value: € 23,000 to € 28,000
Ref. 6265 in stainless steel
 – Current Value: : € 23,000 to € 28,000
Ref. 6263 in gold 18k
 – Current Value: € 55,000 to € 70,000
Ref. 6265 in gold 18k
 – Current Value: € 60,000 to € 75,000

Rolex Submariner:

Ref. 1680 with white writing –  Current Value: € 6,000 to € 8,000
Ref. 1680 with red writing – Current Value: € 12,000 to € 14,000

Rolex Sea-Dweller:
Ref. 1665 with red writing Mark I – Currently: € 40,000 to € 50,000
Ref. 1665 with red writing Mark II
 – Current Value: € 25,000 to € 30,000
Ref. 1665 with red writing Mark III
 – Current Value  € 20,000 to € 24,000
Ref. 1665 with red writing Mark IV – Current Value: € 16,000 to € 20,000

For more information, please visit the official Mondani Editore website.