While there is no magic formula to determine how a Rolex will maintain or add value over the years, we have had enough time in this industry to have a good grasp of the market. There are always some second-hand Rolex models that do better than others, but there are also some reference models that have unique qualities that set it apart.
So today, we want to give you some inside insight, looking at antique and second-hand Rolex models, we think you can get a great value today and will hold a great value tomorrow. To your surprise, not all of them are rare vintages. In fact, some products are much newer than you might think, but still a great investment. The curiosity? Take a look. 
The Rolex Daytona can be a polarizing watch — people either love it or hate it. But if you’re a serious Rolex collector, having a Daytona in your replica watch case automatically puts you in another category. While the latest stainless steel and ceramic Daytona gets most of the attention these days, the reference 116520 is another example of the great stainless steel Rolex’s iconic chronograph, an apparently more accessible (and affordable) rival to its ceramic bezel.
However, it is a great investment to make the Daytona 116520 for 2020, and although it is now discontinued and only available on the second-hand market, it is still a relatively new Daytona reference. This means you can get all the latest and greatest Rolex technologies, such as the internal Cal.4130 sport, which also means you can still get a really great price — especially with the old-fashioned Rolex Daytona reference. The ref.116520 is one of the few Daytona models that has yet to experienced a significant price spike, which means it still has a lot of potential to see significant value growth over the next few years. Now is the time to grab the watch.
If you don’t already own a Rolex Submariner, 2020 is a good time to collect one. If we had to choose, it would be an often overlooked but extremely important reference 16800. Submariner 16800 is considered a transitional model for various Rolex replica watches on the second-hand market, as it is made between ref.1680 and ref.16610. Like other transitional Rolex references, the Submarine 16800 boasts many retro features, but it is also the first model to introduce some important and decisive features that now define the Rolex contemporary submarine collection.
The reference 16800 was the first submarine to have a 300-meter (1,000-foot) waterproof rating and the first to have a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Internally, it was also upgraded and received the high-tempo Cal.3035, which also has quickest dating capabilities. On many examples of the Rolex submarine 16800, you also get a matte dial with incredible creamy lube that has aged wonderfully, which gives this watch more features. To be honest, it’s the kind of watch you’re buying right now, at a reasonable price, and all your friends are hoping they’ll buy it in ten years.
Introduced in 2008 and quickly discontinued in 2015, the Rolex DayDate II is bold and short, but it is still one of the best Rolex Presidential model collections. Featuring the iconic lines and features of the classic and beloved Day-Date collection, the Day-Date II gives collectors the larger case they crave, with a diameter of 41mm, in stark contrast to the traditional men’s 36mm. Reference 218238 is a special Rolex model, outfitted entirely in 18-karat yellow gold with a unique look that is deeply admired by the rich, famous and influential people who are lucky enough to get one.
The Day-Date – better known as its “Rolex President” nickname – is always a great former owned Rolex model because of its iconic legacy and precious metal structure. However, 2020 is about to seize one of these important and beautiful models before the rest of the collection world realizes how special it is, and seize this underrated pure gold Rolex. The Day-Date II is 1mm larger than the current 40, making it the largest Rolex President ever produced. In addition, the limited number of examples available due to its short production cycle makes it a model with great investment potential.
The explorer 14270 was first released in 1989, replacing the classic ref. 1016, which sits on the border between modern and vintage fake rolex watches. While pre-owned Rolex prices (especially for antique reference) have risen steadily over the past few years, you can still capture this important model with a lot of transactions. Furthermore, given how important the Explorer series is to Rolex’s history, as the brand’s first sports watch, we believe it will remain of great value for many years to come.
You could argue that the Datejust is the ultimate classic Rolex watch. However, the champagne dial, numbered 116238 and made entirely of 18-karat yellow gold, is anything but classic. This contemporary reference has an exquisite, coveted aesthetic that makes it stand out in the collector’s eye, with its solid gold structure dating back to 1945 and the first Rolex Datejust for reference.
So why buy now? Well, in addition to providing an timeless and iconic design, the Rolex Datejust 116238 is also a new reference, which means it is perfect for everyday wear and use. However, ref. 116238 also offers a lot of investment potential, but still underestimates the variety of second-hand Rolex models, just because Rolex has stopped offering solid gold Datejust watches in men’s sizes. Today, the only full – gold Datejust models are Lady – Datejust and Datejust 31 watches, this means that if you want a classic style, pure gold Rolex watches in the size of the traditional male, you will have to consider the Day-Date or Sky – Dweller, the two is more expensive than the ref. 116238 Datejust.