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Best Rolex Watches Under $5,000

There are 20 Rolex watches available under $5,000, ranging from the Submariner at ~$52,000 (market value) to the Submariner Date at ~$14,500 (market value). We've ranked them by flip potential score to help you find the best value in this price range. The top three picks — the Submariner Date, Submariner Date, and Submariner — stand out for their combination of market demand and value retention.

Detailed Rankings

Submariner DateDiscontinued

The Submariner Date (Ref. 116610LN) is a dive watch priced at ~$14,500 (market value) retail. On the secondary market, it trades at 59% above retail, indicating strong collector demand. With a flip potential score of 9/10, it's one of the stronger investment picks in this price bracket.

Submariner DateDiscontinued

The Submariner Date (Ref. 116610LV) is a dive watch priced at ~$21,000 (market value) retail. On the secondary market, it trades at 120% above retail, indicating strong collector demand. With a flip potential score of 9/10, it's one of the stronger investment picks in this price bracket.

SubmarinerDiscontinued

The Submariner (Ref. 114060) is a dive watch priced at ~$14,000 (market value) retail. On the secondary market, it trades at 73% above retail, indicating strong collector demand. With a flip potential score of 9/10, it's one of the stronger investment picks in this price bracket.

Cosmograph DaytonaDiscontinued

The Cosmograph Daytona (Ref. 116500LN) is a chronograph priced at ~$31,000 (market value) retail. On the secondary market, it trades at 113% above retail, indicating strong collector demand. With a flip potential score of 9/10, it's one of the stronger investment picks in this price bracket.

Cosmograph DaytonaDiscontinued

The Cosmograph Daytona (Ref. 116520) is a chronograph priced at ~$24,000 (market value) retail. On the secondary market, it trades at 94% above retail, indicating strong collector demand. With a flip potential score of 9/10, it's one of the stronger investment picks in this price bracket.

GMT-Master IIDiscontinued

The GMT-Master II (Ref. 116710BLNR) is a gmt / travel watch priced at ~$18,000 (market value) retail. On the secondary market, it trades at 86% above retail, indicating strong collector demand. With a flip potential score of 9/10, it's one of the stronger investment picks in this price bracket.

GMT-Master IIDiscontinued

The GMT-Master II (Ref. 116710LN) is a gmt / travel watch priced at ~$15,000 (market value) retail. On the secondary market, it trades at 62% above retail, indicating strong collector demand. With a flip potential score of 9/10, it's one of the stronger investment picks in this price bracket.

Sea-DwellerDiscontinued

The Sea-Dweller (Ref. 116600) is a dive watch priced at ~$18,000 (market value) retail. On the secondary market, it trades at 59% above retail, indicating strong collector demand. With a flip potential score of 9/10, it's one of the stronger investment picks in this price bracket.

MilgaussDiscontinued

The Milgauss (Ref. 116400GV) is a everyday watch priced at ~$14,000 (market value) retail. On the secondary market, it trades at 51% above retail, indicating strong collector demand. With a flip potential score of 9/10, it's one of the stronger investment picks in this price bracket.

GMT-Master IIDiscontinued

The GMT-Master II (Ref. 126710BLRO-Oyster) is a gmt / travel watch priced at ~$21,500 (market value) retail. On the secondary market, it trades at 103% above retail, indicating strong collector demand. With a flip potential score of 9/10, it's one of the stronger investment picks in this price bracket.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Rolex watch under $5,000?

Based on our flip potential analysis, the Submariner Date (Ref. 116610LN) ranks highest with a score of 9/10. It is priced at ~$14,500 (market value) and trades at $14,500 on the secondary market.

How many Rolex watches are available under $5,000?

There are currently 20 Rolex models priced under $5,000 at retail, spanning Dive Watch, Chronograph, GMT / Travel Watch, Everyday Watch, and Field Watch categories.

Which Rolex watch under $5,000 holds its value best?

The Submariner Date currently shows the strongest value retention among Rolex watches under $5,000, trading at 119.9% above its price of ~$21,000 (market value).

Are Rolex watches under $5,000 a good investment?

11 out of 20 Rolex models under $5,000 (55%) currently trade above their retail price on the secondary market. As with all watches, past performance doesn't guarantee future returns, but models with high flip potential scores tend to maintain stronger market positions.

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