We asked three dealers to name their Holy Grail watches for collectors right now, and all of them chose models by Rolex, proving that the brand with the crown on the dial still reigns supreme.
“I predict the Rolex James Cameron Deepsea will be discontinued. When this happens, it will become an instant collectible.”
Ken DeVaul, director of timepiece operations, IDC
In 2012, a special Deepsea model, the Deepsea Challenge, accompanied filmmaker and explorer James Cameron on his 10,908-meter dive in the Mariana Trench. The commemorative D-Blue version of the Deepsea was introduced in 2014 to mark the event. It goes for $14,500 at retail, while models on the pre-owned market sell for up to $16,000.
Left image: Rolex ‘James Cameron’ Sea-Dweller Deepsea Ref. 126660. (Rolex)
“2023 will be the 60th anniversary of the
Rolex Daytona, so this model is my pick as
the one to watch next year.”
Paul Boutros, head of watches for the Americas, Phillips in Association With Bacs & Russo
Introduced in 1963 to mark Rolex’s sponsorship of the Daytona Speedway, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona has become the world’s most coveted sports watch. The latest model has a black Cerachrom (ceramic) bezel, a state-of-the-art movement and a black Oysterflex rubber strap. It sells for about $46,000 at retail, and up to high six figures on the pre-owned market, depending on the model and provenance.
Right image: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116500LN. (Rolex)
“Whatever Rolex comes out with will be hot, especially this year’s new left-hand GMT-Master II.”
Justin Reis, CEO, WatchBox
The new GMT-Master II is ideal for lefties, with the crown and the date window on the left of the case so it’s comfortable to wear on the right wrist. The green and black color combo is exclusive to this line, with the option of either a Jubilee or Oyster bracelet. It’s $10,500 at retail, or up to $40,000 on the secondary market.
Rolex ‘Sprite’ GMT-Master II Ref. 126720VTNR (Rolex)
Main image: Dominos Pizza Rolex from Eric Wind. (Wind Vintage)
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