The top and fashionable underrated Rolex watches
When it comes to Rolex, we all have our favorite models. But what about the ones who slip through the net?The quirky ones or the ones that didn’t quite fit the mold?
But for serious collectors, it’s essential to consider having watches that will increase in value. Here, we chat with underrated models that could rate as potential investments over the long term.
The new Air King 116900 is a bit Marmite. It’s 40mm, which is pretty standard, but the dial has an awkward layout. It’s designed with the speedometer of a cockpit in mind. We think it’s relatively calm, but because it’s not typical of Rolex design, it gets shunned- even by fans of the Swiss brand.
We like the striking green second hand and the bold lettering logo at midnight. Even the Rolex crown is yellow. The quirky look captures attention and may be set to skyrocket in value if it goes out of production. It’s not hard to obtain either, which perhaps takes it out of investment reasons for some collectors.
Designed for optimal legibility even in the dark – a crucial feature for explorers – it was good enough for Sir Edmund Hillary. He wore a ‘pre-Explorer ‘to the summit of Mount Everest in 1953. The watch Rolex provided for the trip was an Oyster Perpetual made in 1950 before the Explorer was such a thing. Only later would it be branded with ‘Explorer’ on its dial. The Oyster Perpetual that went to Everest had a white dial, leaf hands, and a few design elements incorporated in today’s Explorer.
Rolex created the Yacht-Master 126622 as a more luxurious model, and it’s the only one with a platinum bezel. While it’s around £2000 more than a Submariner, you get your money’s worth with a gorgeous blue sunburst dial and much more bling. It has a stainless steel case and bracelet with a double lock on the clasp.
Gold prices recently surged during the pandemic, so gold Rolex watches may be good ones to keep in your collection. A safe investment, Rolex Presidents, will never be considered dated and can only become more valuable as time goes by due to their gold content.
The 118238 is underrated, but it will surely bring a great investment return. For many collectors, it represents the point in the model’s history when it started adopting its modern present-day form. It was the first yellow gold 6-digit day-date watch.
Wearing much more extensive than older models due to wider lugs, it’s also heavier on the wrist due to a President bracelet which can only mean more gold. Although overlooked now, we envision this bold watch gaining great value.
