The Most Popular Rolex Models That Worth More Than You Imagine
Rolex holds an extraordinary place in the high-end watchmaking industry. It is the most valuable luxury watchmaking brand globally, and it produces some of the most expensive luxury watches. The Swiss luxury watchmaker has created a lot of iconic models. Of course, wearing an iconic Rolex watch will catch a lot of eyes as it is a symbol of status and tells that you have accomplished a lot in life.
What makes a Rolex so special?
The high quality and elegant designs, rich-in-quality materials, and, of course, the brand's production process that makes sure that the watch is precise and accurate.
All of these factors play an essential role in the brand's prestige. But, there is much more to the brand.
Rolex has a rich history of innovations and leadership in the watchmaking industry. Rolex has also been worn by famous personalities like Paul Newman, Winston Churchill, Dr Martin Luther King, Cristiano Ronaldo, Victoria Beckham, etc.
Now that we have learned about why Rolex watches are worth a lot, let's check out some of the most popular Rolex models that are worth a lot.
Marlon Brando's Apocalypse Now Rolex GMT-Master: sold for $1.952 million (December 2019)
This Rolex GMT ref.1675 was worn by Marlon Brando in the movie Apocalypse Now. It was sold for 1.952 Million at a Phillips auction in December 2019.
Marlon Brando wore this watch on a black strap with its bezel missing. Marlon Brando had carved his name on the back of the watch, which makes it unique. The watch, after 15 minutes of intense bidding, was sold.
Antimagnetique Reference 4113 from 1942: sold for $2.5 million (May 2016)
The Antimagnetique Reference 4113 was sold at a Phillips auction in Geneva in 2016 for nearly $2.5 Million. Launched in 1942, this Rolex watch comes with a large case, 44mm, which was very big for the time of its release. This watch is, indeed, the largest watch Rolex ever produced. It was produced as a gift to celebrate a victory of a racing team. Only 12 examples are known to exist today.
It is interesting to know that this watch was previously sold in 2013 for $1.16 Million at Christie's. It shows how the worth of Rolex watches increases over time.
The Rolex Bao Dai: sold for $5.1 million (May 2017)
This Rolex watch is, without question, one of the most instantly recognizable models among watch enthusiasts. The Rolex Bao Dai was initially sold to the last emperor of the Nguyen dynasty. This watch had a gold case and a black dial which were very rare at that time. Not to mention, this was Rolex's most expensive model at that time. Only three were ever produced. This piece is unique from the other two, with diamond markers on the even hours.
The Rolex Bao Dai was sold in a Phillips auction for over $5.1 Million in 2017. The Nguyen family sold it for $235,000 in 2002, which, at that time, was the highest price ever paid for a Rolex.
The 1971 Rolex Daytona Reference 626 Unicorn: sold for $5.9 million (May 2018)
The 1971 Rolex Daytona Reference 626 Unicorn was sold for $5.9 Million in 2018. The rarity and uniqueness of this watch highly contribute to the massive price of this watch. The only model available in 18k white gold is the Reference 6265; hence it is nicknamed 'The Unicorn'. Most of the Rolex Daytona at that time were produced in stainless steel.
Interestingly, only a few people had heard about this watch until, in 2013, it was announced that famous Rolex collector John Goldberger had acquired the watch.
Paul Newman's Rolex Daytona: sold for $17.8 million (October 2017)
When Paul Newman's Rolex Daytona was sold for $17.8 Million at a Phillips auction in 2017, it became the most expensive Rolex watch ever sold.
The bidding started at $1 Million but was immediately raised to $10 Million by a bidder. Then bidding continued until the price was settled at $17.8 Million, and the watch was sold.
This watch, like the others, isn't rare or produced from precious materials. It has a unique story, which the watch collectors are very interested in. Paul Newman had received this watch as a gift from his wife, Joanne Woodward, while he was playing in the movie 'Winning'.
Conclusion
The prices at which these Rolex watches have been sold are incredible, especially if you keep in mind the prices at which these were bought first. The worth of Rolex watches increases over time, especially if the model is rare and vintage. When we look at these watches, it's clear that the price tag of these watches depends on the rarity, overall condition, quality of materials, and the fame of the seller.
