Owning a luxury timepiece from a prestigious and renowned Rolex brand is considered a new milestone for many first-time purchasers and even for those experienced watch collectors who once again wanted to add a high-caliber timepiece to their lists. Since its official debut back in 1909, Rolex’s name has been highly regarded for its innovation, excellence, and famous performance to create luxury watches that the world has ever seen.
For more than a century, prominent and powerful individuals were spotted wearing elegant Rolex timepieces like Steve McQueen, John F. Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and many more. Each of these famous people owns Rolex and brought such a remarkable statement to the brand. With this, there’s no doubt why Rolex watches hold such great value. So, if you’re planning to buy a timepiece from Rolex but don’t have enough budget to pay for it, we have listed here the 5 Best Rolex timepieces under USD 8,500.
Vintage Rolex Oysterdate
Many horologists have considered that the Rolex Oysterdate belongs to an excellent entry-level complication. Although it lacks some features that you always find in a Rolex timepiece— automatic or self-winding movement and certified chronograph— it is still a refined and elegant watch. It is even recognized to showcase an immense innovation of Rolex, with its title of being the first-ever waterproof and dustproof wristwatch that the brand has introduced in the market.
It features a perfect sealed case renowned for its functions to protect the timepiece’s movement. It is one of the best watch collections that showcase the brand’s reputation for excellence in precision. If you are the type of buyer who feels out of reach, why not consider opting for this vintage watch as you can only get it for USD 2,500.00.
Vintage Rolex Datejust
Owning a vintage Rolex Datejust from the era of the ’60s or ’70s is still like owning a brand new classic released today. This collection was first ever introduced back in 1945, in line with Rolex’s 40th-anniversary celebration, but still, one of the sought-after classics watches even this time. It is a classic watch that is considered revolutionary watches as it first-ever features a date display in a window and fast fate in a wristwatch.
Designed as a piece of jewelry that has its distinction, the now prominent Jubilee bracelet was created and produced intended to be used for this watch. Expect to pay at least 6,700 to 52,00 USD for its brand new type, but if you’re one of the watch enthusiasts who prefer to opt for a vintage or pre-owned Rolex Datejust, then you can just get as close to 3,000 USD.
Rolex Air-King
If you wish to own your first-ever Rolex timepiece but don’t have at least a five-figure budget to spend, opting for the Rolex Air-King for around $6 200 USD is already a great deal. It is a perfect watch for those who are celebrating any aeronautical-related achievement as it’s a perfect accessory designed for them. This Rolex Air-King is the only remaining watch from the original collection of the Air Series introduced back in 1945 to pay tribute to brave RAF pilots who flew in the Battle of Britain.
This collection became prominent to many pilots working in the airlines like Pan Am, who opt to use the Rolex Air-King as a retirement gift to their hardworking pilots. Its current version features a powerful caliber 3131 perpetual movements renowned for beating an accuracy and precision of -2/+2 seconds every day. All you need to prepare is 6,200 USD to own this luxury and historical timepiece.
Rolex Explorer
Exactly at 11:30 AM on the 29th day of May 1953, both Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay were recognized as the first men to successfully reach the peak of the highest mountain in the world, the Himalayas or Mount Everest located in Nepal. Edmund Hillary was spotted wearing a Rolex on his wrist while on their junket to reach the highest mountain.
To celebrate this historical accomplishment, Rolex has introduced a new collection and named it the Explorer series. This timepiece features a smooth bezel, while its 3, 6, and 9 numerals all come with luminescent material that radiates a blue glow, which is very helpful to any adventurer. It is designed to handle any subfreezing temperature in Mount Everest. It is more equipped with top-notch materials for everyday and weekend activities or adventures that most owners would love to wear while outdoors. For only USD 6550USD 6,200 you can already own this rugged luxury watch.
Rolex Milgauss
The Rolex Milgauss was officially released back in 1956 when the brand created and designed it to honor the scientific discovery. It is a watch created to resist the field that a professional scientist would encounter while working on their field. Back in the mid-1950s, many scientific professionals worked nearly to electromagnetic fields whose gauss is more than 100, and they often dealt with their dysfunctional watches, which did not keep time while they were on the job site.
Its name was derived from the Latin word “mille” which means one-thousand, and “Gauss,” which refers to the measurement unit used for a magnetic field. It is one of the most recognizable and prominent watches that Rolex has introduced in the market. It is even the most preferred gift or a symbol of accomplishments to many practitioners for national science, which makes it more remarkable.
If you want to own a beautiful and functional timepiece like this Rolex Milgauss, expect to pay for its model at around USD 8200.
In a Nutshell
While other timepieces are created as a time-telling tool accessory, a Rolex watch collection would tell the world that you own something remarkable and a piece of luxury material worth taking pride in. With the brand’s rich history and legacy to offer in the world of horology, there is no wonder why it’s the most sought-after timepiece of many watch enthusiasts across the globe.
