Where to Find Pre-Owned Rolex Value in 2025

Not every Rolex under $10K is a bargain. But if you know what to look for—and where—there’s still real value in the pre-owned market. The three references below offer that value in different ways: a vintage icon, a discontinued diver, and one of the quirkiest Rolex models ever made.

Prices mentioned here are current as of April 2025. All of these models have held steady over the last year or more, making them strong candidates for anyone looking to enter (or expand within) the world of Rolex collecting.

Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 1601

Image Source: Bulang & Sons

Starting ~$4,000–$5,000 (depending on condition, extras, and seller)

The four- and five-digit Datejust references have long been a staple of vintage Rolex collecting. A personal favorite of mine is the stainless steel reference 1601.

With its white gold fluted bezel, Jubilee bracelet, pie-pan dial, and 36mm steel Oyster case, this is classic Rolex through and through. There are plenty of dial variations to choose from (not just with the 1601 but all 4-5 digit Datejusts).

Image Source: Analog:Shift

We spotted an example listed for $4,350 with a clean silver dial, honest polishing, and most original bracelet links still intact. That’s an Oyster-cased Rolex with an automatic chronometer-rated movement—and a design that basically defines the brand—for less than the price of any modern Rolex.

Produced from 1959 to 1981, the 1601 can house one of three movements (1565, 1575, or 1570), so it’s worth checking the year of production and last service date when buying. These watches are vintage, but still very serviceable, with parts readily available.

Another plus: the 1601 has a 20mm lug width, making it a perfect candidate for strap swaps. We recommend pairing it with one of Everest’s Universal Leather Straps, which fit vintage Rolex cases beautifully and come in a wide variety of color and stitch combinations.

Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 16600

Image Source: Wind Vintage

Starting ~$7,500–$8,500 (depending on condition, extras, and seller)

Often called the “Sea-Dweller 4000” due to its 4,000ft depth rating printed on the dial, the 16600 is a standout in Rolex’s dive watch lineage. (Not to be confused with the six-digit 116600, also called the Sea-Dweller 4000, also a great value buy). It features a 40mm case with a helium escape valve, aluminum bezel insert, and no Cyclops lens over the date. In person, it wears like a beefier Submariner—but the added thickness is offset by a dramatically tapered bracelet that drops to ~16mm at the clasp.

Image Source: The Watch Club

It’s this taper, combined with its more compact 40mm sizing, that makes the 16600 one of the most wearable Sea-Dwellers out there. The watch is clean, rugged, and built for actual diving (but don’t worry—it still works on land). It was discontinued in 2008, and good examples have floated in the $7K–$8K range for a while now, holding steady even after the broader market cooled in 2022.

We spotted one for $7,499—no box, no papers—but similar listings are out there. As always, research the seller, ask about the service history, and confirm condition before buying.

Rolex Milgauss Ref. 116400GV (Black Dial)

Image Source: European Watch Company

Starting ~$8,000–$9,000 (depending on condition, extras, and seller)

If the Datejust is the versatile classic and the Sea-Dweller is the weekend warrior, the Milgauss 116400GV is the wildcard. Discontinued in 2023, this version features a black dial, green-tinted sapphire crystal, and bright orange lightning bolt seconds hand—a look that’s unlike anything else Rolex makes.

The “GV” stands for Glace Verte, or green glass, a feature unique to the Milgauss lineup. The orange lightning bolt seconds hand matches the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock hour markers, which use orange lume plots for an extra splash of color.

Image Source: Analog:Shift

Originally released in 2007, the 116400GV peaked around $11K–$12K in early 2022. As of April 2025, you can regularly find clean black dial examples with the green crystal for under $9K—and sometimes closer to $8K. The white and blue (Z-Blue) dial versions command a bit more, but for the price, the black dial GV is hard to beat.

This is an everyday watch with personality. It’s 40mm, antimagnetic, and powered by the same base movement that once ticked inside Submariners and Explorers (just with an iron cage around it for antimagnetism). If you want a Rolex that breaks the mold without breaking the bank, the Milgauss GV is worth a look.

Final Thoughts

These aren’t hype watches—and that’s kind of the point. They’re solid, reliable, collectible references that still offer a lot for the money. Each one represents a different era of Rolex design: the classic styling and proportions of the vintage Datejust, the overbuilt practicality of a five-digit Sea-Dweller, and the playful charm of a now-discontinued Milgauss.

Pre-owned Rolex prices have mostly stabilized, although they’re worth keeping an eye on, but value is still out there. Find a model you like, vet the seller, and don’t be afraid to ask about service history or case condition. That kind of diligence will go a long way—and so will these watches.