Rolex is a brand associated with luxury and the best quality craftsmanship, which is why it is able to fetch high prices for its timepieces. Nevertheless, many people operating on a limited budget would love to own a Rolex watch and it is perfectly possible to find certified authentic Rolex watches for a price of $5,000 or less.
With that said, if you do want to stay below the $5k mark, you will struggle to find many options in official Rolex stores. Instead, your best option is to explore the second hand or grey market. The Jaztime.com online store sells used Rolex watches, with some of the most popular models available at the cheapest prices you will find.
In this post, we explore some of the best men’s Rolex watches to look out for if you are operating on a budget.
1) Rolex Air King under $5000
There are many Rolex Air King models available for below $5k, which makes them one of the most popular options for buyers looking for a luxury watch at an affordable price. Although the Air King is technically a sports watch, many of the models within the collection work equally well as dress watches.
It is worth noting, however, that the most popular black dial models typically cost slightly more than $5,000. » Cheap Rolex Air King watches under $5000 ON SALE
2) Rolex Oyster Perpetual below 5k
The Oyster Perpetual was one of the first major Rolex wristwatch innovations, with its water tight case and self-winding movement – hence the use of the words “Oyster” and “Perpetual”. It is the classic Rolex men’s dress watch and a perfect model for everyday use, or for wearing with a business suit.
One of the things that makes the Oyster Perpetual collection affordable is that it is only available in stainless steel, with smooth domed bezels. Compared with more precious materials like gold, this is also better for wear and tear. The price of individual models is obviously dependent on the size of the case, with 36mm models being the cheapest, while the the 39mm Oyster Perpetual models are generally more expensive.
The Oyster Perpetual was the basis for many other Rolex models with more advanced functions. The Datejust, for example, shows the Date, and the Day-Date shows the weekday and date. As the Oyster Perpetual technology is the basis for these models, Oyster Perpetual timepieces are a great entry-level option. » Cheap Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches under 5k ON SALE
3) Rolex Datejust 36mm up to 5000 USD
Rolex Datejust watches show the date as well as the time and, in order to make the date display easily readable, they are fitted with a ‘Cyclops’ magnifying lens, which magnifies the display 2.5 times.
Unfortunately, the most popular 41mm models are out of the $5k price range, with the cheapest stainless steel Datejust 41 models costing in excess of $6k. However, some 36mm models can be bought for $5,000 or less. If you are lucky, you may even manage to find a used gold/steel two-tone Datejust 36 with a budget of $5k. » Cheap Rolex Datejust 36 watches below 5k ON SALE
4) Rolex Explorer I under 5k
The Rolex Explorer I was designed to meet the needs of Mount Everest explorers, and the minimalistic design is similar to the Oyster Perpetual. Models in this collection usually have black dials, which contrast with the dial markers. These dial markers are also luminescent, guaranteeing legibility even in low light.
Explorer I models are constructed from special 904L stainless steel and are one of the most popular options for those on a tighter budget. This is partly because they are robust and ideal for everyday use, and partly because they look equally good with casual wear, or on a businessman wearing a sophisticated suit in the workplace. » Cheap Rolex Explorer I watches under 5k ON SALE
5) Rolex Explorer II 40mm around $5000
Despite its name and collection-defining durability, the Rolex Explorer II actually does not have too many visual similarities to the Explorer I. Indeed, with its GMT bezel, it rather looks like a simplified GMT-Master II, albeit with a stainless steel bezel instead of a ceramic one.
With the release of the new 42mm Explorer II models, the older 40mm Explorer II options have become cheaper. If you are lucky, you may be able to get hold of a used 40mm Explorer II for around the $5k mark. » Cheap Rolex Explorer II watches ON SALE
6) Rolex Submariner Aluminum Bezel under 6k
The Rolex Submariner is well known for its appearances in many James Bond films and is one of the most popular Rolex collections. Sadly, you will have a tough time finding a Submariner diver watch for below the $5,000 mark, but we have included it in this list anyway, as pre-owned models frequently sell for under $6k. » Used Rolex Submariner Watches ON SALE
In our opinion, the Submariner is a watch that warrants spending the extra money on, due to its iconic status. This is especially true for anyone with an interest in diving. Moreover, the most basic full steel Submariner models with a black dial can even be worn with a business suit, or with formal evening wear. » Cheap Rolex Submariner watches under 6k ON SALE
Alternative: Tudor – starting below 3k
You may or may not know that Tudor is actually a subsidiary of Rolex, producing more affordable models than the parent brand. However, many of these models look similar to Rolex watches and have similar build quality, at much lower prices. This may make them a viable alternative to a full Rolex watch.
Of course, it is important to understand that Tudor models are not authentic Rolex models and although there is a physical resemblance in many cases, people are unlikely to believe you if you tell them it is a Rolex watch. Nevertheless, if you are operating on a $5,000 budget, it is probably worth at least considering this option. » Cheap TUDOR watches ON SALE
Alternative: Omega
Omega is the main competitor for Rolex and even James Bond has switched from Rolex to Omega in more recent years. Best of all, the company tends to sell watches at a lower price point. Therefore, if you are looking for an affordable luxury timepiece, you may wish to consider wearing an Omega watch instead of a Rolex.
This option is especially relevant for those who would prefer a larger watch for their money. In fact, on a budget of $5,000, it is even possible to find models that measure up to 45mm in diameter, which is very large and very much in-keeping with the modern trend for oversized men’s watches. » Cheap Omega watches ON SALE
Trade In + $5k Will Get You a Lot More
If you already own a high-quality Swiss watch that you no longer wear, you could trade it in towards a Rolex. Obviously it would be best if you have a Rolex to trade in, but we accept other brands too. As a general rule, if the original price of the watch was above $2,000, we will be willing to make you a trade in offer.
With the trade in value of your used watch, plus the $5k you want to spend, you will be able to purchase a more expensive and better watch, opening up a range of new options. => Get a free trade in offer now.
