How to Pay LESS for 5 Hot Rolex Models

0:16 How to avoid watch regret
1:51 Subamriner Date
3:42 Explorer II Polar White
5:18 Daytona Panda
7:02 GMT-Master II Pepsi
8:58 Datejust 41 Wimbledon

Today I’m showing you how much money you can save on in-demand Rolex watches by choosing similar models. These alternatives offer the majority of the experience of owning the most popular watches on the market.

If you’ve always dreamed of owning a stainless steel Rolex Submariner Date but aren't keen on the price tag or the waitlist. You could consider a Tudor Black Bay or an Omega Seamaster Diver 300m. Both are fantastic timepieces. However, they will never be a Rolex Submariner and in most cases, over time, your original desire for the Sub will start to grow on your mind once again. It doesn’t matter if the replacement watch that you purchased is technically superior or better value. So, before we look at the alternatives, remember that for some, it’s best to save and buy the exact watch to avoid regret.

Our value picks are modern, easy to find, and include box and papers from professional dealers.

First, the Submariner Date 126610LN, released in 2020, can be found from around £11,000. Save £2,000 by choosing the previous 40mm 114060 model, produced from 2012 to 2020, which lacks the date function. The older model has a slightly different case and bracelet but offers a similar look and feel. The new model has a longer power reserve of approximately 70 hours compared to 48 hours in the previous generation but this doesn't affect real world daily wear.

If you’re drawn to the Explorer II, the most popular dial is the polar white. The current reference 226570, released in 2021, costs from around £9,000. Save money by choosing the previous generation model, almost indistinguishable in looks, with black dial models available from around £7,500. Differences include case and bracelet updates, but the overall design remains consistent.

The steel panda Daytona 126500LN, released in 2023, is highly sought after, with a market price from around £29,000 due to high demand and low supply. Save £11,500 by opting for the 116520 model, produced from 2000 to 2016, featuring a polished steel bezel and silver subdials. This model still offers the classic Daytona experience.

The GMT-Master II needs no introduction. The 40mm GMT Pepsi on a jubilee band costs around £17,000. Save £3,750 by choosing the BLNR (Batgirl), or save even more with the original Batman on an oyster bracelet from around £11,000. If your heart is set on the iconic blue and red bezel, it might be worth waiting to buy the exact watch.

For a versatile Rolex, consider the Datejust 41. The most popular configuration is the jubilee bracelet with a white gold fluted bezel. High-demand dials like mint green or Wimbledon start around £11,000. Save £2,500 by opting for a 36mm model, which offers elegance and comfort. The 116234 reference, produced from 2005-2018, can be found from around £6,500, saving you £4,500 compared to the Datejust 41 Wimbledon. The 36mm model can provide some size variation alongside larger sports watches, adding versatility to your collection.

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