The UAE luxury watch market has witnessed an unprecedented increase in demand in 2022. This demand for high-end watches has impacted Rolex watch prices in the UAE. The retail and pre-owned markets in the region have shown varied prices and are affected differently.
This article looks at Rolex prices and the factors affecting the luxury watch industry.
Rolex watches and their popularity in the UAE
Over the last decade, the trend of collecting luxury watches has increased. Many watch enthusiasts worldwide have adapted to this trend and are constantly looking to buy premium watches to add to their collections. Several nations, like the United States and China, have reported increased luxury watch purchases. Among some of the leading watch markets in the world, the UAE has emerged as the new hub for watch enthusiasts.
People from different parts of the world travel to the UAE to purchase watches for attractive prices. Of all the various brands that offer luxury watches, Rolex is one brand that stands out from the rest.
The Rolex watch price in UAE in the pre-owned market is the one to look out for. While 2022 saw a 5% rise in the value of Rolex watches, with some models showing double the percentage increase at 10%, the pre-owned prices have slightly reduced.
There are reasons the retail segment prices behave differently from the pre-owned market, which we will discuss in detail.
Causes for the Rolex watch price fluctuations

2020 was the year that impacted all forms of business. These drastic changes came as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic. Therefore, it goes without saying that the luxury watch industry was also equally affected. Although Rolex is known to increase its prices yearly by a few percent, 2021 and 2022 have witnessed massive price hikes. The increase in prices for Rolex watches is seen specifically in the retail market as opposed to the secondary market.
The increased Rolex watch prices come from demand hikes and supply shortages in the retail market. It is one of the most common phenomena of an economy. When more and more people seek to buy a particular product that is short in supply, its value automatically increases.
With raw materials supplies delayed to production facilities, Rolex manufacturing has slowed down. Hence, authorized stores have not received new inventory, therefore unable to cater to market demand. This is primarily why the price of Rolex watches in the UAE and globally has increased.
Having said that, Rolex is recovering and has shown an improvement in market supplies. 2023 is expected to be a strong year for the brand, with new watch releases and an overall supply chain refinement.
Rolex watch prices in the UAE pre-owned market
While the Rolex watch prices in the retail segment have been climbing, the pre-owned market in Dubai has witnessed a dip in prices. It is one of the primary reasons why the region is considered the hub for Rolex watches and other luxury brands.
Collectors have rushed to the market to buy rare and valuable timepieces by Rolex. Renowned watch dealers in the region also offer great prices and watches that are hard to resist.
What’s also worth noting is that many watch collectors have stated that the watches they have purchased in the secondary market are as good as new ones. It is mainly due to the stringent verification, and authentication process luxury watch dealers follow.
Therefore, for people looking to invest in high-end Rolex watches that are difficult to find and highly valuable, the UAE luxury watch market is the place for you.
Rolex watch models to invest in 2023
Rolex is a luxury brand that has constantly pushed the boundaries of innovation for over 100 years. They have produced some of the best luxury watches money can buy.
With prices reducing in the secondary market and improvements expected in the retail segment, this is perhaps the best time to consider investing in Rolex watches. Therefore, we have mentioned below some of the top models of Rolex watches that you must include in your collection of watches.
- Rolex Sky-Dweller
- Rolex Oyster Perpetual
- Rolex GMT-Master II
- Rolex Explorer II
- Rolex Submariner
Rolex Sky-Dweller

One of the most sought-after watches in the Rolex lineup is the Sky-Dweller. Reference no. 326235 and 326935 are amongst the most popular variants of the watch. Some of the highlights of this model include an annual calendar enabled by an ingenious mechanism known as Saros. The Sky-Dweller models have a caliber 9001 movement that offers up to 72 hours of power backup.
Additionally, the Sky-Dweller watches have an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet option. These watches also have a larger case size coming in at 42 mm. Apart from all these aspects, the watch has a modern dial design with easy-to-read lume hour markers.
The Sky-Dweller models also have a central sub-dial with 24-hour markers indicating two time zones. You also got the famous date window with Rolex’s patented Cyclops lens. The secondary market prices for the Rolex Sky-Dweller in Dubai are between AED 160,000 and AED 225,000.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is defined as Rolex’s most elegant timepiece. It is mainly because the watch features a clean and minimalistic design. What’s also interesting about this model is that it is available in a few different sizes and dial face colors.
From the famous turquoise blue to the coral red and bright yellow options, the Oyster Perpetual is the perfect dress watch for every occasion. This particular model is equipped with Rolex’s self-winding automatic movement.
Overall, the Oyster Perpetual is a simple watch that Rolex offers and is known to be in high demand. The price of this watch in the pre-owned market ranges from AED 100,000 to AED 140,000.
Rolex GMT-Master II

Regarded as one of the best pilot watches in the world, the GMT-Master II is highly demanded by watch collectors. Two of the most popular variants of the watch, the Batman and the Pepsi, are the ones that have seen a spike in demand. Essential elements of the watch include the following:
- A bidirectional GMT bezel
- Date window with Cyclops lens
- Mercedes hour and sword minute hands
- A prominent crown with sturdy crown guards
- Caliber 3285
- 70 hours of power backup
The pre-owned market prices for the Rolex GMT-Master II are between AED 75,000 and AED 120,000. If you want to include a rare and extravagant watch in your collection, the GMT-Master II Pepsi is your watch.
Rolex Explorer II

The Rolex Explorer II is considered to be one of the best investments when it comes to luxury watches. The Explore II has an upgraded design and movement as compared to the previous iterations of Rolex Explorer.
You can find the Explorer II in a simple black or white dial option. These watches come with circular lume hour markers and a date window. One of the highlights of the watch is the 24-hour free rotating hand in bright orange color.
The Rolex Explorer II is a pilot watch with a 24-hour bezel. Overall, the Explorer has a subtle yet rugged design, making it a desirable watch. You can buy a Rolex Explorer II from AED 45,000 to AED 55,000.
Rolex Submariner

Luxury watch enthusiasts who participate in activities such as diving must have a Rolex Submariner in their collection. It is because the watch is regarded as one of the top dive watches ever made.
From exceptional build quality to superior water resistance capability and more, the Rolex Submariner is a fantastic sport watch. The Submariner comes with a caliber 3230 movement, with the Date version equipped with a 3235 movement.
The Rolex Submariner Hulk is one of the most famous models and is highly demanded. You can pick up one of these exclusive models for a price ranging between AED 50,000 to AED 115,000.
Rolex watch price in UAE
Rolex watches are constantly in demand, increasing in value over time. The demand for these watches has steadily increased in the Middle East, making UAE one of the major hubs. Rolex watches’ price in UAE has spiked in the retail segment and has dipped in the secondary market.
Therefore, this is the best time to invest in Rolex timepieces for all enthusiasts. Check out the Dubai secondary market for luxury watches to get the best deals and exclusive watches.
Also read: The World’s Best Luxury Watch Brands