Summer 2025’s Top‑Searched Rolex References 🌞
Over the past six months, the Rolex secondary market has undergone a subtle but important evolution. After the explosive surge in resale prices between 2021 and early 2023 — driven by scarcity, speculative buying, and booming demand — the market has cooled and matured in 2024 and into 2025.
Prices have stabilized across core models, especially for steel sports watches like the Submariner and Datejust, while ultra-hyped references like the Daytona have retained strong premiums but show less volatility.
Trusted platforms like Chrono24 have seen a consistent supply of pre-owned Rolexes, with high turnover in the most sought-after references.
Buyers are now more informed, and demand is shifting toward long-term value and condition over hype alone.
As we enter the peak of summer 2025, this article zooms in on the top three Rolex references most searched, listed, and traded in the last 60 days — offering updated pricing in EUR, secondary-market insights, and collector-focused details.
1. Rolex Submariner Date – Ref. 126610LN
The Dive-Watch Icon
Launched in 2020, the 41 mm Submariner “no‑date” underwent a modern refresh: slimmer lugs, new Calibre 3235 and a sleek black ceramic bezel.
Price (EUR):
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Retail MSRP: ~€11 000
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Typical Pre‑Owned: €12'900–€14'000 especially a hit on German/Italian listings.
Price Fluctuation & Market Flow:
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Listings cluster around €13'000–13'900, showing limited spread.
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A Mint 2021 model sold at €14'990.
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Secondary-market median shows retail at ~€10.9K for a simple "only watch", resale range €2.1K–50K.
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Entries & Exits: hundreds of units listed monthly (Chrono24 shows ~700 in stock); actual exit data (sales) not public but stable flow suggests strong demand.
Collector's Combo: Black dial / Oyster bracelet remains the definitive Sub look.
2. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona – Ref. 116500LN
The Crowned Chronograph
2023 saw its successor, making the 116500LN an instant collectible. Powered by Calibre 4130 and featuring iconic “Panda” white dial.
Price (EUR):
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Retail MSRP: ~€14'000
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Pre‑Owned Sales Range: ~€24'500–28'990 on Euro listings
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Premium: ~80–85% over retail
Price Movement:
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January 2023: Mint ~€33 000 (US$ 35,500); two years earlier ~€27,200
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Market listing trend: Dealer charts show stable high level ~€12,400 listing, or double retail value
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Prolific availability yet sales quickly — Chrono24 lists ~hundreds; precise entry/exit not disclosed but constant relisting shows high turnover.
Collector's Combo: White “Panda” dial + Oyster bracelet remains the quintessential reference.
3. Rolex Datejust 41 – Ref. 126334
The Dressy Everyday Hero
Since 2017, with Calibre 3235, white‑gold fluted bezel, and a slim 41 mm case.
A collector’s favorite for versatility.
Price (EUR):
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Retail MSRP: ~€11'000
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Secondary-Market: ~€10'000–14'600 depending on dial/bracelet
Price Trends:
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Blue Jubilee / Wimbledon combos consistently fetch €13'000+
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Broader Datejust 41 listings span €8'700–21'900 across variants
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Flow indicates strong supply diversity; sales volume healthy and enough presence in the market.
Collector's Combo: Blue or Wimbledon dial with Jubilee bracelet and fluted bezel tops the wish‑list.
🎯 Buyer Insights
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Submariner (126610LN): Strong entry point into iconic tool watch. Premium moderate but stable; excellent liquidity.
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Daytona (116500LN): Top circle of modern Rolex collecting — expect 80–100% mark‑up, but premium has been sustained and climbing.
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Datejust (126334): Customizable and widely available; while some versions command hefty premiums, others hover near MSRP.
Final Note on Market Flow
High relisting cadence of supply that we observed in Chrono24 for all three references suggests healthy transaction volumes, particularly for Submariner and Daytona.
Price fluctuations reflect broader market trends: Daytona saw +€5k spike from 2021 to 2023; Submariner stable with mild climbs; Datejust shows widest variance due to style diversity.