Patek Philippe vs Rolex | Which is a Better Investment?

1St Web Series May 10, 2019 | 0

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Patek Philippe vs Rolex is a well-established debate among watch collectors. The question of, which is a greater luxury watch brand, which brand is better built, which is more elite? Furthermore, and probably most importantly, which is a better investment and which is better for YOU?

Patek Philippe vs Rolex – Comparison & Differences

Rolex is more of an iconic, brand-making company known for being an original tool and Patek Philippe is known for being an extremely elegant dress watch made for the elite.

With a simple search you will see that Patek’s base prices are more expensive, however, that doesn’t mean they are superior overall.

It’s also quite possible that they can’t be compared as apples to apples. They are different watches marketed in different ways.

Nonetheless, both Rolex and Patek Philippe watches are proven to appreciate in value and both have vintage watches that are highly sought-out and collectible.

Patek Philippe 5070J Chronograph 18k Yellow Gold Mens Watch

What is Patek known for?

Patek isn’t as iconic as Rolex, but for people who know luxury watches, they consider Patek to be extremely top of the line. Patek Philippe is known as the elite watchmaker with their superb quality, elegance, outstanding complications, and horological feats. A Patek timepiece is a piece of art.

Patek Philippe is very selective when it comes to representatives so you won’t find them as easily as you would a Rolex. Furthermore, less than 1 million Patek Philippe watches have been produced since the founding of the company.

Rolex 116710 Master GMT II “Batman” Stainless Steel Watch

What is Rolex known for?

Rolex is the most iconic watch brand in history. Everyone from Sir Edmund Hillary to James Bond rocked a Rolex. It is a watch that men and women of all ages respect and cherish. Rolex is known for its rugged masculinity and extreme capability as a tool.

They create watches for specific purposes, like diving watches, sports watches, racing watches, and pilot watches. Men of prestige and action wear Rolex watches with style and charm. In terms of overall popularity, no other luxury watch is talked about like Rolex…and Rolexes can be found everywhere.

One of the important things we want to compare in this Patek Philippe vs Rolex article is which brand of watch holds its value the best, and even more, which appreciates in value over time. Before we get started on the investment aspect, and specific models, because of course that is truly what matters when investing in a luxury watch, we want to share a bit of history regarding Rolex and Patek to give you some background.

History of Patek Philippe and Rolex

Patek has been creating watches for over 180 years, and Rolex has been making watches for over 110 years. They both are age-old brands that have withstood the test of time. However, as Patek Philippe has 70 years on Rolex, which is, in fact, a long time, they do have a much greater history.

Patek Philippe Circa 1920’S 18k Yellow Gold Vintage Watch

Patek Philippe History

Antoine Patek and his partner Francois Czapek founded what would soon be known as Patek Philippe in 1839. They started by making custom pocket watches for Royalty and elite members of society. In 1844, Patek became acquainted with Adrien Philippe. At that time, Adrien Philippe was well recognized by watchmakers for his newly created keyless winding and hand-setting mechanism. A year later, the two established a bond and started a business together; hence the brand Patek Philippe was created.

Dawn of Patek Philippe

The business model was kept and they continued servicing high-class clientele. Additionally, they decided to put effort into an international campaign in order to grow their reputation. Patek traveled to the States and managed to form a partnership with Tiffany & Co. A collaboration that also withstood the test of time, as they are still partners today.

As Patek concentrated on broadening business, Philippe worked on innovation. Philippe obtained a patent for his hand-setting mechanism and keyless winding, created Patek Philippe’s first pocket-watch using a tourbillon complication, and invented a mainspring. A mainspring is a spiral torsion spring of metal ribbon designed as a power source in mechanical watches.

The following few decades carried big shifts in the business as both founders passed away. Antoine Patek in 1877 and Adrien Philippe in 1894. Philippe passed on the business to his son who ran the company for three decades. That’s when the Stern Brothers bought Patek Philippe, in 1932.

6466 Oysterdate Vintage Plated Shell Precision Watch

Rolex History

Rolex was founded shortly after the turn of the 20th century. Founder, Hans Wilsdorf, had a similar passion for innovation as Philippe. Like Patek Philippe, Rolex accomplished multiple horological feats in the first few decades of inception.

Thanks to Rolex, 1910 brought about the world’s first certified chronometer. In 1926, they created the first dust-and-waterproof watch. Then in 1931, Rolex patented the first-ever perpetual self-winding mechanism.

Top 10 Oldest Watch Brands in the World

Notable Years of Watch Releases for Patek and Rolex

Between 1930’s and 1970’s, both Rolex and Patek Philippe were in what many consider the Golden Years. Here are a few key, iconic moments of watch releases that changed the watch industry:

Patek Philippe Debuts:

1932 – The Calatrava
1968 – The Golden Ellipse
1976 – The Nautilus

Rolex Debuts:

1945 – The Datejust
1953 – The Submariner
1954 – The GMT master
1956 – The Day-Date

Patek vs Rolex For Investment

When comparing the two watches, it makes sense to consider which is the better investment. In short, it depends on what model.

AND, honestly, to put it simply, they are both great investments. However, are they both of the same investment caliber?

With a watch, there is more to an investment than, “will it hold its value for years to come and does it have the potential to appreciate?” Although, that is one of the most important questions. Don’t get us wrong.

Nevertheless, another crucial question is, “ is it useful for my life?” These are tough questions to answer, but as both brands have a long history, we can determine a lot by looking back in time.

Patek Philippe has proven to dominate watch auctions. Many of their watches have greatly appreciated over the last fifty years. We are talking a hundred thousand percent in certain cases.

Patek Philippe 3919 Calatrava 18k Yellow Gold On Leather Watch

Here is an example of sales on a vintage Patek Philippe and Rolex watch:

A basic vintage Patek dress watch or Calatrava has a minimum asking price of around five thousand dollars. Yet, when first purchased in retail during its production period, it would have only been five hundred dollars.

Compare this with a standard 1970’s Rolex Oyster, which was retailed at four hundred dollars during production. It is now worth seven to nine hundred dollars. Clearly, that’s not as significant.

However, as we mentioned, certain models will appreciate much more. So, for example, the Rolex Red Submariner, which was bought for six hundred dollars is now worth (a wide range of) ten to twenty THOUSAND dollars.

Essentially, when you buy a Rolex, you need to be selective of which watch you are investing in. That is if you care about it appreciating in value. Some Rolex watches end up being a huge hit for collectors and they end up signficantly appreciating in value. While others end up as draw-junkers (to some respect).

In contrast to Rolex, a Patek Philippe is nearly always likely to appreciate over the next couple of decades.

With that being said, on average, a Patek Philippe is much more expensive at retail.

Patek Philippe 5134 Travel Time 18k White Gold Mens Watch

Most Expensive Patek Philippe Watch

The most expensive Patek Philippe sold is the second most expensive timepiece sold at auction, EVER. The timepiece was the Graves Supercomplication pocket watch. It was sold for 11 million USD.

Most Expensive Rolex Watch?

A year ago (2017), Rolex broke the record and is now in first place for the worlds most expensive watch ever sold. Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona was sold for 17.8 million USD at auction.

If you look at a list for the most expensive watches sold at auction, you will see both brands numerous times. These numbers are incredible, and it says a TON about the value people place on the Patek Philippe and Rolex brands.

Rolex 18038 Day Date 18k Yellow Gold Watch

Here are the best watches to invest in for both brands:

Which Patek Philippe to buy for Investment?

The best Patek Philippe watch for investment:

Chronograph Ref. 5170G-010
Nautilus Chronograph Ref. 5980/1A-001
Chronograph Ref. 5070

If you are a watch collector, you already know these are the best Patek Philippe to collect.

Which Rolex to buy for Investment?

The best Rolex for investment:

Day Date.
Submariner.
Yacht-Master.
GMT
Daytona (How to Spot a Fake Rolex Daytona)

Which Rolex appreciates the most? It’s hard to say but any of these models are smart investments as they are the most collectible.

Certain features, from the bezel to the symbol of the crown can significantly increase the value.

But, as a general rule of thumb, Rolex sports watches tend to do the best. They are the type of Rolex watches that hold their value the best and often appreciate.

3 Legendary Vintage Rolex Watches That Rolex Collectors Want & Love

Rolex Submariner vs Patek Nautilus

A lot of people make comparisons about these two watches, as they are two of the most iconic wristwatches that you can buy.

Also, the Nautilus is similar to the Submariner in some ways, being that the Nautilus is more durable than other Patek watches and is more of a daily watch. Furthermore, it is water resistant, as is a Submariner.

Although the two have very different price points and target two different types of people, collectors and watch enthusiast who like state-of-the-art watches are likely to have these two watches on their radar.

Rolex Submariner

The Submariner is a watch that is geared towards divers or wealthy, contemporary professionals who are looking for a fun yet classy Rolex to wear on a daily basis.

The Submariner is a classic watch with a clean, thick chunky look. It’s a watch that you can wear to any function – the beach, a party, the office, a ball game, literally anywhere. It has incredible water-resistance so you can deep sea dive with it too.

The cost is around 8,000 USD. For that price, you not only get an amazing looking watch with great functions, but you also get reliability, durability, serviceability, history, and reputation that comes with a Rolex.

Patek Philippe Nautilus

The Nautilus is a more delicate, lighter-feeling watch when comparing it to a Rolex. Now that’s not to say it feels flimsy or cheap (obviously), because it is made absolutely impeccably. It’s just lighter. It is more like a piece of jewelry, rather than a tool like the Submariner.

When wearing the Nautilus, you know you are wearing something special and high-end. It has such an elegant look, that we’d think it is better suited for a special occasion.

Furthermore, with the Patek Nautilus, you are much more likely to fly under the radar, as the brand is less known and recognized by your average person. Yet, anyone who knows watches would know how special the watch on your wrist is when wearing a Patek.

A Patek Nautilus has a hefty price tag of 35,000USD, and with this, you get the feeling of owning the best of the best.

A Complete Hand-on Patek Philippe Nautilus 3800 Review

Comparing the two – Rolex vs Patek Philippe

When comparing the two, the Rolex is more durable. As it should be, though, Rolex is all about durability and being a “tool”. And, the Patek is simply utter elegance and timelessness. As it should be, considering the price is a lot higher.

Either way, both are amazing watches, but if you want a classic tool, go for a Rolex. And, if you want extremely fine horology, go for a Patek… Better yet, get both if you can.

Patek Philippe 5124J 18k Yellow Gold Gondolo Watch

Final Verdict – Which elite watch brand is better for you? Rolex or Patek Philippe…

If you have the opportunity to choose between the two, you probably now know that both options are solid and you really can’t go wrong with either. Patek and Rolex are truly equally magnificent brands of watches. It really just comes down to personal preference, needs, and budget.

Rolex maintains its ability to be a pioneer in the watch industry with clean, durable, and classic aesthetics, while Patek Philippe continues to flourish with the most elegant and complicated watches.

Based on all the information above, you now have the knowledge to choose which watch is best for you (if both aren’t an option). Make a wise decision, your wrist and investment depends on it 😉

Do you want to buy a vintage Patek or Rolex Watch?

Are you wondering where you can get a Patek Philippe or Rolex at the Best Price?

Do you own a second hand, pre owned Rolex or Patek Watch?

Are you wondering “Who buys Patek Philippe watches?” OR “Who buys Rolex watches?”

Sell your Rolex or Patek watch in Boca Raton

Well, you are in luck because WE have you covered. Raymond Lee Jewelers in Boca Raton, Florida buys and sells Rolex and Patek Philippe watches. Contact us below to speak with a representative.

About Raymond Lee Jewelers & Diamonds By Raymond Lee:

Raymond Lee Jewelers and Diamonds By Raymond Lee is a family business in Boca Raton. Recognized in the community as a leader in the watch industry, they buy and sell high-end, luxury watches at the most competitive prices. Raymond Lee Jewelers has been in the watch business for over 30 years. We guarantee that we will take care of you for any watch or jewelry dealings as if you are family. Please don’t hesitate to contact Raymond Lee Jewelers today.

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Patek Philippe vs Rolex | Which is a Better Investment?

Patek Philippe vs Rolex | Which is a Better Investment?

Patek Philippe vs Rolex is a well-established debate among watch collectors. The question of, which is a greater luxury watch brand, which brand is better built, which is more elite? Furthermore, and probably most importantly, which is a better investment and which is better for YOU?