One Of The Cheapest Rolex Watches Is A Historic Model With Great Versatility

"Affordable" and "Rolex" are not words you might typically expect to find in the same sentence. As a matter of fact, the average income of Rolex owners ranges between $100,000 and $150,000, as of 2023, per RDP Jewelry, which automatically excludes millions of Americans who might want to own a piece of luxury. Plus, even used Rolex watches like the Rolex Submariner can still sell for as much as $150,000. With that said, the legendary Swiss watchmaker does have a few models that will not break the bank. The Oyster Perpetual Air-King, for instance, offers a more affordable entry-point into the Rolex legacy. While it retails for $7,750, it can be found for as low as around $2,000 on the secondary market.

The history behind Air-King watches is tied to what Rolex describes as airborne adventure. To pay homage to the Royal Air Force pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain in 1940, Rolex Founder Hans Wilsdorf developed the "Air" series, including the Air-Lion, Air-Tiger, Air-Giant, and Air-King. Out of these, only the Air-King model is still in production today, having gone through multiple iterations since it was first introduced.

As an entry-point into the world of Rolex watches, few other models offer as many features as the Air-King. Its timeless and elegant design gives the watch its trademark versatility, making it the right choice for both casual and formal occasions. The watch also has a 70-hour power reserve, while the Air-King's case and bracelet are forged with Oystersteel — a high-performance material that is extremely resistant to corrosion. This makes the watch a durable choice that can last a long time in your collection.

Not only does the Air-King stand out for its features, collectors also treasure it as one of the most historic among Rolex watches. In production for more than 75 years, it is one of the longest-running models the company has ever created. Once you decide which version you would like to own, there are many options on the second-hand market. The lowest priced options are available on sites like Chrono24, which start around $2,000. You can also purchase used Air-King watches between $4,550 and $9,695 from sites like SwissWatchExpo or Beckertime from $3,449.98, while Bob's Watches features options starting from $4,995.

If none of these options suit you, you can go for another affordable option, the Datejust. Like the Air-King, the Datejust was also introduced in the 1940s, and is one of the cheaper pathways to Rolex ownership. Or, you could even opt for one of the best Rolex watch alternatives, if a Rolex watch simply isn't in your budget. The alternatives can let you savor the feeling of a luxury watch without burning a Rolex-sized hole in your pocket.