Cheap Watch Under 5000

[dowling1680]

I am looking for my next Rolex and want to keep it under 5000, which has been very difficult. I've been doing some searching and eventually stumbled on this article about watches you can get for under 5k. There was only a few Rolex watches on the list... a Date, Datejust, Air-King, and some model I have never heard of before called an Oyster Prince. I think the Air-King with a blue dial would look nice. The Date and Datejust look good too though.

Of those watches, which would be worth checking out? Another issue I am concerned about is the size. I don't want a 36. I'd prefer a 40mm if possible.

[kieselguhr]

Originally Posted by dowling1680

I'd prefer a 40mm if possible.

If you increase your budget by about 2 stacks, you’re in 16570 territory. Black dials will be easy to find in good condition for that price. White dials in good condition maybe require a little more leg work. Good luck

[racerx]

Air-King in your price range is 34mm.

Here’s a really great watch very close to the top of your budget. It’s worth the stretch. https://tropicalwatch.com/watches/rufl

[GrailTime]

You are probably looking at 36mm DJs from the early 90s.

[Mr. K]

Not sure you will get larger that a 36mm in that price range. I agree with Nick. Increase the budget a bit and get newer and larger. You won't be disappointed.

But I also think 36mm is a nice classic size if you are okay with it.

[Marcjvr]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

If you increase your budget by about 2 stacks, you’re in 16570 territory. Black dials will be easy to find in good condition for that price. White dials in good condition maybe require a little more leg work. Good luck

This. Extend just a little further and get a 16570

[AF_Rob]

If $5k is the max, you can do better for your money by looking to other brands.

[996marty]

At that price point you will struggle to get the size you want unless you check out other brands maybe Omega or an older Tudor. Or although smaller you could get an Explorer

[kkqd1337]

I think it’s fairly unhealthy to call a $5000 watch cheap. It’s easy to lose perspective when you spend too much time in watch forums.

If I had 5k to burn I would be looking at getting a modern watch from a non Rolex brand. I think that way you get more watch for your money, because with Rolex you are paying a lot just for the name on the dial. But then also I’m not a big vintage fan.

[Jonny8]

If you need over 36mm the 16570 as stated is IMO an excellent choice but you will need to add a bit.

Also a 39mm Explorer MK1 may be achievable if you don’t mind the smaller handset and WG numerals. I’ve never handled one but love the MK2 version.

[travisb]

Under 5k I'd consider looking at other brands like Tudor, Omega etc.

[TinFoilCat]

Originally Posted by kkqd1337

I think it’s fairly unhealthy to call a $5000 watch cheap. It’s easy to lose perspective when you spend too much time in watch forums.

If I had 5k to burn I would be looking at getting a modern watch from a non Rolex brand. I think that way you get more watch for your money, because with Rolex you are paying a lot just for the name on the dial. But then also I’m not a big vintage fan.

Totally agree with this… definitely worth considering non-Rolex, you’ll get way more watch for your money in this price bracket!

[Joearch]

Odd to think >$5k is “cheap”. I would say >$500 is cheap. For under $5k try an older Panerai 111 or 183. Great value.

[HHIslander]

Originally Posted by AF_Rob

If $5k is the max, you can do better for your money by looking to other brands.

I’d either do this or increase budget by 2k as others have said. Any Rolex you find in that price range will probably need servicing and that’s going to run you ~1k min anyways.

If it was me, I’d buy an Omega SMP 300 for a diver or an Aqua Terra if I couldn’t go above 5k.

[samson66]

Go Omega. Get a Seamaster or an older Speedy.

[77T]

Before jumping to another brand, the better choice might be a vintage Rolex model with interesting attributes that appeal to you.

Or something on a strap versus Oyster/Jubilee bracelet.



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[Bonano]

Originally Posted by Joearch

Odd to think >$5k is “cheap”. I would say >$500 is cheap. For under $5k try an older Panerai 111 or 183. Great value.

Agreed.

Most people inhabiting this earth now would consider any amount above a Timex or Casio to be "expensive" for a watch.

$5000 is considered an exorbitant amount for something that occupies your wrist, considering the amount of debt people have and the US national average salary being just under $60k.


My recommendation would be an 80's Datejust if you really must have Rolex. Otherwise I would go Omega.

I just picked up a newer Seamaster, and with Omega doing consistent price-hikes to try to be less value oriented, I'd consider it a good time to buy.

[Cambo]

Replace “cheap Rolex” with “cheap Porsche” or “cheap Lamborghini” or “cheap Audemars”
If you spend more than you can afford it’s a bad purchase.

[joli160]

What you want doesn’t exist. Check out Omega

[gtnator]

Buy a nice Tudor. Same warranty, super accurate and robust watch.


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[Chadridv]

40mm for under 5k gets a little tricky. I just did a quick search on watch recon and couldn't find one 40mm example for $5k or under.

[slus]

Just about any modern Tudor would interest me far more than what is on the market for 5k that says Rolex, and quite honestly it will be a better watch too.

[Abe_Froman]

Originally Posted by Cambo

Replace “cheap Rolex” with “cheap Porsche” or “cheap Lamborghini” or “cheap Audemars”
If you spend more than you can afford it’s a bad purchase.

My experience has been that the cheapest example never stays that way.