Rolex raised retail list prices in January 2022, with several steel professional watches receiving larger increases than many precious-metal and classic models. The size depended on the market and reference: US reporting put the average January increase at 3.4%, while UK examples included a 10.5% rise for the Oystersteel Daytona. These were regional retail-price changes, not increases in secondhand asking prices.
What happened to Rolex prices in 2022?
Rolex increased retail list prices in January 2022. Contemporary watch-industry reporting found that the change was uneven: many steel professional models rose more than many precious-metal or classic references, but the pattern was not universal across the catalog.
WatchPro later reported that Rolex raised prices twice during 2022. Its retrospective associated the adjustments with inflation, maintaining margins, and currency disparities; that was WatchPro’s explanation, not a rationale attributed to Rolex directly. The available reporting does not establish a complete model-by-model or market-by-market schedule for the second increase.
Examples of the January 2022 increases
The figures below are reported retail list prices in their respective markets. They should not be combined into a single average: the references, currencies, tax treatment, and samples differ.
#1 Best Overall
- Round watch featuring corrugated unidirectional bezel, luminous hands/markers, and magnified date window at 3 o'clock
- 40 mm, Length: 210mm, 23k gold-plated stainless steel case with mineral dial window. Movement Caliber: NH35A
- Japanese automatic movement with analog display
- Gold & Stainless steel tone bracelet with foldover clasp with safety closure
- Water resistant to 200 m (660 ft): In general, suitable for professional marine activity and serious surface water sports, but not scuba diving.
| Market and source | Model or sample | Reported change |
|---|---|---|
| United States — Professional Watches, 2022 | Average across the January 1 price changes | 3.4% average increase |
| United States — Professional Watches, 2022 | Steel Submariner 124060 | $8,100 in 2021 to $8,950 in 2022 |
| United States — Professional Watches, 2022 | Steel Oyster Perpetual 124300 | $5,900 to $6,150 |
| United Kingdom — WatchPro, January 5, 2022 | Oystersteel Daytona 116500LN | £10,500 to £11,600; 10.5% increase |
| United Kingdom — WatchPro, January 5, 2022 | Oystersteel GMT-Master II 126710 BLNR | £7,750 to £8,400; 8.4% increase |
| Euro-denominated reference sample — Time+Tide reporting WatchAnalytics, 2022 | Models analyzed in the sample | Increases ranged from 2.6% to 12.2% |
Why steel professional models stood out
WatchPro characterized the increases as modest overall while noting that popular, supply-constrained steel watches received considerably larger hikes than equivalent precious-metal models. Time+Tide’s WatchAnalytics analysis likewise described classic models as generally receiving lower increases, while many professional models were near 10% within its analyzed euro-denominated sample.
Those findings describe a tendency, not a rule that every steel watch rose more than every gold model. A reference-level comparison is more meaningful than a material-only comparison because collection, generation, market, and local pricing all matter.
Rank #2
- Stainless steel case 40mm diameter x 14mm thick; Exhibition case back; Black dial; Luminous hands and hour markers
- NH35A Japanese Automatic movement, 24 jewel; Assembled in Malaysia; Watch weight: 155 grams
- Stainless steel band, 210mm L x 20mm W; Band is adjustable by adding/removing links; Fold over safety clasp
- Mineral crystal; Screw-down crown; Diver stainless steel bezel with black top bezel ring; 200 meter water resistant: Suitable for professional marine activity and surface water sports. Suitable for diving.
A Submariner comparison needs a generation caveat
WatchPro reported a UK no-date steel Submariner price change from £6,300 to £7,150, or 13.5%. But its baseline was an older 40 mm model, whereas the Submariner had been relaunched as a 41 mm model in 2020. The percentage is therefore not a clean like-for-like comparison of the same generation and should not be treated as a straightforward January 2022 increase for an unchanged reference.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to interpret the figures
- Keep markets separate. A US dollar price, a UK pound price, and a euro-sample percentage are not directly comparable.
- Check the exact reference and generation. Similar model names can refer to different generations, as the Submariner comparison illustrates.
- Distinguish list prices from resale prices. These examples concern reported retail list prices, not secondary-market asking prices or completed sale prices.
- Do not treat historical list prices as current prices. The figures describe reported 2021-to-2022 changes, not what a watch costs today.
The cited accounts are secondary watch-industry reporting; they do not provide a direct Rolex announcement confirming a full 2022 price schedule. The reported figures support the conclusion that some steel professional models rose noticeably, but they do not establish a complete global catalog comparison.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ⌚【Design Inspiration】This is an all-steel octagonal design with the characteristics of a classic sports adventure watch. The shape is exquisite and exquisite. Through amazing proportions, high-tech materials, and anti-magnetic structure,You can see the precise operation of each mechanical part, its unique masculine beauty injects new blood into the sports watch.
- ⌚【Unique Octagonal Design】The front of the octagonal bezel is polished with a polished and brushed process, which is resistant to scratches and presents two different metallic textures. The most classic and legendary aesthetic design has finally conquered the world as the ultimate octagonal case of sporty elegance. The 1.61inch large dial with high quality stainless steel watch band makes the watch more durable. The total length of the watch is 8.26inch.
- ⌚【Mechanical Movement】NO need to use BATTERY, but AUTOMATICE SELF-WINDING! The back of the watch adopts a back-through design, through the sapphire glass back we can clearly observe the movement beauty of the movement.The watch is equipped with a stainless steel bracelet that is comfortable to wear and has a very elegant posture. The whole is meticulously polished to bring a more refined wearing experience.
- ⌚【30M Waterproof】Daily life waterproof design which bear daily wash hand, swear,accidental rain or water splash.Please keep it away from swimming and hot water bathing in case consume the watch.(Note! Mechanical watch is different from quartz watch. Insufficient mechanical kinetic energy will cause the watch to stop, please winding it in time.)
- ⌚【Perfect Gifts】With a independently designed FORSINING watch box, is the perfect gift for yourselves or for that special and important someone. The fashion design watch can be easily matched with a variety of clothing and suitable for all occasions.
Rank #4
- Capturing the daring style of Marc Anthony, one of music’s most influential artists, Bulova presents the all-new Marc Anthony Series A.
- The bold, angular silver-tone stainless steel case features brushed finishing with polished accents, a silver-tone bezel with grey accents, a flat mineral crystal, and a screw-down crown. The stunningly vibrant blue dial combines sunray texture along the hour track and a central dial with a radiant sunburst finish, complete with hands with luminescent treatment, polished indices, and a grey running seconds sub-dial.
- The dial is further accented with diamond hour markers at 1, 3, and 5 o’clock, chosen by Marc for their personal significance. Visible through both the dial aperture and an exhibition case back, the open heartbeat automatic movement features 21 jewels and a 42-hour power reserve.
- The 44mm watch has 200m of water resistance and is complemented with a matching silver-tone stainless steel bracelet with a push-button deployant clasp. Uniting Marc Anthony’s iconic music with Bulova’s proprietary technology and Bold at Heart spirit, this new men’s timepiece will keep you always within style’s rhythm.
- 200M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
Rank #3
- [Luxurious Mechanical Watch] High quality hollow mechanical watch appearance retro gorgeous, exquisite carving and design of the golden appearance of the European nobility more highlight your noble identity extraordinary taste, to bring you a pleasant luxury experience
- [Mechanical Movement] This watch has manual self-winding. Please consider that mechanical watches that require manual winding can only keep time for a short time after winding. To prevent running or inaccurate time, it is advised that you verify the time periodically and wind up the chain 15–20 times.
- [Waterproof] Water resistant to 50m (165ft) -suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but not diving or snorkeling
- [Ideal as a Gift] This beautiful retro-style watch can be worn on any occasion or given as a gift to your father, brother, partner, or boyfriend. At weddings and any holiday gatherings, it can be a really appreciated and elegant gift.
- [Professional After-Sale Service] Please contact us if you need any additional details about our watches. We will be happy to answer and help you anytime.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
