Rolex Tariff Alert: Buy These Unworn Icons Before Prices Jump 14–35%
U.S. tariffs on Swiss-made luxury watches have jumped from 10% to 39%. That does not mean retail prices instantly rise 39%, but most analysts expect roughly 14–35% MSRP increases as new inventory cycles through. Below we show the math for four core Rolex models using official U.S. MSRPs — and the unworn listings you can consider now while they’re still below those future levels.
Projected Post-Tariff MSRPs (based on official prices)
| Model | Current MSRP | +14% Projection | +35% Projection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Submariner Date (126610LN) | $10,650 | $12,141 | $14,378 |
| GMT-Master II “Pepsi” (126710BLRO) | $11,300 | $12,882 | $15,255 |
| Datejust 41 (126334) | $10,900 | $12,426 | $14,715 |
| Sea-Dweller (126600) | $13,750 | $15,675 | $18,563 |
Notes: Submariner figures use the Submariner Date as the benchmark. Non-date models typically carry a slightly lower MSRP at retail; we use the Date figure as a conservative anchor. Sea-Dweller comparison below uses a discontinued reference as a value anchor against the current 126600 MSRP.
Unworn Listings to Consider Before the Price Step-Up
We scanned current inventory for unworn pieces priced between the +14% and +35% projections above — essentially today’s prices that already reflect some of tomorrow’s MSRP, but may still be cheaper than what new stock will cost post-tariff.
Submariner (Unworn)
Rolex Submariner No Date (124060) — $13,995
Dealer: Luxury Bazaar — View listing
Benchmarking against Submariner Date projections. No-date MSRP is lower, so this sits in a “still rational” zone before new inventory resets.
Datejust (Unworn)
Rolex Datejust 41 Mint Green (126300) — $12,875
Dealer: David SW — View listing
Rolex Datejust 41 Fluted Bezel Black (126334) — $13,275
Dealer: Takuya Watches — View listing
Rolex Datejust Mint Green Jubilee (126234) — $13,375
Dealer: David SW — View listing
Sea-Dweller (Unworn)
Rolex Sea-Dweller (16600, NOS) — $16,875
Dealer: David SW — View listing
This is the previous-gen reference used here against the new 126600 MSRP projections — a common collector value play.
Bottom line: once U.S. dealers replenish, it’s reasonable to expect higher shelf prices — especially on steel sports models. These unworn pieces are already priced in the projected band today. If you’re price-sensitive, this is the “act before the reset” window.
FAQ
- Will prices jump overnight? Not uniformly. The tariff hits imports; it takes time to flow through. But as fresh stock lands, MSRPs and street prices can step up.
- Is 35% guaranteed? No. It’s a high-end projection. 14% is a more conservative floor. Actual outcomes vary by model, metal, and dealer margin.
- Should I only buy unworn? No — but unworn pieces are easier to benchmark vs. MSRP. Pre-owned can be even better value; just compare apples to apples (condition, box/papers, age).
Image sources: pulled directly from the dealers in your dataset (Luxury Bazaar, David SW, Takuya Watches). If an image breaks, the listing was likely updated or removed.