The Average Income Of People Who Own A Rolex Watch

The iconic crown icon delicately placed on the face of a Rolex watch has come to represent a symbol of a certain class. While there are plenty of luxurious watchmakers out there, and even some with higher price tags than a typical Rolex, perhaps none are as famous as the London-born wristwatch that was the first of its kind to earn the Swiss Certificate of Chronometric Precision. Rolex timepieces have been around for over 100 years, and they've consistently blended precise timekeeping with a beautifully luxurious external appearance. While plenty of watch collectors have old Rolex examples — or dream of adding one — what about the typical buyer? According to RDP Jewelry, Rolex's own survey of owners found that average incomes ranged between $100,000 and $150,000 in 2023.

While a watch that keeps precise time and looks great stands at the forefront of a shopper's mind, price plays a huge role in any decision — even acting as the final hurdle when decided whether or not to make a purchase. Some of the most cost-effective Rolex models start at prices of about $5,500, while the top of the line offerings can set an extravagant buyer back a whopping $75,000. Obviously, buyers looking for the most elegant designs available — and with cash to spend — will more than likely earn significantly more than the more average Rolex shopper.

Buying a new Rolex at retail price can deliver a pristine model with no blemishes, damage, or wear. However, it also delivers a higher price tag. This isn't to say that retail shoppers are unaffected by bargain hunting tactics. Shopping around for a Rolex at different showrooms can be just as important as comparison shopping when searching for any other good — particularly expensive ones. With that said, buyers who can afford to purchase new Rolex products, instead of from the used market, will typically find themselves toward the higher end of the financial spectrum when it comes to things like annual income figures or net worth calculations.

When considering less expensive selections from the catalog, income averages actually drop. For models like the Oyster Perpetual, buyers tend to fall within an average income range of $80,000 to $100,000. This perhaps signals that attaining a Rolex status icon isn't as far out of reach as it might seem. Another thing to consider when exploring the used market is age and wear. It's entirely possible for an eager buyer to snap up a non-working Rolex for a price in the hundreds, rather than thousands. Fixing the timepiece might be possible, giving you excellent value if you have the patience (and possibly skill) to tackle repairs and refurbishment tasks.

Income figures are just one part of the equation when it comes to considering a person's ability to afford a Rolex watch (or any good, for that matter). With the least expensive options hovering at $5,500, the average American could technically purchase one with an entire month's salary. However, that's obviously not a practical way to utilize your paycheck so consider splurging with something like your tax refund instead — where the average 2025 return ($3,116) would cover more than half of the purchase.

For an earner taking home an even $100,000, this same purchase would require 66% of a single month's gross earnings, and this reduces to 44% for a $150,000 earner. Either income threshold is enough to logistically fund a purchase like this in a vacuum, but other obligations can quickly make it a tall order. For instance, experts suggest maintaining a housing expense of 28% or less of your monthly salary. Plus, there are groceries and utilities to consider, and that's before adding in any repayment obligations on things like credit card bills. 

At least half of all Americans live paycheck to paycheck, and high earners aren't exempt from this condition of financial uncertainty. This is just one of many unsettling financial statistics that govern our modern economy. As a result, a prospective Rolex buyer will want to ensure that their debt load is taken care of before going into greater debt to add a gaudy status symbol to their wrist — no matter how many zeros are on your paycheck.