Unparalleled brand recognition, consistent demand, and a reputation for holding value over time are just some of the big reasons why taking out a loan against a Rolex watch is a great way to raise capital. However, some models and editions are better than others.

Our pawn shop Rolex watch list will give you a look at the models that luxury pawn shops love to see come in through their doors.

Listen to our podcast episode on the most appreciated Rolex timepieces at high-end pawnshops:

#1. Rolex Submariner

Interesting references: 

• Ref. 124060
• Ref. 5513
• “Kermit”
• “Hulk”

Lucky owners will rarely be short of offers on a loan for a Rolex Submariner. The iconic timepiece continues to appreciate due to its reputation and limited availability. Popular references, such as the Date 126610LN or the “Kermit,” can command £11,000–£14,000 on the secondary market, while coveted editions like the “Hulk” or older “Red Sub” models reach £16,000–£22,000. 

While the above models always do well, owners of well-maintained references like the iconic “James Bond” 6538 or rare COMEX dials can often expect valuations of £50,000 and well above. 

With A-listers such as David Beckham often seen sporting the Submariner, its cultural cachet ensures almost instant interest and competitive lending rates from luxury Rolex pawnbrokers.

#2. Rolex Oyster Perpetual

Interesting references:

• Ref. 124300
• Ref. 126000
• Ref.  114300

Pawnbrokers love to lend against the Rolex Oyster Perpetual because it’s the perfect blend of reliability and understated luxury. References like 124300, 126000, and 114300 regularly fetch between £5,000 and £6,700 on the secondary market, depending on configuration and condition. Rare references and early iterations, particularly those in precious metals or with unique dials, can command higher valuations. 

The watch’s simple design masks its internal complexity, but it’s this fact that allows the Oyster Perpetual to remain resistant to the whims of fashion. Famous wearers, including Roger Federer and Rihanna, have done a lot to keep the timepiece fresh in the modern era, ensuring that you can always finance an Oyster Perpetual if you’ve got original papers.

#3. Rolex Cellini

Interesting references: 

• Ref. 50535 Moonphase
• Ref. 50529
• Ref. 50609RBR

The Rolex Cellini might not be a household name like the Datejust, Submariner, or Oyster Perpetual; however, it’s ever popular among watch collectors with a love for the regal. 

If you want to raise collateral on a Rolex Cellini, there are a few references that most luxury pawnbrokers are always interested in. For example, key models like the 50535 Moonphase, 50529, and the diamond-set, manual-wind 50609RBR are sought for their technical complexity and outstanding finish. Good condition examples of these watches are easily worth £10,000 on the secondary market, which gives you options if you want to borrow money through your Rolex.

Rare variants, especially moonphase or artist-signed pieces, can go for far more, while pieces worn on the red carpet by Daniel Day-Lewis or Nicole Kidman are always desired. Finally, the intricate dials of antique Rolex Cellini models remain top targets for discerning pawnbrokers

#4. Rolex GMT-Master & GMT-Master II

Interesting references:

• “Pepsi” Ref. 16710 or 126710BLRO
• “Batman” Ref. 116710BLNR/126710BLNR
• “Root Beer” Ref. 16713/126711CHNR

The Rolex GMT-Master family, especially “Pepsi”, “Batman”, and “Root Beer”, brings in brisk business thanks to their vibrant history and continued demand. Pawn shops value these models between £15,000 and £20,000, particularly if you’re talking about well-kept or rare iterations. 

Celebrity endorsements from Tom Hardy, Orlando Bloom, and Mark Wahlberg add prestige to these timepieces, meaning taking out a loan against a Rolex GMT-Master is fairly straightforward. Rare early GMTs and limited editions, especially double-signed or with experimental dials, command premiums and set the standard for high-end collateral lending in the UK. Of course, while the references we highlighted could be considered pawnbroker favourites, with appropriate documents, you can pawn any Rolex GMT-Master because they’re such desirable watches.

#5. Rolex Daytona

Interesting references:

• Ref. 116500LN
• Ref. 16520
• Ref. 6263

If you want to pawn your Rolex, having an iconic Daytona is a great start. Forever tied to larger-than-life screen icons, like Paul Newman, the Daytona has continued into this era thanks to fans like John Mayer and Ed Sheeran.

As sports chronographs go, the Daytona is hard to beat. References like the 116500LN are modern and iconic, with appraisals frequently going for over £20,000. Complete paperwork, original box, and a scratch-free bezel can significantly boost the evaluated loan amount.

Produced between 1988 and 2000, the 16520 marked Rolex’s adoption of the famed El Primero movement. If you want to take a loan against a Rolex Daytona 16520, the values can be between £20,000 and £40,000. 

Finally, the 6263 “Paul Newman” is considered a grail among collectors. These rare vintage Daytonas command extraordinary UK prices, often achieving £150,000–£400,000 for the finest examples with unarguable providence. 

Of course, you don’t need to have an ultra-rare version to get collateral on a Rolex Daytona. Luxury pawnbrokers would be happy to see almost any version of this iconic watch.

#6. Rolex Datejust

• Ref. 126200
• Ref. 1601
• Ref. 116200

The Rolex Datejust’s versatility and enduring popularity make it one of the most dependable assets for luxury pawnbrokers, offering outstanding liquidity and prestige in the secondary market. Models like the 126200, 1601, and 116200 typically appraise between £6,000 and £13,000 depending on vintage, rarity, and condition. However, vintage references, such as those crafted in precious metals or featuring unusual dials, often attract offers up to and beyond £20,000 when accompanied by strong provenance, original boxes, or full sets of paperwork.

Collectors and high-end pawn houses particularly prize Datejusts with rare dial configurations, such as those featuring the sought-after Buckley dial. The painted Roman numerals of the Buckley dial are found on some 1970s and 80s Datejusts, creating a distinctive, easily recognisable look. Pawning a Rolex Datejust with these dials is rarely a problem.

Finally, early steel and gold models or Datejusts with rare dial colours like white, grey, blue, or gold can dramatically elevate appraisals at luxury pawn shops.

#7. Rolex Explorer & Explorer II

Interesting references:

• Vintage ref. 1016
• “Steve McQueen” 1655
• Ref. 216570:

Pawning a Rolex Explorer I or II is always a good move because the secondary market for these timepieces is just as robust as their construction. Produced in the early 1960s and into the late 1980s, the vintage Explorer reference 1016 has accompanied many mountain climbers to Everest. Secondary market prices go as high as £23,000, while near-mint examples with full box sets or attractive patinas can exceed £40,000.

The Explorer II is even more rugged. The vintage 1655 “Steve McQueen”  is well-revered by collectors for its quirky orange GMT hand, unique markings, and association with 1970s film royalty. Good documentation and condition can translate into secondary market prices of up to £40,000, which could mean a very healthy loan for anyone pawning these classic timepieces.

#8. Rolex Milgauss

Interesting references:

• Ref. 116400GV
• Ref. 1019
• Ref. 6541

The Rolex Milgauss was conceived in 1956 for professionals working in electromagnetic environments. However, it’s not just a technical marvel; it’s also beautifully designed. 

Modern Milgauss references such as the 116400GV, with its stunning green sapphire crystal and vivid “Z-Blue” dial, are highly liquid on the UK secondary market, regularly trading between £8,000 and £10,500 for full-set or unworn examples. Pawning one of the Rolex Milgauss timepieces is never too hard. Models like the 116400GV, especially those recently discontinued, have surged in interest with collectors, often exceeding £12,000 at select retailers or auction houses.

Of course, vintage Milgauss are of huge interest to luxury pawnbrokers. The reference 1019, produced from 1960 to 1988, is a triumph of minimalism. However, there is nothing minimal about the collateral you can get from a vintage Rolex Milgauss, with pristine examples with full documentation often valued at £30,000. While a ref. 6541 rarely comes across the pawnbroker’s desk; when one does, appraisals can easily reach six figures.

#9. Rolex Sea-Dweller

Interesting references:

• Ref. 126600
• Ref. 16600
• Ref. 1665 “Double Red”

The Rolex Sea-Dweller is loved by adventurers and luxury watch collectors alike. Built to survive impressive nautical heights, it’s now known chiefly for the excellent heights it reaches on the secondary market. Ruggedly designed to outlast the most aggressive depths, early Sea-Dweller models introduced innovations like the helium escape valve, which enabled safe saturation diving at profound oceanic depths.

Modern Sea-Dweller references—such as the 126600 and 16600—retain their reputation for robustness and reliability, with current median values in the UK secondary market frequently found around £12,000 for watches in excellent condition. More recent models with enhanced features also do well for anyone who wants to raise collateral from their Rolex Sea-Dweller.

However, for the best offers, a vintage “Double Red” 1665 is hard to beat. Depending on the year, dial variant, and conditions such as patina, service history, and overall completeness, i.e., box, papers, provenance, values can go from a healthy £25,000 to as much as £90,000. 

#10. Rolex King Midas

Interesting references:

• Ref. 9630
• Ref. 3580
• Ref. 4820

The Rolex King Midas is a magnificent rarity in the Swiss watchmaker’s lineage, embodying 1970s excess and innovative design. These qualities ensure its high desirability as a pawn asset. Uniquely inspired by the Parthenon temple in Athens, the King Midas featured bold, angular lines, an asymmetrical case that echoed classical architecture, and an integrated bracelet with deep grooves that evoke marble columns.

Unlike typical Rolex production, the King Midas models, such as references 9630, 3580, and 4820, were true limited editions, with original runs capped at 1,000 pieces that are each individually numbered. Pawning a Rolex King Midas can result in appraisals around the £20,000–£35,000 range for well-preserved examples. However, these figures can rise significantly for numbered antique editions accompanied by original signed documentation or significant celebrity provenance.

Final thoughts

Loans on Rolex watches are straightforward when you have original documentation and the timepiece is in good condition. For antique and rare versions, these general guidelines may be lighter, but if you want a significant loan on your Rolex, it’s best to have a full box and provenance. 

Iconic Rolex timepieces are more than just wristwear. They’re portable assets with real-world liquidity, recognised and coveted by expert luxury pawnbrokers across the UK. If you need a pawn shop Rolex watch loan, reach out with details of your timepiece today.