2000s Rolex Watches

Buying Advice

About 2000s Rolex Watches

If you are shopping for a pre-owned 2000s Rolex, you are looking at one of the most important decades in the brand's modern history. At WatchGuys, our 2000s Rolex collection features authenticated watches produced between 2000 and 2009, a period that captured the tail end of the 5-digit reference era and the introduction of the 6-digit references still in use today. This was also the decade Rolex phased out tritium lume, transitioned the Daytona to an in-house movement, and began replacing aluminum bezel inserts with scratch-proof Cerachrom ceramic. For collectors, the 2000s represent the sweet spot between vintage charm and modern reliability, often called "neo-vintage" by enthusiasts.

Which Rolex Models Were Made in the 2000s?

Nearly every Rolex model line was in production during the 2000s. The Rolex Submariner 16610 (1988 to 2010) was the dominant steel diver, with the special edition 16610LV "Kermit" launching in 2003 for the Submariner's 50th anniversary. The Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 ran through 2007 with Pepsi, Coke, and black bezel options, while the Rolex GMT-Master 16700 had its final production years in the early 2000s. The Rolex Daytona made its biggest leap of the decade in 2000, replacing the Zenith-based 16520 with the in-house caliber 4130 inside the 116520. The Rolex Explorer II 16570 and Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 carried the professional lineup into the decade. On the dressier side, the Rolex Datejust 16200 and 16233 were the go-to 36mm references, the Rolex Day-Date President 118238 and 118239 represented the precious-metal flagship, and the Rolex Yacht-Master 16622 stayed in production with its platinum bezel. The Rolex Explorer 114270 and Milgauss 116400 (reintroduced in 2007) round out the decade.

2000s Rolex Price

Pre-owned 2000s Rolex prices vary widely based on model, material, and condition. Entry points start with 2000s Datejust 36mm steel references like the 16200, which typically range from $4,500 to $7,500. A 2000s steel Submariner 16610 generally falls between $9,000 and $13,000, with the "Kermit" 16610LV commanding a premium of $15,000 to $22,000 due to its anniversary status and discontinued aluminum bezel. A 2000s GMT-Master II 16710 in Pepsi configuration typically trades between $14,000 and $22,000, depending on dial variant and condition. The 2000s Daytona 116520 ranges from $22,000 to $35,000, with the rarer white dial "Panda" at the upper end. Precious metal Day-Date President references from this decade start around $15,000 for yellow gold 118238 examples. For full pricing across every reference currently in stock, contact our team directly.

2000s Rolex vs. 1990s Rolex

The main differences between a 2000s Rolex and a 1990s Rolex come down to lume, dial text, and case construction. Most 2000s Rolex watches use Super-LumiNova or LumiNova rather than tritium, so the dial reads "Swiss Made" at 6 o'clock instead of "Swiss-T < 25." Case construction moved away from drilled lug holes around 2003 to 2004 on sport models, giving 2000s references a cleaner side profile. The 2000s also saw the introduction of solid end-link Oyster bracelets on sport models, replacing the hollow end links of the 1990s. For collectors who want a fully usable daily wearer with modern waterproofing and serviceability but still prefer the aluminum-bezel aesthetic, a 2000s Rolex is typically the better choice. For those chasing patina and tritium-era charm, the 1990s usually wins.

Trusted Dealer

Why Buy 2000s Rolex From WatchGuys

We have been sourcing, authenticating, and selling pre-owned 2000s Rolex watches for sale for over 30 years. Every piece in our inventory is inspected in-house, accurately described, and backed by the same protections we apply to every watch we list.

Common Questions

2000s Rolex FAQ

• What Rolex Models Were Produced in the 2000s?

  Nearly every current Rolex model line was in production during the 2000s. Key references include the Submariner 16610 and 16610LV (Kermit), GMT-Master II 16710, GMT-Master 16700, Daytona 116520, Explorer II 16570, Sea-Dweller 16600, Datejust 16200 and 16233, Day-Date 118238, Yacht-Master 16622, and the Milgauss 116400 (reintroduced in 2007). The decade covers both the final 5-digit references and the new 6-digit generation that replaced them.

• How Much Does a 2000s Rolex Cost?

  Pre-owned 2000s Rolex prices typically range from $4,500 for an entry-level Datejust 16200 to over $30,000 for a Daytona 116520 in excellent condition. A steel Submariner 16610 generally falls between $9,000 and $13,000, a GMT-Master II 16710 Pepsi between $14,000 and $22,000, and the discontinued 16610LV Kermit between $15,000 and $22,000. Precious-metal Day-Date Presidents from the decade start around $15,000 and climb significantly based on dial and bezel configuration.

• Are 2000s Rolex Watches a Good Investment?

  2000s Rolex watches have performed well in the pre-owned market, particularly discontinued sport references like the Submariner 16610LV Kermit, the GMT-Master 16700, and the Zenith-era Daytona 16520 (produced until 1999, with early examples still selling through 2000). Neo-vintage Rolex watches benefit from being fully serviceable with readily available parts while also being no longer in production, which supports long-term value. As always, buy the watch you want to wear rather than purely for investment.

• Is a 2000s Rolex Considered Vintage?

  Most collectors do not classify 2000s Rolex watches as vintage. The widely accepted definition of vintage Rolex is a watch produced more than 30 years ago, which places 2000s pieces in the "neo-vintage" category. They share some traits with vintage watches (aluminum bezels, pre-Maxi cases on early examples) while retaining modern reliability (caliber 3135 movement, sapphire crystal, Super-LumiNova). You can read more in our full vintage Rolex guide.

• What Is the Difference Between a 5-Digit and 6-Digit Rolex?

  The 2000s was the decade Rolex transitioned from 5-digit to 6-digit reference numbers. Most 5-digit references (for example, Submariner 16610 and GMT-Master II 16710) feature aluminum bezels, pre-Maxi cases, and 40mm sizing across sport models. The 6-digit generation introduced Cerachrom ceramic bezels, Maxi-case construction, and eventually 41mm sport models. Both generations are powered by the caliber 3135 family, but 6-digit references usually command a higher price for their ceramic bezels. Learn more in our Rolex reference numbers guide.

• Which 2000s Rolex Is the Best to Buy?

  The best 2000s Rolex depends on how you plan to wear it. For daily use with strong value retention, the Submariner 16610 is the classic pick. For travel, the GMT-Master II 16710 Pepsi is iconic. For collectors, the Daytona 116520 in white "Panda" dial and the Submariner 16610LV Kermit are among the most sought-after discontinued references. For dress, the Datejust 16233 two-tone or a Day-Date 118238 President both offer strong pre-owned value. Our team can help you narrow the options based on your wrist size, style, and budget.

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