Encyclopedia / Rolex / 1908
No real new deal right now · checked Oct 19, 2026, 10:19 PM ET
$25,000 – $48,100 pre-owned street range
Ref. 52508 · 58 listings sampled (median ~$31,850)
No new deal: grey-market new prices were at or above retail, so pre-owned is the realistic way to save. Ranges are asking prices (middle 80% of the first results page), fixed-price listings only.
Price comparison: fixed-price listings
| Store | Condition | Box & papers | Asking price | Link | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DavidSW | new | Not stated | $9,875 | View | Oct 20, 2026 |
| Swiss Watch Expo | pre-owned | Yes | $24,245 | View | Oct 20, 2026 |
| Chrono24 marketplace seller | new | Not stated | $26,999 | View | Oct 20, 2026 |
Fixed-price (buy-now) asking prices in USD for ref. 52508, cheapest new and cheapest pre-owned with box and papers per store, sorted low to high and checked Oct 20, 2026 (ET). Buy-now listings only. Pre-owned listings are shown only when the listing states box and papers. * New from a grey-market dealer: comes boxed, but the warranty card may be the dealer's rather than the brand's. Chrono24 rows are individual third-party marketplace sellers. Prices change fast; confirm with the store.
What it really costs
| Market | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rolex US retail | $28,850 (ref. M52508-0006) | rolex.com |
| Pre-owned (Chrono24 asks) | about $25,000 – $48,100 (median ~$31,850, 58 listings sampled) | Chrono24 |
All prices in USD, checked Oct 19, 2026 (ET). Pre-owned ranges are the middle 80% of asking prices on the first Chrono24 results page for that ref (about 60 listings, used and some unworn), fixed-price listings only. Grey-market = brand-new from a non-authorized dealer.
Buying guide
Key references
| Ref. | What it is | US retail |
|---|---|---|
| 52508 | 1908 | $28,850 |
Which one I'd pick
Retail vs street: Rolex lists m52508-0006 at $28,850. Chrono24 asks for 52508 ran roughly $25,000 to $48,100 (mixed dials).
What to check before you buy
- Exact reference: dial colour, size and strap change the price. Match the full ref (52508) before comparing deals.
- Fakes and red flags: be wary of prices far below the ranges above, stock photos only, or sellers who won't show the caseback, serial and papers.
Alternatives worth a look
- Rolex Day-Date 40: Rolex's gold President. (40 mm 18kt Yellow Gold, Rolex Calibre 3255, retail $50,400 (m228238-0042, per Rolex))
- Patek Philippe Aquanaut: High-end alternative. (40.8 mm stainless steel, Calibre 26-330 S C, retail $27,257 (5167A-001))
- Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Date: A steel dress watch for far less. (40 mm Stainless Steel, Calibre 899AC, retail $10,400 (list price per Jomashop))
History
The 1908 checked here, m52508-0006, is 18 kt yellow gold with a part-domed, part-fluted bezel, per Rolex.
Specifications
| Brand | Rolex |
|---|---|
| Model | 1908 |
| Key references | 52508 |
| Launch year | Not confirmed |
| Case | 18 kt yellow gold |
| Movement | Not confirmed |
| Power reserve | Not confirmed |
| Water resistance | Not confirmed |
| Approx. US retail (Oct 2026) | $28,850 (m52508-0006, per Rolex) |
Specs from the retailer (Jomashop/WatchMaxx) or brand product page linked above for the main reference; see our research notes for which. Retail prices are list prices, not market value, and change often.
Highlights
- 18 kt yellow gold
- Domed and fluted bezel
- Dress watch
FAQ
How much is the Rolex 1908?
Rolex retail is $28,850. Pre-owned asking prices on Chrono24 mostly ran $25,000 – $48,100 (median ~$31,850), checked Oct 19, 2026, 10:19 PM ET.
How big is the 1908?
18 kt yellow gold.
Want this watch for less?
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Get the free weekly issuePrices and availability last checked Oct 19, 2026. No affiliate links: I don't earn anything if you buy. Sources are listed in our research notes and linked above.