Rolex Prices in Japan: How to Buy a Pre-Owned or Unused Rolex (2026)
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The short answer: Japan has a large pre-owned watch market, and Tokyo stores often hold many Rolex models at once, from steel sports watches to precious-metal Daytonas. Prices depend on the reference number, metal, dial, condition, whether it is a full set with box and warranty card, the date on the warranty card, and the exchange rate. As a guide, steel Daytonas in LUXARIA's Ginza stock were listed at ¥4,054,546–¥5,680,000 excluding tax in November 2026. Compare the same reference and the same set, with tax included, before you decide.
Is a Rolex cheaper in Japan?
Sometimes, but not always. A pre-owned or unused Rolex is priced by the resale market for that exact watch, not by a price list, so the same model can differ widely in price. Whether Japan is cheaper for you depends on:
- the exchange rate between your currency and the yen on the day you pay,
- the tax you pay or get refunded in Japan,
- the import duty and tax in your country when you bring or ship it home,
- and the price of the same reference, in the same condition and set, in your country.
Many visitors buy in Japan for the choice: you can see several references, dials and bracelets in one visit and compare them in person.
What sets the price of a pre-owned Rolex
1. Reference number
Each Rolex model has a reference number (for example 126500LN for a steel Daytona). The reference tells you the generation, case size and often the bezel and bracelet. Always compare watches by reference, not just by model name.
2. Metal
Steel, steel and gold, 18k gold and platinum sit in very different ranges. In our stock, a steel Daytona and a platinum Daytona with an ice blue dial were listed millions of yen apart (see the table).
3. Dial and bezel
Dial colour and details change the price within the same reference. Diamond dials and gem-set bezels are priced separately from standard versions.
4. Full set: box and warranty card
A "full set" usually means the watch comes with its box, the warranty card (guarantee card) and the booklets and tags it was sold with. A watch sold without its warranty card is often priced lower and can be harder to resell. "Full set" can mean different things at different stores, so ask for the list of what is included.
5. The date on the warranty card
The warranty card is dated when the watch was first sold by an authorised dealer. A recent date usually means a newer watch. Some of our listings state this date in the title: in November 2026, 9 Rolex listings showed a warranty card date between March and September 2026. Ask for the date if it is not shown, and check how much manufacturer warranty is left under Rolex's current terms.
6. Condition
Check the case, bracelet and clasp for scratches, and ask whether the watch has been polished or serviced. On our site we use these grades: New, Unused item, Used super beautiful condition, Used condition, Used Good Product, and Sign of use. "Unused" means the watch has not been worn, but it may have been sold before.
How to compare prices fairly
- Same reference. Match the full reference number, not just "Daytona" or "Submariner".
- Same dial and bracelet. Oyster and Jubilee bracelets, and different dials, are different watches.
- Same set. Compare full set with full set, and check the warranty card date.
- Same condition grade. Unused and used watches are not the same.
- Add every cost. Include Japanese consumption tax if it applies, any tax refund, shipping, and import duty and tax in your country, converted at the same day's rate.
Tax: in store versus online
Buying in store (from 1 November 2026)
Japan's tax-free shopping for visitors changed to a refund system on 1 November 2026:
- You pay the price including 10% consumption tax at the store and show your passport.
- When you leave Japan within 90 days of purchase, customs confirms the items before you check in your luggage. Keep the watch with you so you can show it if asked.
- After customs confirms the items, the consumption tax is refunded.
- For items of ¥1,000,000 or more (excluding tax), the store records details such as the serial number. Most of the watches in the table below are in this range.
- If you do not take the items out of Japan after the customs check, the tax is collected.
At LUXARIA, eligible items are tax-free, and the procedure is done at our tax-free counter. Bring your passport.
Buying online for delivery abroad
On global.luxaria.jp, prices for overseas delivery are shown as export prices, without Japanese consumption tax. Overseas shipping is charged by item and shown at checkout. Import duty and tax in your country are paid by the recipient.
Price range of our Rolex stock (November 2026)
Prices of LUXARIA's stock as of November 2026, displayed prices excluding tax. A guide only: stock changes every day.
| Model | Items in stock | Price range (JPY, excl. tax) |
|---|---|---|
| Daytona (all) | 29 | 2,922,728 – 19,800,000 |
| Daytona, steel (116500LN, 126500LN) | 7 | 4,054,546 – 5,680,000 |
| Daytona, steel and yellow gold (116503, 126503) | 3 | 2,922,728 – 4,125,455 |
| Daytona, 18k gold (116518LN, 126518LN, 126508, 126515LN) | 9 | 6,998,182 – 13,270,910 |
| Daytona, platinum with ice blue dial (116506, 126506) | 9 | 14,133,637 – 19,800,000 |
| GMT-Master II (all) | 15 | 2,307,273 – 7,689,091 |
| GMT-Master II, steel (116710BLNR, 126710, 126720VTNR) | 6 | 2,307,273 – 3,180,000 |
| GMT-Master II, steel and gold (126711CHNR, 126713GRNR) | 8 | 2,890,910 – 3,563,637 |
| Datejust 36 | 6 | 1,436,364 – 3,581,819 |
| Datejust 41 | 5 | 1,361,819 – 2,907,273 |
| Submariner Date | 4 | 1,972,728 – 2,880,910 |
| Explorer and Explorer II | 4 | 1,134,546 – 1,880,000 |
Notes:
- Prices in store and online may be shown differently because of tax.
- Browse pre-owned Rolex in stock
How to choose a watch store in Tokyo
Tokyo has many stores selling pre-owned and unused watches. Whichever you visit, check these points:
- Authentication. Ask who checked the watch and how, and whether the store guarantees authenticity in writing.
- Reference and serial. The listing should state the full reference number. For high-value items, the serial number is also recorded for tax-free sales.
- Set and warranty card date. The store should tell you exactly what is included and the date on the warranty card.
- Condition. A written grade, with photos of the case, bracelet and clasp.
- Clear price. The total price, with tax shown, and no change once you are at the counter.
- Language and payment. Staff who can explain the watch in your language, and the payments you plan to use.
- After the sale. Ask whether the store can help with servicing or bracelet sizing later.
About LUXARIA
LUXARIA is a pre-owned luxury store in Ginza 7-chome, a 5-minute walk from Ginza Station. We focus on Hermès bags, together with Rolex, Chanel and Van Cleef & Arpels.
- Every item is authenticated before sale. Our inspection is done by more than one person, and only items that pass more than 50 checks are put on sale.
- Staff speak English and Chinese.
- In store, we accept credit cards, Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay.
- Address: 1F New Ginza Building No. 8, 7-5-12 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061. Hours: 11:30–20:00.
- We generally cannot hold items, but message us with the item number and we will do our best to help: WhatsApp
- Online orders cannot be returned, refunded or discounted after purchase, so please ask us about anything before you buy.
For prices across every model we stock, updated monthly, see our Japan pre-owned Hermès & Rolex price index.
FAQ
Is a Rolex cheaper in Japan than in my country?
It depends on the reference, the exchange rate and your country's import duty. Compare the same reference, dial, set and condition, with tax and shipping included.
How much is a pre-owned Rolex Daytona in Japan?
At LUXARIA in November 2026, Daytonas were listed at ¥2,922,728–¥19,800,000 excluding tax, and steel Daytonas at ¥4,054,546–¥5,680,000. This is a guide only, as stock changes daily.
What does "full set" mean for a Rolex?
It usually means the watch comes with its box, warranty card and the booklets and tags it was sold with. Ask the store for the exact list.
Why does the warranty card date matter?
It shows when the watch was first sold by an authorised dealer. A recent date usually means a newer watch, and it tells you how much manufacturer warranty may be left.
Can I buy a Rolex tax-free in Japan in 2026?
Yes, for eligible visitors and items. Since 1 November 2026 you pay tax in store, and it is refunded after customs confirms the watch when you leave Japan, before you check in your luggage.
What is the difference between "unused" and "used"?
An unused watch has not been worn, but it may have been sold before. A used watch has been worn, and its condition grade tells you how much.
