Rolex Changes the Game Again: Now Certifying Watches Two Years Old and Up

In a move that’s already making waves in the luxury watch world, Rolex has updated its Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program to include watches that are just two years old. Previously, a Rolex needed to be at least three years out of the factory to qualify for CPO status. That one-year change may seem minor on the surface, but it signals something much larger: Rolex is leaning even harder into shaping—and controlling—the pre-owned market.

When Rolex launched its official CPO program in December 2022, it was seen as both a defensive and offensive play. On the one hand, it allowed Rolex to regain some influence over a booming secondary market dominated by third-party dealers. On the other, it offered peace of mind to buyers: Rolex authentication, a two-year international guarantee, and a fancy green seal to go with it. But the three-year rule kept newer, more desirable pieces just out of reach. Until now.

By shortening the required age to two years, Rolex is broadening the pool of inventory that can be certified—and by extension, bringing more of the fast-moving pre-owned ecosystem into its orbit. Think about it: now, even a 2022 Submariner that someone flipped after 18 months could soon appear as a Rolex Certified Pre-Owned model, complete with the brand’s stamp of approval. That’s a major shift in how Rolex timepieces circulate and appreciate (or don’t) in value.

This change also gives Rolex-authorized retailers more flexibility. In a world where supply of new models can be unpredictable and waitlists stretch into the absurd, having newer CPO inventory helps fill the display cases and gives buyers real choices. And since every certified pre-owned Rolex comes with that two-year warranty and inspection, it reassures buyers who might otherwise hesitate to buy something not fresh off the line.

But there’s a strategic layer here too. Rolex, a brand known for consistency and control, doesn’t make changes lightly. Opening the CPO program to newer watches also acts as a subtle pressure valve on the grey market. If a buyer is debating between a flipped watch from an unknown source or a slightly older CPO model with a Rolex guarantee, the choice starts to lean toward the latter. It's a smart way to bring more volume under the brand’s own umbrella without increasing production.

For watch collectors and enthusiasts, it’s both good news and a potential headache. Yes, it means better access to authenticated Rolex watches—but it also raises questions about how values will shift. Will the CPO premium remain worth it? Will flippers start dumping inventory at the two-year mark? What happens to traditional pre-owned dealers who now compete with Rolex-backed offerings?

At the end of the day, this change reinforces a simple truth: Rolex plays the long game. Every move they make is carefully calibrated to protect the value, perception, and reach of the crown. And now, with even more watches eligible for official certification, they’re tightening their grip on a market that’s grown far beyond the walls of the authorized boutique.

If you’re in the market for a Rolex—whether it’s your first or your fifth—this news is something to keep in mind. As the pre-owned landscape evolves, the best place to shop is with experts who stay ahead of the changes. At One More Time Watches, we specialize in curated, authenticated Rolex timepieces and know how to navigate both the history and the headlines. Come find your next crown—one more time.