Brand comparisons usually run on opinion. This one runs on settled transactions: 5,639 recorded sales of Rolex and 330 of Ulysse Nardin, all in US dollars so the figures are directly comparable.
What each one actually costs
The median Rolex result is $11,550. The median Ulysse Nardin result is $8,850. On typical examples, Rolex carries roughly 1.3 times the price of Ulysse Nardin at auction.
Half of all Rolex sales land between $4,680 and $27,500. For Ulysse Nardin the middle half runs $3,750 to $18,750.
Which one surprises the specialists
47% of Rolex lots beat their high estimate, against 46% for Ulysse Nardin. The two are closely matched, which suggests both are priced with similar confidence.
Breadth of the record
Our archive covers 758 distinct Rolex references and 125 for Ulysse Nardin, with results going back to 2001 and 2003 respectively. The top recorded result is $1,803,400 for Rolex and $164,500 for Ulysse Nardin.
What this does not tell you
A median is not a verdict. These brands overlap heavily at the edges, and a well chosen example of the cheaper one will outrun a poor example of the dearer one. Condition, completeness and model matter more than the badge on the dial.
