What Makes the Rolex Submariner Stand Out?
The Rolex Submariner has earned its legendary status through a combination of functional innovation, timeless aesthetics, and brand prestige. Originally developed for divers, the Submariner features an unidirectional rotatable Cerachrom bezel, luminescent hour markers, and water resistance up to 300 meters (ca. 984 feet). The Triplock crown system and Oyster case ensure durability under extreme conditions—whether underwater or in daily life.
Modern Submariner models are powered by Rolex’s in-house automatic calibers, such as the Caliber 3230 (No-Date) and Caliber 3235 (Date). These movements offer exceptional accuracy, a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, and are Superlative Chronometer-certified, exceeding COSC standards.
The Submariner’s design has remained remarkably consistent for decades: clean dial and bezel layout, bold hour markers, Mercedes hands, and robust bracelet. This continuity gives the watch its enduring appeal and makes it instantly recognizable worldwide.
Rolex uses 904L Oystersteel, 18k yellow gold, or 18k white gold, or a combination of both (Rolesor), for maximum corrosion resistance and visual elegance. Every Rolex watch is built in-house with Rolex’s uncompromising standards in finishing and quality control.
Top Reasons to Buy a Rolex Submariner
Whether you're a seasoned collector or considering your first luxury watch, the Rolex Submariner stands out as one of the most compelling choices on the market. Here are the key reasons why:
Timeless Design
The Submariner’s clean dial, rotatable bezel, and signature Oyster bracelet have remained largely unchanged since its debut. Its understated elegance works equally well with a suit or a wetsuit—making it a rare blend of sport and sophistication.
Daily Wearability
Despite its origins as a professional diver’s tool, the Submariner is built for everyday life. Its robust construction, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and 300-meter water resistance make it a reliable choice for any environment—even more than the typical 100 meters found in standard watches.
Brand Prestige
Rolex is one of the most recognized luxury brands in the world, and the Submariner is arguably its most iconic model. Owning a Submariner signals a sense of taste, success, and appreciation for classic craftsmanship.
Resale Value and Investment Potential
Few watches hold their value as well as the Submariner—some even appreciate over time. Certain references (like the discontinued Hulk or Kermit) have seen significant increases in market value, making the watch both a personal accessory and a potential investment. It’s one of the most reliable choices for buyers looking at pre-owned Rolex models.
Mechanical Excellence
Equipped with Rolex’s latest in-house movements, the Submariner offers precise timekeeping, high shock resistance, and a long power reserve. It’s a watch that can be worn for decades with minimal maintenance.
Rolex Submariner Models: An Overview
The Rolex Submariner has evolved over the decades, but its core identity has remained remarkably consistent. Today, collectors and enthusiasts can choose from a variety of models distinguished by materials, features, and reference numbers.
Submariner No-Date vs. Submariner Date
Ref. 124060: The classic no-date version, clean and symmetrical.
Ref. 126610LN / LV: With date function, Cyclops lens and the Caliber 3235.
Stainless-Steel Models
124060 – No-Date
126610LN – Black bezel and dial
126610LV – Green bezel (“Kermit”)
Rolesor (Steel and Gold)
126613LN – Black bezel, steel and yellow gold
126613LB – Blue bezel and blue dial, two-tone finish
Solid Gold Submariners
126618LN / LB – Yellow gold models with black or blue bezels
126619LB – White gold with blue bezel (“Smurf”)
Popular Discontinued Models
116610LV “Hulk” – Green bezel and green dial
116610LN – Previous-generation black Submariner
14060M, 16610, 1680 – Vintage no-date and date versions with aluminum bezels
How Much Does a Rolex Submariner Cost?
The price of a Rolex Submariner varies depending on the reference, materials, and whether you're buying new or pre-owned. As of 2025, the current no-date model, reference 124060, made from stainless steel, has a retail price of approximately 9,200–9,500 USD. On the secondary market, this model typically sells for between 10,500 and 15,000 USD, depending on condition and whether the original box and papers are included.
The Submariner Date with black bezel and dial, reference 126610LN, retails for around 10,650 USD. Pre-owned, this model usually ranges between 12,000 and 15,000 USD. Its green-bezel sibling, the 126610LV, has a retail price of about 11,200 USD and typically resells for anywhere from 14,000 to 17,000 USD.
One of the most highly sought discontinued models is the “Hulk,” reference 116610LV, featuring both a green bezel and green dial. Though no longer produced, the Hulk commands a resale price between 18,000 and 25,000 USD depending on condition and completeness.
Two-tone models such as the 126613LB, which combines stainless steel with yellow gold and features a blue bezel and dial, retail for approximately 17,000 USD. These models generally resell for between 16,500 and 19,000 USD.
For those seeking a full gold option, prices rise significantly. The 126618LN, made from 18k yellow gold, has a retail price near 44,000 USD, while pre-owned models tend to range from 37,000 to 60,000 USD.
The white gold version with a blue bezel and black dial—reference 126619LB, also known as the “Smurf”—retails for around 46,600 USD and can sell for 35,000 to 50,000 USD on the secondary market.
Vintage Submariner references, such as the 1680, 16610, and 5513, vary widely in value. Entry-level vintage models start at around 12,000 USD, while rare collector pieces in excellent condition with original components can exceed 100,000 USD.
Please note that all prices are approximate and subject to change based on market demand, collector interest, watch condition, service history, and whether original accessories are included.
Price Overview for Popular Rolex Submariner Models (New and Used)
The price of a Rolex Submariner depends heavily on the specific reference, materials, and market conditions. The following examples provide an overview of the value development of popular Rolex Submariner models.
Retail Prices
124060 (No Date): ~9,500 USD
126610: ~10,250 USD
126610LN: ~10,650 USD
126610LV “Starbucks”: ~11,200 USD
126613 Black: ~17,600 USD
126613 Blue: ~17,600 USD
126619: discontinued
126618LN: ~43,500 USD
Pre-Owned Market
124060 (No Date): ~10,500–15,000 USD
126610: ~12,000–16,000 USD
126610LN: ~12,000–15,000 USD
126610LV “Starbucks”: ~14,000–17,000 USD
126613 Black: ~18,000–20,000 USD
126613 Blue: ~18,000–20,000 USD
126619: ~35,000 USD
126618LN: ~35,000–70,000 USD
The Prices are influenced by condition, box and papers, production year, and collector demand—especially among buyers of pre-owned Rolex Submariners.
Rolex Submariner Value Retention and Investment Potential
The Rolex Submariner is one of the best-performing watches in terms of value retention. Over time, many models—especially discontinued or vintage references—have appreciated significantly.
Factors behind this stability include:
Limited retail availability
Rolex’s strong brand equity
Global collector demand
Robust materials and serviceability
Top-performing investment models include the Hulk (116610LV), Kermit (16610LV), and vintage pieces like the 1680 Red Sub or the Non Date Gilt Explorer "Kissing L" 5513. Even standard stainless-steel models typically maintain or exceed their original purchase price, particularly when bought at retail.
Buy Your Rolex Submariner with Confidence
At us.marcgebauer.com, every Rolex Submariner offered for sale is 100% authentic and carefully inspected by certified watch experts. Whether you're purchasing a modern reference or a vintage collector's piece, you can be assured that each watch has undergone a thorough quality and authenticity check before being listed.
All Rolex Submariner watches include the original box and official papers, providing full documentation and proof of authenticity. This ensures not only the integrity of your purchase but also supports long-term value and collectibility.
For your peace of mind, every watch comes with a 12-month warranty covering mechanical functionality, and all orders are shipped fully insured using secure, trackable delivery services.
Buying a pre-owned Rolex Submariner is a significant investment—and at us.marcgebauer.com, we make sure it’s also a safe one. You receive not only a certified timepiece but also exceptional service and support throughout your ownership experience.
