What is the Price of a Rolex Submariner in 2024?
The Submariner dive watch is one of Rolex’s greatest hits, introduced in 1953 and still going strong over seven decades later. Rolex Submariner prices have increased slowly but steadily over the years, and what was once a premium “tool watch” is now firmly a “luxury good.” A basic steel no-date Submariner now has a retail price of $9,100, while ref. 126610 comes in at $10,250 as the first Submariner Date with a five-figure list price. Regardless, resale value remains strong across the Submariner lineup. This Rolex Submariner price guide examines both MSRP and actual secondhand values to give you a full picture of the market in 2024.
But how much can you get for a used Rolex Submariner? Generally speaking, prices for most modern pre-owned Submariner watches in today’s market range from $10,000 to $15,000 for steel models, $13,000 to $19,000 for two-tone models, and $35,000 to $42,000 for gold models. These price ranges are relevant to modern models with ceramic bezels made from 2008 onwards. The value of vintage Submariners differs dramatically, and neo-vintage Submariner models are also priced differently.
So if you’re trying to find out how much you could get for your pre-owned Sub, read on for all the important details.
Back to basics: What is a Dive Watch?
Pre-Owned Modern Rolex Submariner Prices
We define a modern Submariner as a six-digit reference made from the late-2000s onward. These models will have Cerachrom ceramic bezels, 300-meter water-resistant cases, and Chromalight lume on the dial.
There are two main series of the modern Submariner to consider: the 40mm versions and the newest 41mm versions.
The 40mm versions have reference numbers that start with “11” (such as ref. 116610)
- Powered by Caliber 3135 (or Caliber 3130 for the No-Date version)
- 42-hour power reserve
- “Super Case” structure, characterized by fat lugs, a wide bezel, and a thick profile
In 2020, Rolex replaced all existing 40mm models with a brand new collection of 41mm Submariner models with reference numbers that start with “12” (such as ref. 126610):
- Despite the 1mm increase, the cases are slimmer in profile and feature thinner lugs and bezels
- Powered by new-generation Caliber 3235 movements (Caliber 3230 for the No-Date version)
- Increased power reserve of 72 hours
Modern Used Rolex Submariner Price Chart
| Reference (Production Years) | Case | Bezel/Dial Color | MSRP (Feb. 2024) | Market Price (Feb. 2024) |
| 124060 (2020-Present) | 41mm (No-Date) Stainless Steel | Black/Black | $9,100 | $11,500 |
| 126610LN (2020-Present) | 41mm Stainless Steel | Black/Black | $10,250 | $12,800 |
| 126610LV “Starbucks” (2020-Present) | 41mm Stainless Steel | Green/Black | $10,800 | $15,900 |
| 126613LN (2020-Present) | 41mm Stainless Steel & Yellow Gold | Black/Black | $15,600 | $15,600 |
| 126613LB (2020-Present) | 41mm Stainless Steel & Yellow Gold | Blue/Blue | $15,600 | $16,850 |
| 126618LN (2020-Present) | 41mm Yellow Gold | Black/Black | $39,000 | $38,000 |
| 126618LB (2020-Present) | 41mm Yellow Gold | Blue/Blue | $39,000 | $38,000 |
| 126619LB (2020-Present) | 41mm White Gold | Blue/Black | $42,000 | $36,650 |
| 114060 (2012 – 2020) | 40mm (No-Date) Stainless Steel | Black/Black | N/A | $10,300 |
| 116610LN (2010 – 2020) | 40mm Stainless Steel | Black/Black | N/A | $11,300 |
| 116610LV “Hulk” (2010 – 2020) | 40mm Stainless Steel | Green/Green | N/A | $11,300 |
| 116613LN (2009 – 2020) | 40mm Stainless Steel & Yellow Gold | Black/Black | N/A | $13,600 |
| 116613LB (2009 – 2020) | 40mm Stainless Steel & Yellow Gold | Blue/Blue | N/A | $13,800 |
| 116618LN (2008 – 2020) | 40mm Yellow Gold | Black/Black | N/A | $34,600 |
| 116618LB (2008 – 2020) | 40mm Yellow Gold | Blue/Blue | N/A | $35,800 |
| 116619LB (2008 – 2020) | 40mm White Gold | Blue/Blue | N/A | $37,100 |
It’s important to keep in mind that if you’re selling a Submariner, you’ll likely pocket less than the market value after considering fees, shipping costs, insurance, dealer margins, and other expenses.
Used Neo-Vintage Submariner Prices
The term “neo-vintage” is often used in the luxury watch world to describe watches made from the 1980’s through the early 2000’s. This period covers five-digit Submariner references that have classic design characteristics, such as aluminum bezel inserts and the old “tuna can” clasps, as well as some modern touches like sapphire crystals and quickset movements (where the date can be set independently from the timekeeping hands).
Neo-Vintage Rolex Submariner Price Chart
| Reference (Production Years) | Case | Bezel/Dial Color | Caliber | Market Price (Feb. 2024) |
| 14060 (1990-2012) | 40mm (No-Date) Stainless Steel | Black/Black | 3030 or 3130 | $8,600 |
| 16610LN (1988 -2010) | 40mm Stainless Steel | Black/Black | 3135 | $9,000 |
| 16610LV “Kermit” (2003 -2010) | 40mm Stainless Steel | Green/Black | 3135 | $13,750 |
| 16613 (1988 -2009) | 40mm Stainless Steel & Yellow Gold | Black/Black or Blue/Blue | 3135 | $10,250 |
| 16618 (1988 -2008) | 40mm Yellow Gold | Black/Black or Blue/Blue | 3135 | $27,500 |
| 168000 (1988 – 1989) | 40mm Stainless Steel | Black/Black | 3035 | $9,750 |
| 16800 (1979-1988) | 40mm Stainless Steel | Black/Black | 3035 | $9,100 |
| 16803 (1983 – 1988) | 40mm Stainless Steel & Yellow Gld | Black/Black or Blue/Blue | 3035 | $10,500 |
| 16808 (1979 – 1988) | 40mm Yellow Gold | Black/Black or Blue/Blue | 3035 | $30,000 |
Neo-vintage references, particularly those manufactured in the 1990s, are some of the most affordable Submariners you can find in the secondary market.
Used Vintage Rolex Submariner Prices
The vintage market for Rolex Submariners is an entirely different beast, with prices that can fluctuate wildly depending on subtle details. Submariners that are classified as vintage can be produced anywhere from 1953 until 1989. While some production years overlap between vintage and neo-vintage, what defines the former are old-school design details. These include acrylic crystals, non-quickset movements, tritium or radium lume, and in some cases, gilt dials and no crown guards. Also, vintage Submariner watches have four-digit reference numbers.
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Although there are about a dozen vintage Rolex Submariner references, we cover three of the most popular ones: ref. 5512, ref. 5513, ref. 1680.
Vintage Submariner 5512
- Production years: 1959 – 1980
- First Submariner with crown guards
- Caliber 1560 or 1570 (Chronometer certified)
- Prices start at $14,000 but can easily reach $80,000+
Vintage Submariner 5513
- Production years: 1962 – 1989
- Non-chronometer version of the 5512
- Caliber 1530 or 1520
- Prices start at $10,000 but can easily reach $40,000+
Vintage “Red Submariner” 1680
- Production years: 1969-1975
- First Submariner with a date window
- Glossy dial with red “SUBMARINER” text on the dial
- Caliber 1575
- Prices start at $19,000 but can easily reach $70,000+
Vintage Submariner 1680 (White text)
- Production years: 1976-1979
- Matte dial with white text on the dial
- Caliber 1575
- Prices start at $10,000 but can easily reach $18,000+
When buying or selling vintage Rolex watches, tiny design variations impact the price significantly. So make sure you only trust a vintage watch expert.
What Impacts the Price of a Used Rolex Submariner?
Although there is no blue book to define the worth of your classical diving timepiece, certain factors pre-define its value. Below we list factors that will impact the price of your used Rolex Submariner and may indicate where on the price range your particular watch should fall.
Condition
The overall condition of your Rolex Submariner is the leading factor in determining its value. As a general rule, the better the condition, the higher the price will be. But vintage defects can actually increase the value; for instance, “tropical” dials describe a phenomenon where a chemical reaction on vintage Rolex watches caused color transformations. Tropical dials on Submariners can command a premium.
Though the condition is a basic indicator of the watch’s worth, it doesn’t mean you need to get it serviced. The common trend among watch collectors is to cherish the “wear and tear” of older Rolex Submariners as they show a life well lived. The originality of watch components, even if they show signs of wear, is highly desirable.
Circa Correct and Original Parts
The price of a Rolex is also dependent on circa-correct and original parts. If parts such as hands, dials, crowns, and bezels, were replaced — even by an authorized Rolex service center with service parts — it will negatively impact the price of a Submariner.
In short, a beat-up Submariner that has the same parts as it did when it came out of the factory will generally be valued higher than one that looks almost new due to a slew of service parts.
Model and Reference Number
Some models, including Rolex Submariner, are more popular than the rest. However, some Submariner versions are more sought after due to their collectibility among vintage watch collectors. For example, early Submariners made in the 1950s are exceedingly expensive.
There are some models that look quite similar, such as Ref. 5512 and 5513, but there is a stark difference in price due to features and functionalities.
Material and Color
Similar to its reference number, the bezel, case material, dial, and bracelet of Rolex Submariners can also help you determine its worth. For instance, certain colorways are highly coveted such as green. The “Kermit” (ref. 16610LV), “Hulk” (ref. 116610LV), and “Starbucks” (ref. 126610LV) green Submariners are valued higher than their standard black counterparts.
Generally speaking, gold Submariners will be the priciest, quickly followed by stainless steel. However, some highly collectible stainless steel Submariner references are valued higher than gold ones. Two-tone Submariner watches that mix gold and steel are typically the least expensive on the secondary market.
Production Year
The production year will also impact the value of the watch. In general, rare and collectible vintage Submariners will be the most expensive followed by the newest references. Some of the least expensive will be neo-vintage models from the late-1980s and 1990s.
Box and Papers
Owning the original papers and box of the Rolex increases its overall value. Though not a key factor, it still can push the price of vintage pieces even higher.
Provenance and Rarity
The details of the Rolex Submariner can also affect the price of your timepiece. For instance, a celebrity-owned Rolex Submariner can increase its resale value significantly. Moreover, rare design details, low-production references, or unique features can command higher prices than an otherwise standard Submariner.
Be Wary of Counterfeits and Modifications
Though Rolex Submariner is an iconic watch, it is one of the most counterfeited ones; therefore, chances of replicas are quite common. Only deal with reputable professional dealers when buying or selling pre-owned luxury watches made by Rolex. Otherwise, it’s easy to lose thousands of dollars when doing business with an inexperienced (or even worse, deceitful) source.
Even if you’re an avid watch collector, spotting a fake Submariner is becoming more challenging since counterfeits are becoming more sophisticated. However, just as important as spotting fakes is understanding modifications. It’s not uncommon for dishonest sellers to modify genuine Submariners will small details to up the value. Similarly, some sellers will not always disclose if the watch has replacement parts or not. These are deceitful tactics that take advantage of unseasoned watch buyers.
Therefore, you should only buy from trustworthy watch resellers who stake their reputation on the goods they sell and the information they disclose. Likewise, you should always sell your Submariner to a professional establishment that understands the current value of your watch, and more importantly, is willing to pay you a fair price for it.
Whether you’re looking to sell a vintage, neo-vintage, or modern Rolex Submariner, this comprehensive price guide should help you get a general idea of how much you can get for it.
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