How Much Does a Rolex Submariner Cost?

Last Updated on April 2, 2025
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

The Rolex Submariner represents one of the most iconic, coveted, and versatile luxury timepieces in horology history. Launched in 1953 as a rugged dive watch, the Submariner product line has evolved to become a pillar of Rolex’s brand identity and a mark of aspirational status symbolized on countless wrists.

But with demand perpetually outstripping supply and the pre-owned market driving extraordinary valuations, precisely how much can buyers expect to spend for both new and used Rolex Submariner models across the wide spectrum of references?

How Much Does a Rolex Submariner Cost?

New latest model of Rolex Submariner costs from $8,500 to $10,500 depending on configuration. Retail MSRP runs higher. For a recent used no-date, expect to pay $7,000 to $9,000.

Common vintage references – prices span from $5,000 for usable examples up to $25,000 for well-documented collector pieces in flawless shape. Rare models run far higher.

Special editions – Watches like the Hulk or Kermit command $10,000+ now, trading well above MSRP.

Set budgets accordingly, buy from trusted sellers, and pay fair market prices for the model, condition, and completeness. While not inexpensive, the Rolex Submariner delivers a lifetime of reliable performance to match the quality investment.

According to Luxury Bazaar, the 2025 list price for a Steel Submariner (124060) is $9,200, while the Steel Submariner Date (126610 LN) is priced at $10,400. The Steel Submariner Date “Starbucks” (126610 LV) costs $10,900. These prices reflect minimal increases from the previous year, with steel models seeing only a slight rise.

On Chrono24, a new 2025 Rolex Submariner Date 41mm (126610LN) is listed at $14,950. This price includes the original box and papers, indicating a premium price for a brand-new model.

The article on Monochrome Watches notes that while steel models have seen minimal price changes, gold versions have experienced significant increases. For example, gold models have risen by over 11%, reflecting the surge in gold prices.

According to WatchCharts, the market price for a Rolex Submariner is around $13,112, while the retail price is approximately $15,800. This discrepancy highlights the difference between official retail prices and what buyers are willing to pay on the secondary market.

Lastly, Get Bezel reports that gold Rolex models, including the Submariner, have seen substantial price hikes due to rising gold prices. For instance, the Submariner Date in yellow gold (126618LN/LB) is priced at $40,600, and in white gold (126619LB) at $43,700.

An Iconic Dive Watch

First, what exactly is the Rolex Submariner and why has it captivated watch enthusiasts for almost 70 years?

Debuted in 1953, the Submariner was an early sport model pioneering new levels of water resistance and durability. Its clean minimal dial with luminous Mercedes hands quickly became iconic, as did the rotatable timing bezel.

Main traits that defined the Submariner legacy include:

• Water resistance to 300 meters (1,000 feet)
• Automatic mechanical self-winding movement
• Stainless steel case with screw-down crown and caseback
• Unidirectional rotating timing bezel
• Legible dial with chrome or Cerachrom ceramic bezel inserts
• Superlative Chronometer certification for accuracy
• Constant evolution with recent models featuring sapphire crystal, 904L steel, and 70-hour power reserves

This distinctive tool watch aesthetic blended with Rolex’s perpetual engineering advances creates enduring demand.

Official Retail Pricing

When purchased brand new directly from an authorized Rolex retailer, you can expect to pay the following manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP):

Submariner No-Date 41mm

• Stainless Steel – $9,150
• 18K Yellow Gold – $21,500

Submariner Date 41mm

• Stainless Steel – $10,200
• Two-Tone (Rolesor) – $14,550
• 18K Yellow Gold – $37,450

Discontinued past references with high demand like the Kermit 50th anniversary now trade well above MSRP. Expect to pay a significant grey market premium.

Pre-Owned and Vintage

While Rolex sets the retail ceiling, true attainable pricing often trades at a discount on the thriving pre-owned market. Here are typical price ranges:

• Modern used Submariner No-Date – $7,500 to $9,000
• Used Submariner Date – $8,000 to $10,500
• Vintage Submariner 5512 – $20,000+
• Rare “Tropical” dial 5513 – $40,000+
• Paul Newman Daytona dial 5513 – $275,000+

Condition, documentation, accessories, and demand for specific references will dictate price premiums. Popular models like the Hulk and Coke trade significantly above retail.

Auction sales continue reaching new thresholds, with a Phillips record setting $275,000 sale for an ultra-rare “Double Swiss” Submariner 5513.

Rolex Submariner Price Factors

Many variables impact pricing in both the new and pre-owned Rolex Submariner markets. Main factors include:

Model and Reference Number – Vintage references like 5512, 5513, 1680, 16800, and 16610 carry prestige. Modern in-demand models include the Hulk 116610LV and new Kermit 126610LV.

Materials and Complications – Steel Submariners offer more affordability over precious metals. Date vs no-date impacts cost.

Condition and Service History – Collectors pay enormous premiums for “new old stock” pieces in unworn condition with PAPERS.

Original Box and Documents – Complete sets with papers, sales docs, and matching serial numbers fetch higher valuation.

Dial and Bezel Variants – Special versions like the green Hulk or two-tone Bluesy trend higher.

Location Sold and Taxes – Some regions with higher import duties see elevated local pricing.

Buying from trusted dealers ensures authenticity and fair pricing. Now let’s compare models

You might also like our articles about the cost of a Rolex watch in general, making a Rolex, or watch cleaning.

Pricing Across New and Vintage References

With various materials, dates, dial colors, bezels inserts, and more separating references, pricing fluctuates. Here are example values for key Submariners:

Modern Stainless Submariner 124060 – This replaced the legendary reference 16610. Expect to pay $9,000+.

Discontinued “Hulk” 116610LV – The exotic green bezel and dial make this a collector favorite at $15,000+.

Vintage 5513 “Matte Dial” – $20,000 – This scarce dial variant from the 1960s brings a significant premium.

Two-Tone Bluesy 16613 – The handsome two-tone color scheme costs $10,000+ now.

Rare Sea-Dweller “Double Red” 1665 – Considered a high watermark Submariner descendant, these fetch well over $100,000.

Paul Newman Exotic Dial 5513 – Ultra-rare models with these dials have sold for over $200,000!

New vs Used Rolex Submariner

Is buying a brand-new Submariner at retail worth the premium over pre-owned? Here’s an overview:

New Submariner

Pros

• Full factory Rolex warranty
• Pristine unworn condition
• Exact model and dial you want
• Peace of mind in authenticity

Cons

• Limited supply and long waitlists
• Higher MSRP price tag

Used Submariner

Pros

• Better availability and faster purchase
• Lower cost – 20%+ discounts from MSRP
• Wider selection of vintage models
• Can find barely worn examples

Cons

• No warranty coverage
• Extra scrutiny needed on authenticity and condition

For those willing to purchase secondhand, numerous trusted dealers provide certified pre-owned Rolex watches with enhanced peace of mind and cost savings. WatchBox, Crown & Caliber, Bob’s Watches, and DavidSW represent reputable outlets.

Retailers and Resale

Those in the market for a Rolex Submariner have several purchasing channels:

Authorized Rolex Retailers – Over 3,000 Official Rolex Jewelers worldwide sell new Rolex watches direct. Very limited stock and long waitlists. No discounts.

Online Pre-Owned Dealers – Both general (eBay, Chrono24) and Rolex-specialized vendors (Bob’s, DavidSW) offer pre-owned models with warranties, pricing transparency, and broader inventory. Accessible purchases but require vetting authenticity.

Auction Marketplaces – Leading auction houses like Phillips, Christie’s, and Antiquorum broker private sales of investment-grade vintage Submariners, often setting record sales up to 7 figures.

Collector Forums and Communities – Enthusiast message boards like VRF and Reddit provide owner feedback, appraisals, and classifieds for collector-to-collector direct sales. Require due diligence.

While availability differs by geography, global pricing is increasingly consistent, with the pre-owned market as the typical entry point for buyers.

Location and Taxes

Where you reside introduces nuances in attainable Submariner pricing:

• VAT Taxes – European buyers face 19-25% VAT taxes on new Rolex purchases, inflating costs over US prices.
• Import Duties – Certain Asian markets apply 20%+ import taxes on foreign luxury goods including Rolex.
• Local Demand – Highly desired models in Japan or China may trade 10-20% above European or US sales.
• Currency Values – Currency fluctuations cause pricing swings converting between dollars, pounds, euro, and yen.

These factors can easily drive thousands in pricing difference across a global market. Tourists often shop abroad to circumvent tax premiums.

Retail Prices Over Time

Given its enduring prestige, the Submariner has steadily increased in cost over recent decades:

• 1990 – Submariner Date 16610 sold for around $2,000 new.
• 2005 – The 16610 retailed for $4,350, more than doubling in 15 years.
• 2010 – Introduction of the 116610 at $7,500 reflected strong appreciation.
• 2020 – Modern Date models hit $10,000+ MSRP.

On the pre-owned market, specific vintage references have skyrocketed in the past 5-10 years:

• 2012 – 5513 Submariners traded for $5,000 to $10,000
• 2017 – Top examples sold for $15,000 to $25,000
• 2022 – Ultra rare Paul Newman dials fetched over $250,000

Limited supply plus booming global demand continues driving prices higher long-term.

Hidden Costs and Expenses

Beyond purchase pricing, Rolex ownership incurs ancillary costs:

• Sales tax on new purchases (6-10%)
• Insurance appraisal every 2-3 years
• Periodic maintenance service every 7-10 years (~$1,000)
• Any repairs due to damage
• Secure storage fees if using a safety deposit box
• Cost of spare links, replacement bracelet or strap

Forecasting total lifecycle costs is prudent. That said, a well-kept Submariner should run indefinitely with basic upkeep.

Spotting Good Deals and Overpricing

In the overheated Rolex market, deals prove elusive. But here are tips for avoiding overpayment:

• Compare online listings for price average on the same reference.
• Consult market trackers like WatchCharts for historical data.
• Verify sellers have strong feedback scores.
• Inspect certification papers closely.
• Cross-check serial and reference numbers.
• Be wary of short escrow periods or pressure sales.
• Avoid impulse hype purchases. Trends fade.

Patience and research protect your investment.

Final Words

The Rolex Submariner remains an aspirational timepiece blending luxury, history, and impressive global demand. Prices reflect this scarcity and prestige. But by understanding the nuances around reference pricing, condition rarity factors, appreciation trends, and dealership differences, you can plan budgets wisely and prevent overpaying, regardless of entry point.

Investing in a Submariner means joining a lifelong community. With sound guidance, that first purchase leads to a lasting legacy on your wrist. Welcome to the club.

Expert Insights

“Jump on opportunities for sports models like Sea-Dwellers and GMTs now flying under the radar before prices catch up to Daytonas and Submariners. Great value propositions long-term.”

– Akiko Nakamura, Watch Society of Tokyo

“I advise against getting hung up on only one reference or dial variation. Explore both modern and vintage, enjoy the range of Submariner heritage overall. This passion opens more doors.”

– Enrique Ortiz, Ortiz & Reed Auctions, Philadelphia

“For preowned, buy physically in person whenever possible, even if traveling further, to inspect condition firsthand with a loupe. Photos or videos, no matter how sharp, still hide blemishes.”

– Johannes Keller, Tempus Collector, Berlin

Answers to Common Questions

How does a Rolex work without a battery?

Rolex uses perpetual self-winding mechanical movements. The oscillating rotor constantly winds the mainspring, providing energy without batteries needed. This avoids replacing power cells.

What is the lifespan of a Rolex Submariner?

With routine maintenance, a Submariner should operate smoothly for decades, often being handed down for generations. Many vintage references from the 1950-60s still run accurately when serviced properly.

Does a Rolex Submariner lose value?

While any watch will depreciate somewhat when first purchased, Rolex models including the Submariner have proven to hold value exceptionally well long-term. Certain rare vintage references have even appreciated significantly in recent years. But buy the watch first for enjoyment, not just investment.