Rolex is without a doubt the most popular, influential, and recognizable watch brand on the entire planet, and their Submariner is one of the most popular watch models in their entire collection. Nonetheless, the Submariner is a complex watch and many people, including myself, wonder about the Rolex Submariner’s price, water resistance, and much more. After I’ve done my research on the Submariner, I have learned
The Rolex Submariner is one of the most popular and iconic Rolex watches. Its 300-meter water resistance makes it a reliable timepiece perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The lowest retail price for a Submariner is $8,950, while the lowest price on the second-hand market is $12,000.
In this post, find everything you need to know about the Rolex Submariner and more. Read on!
The Rolex Submariner: A Brief Overview
From the James Bond movies to the wrists of countless celebrities and everyday people, the Rolex Submariner is one of the most iconic watches in history—and for good reason. If you’re looking for a watch that will last you a lifetime (and then some), look no further. Here’s everything you need to know about the Rolex Submariner.
It all started in 1953 when Rolex released the first model of its now-famous line of dive watches. The original model was designed to be water-resistant up to 330 feet, and it featured a unidirectional rotating bezel that allowed divers to measure their time underwater. It also had a “Mercedes” hour hand and luminous markers that glowed in darker conditions.
From there, improvements were made to the watch’s design and performance with every subsequent release. Models after 1953 feature more accurate timekeeping capabilities, better water resistance, improved durability, and more legible dials. In addition to these improvements, later models also include an automatic movement that allows the watch to wind itself using only the wearer’s movement.
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Can You Swim WIth A Rolex Submariner?
Swimming with a Rolex Submariner is completely acceptable. Its 300-meter water resistance makes it a reliable timepiece for swimming in pools, snorkeling on vacation, or utilizing on a dive.
You can certainly swim with a Submariner, but you should be careful. The Submariner was designed to be water-resistant up to 300 meters, so you shouldn’t have any issues swimming with it or going scuba diving.
However, the watch is not designed for deep scuba diving, so if you’re planning on going deeper than about 1000 feet, you’ll want to take it off and leave it somewhere safe above water. This is because the Submariner’s screw-down crown is designed to protect against leakage from pressure at relatively shallow depths; at greater depths, this crown is more likely to leak.
If your watch does become wet from splashing around in the pool or accidentally falling in the sink or toilet, you should make sure to dry it off immediately. If your watch is particularly dirty and needs a deeper cleaning, contact Rolex for advice on how to clean it safely.
I do not bring my own watches swimming because they simply have very low water resistance. However, with a Rolex Submariner, it was built and designed to be in the water so you shouldn’t be worried at all around the water.
Whether swimming or scuba diving, the Submariner is a perfect balance of form and function. While it can withstand depths of up to 300 meters, it is an extremely versatile timepiece: it still looks amazing worn with a suit or wearing on a day-to-day basis.
When it comes to my watch collection, I always look for versatility in a timepiece.
How Much Is A Rolex Submariner?
The lowest retail price for a Rolex Submariner is $8,950. As for resale price, you can get your hands on a Rolex Submariner in new/unworn condition for $12,000 and price tags increase for rarer and newer models.
The base model for a 41mm Rolex Submariner in stainless steel and black costs just nine grand at $8,950 (price from Rolex website). Some people consider this to be a hefty price tag, but considering a Submariner’s overall reliability and wearability as well as its overwhelming popularity around the world, it’s honestly a reasonable price if you ask me since the timepiece will last for decades.
As for the second-hand market, sellers have bumped up the price of the Submariner to $12,000 which is the cheapest price it’s set at right now. The Submariner from 1990 to 2010 is selling for the cheapest, while newer and rarer models are selling for up and over $16,000.
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What Are The Best Rolex Submariner Models On The Market?
While all Rolex Submariner watch models are beautiful in their way, some specific models stand out in terms of style, rarity, and wearability. Let’s dive into some of the best Rolex Submariners on the market that you can get your hands on.
Rolex Submariner “Date”
If you’re someone looking for the most versatile and simple Submariner, look no further than the Rolex Submariner “Date”, which is the over-arching category for Submariner that features a large calendar date at the 3 o’clock position. It looks great for practically any occasion.
It comes in a wide variety of styles and colors. Whether you’re someone who is looking for a reliable everyday watch, a more dressy watch, or a bold and flashy timepiece, the Submariner “Date” offers everything you ever need and more.
If you’re lucky enough to get it at retail price, you can get your hands on one for as low as $8,950. But if not, you can buy one on the second-hand market for around $12,000 and up depending on the model.
Rolex Submariner “Hulk”
If you’re someone looking for one of the rarest and most sought-after Rolex Submariner “Date” watches, then the “Hulk” is one of the best models to get your hands on.
The timepiece features a stainless steel case and bracelet with a green bezel and green dial accenting the same color as Marvel’s “Incredible Hulk”. While this is not a collaboration with Marvel and Disney, this model is famously known as The Hulk due to its coloring, which makes it unique and highly sought after.
The price for a Rolex Submariner “Hulk” on the second-hand market is slightly over $30,000. While this is a hefty price tag, it is one of the most demanded Submariners on the market.
Rolex Submariner “Kermit”
Similar to the “Hulk”, the Rolex Submariner “Kermit” is another very rare and sought-after timepiece that you can get your hands on.
The “Kermit” features a stainless steel bracelet and case with a light green bezel similar to the famous Sesame Street character Kermit The Frog, hence the nickname of the timepiece. The Kermit is one of the more rare Submariners and what makes it unique and demanded is the light green bezel.
The price for a Rolex Submariner “Kermit” on the second-hand market is just over $24,000. While it is cheaper and less sought after than the “Hulk”, it is still one of the best Rolex Submariner watches you can buy.
Rolex Submariner “Yellow Gold”
The Rolex Submariner “Yellow Gold” is one of the boldest and most luxurious Submariners on the market today.
The “Yellow Gold” Submariner features an all-gold case and bracelet, a black and gold bezel, and a black dial with gold accents. If you’re someone who is looking to stand out above the crowd, then the “Yellow Gold” is one of the best Rolex Submariner watches to buy.
As for price, you can find the “Yellow Gold” with an average price of $44,000. On the lower end, you can find models going for $30,000. On the higher end, you can find models with special blue dials and bezels for over $50,000
Wrapping Up
The Rolex Submariner is one of the most popular Rolex watches on the market, and it is completely feasible to swim with because of its 300-meter water resistance. The retail price for a Submariner is $8,950 and the resale price is $12,000 and up.
The Rolex Submariner is one of the most iconic watch models, and I would love to have one in my collection one day.
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