Three Stainless Steel Rolex Submariners on a Black Watery Surface: Blue and Gold Dial and Bezel, a Green Dial and Bezel, and a Black Dial and Bezel

What Is a Rolex Submariner?

The Rolex Submariner is the most popular and desirable underwater tool in the watch world. In 1953, when it was first introduced, the Rolex Submariner was the first diving watch with a water resistance of 330 feet. The brand created Rolex Submariner watches to help divers with their underwater escapades. Its Chromalight display ensures visibility in dark environments.

Different shapes featured on the hour markers help prevent any confusion while underwater. The 60-minute graduation allows divers to monitor diving time and decompression stops in a safe way. The scratch-proof material and prevention against chlorinated water are what set the standard for deep-sea exploration.

The collection's release was an immediate success, particularly among diving professionals who were testing the brand. Today, the Submariner has a water resistance of 1,000 feet. This allows for optimal protection from water, dust, pressure, and shocks. But let’s be honest… Is anyone really wearing the Rolex Submariner to go diving?

Sure, you could take your Rolex Submariner on your next underwater expedition. But it looks just as great paired with a suit for a formal dinner or even a casual outfit to grab coffee or drinks with friends. Its popularity amongst celebrities also gives the collection an edge. Actors and athletes such as Mark Wahlberg and David Beckham have worn the model.

Actor Sporting a 41 mm Stainless Steel Luxury Timepiece with Green Bezel, Black Index Dial, and Date Function.Actor Sporting a 41 mm Stainless Steel Luxury Timepiece with Green Bezel, Black Index Dial, and Date Function.
Mark Wahlberg wearing a Rolex Submariner “Starbucks” edition

Purchasing a Rolex Submariner

Where can you buy a Rolex Submariner? Look no further than Avi & Co. We are a family-owned, highly trusted, luxury watch retailer with our home location in the heart of the Diamond District of New York City. We also have satellite locations in Miami and Aspen. All three of our boutiques sell hard-to-find watch brands such as Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex

The elegant and upscale showroom allows for private viewings. You can relax while admiring the timepieces that gleam like works of art. With our trustworthy reputation, people come from all over the world to purchase a timepiece from our always-growing inventory. Whether you are an avid watch collector or a new-found enthusiast, there are plenty of luxury timepieces for you to choose from.

Avi & Co. also sells pre-owned Rolex watches. Luxury brands often make watch collectors wait years on a waitlist before they can buy their products. Some luxury brands even require you to purchase two or three timepieces to build your credibility.

The secondary market allows you to purchase a timepiece without the luxury market rules. You are paying for the convenience and the immediacy of owning what you desire.

Trendy, Upscale, Luxury Watch Boutique with Couches, Fancy Lighting, and Glass Watch Displays.Trendy, Upscale, Luxury Watch Boutique with Couches, Fancy Lighting, and Glass Watch Displays.
Avi & Co.’s NYC Showroom

5 Top Best-Selling Rolex Submariner Models

There is no bolder diving timepiece on the market, and the additional date feature only reinforces the Rolex Submariner’s place at number one. But which models are favorites among watch enthusiasts?

Rolex Submariner 126610LN – Blackout

You can never go wrong with the timelessness and versatility of this blacked-out Rolex Submariner watch.  The stunning black dial features luminescent hour markers which make it easy to read in even the dimmest lights. The stainless steel 41 mm case is assembled with an impressive water resistance of 1,000 feet. Plus, the caliber has been updated from the 3135 to the 3235, making the 2020 edition of this watch better than ever.

40 mm Rolex Submariner with Black Dial, Black Bezel, Index Hour Markers, and a Date Function.40 mm Rolex Submariner with Black Dial, Black Bezel, Index Hour Markers, and a Date Function.
Rolex Submariner 26610LN, Stainless Steel, Black Index Dial, 41 mm

Rolex Submariner 116610LV – The Hulk

One of the top-selling models of the Rolex Submariner is known as the “Hulk.” To celebrate the collection's 50th Anniversary, a green dial was produced. The Submariner date watch with its green bezel and dial was named in honor of Marvel's giant hero. The Hulk and the 50th Anniversary green dial watches are rare collectors’ pieces.

 

Rolex Submariner Hulk Luxury Watch with Green Dial, Green Bezel, Index Hour Markers, and a Date Function.Rolex Submariner Hulk Luxury Watch with Green Dial, Green Bezel, Index Hour Markers, and a Date Function.
The Hulk, Reference #116610LV

Rolex Submariner 124060 – No Date

The Rolex Submariner “No Date” only exists with a black dial and luminous markers and excludes the typical date window, making it a one-of-a-kind timepiece. While the model saw updated bezels and thicker cases over the years, the excellence remains the same. The watch's serial number protects each No Date against counterfeiting. Because the No Date is so rare, the value is expected to continue to increase over time, making it very popular amongst collectors.

 

41 mm Rolex Submariner with Black Dial, Black Bezel, Index Hour Markers, and No Date Function.41 mm Rolex Submariner with Black Dial, Black Bezel, Index Hour Markers, and No Date Function.
Rolex Submariner No Date

Rolex Submariner 126619LB – Cookie Monster

The truly spectacular Rolex Submariner with a blue bezel and black dial sets the standard for diving watches. The 41mm case is made of white gold, featuring a monobloc middle case and oystersteel bracelet. Powered by the self-winding 3235 caliber, this timepiece has a 70-hour power reserve. The case comes with a matching bracelet that has a clasp and can resist water up to 1,000 feet. This model has been nicknamed the “Cookie Monster.”

 

41 mm Rolex Submariner Luxury Timepiece with Black Dial, Blue Bezel, Index Hour Markers, Oystersteel Bracelet, and a Date Function.41 mm Rolex Submariner Luxury Timepiece with Black Dial, Blue Bezel, Index Hour Markers, Oystersteel Bracelet, and a Date Function.
Rolex Submariner “Cookie Monster” watch

Rolex Submariner 126618LN – Yellow Gold

The latest generation of the Rolex Submariner remains faithful to the original model launched in 1953 with the addition of date functionality. The yellow gold 41 mm case is assembled with a ceramic bezel and a water resistance of 1,000 feet. Powered by the 3235 calibre, this timepiece has a 70-hour power reserve.

 

41 mm Rolex Submariner Watch with Black Dial, Black Bezel, Index Hour Markers, Yellow Gold Bracelet, and Date Function.41 mm Rolex Submariner Watch with Black Dial, Black Bezel, Index Hour Markers, Yellow Gold Bracelet, and Date Function.
Rolex Submariner Yellow Gold, Reference #126618LN

Rolex Submariner Prices

Wondering what you should pay for a Rolex Submariner? At Avi & Co., we sell new and pre-owned Rolex Submariner watches with costs ranging from $10,799 to $51,000. The price depends on the reference and whether the piece is new or pre-owned. Some Rolex Submariners can be worth more than the original retail price on the pre-owned market.

Based on supply and demand, we perform strategic market research across all platforms. We determine the cost of all timepieces to ensure you are always getting the very best deal. Shop Avi & Co.'s Rolex Submariner watches at a price point that is most suitable for you!

 

Why Are Rolex Submariner Watches Expensive?

Rolex Submariner watches are expensive due to their impeccable craftsmanship, precision engineering, and unrivaled heritage. Highly skilled craftsmen in Rolex’s manufacture in Switzerland assemble the tiny parts by hand.

Renowned for using premium materials such as 904L stainless steel and 18K yellow gold, coupled with rigorous testing, Rolex ensures durability and accuracy. These timepieces are particularly hard to find because of the high demand and low supply. Thus, the value has increased over time.

40 mm Rolex Submariner with Blue Index Dial, Blue Bezel, Two-Tone Bracelet, and Date Function.40 mm Rolex Submariner with Blue Index Dial, Blue Bezel, Two-Tone Bracelet, and Date Function.
Rolex Submariner 18K Yellow Gold and Steel, Reference #126613LB

Start a Watch Collection With the Rolex Submariner

What’s so great about the Rolex Submariner? Self-winding movements enable the wearer to wind the timepiece while wearing it. This makes this Rolex an excellent choice for an easy-to-wear accessory. You can wear this watch to the beach as well as with formal clothes for a night out.

People buy a Submariner to celebrate an important milestone or life event. It is the go-to piece for many Rolex aficionados. It checks all the boxes for durability: you can wear it playing sports, during formal events, and, of course, diving.

The 40 mm case is not too small or too big for the wrist. Its affordability, versatility, and iconic design compared to most Rolex models is ideal for someone beginning their watch collection.

41 mm Rolex Submariner with Black Index Dial, Black Bezel, and Date Function.41 mm Rolex Submariner with Black Index Dial, Black Bezel, and Date Function.
Stainless Steel, Reference #126610LN

Why Is the Rolex Submariner So Popular?

The Rolex Submariner is a popular watch due to its iconic design that has remained unchanged for 60 years. Since its production in 1954, it has been one of the most sought-after watches in the world. Its timeless look makes it instantly recognizable, thriving through many watch trends over the years. The Submariner date watch is a preferable model for many watch enthusiasts.

Rolex originally priced it at $150 in 1953 (equivalent to roughly $1,500 today) and marketed it as an affordable, sturdy, and reliable timepiece. It surpassed all expectations for a diving watch. Every dive watch in existence supposedly draws influence from the iconic design.

The only time the Rolex Submariner saw a drop in sales was in the 1970s when quartz watches grew in popularity. Quartz movements were more affordable than mechanical watches. However, Rolex eventually moved away from marketing the mechanical watch as affordable.

When they shifted the timepiece to being marketed as a luxury item with mechanical advancements, the brand thrived. Rolex grew into a brand that signified wealth and success, allowing the Submariner to regain popularity.

Black and White Photo of Man Wearing Luxury Timepiece with the Text: ‘We Invented the Submariner to Work Perfectly 660 Feet Under the Sea. It Seems to Work Pretty Well at Any Level.’Black and White Photo of Man Wearing Luxury Timepiece with the Text: ‘We Invented the Submariner to Work Perfectly 660 Feet Under the Sea. It Seems to Work Pretty Well at Any Level.’
Rolex Submariner Ad, 1970s

Are Rolex Submariner Watches a Good Investment?

One of the best investments a person could make for themselves is the purchase of a Rolex Submariner. It's a great acquisition strategy with a higher return than the stock market or corporate bonds. It’s also a great lifetime asset.

In 2011, choosing this timepiece over a 50-gram bar of gold was the smartest financing opportunity. A watch is a tangible item that people can use every day, unlike stocks or gold. Sales grew for Rolex in 2017 and have continued to go up ever since. The average price of a Rolex watch today is nearly three times its average from 2011.

The price of a Rolex Submariner is more attainable than prices from other luxury watch brands such as Audemars Piguet or Patek Philippe. As of 2022, Rolex saw a 3.4% increase year over year in the price of its watches. The constant increase in Rolex makes it a great gift to pass down to family members. It can also retain its value over the years despite daily wear.

Man Sporting 41 mm Stainless Steel Luxury Timepiece with Green Bezel, Black Index Dial, and Date Function.Man Sporting 41 mm Stainless Steel Luxury Timepiece with Green Bezel, Black Index Dial, and Date Function.
Rolex Starbucks, Reference #126610LV

How to Take Care of a Rolex Submariner

You should service your watch approximately every 10 years, depending on the model and wear, to guarantee accuracy and waterproofness. At a Rolex service center, a service may cost between $800-$1,200 depending on the condition. Cleaning it occasionally with a microfiber cloth will help maintain its shine.

Wearing a timepiece in the shower is okay because the dust and waterproof oystersteel case protects it. At night, we advise placing the Submariner back in its original box. This ensures that the environment is scratch-proof before placing it back on the wrist again.

A self-winding watch winds itself when worn on the wrist. The charge lasts for two days when not worn, depending on the model. You need to manually wind it before wearing it again. Be sure to follow these steps to resist everyday shocks, temperatures, and depths for a lifetime of use.

40 mm 18K Yellow Gold with Blue Index Dial, Blue Bezel, Yellow Gold Bracelet, and Submariner Date Watch.40 mm 18K Yellow Gold with Blue Index Dial, Blue Bezel, Yellow Gold Bracelet, and Submariner Date Watch.
40 mm Rolex Submariner, Reference #126618LB

Whether you are seeking a Rolex Submariner date watch or one with no date, let Avi & Co. be your trusted dealer. Our knowledgeable sales team will work with you to find a timepiece that fits your lifestyle. Schedule an appointment with one of our sales representatives in our New York City, Miami, or Aspen locations.