Pre-owned Rolex Submariner: Prices and Which Model to Choose.

Introduced in 1953, the Submariner was originally designed as a true tool watch for diving. Over the decades, its design has evolved without ever losing the elements that have shaped its identity.

It is precisely this continuity that accounts for part of its success. Both a vintage Submariner and a contemporary model are immediately recognizable as belonging to the same family.

Today, the watch is sought after by both watch enthusiasts and buyers looking to purchase their first Rolex sports watch.

To explore the origins and technical developments of the collection, The Swiss Collector has also dedicated an article to the world of the Rolex Submariner.

But when it comes to buying, another question becomes much more important: which model should you choose?

Even before comparing generations, there is one key distinction: the Submariner and the Submariner Date.

The former features a perfectly symmetrical dial without a date window. The latter adds the date at the 3 o’clock position, accompanied by the famous Cyclops lens.

Why choose a Submariner No Date?

For some enthusiasts, the Submariner No Date represents the version that most closely captures the model’s original spirit.

Its dial features a particularly balanced and clean aesthetic. It may therefore appeal to buyers who are primarily seeking the Submariner’s simplicity.

The contemporary model to know is the Rolex Submariner 124060.

Its case measures 41 mm, and it belongs to the current generation of the collection. It is powered by the Rolex Caliber 3230 and, of course, retains the 300-meter water resistance characteristic of modern Submariners.

It’s an appealing choice for:

● fans of symmetrical dials;

● those who don’t need a date display;

● a first-time purchase of a sporty Rolex;

● buyers looking for a understated, contemporary Submariner.

Why choose a Submariner Date?

The Submariner Date adds a feature that’s particularly practical for everyday use while offering one of Rolex’s most recognizable aesthetic hallmarks: the Cyclops lens.

Today, one of the must-have models is the 126610LN, featuring a black dial and a black Cerachrom bezel.

The difference between the two models is therefore less a matter of quality than of personal preference.

If you appreciate the clean lines of the dial, the No Date deserves special consideration. If you regularly use the date function and appreciate the Rolex design paired with the Cyclops, the Submariner Date will likely be a better fit.

The 126610LN is now one of the key models to consider when looking for a recent Rolex Submariner Date.

It succeeds the 116610LN and features a 41-mm case. However, the proportions have been refined—notably with slimmer lugs—giving the watch a different silhouette despite the increase in diameter.

It is also equipped with the Rolex Caliber 3235, offering a power reserve of approximately 70 hours.

For a buyer looking for a modern Submariner to wear regularly, the 126610LN offers several advantages:

● current generation;

● recent movement;

● long power reserve;

● instantly recognizable design;

● excellent versatility.

It can easily complement both casual and more formal outfits.

On the pre-owned market, its price varies mainly depending on the year, the watch’s condition, and whether or not it comes with the original box and papers.

As a rough guide, a pre-owned Rolex Submariner Date 126610LN can currently range from 13,500 to 16,500 CHF, depending on the configuration and condition of the specific watch.

To explore the available models and compare the Submariner with the brand’s other collections, check out the selection of authenticated pre-owned Rolex watches offered by The Swiss Collector.

The 124060 is the natural alternative to the 126610LN for those who want to stick with the current generation but prefer a Submariner without a date.

It retains the 41-mm diameter and is powered by the 3230 caliber.

Its main appeal is aesthetic: without a date window or Cyclops lens, the dial gains symmetry.

This relatively simple difference is enough, however, to divide Submariner enthusiasts.

Some consider the date essential on a watch worn daily. Others, on the contrary, believe that the No Date model is closer to the Submariner’s original identity.

On the pre-owned market, the Submariner 124060 currently sells for around 12,000 to 14,500 CHF, depending on its condition, year of manufacture, and the accessories included with the watch.

It is therefore a particularly logical choice for anyone looking to buy a recent Submariner without necessarily seeking out the Date version.

Produced before the current 126610LN, the Rolex Submariner 116610LN remains particularly prevalent on the secondary market.

It features a 40-mm case, a black ceramic bezel, and the Rolex Caliber 3135.

This generation marks an important milestone in the aesthetic evolution of the modern Submariner. Notably, its case features a more substantial middle section than that of previous generations.

Why is this model of interest today?

Because it sits precisely between two eras.

It already possesses many attributes of a contemporary Rolex, notably the Cerachrom bezel, while retaining the 40-mm diameter characteristic of the previous generation.

It can therefore appeal to buyers who find the most recent models slightly too large or who prefer the proportions of this era.

When an 116610LN appears on the pre-owned market, however, its condition becomes the deciding factor. It is particularly important to examine the condition of the case, any polishing that may have been done, the bracelet, and, of course, the watch’s history.

Let’s go back another generation with the Rolex Submariner Date 16610.

This model holds a particularly interesting position in the pre-owned market.

Its 40-mm case appears slimmer than that of the 116610 generation. It also retains an aluminum bezel, whereas subsequent generations would switch to ceramic.

The result is a watch whose appearance is immediately more reminiscent of traditional Rolex sports watches.

The 16610 may therefore be particularly appealing to those seeking:

● a Submariner with more classic proportions;

● the charm of an earlier generation;

● an aluminum bezel;

● a watch that bridges the gap between contemporary and collectible styles.

With this type of model, however, you must pay even closer attention to the watch’s overall condition.

Two Submariner 16610 models from the same year can be in very different conditions depending on their use, maintenance, or any repairs performed over the course of their lifetime.

Before making any purchase, it is therefore essential to inspect the watch as a whole. Our guide How to Check a Pre-Owned Rolex Before Buying It? details the key elements to examine: reference number, dial, case, movement, history, box, and paperwork.

It’s hard to talk about pre-owned Submariners without mentioning the 116610LV, better known by its nickname, the “Hulk.”

Its green dial paired with its green bezel gives it an instantly recognizable look.

Since production of this model has ceased, the rationale for purchasing it differs from that of a classic black Submariner.

Here, we’re entering more into the realm of collecting.

The appeal and price of a Hulk depend largely on the watch’s condition, its year of manufacture, whether it comes with the full set of accessories, and, of course, market conditions.

Therefore, one should avoid comparing its price solely to that of a recent black Submariner.

This difference, in fact, perfectly illustrates an important principle of the Rolex market: the model name alone is not enough to determine a watch’s value.

The exact reference number and configuration can have a significant influence.

The Swiss Collector explains these criteria in greater detail in its guide dedicated to the value of a Rolex watch.

These price ranges are approximate, and the pre-owned watch market changes regularly.

Two watches with exactly the same reference number can also differ in price by several thousand francs.

Why?

Because the price of a pre-owned Rolex Submariner depends, in particular, on:

● the year;

● the condition of the case;

● the condition of the bracelet;

● whether it has been polished;

● whether it has original components;

● its maintenance history;

● the box and paperwork;

● and the demand for that specific reference.

To put the price of a Submariner into context within the entire Rolex lineup, see our guide Which Pre-Owned Rolex Should You Buy Based on Your Budget?

With a budget of around 15,000 CHF, several strategies are possible depending on the opportunities available on the market.

A buyer looking for a very recent watch might consider the 124060 or certain 126610LN models.

On the other hand, someone who prefers a 40-mm case diameter might be interested in the 116610LN.

Finally, a collector who appreciates the character of older generations might prefer a 16610 in excellent condition over a contemporary model.

This is a key point: the most recent Submariner isn’t necessarily the best Submariner for every buyer.

The choice should match the wearer’s wrist size, desired style, and how the watch will be worn.

The two collections share certain aesthetic similarities but were designed for very different purposes.

The Submariner is historically a diving watch. The GMT-Master II, on the other hand, allows the wearer to display multiple time zones.

The GMT also often has a more striking design thanks to its two-tone bezels, while the black Submariner remains particularly understated.

If you’re torn between these two iconic sports watches, our comparison Rolex Submariner or GMT-Master II: Which One Should You Choose? provides a detailed analysis of their differences.

Ultimately, there isn’t a single “best” Submariner—rather, there are different models suited to different preferences.

For a modern, versatile Submariner: 126610LN

The current generation, the date display, and the 3235 caliber make this an excellent watch for everyday use.

For those who appreciate aesthetic purity: 124060

The absence of a date gives the dial perfect symmetry and brings the watch closer to the original spirit of the Submariner.

To maintain the 40 mm diameter with a modern aesthetic: 116610LN

A particularly interesting generation on the secondary market.

For a Submariner with a more classic character: 16610

Its aluminum case and bezel will appeal more to fans of earlier generations.

For a more distinctive, collector-oriented piece: 116610LV Hulk

Its visual identity and the fact that it’s no longer in production set it apart from the classic black Submariners.

In any case, buying a pre-owned Submariner shouldn’t be limited to simply searching for the lowest price. A watch that’s slightly more expensive but fully documented, consistent, and well-preserved may be a much better choice.

At The Swiss Collector, the pre-owned Rolex watches we offer are inspected and authenticated so you can compare different models based on their condition, history, and specifications.

Discover our selection of pre-owned Rolex watches and the Submariners currently available.