The Rolex Submariner is a legendary diving watch that was introduced in 1953 and has since become one of the most recognizable and sought-after timepieces in the world. It was originally designed for professional divers, but over the years it has become a symbol of luxury and style.
The Submariner features a robust stainless steel case, a unidirectional rotating bezel, and a highly legible dial with luminous hour markers and hands. It is water-resistant up to 300 meters (1000 feet), making it suitable for diving and other water sports. The watch is also equipped with Rolex’s patented Oyster case and Triplock winding crown, which provide extra protection against water and dust.
One of the most iconic features is its signature Cyclops lens, which magnifies the date window at 3 o’clock. The watch is powered by Rolex’s in-house automatic movement, which is known for its accuracy and reliability.
Over the years, the Submariner has undergone several updates and improvements, but its classic design has remained largely unchanged. It is available in several different variations, including those with a date complication and those without. I consider it a timeless classic that has earned its place in watchmaking history, and it continues to be a highly sought-after timepiece among collectors and enthusiasts.
How Many Rolex Submariner Models Are There?
The exact number of available models can be difficult to pinpoint, as Rolex has made many variations of the watch over the years, with changes to materials, colors, and technical specifications. However, here are some of the most notable Submariner models:
Rolex Submariner Date
Available in stainless steel, yellow gold, or two-tone (steel and gold), with date function.
Rolex Submariner No Date
As the name suggests, this watch has no date function. It is available in stainless steel.
Rolex Submariner Ceramic
With a ceramic bezel insert, this watch is available in stainless steel, yellow gold, or two-tone (steel and gold).
Rolex Submariner Green
Stainless steel model with green bezel and green dial.
Rolex Submariner Hulk
Another stainless steel model with green ceramic bezel and green dial.
Rolex Submariner Smurf
If you like smurfs (sorry, bad joke), this is a stainless steel model with blue ceramic bezel and blue dial.
Is The Rolex Submariner Automatic?
Yes indeed, this is an automatic watch. It is powered by Rolex’s in-house automatic movement, which means that it is self-winding and does not require a battery to operate. The movement is wound automatically by the movement of the wearer’s wrist, and it can also be manually wound using the winding crown. The automatic movement is known for its accuracy and reliability, and it is considered to be one of the finest movements in the watchmaking industry.
Is The Rolex Submariner Waterproof?
The Rolex Submariner is designed to be waterproof and is rated water-resistant up to 1000 feet (300 meters). It is equipped with Rolex’s patented Triplock winding crown, which provides extra protection against water and dust. The case is also fitted with a screw-down caseback, which helps to ensure that the watch remains water-resistant.
It’s important to note, however, that water-resistance ratings are not permanent and can be affected by factors such as age, wear and tear, and exposure to high temperatures or chemicals. Rolex recommends that the watch be checked and resealed periodically to maintain its water-resistance. Additionally, it’s important to always ensure that the winding crown is fully screwed down before exposing the watch to water.
Is The Rolex Submariner Overrated?
Well, this is a matter of personal opinion. Some people believe that the Submariner’s reputation is based more on its brand and status symbol than on its actual quality or functionality. They argue that there are other watches available at a much lower price point that offer similar or even superior features and performance.
Others argue that the Submariner’s reputation is well-deserved, based on its long history of excellence and innovation in watchmaking. They believe that its design and functionality are timeless, and that it continues to be one of the best watches on the market today.
Ultimately, whether or not the Rolex Submariner is overrated is a matter of personal preference and priorities. If you value the Submariner’s brand prestige and iconic design, it may be worth the investment for you. However, if you prioritize other factors such as value for money or unique features, you may prefer to explore other options.
Is The Rolex Submariner Worth It?
If you appreciate the Submariner’s classic design, high level of craftsmanship, and the prestige that comes with owning a Rolex watch, then it may be worth the investment for you. Additionally, this watch is known for its accuracy, water-resistance, and reliability, making it a practical choice for those who want a watch that can withstand the rigors of daily wear.
However, if you are primarily concerned with the functional features of a watch and do not place much value on brand prestige or luxury, then there may be other options that offer similar or better performance at a lower price point.
Does A Rolex Submariner Hold Its Value?
In my opinion the Rolex Submariner is known for holding its value very well over time. As a luxury timepiece with a strong reputation for quality, durability, and iconic design, the Submariner is often considered a solid investment piece that can retain its value or even appreciate in value over time.
The value of a Submariner can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the watch’s condition, age, rarity, and the presence of any special features or markings. In general, older Submariner models in good condition or with unique features tend to command higher prices, while newer models may depreciate more quickly.
That being said, it is important to note that the value of any luxury watch is not guaranteed, and can be influenced by factors such as market conditions, supply and demand, and changes in consumer preferences. While a Submariner may hold its value well compared to many other watches, it is still subject to fluctuations in the luxury watch market.
How Much Is A Rolex Submariner?
The price of a Rolex Submariner can vary depending on a number of factors such as the model, materials used, and its age. Generally speaking, the retail price of a new Rolex Submariner ranges from around $8,100 to $39,650 USD.
The cost of a pre-owned Submariner can also vary depending on factors such as its condition, age, and rarity. Generally, a pre-owned Submariner can cost anywhere from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the specific model and condition.
It’s important to note that the actual cost of a Submariner may be higher or lower than the suggested retail price, depending on factors such as availability and demand. Additionally, purchasing a Rolex Submariner from an authorized dealer or reputable seller can help ensure that you are getting a genuine timepiece and not a counterfeit or replica.
Are Rolex Submariners Hard To Get?
These are highly sought-after watches, and certain models may be difficult to obtain due to their popularity and limited availability. In some cases, there may be waiting lists or long lead times for certain Submariner models, especially those that are in high demand or have limited production numbers.
Rolex has a reputation for carefully controlling the production and distribution of its watches, and only sells its watches through authorized dealerships. This means that the availability of Submariner watches can vary depending on the region and the specific authorized dealer.
In recent years, there has been increased demand for Rolex watches. This has led to shortages and longer wait times for certain models. Reasons are factors such as the growth of the luxury watch market, increased global wealth, and the perceived value of luxury goods as an investment.
How Long Is The Wait To Get A Rolex Submariner?
The wait time for a Rolex Submariner can vary depending on several factors such as the specific model, materials used, and demand in the market. Some models of the Submariner, particularly those with unique features or limited production runs, can have long waiting lists and high demand, resulting in extended wait times.
In some cases, the wait time for a new Rolex Submariner can be several months or even a year or more, depending on the model and availability. However, it’s worth noting that the actual wait time can vary greatly depending on the region, the authorized dealer, and the specific watch model.
If you’re interested in purchasing a Submariner and are concerned about wait times, it’s a good idea to contact authorized Rolex dealerships in your area and inquire about availability. In some cases, authorized dealers may have a waiting list or may be able to provide information on the expected wait time for specific models. It’s important to note that some dealers may require a deposit or other commitment to secure a place on a waiting list for a specific model.