The Rolex Submariner Shopping for Information: How (and The place) to Get One in 2024

Searching for an approachable ticker to tide you over when you ogle the Subs under? Begin right here.

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The Rolex Submariner Ref. 124060

The purist’s selection from the present catalog, with a 41mm Oystersteel case, a black time-only dial, and Rolex’s newest computerized motion. If you happen to really use your dive look ahead to diving, you may’t do a lot better than this.

The Rolex Submariner Ref. 16610LV

In 2003, to have fun the Submariner’s fiftieth anniversary, Rolex launched a brand new mannequin with a inexperienced bezel (the “LV” stands for lunette verte) that was ultimately dubbed “Kermit” by followers, after The Muppets’ well-known singing frog.

The Rolex Submariner Ref. 116610LV

After the Kermit was discontinued in 2010, Rolex turned up the enjoyable by including a inexperienced to the combination, incomes this metal Sub the nickname “Hulk.”

The Rolex Submariner Ref. 116610

This 2010 mannequin introduced in some massive modifications for the Submariner Date, together with a ceramic bezel, Chromalight lume, a brand new motion, and—most notably—a beefier case with enlarged lugs and crown guards.

The Rolex Submariner Ref. 116619LB

Rolex marked its 2008 centenary with the primary Submariner to boast a case and bracelet constructed from 18k white gold. Fitted with a blue dial and matching bezel, this infamous (and since-discontinued) reference is now generally known as (what else?) the “Smurf.”

The Rolex Submariner Ref. 6538

This early Sub was produced from 1959-1959 and is recognizable by its outsized winding crown and lack of crown guards. Extra importantly, although, it was the watch worn by Sean Connery onscreen in such field workplace bangers as Dr. No, From Russia with Love, and Goldfinger, making it eternally generally known as the “Bond Sub.”

The Rolex Submariner Ref. 168000

The so-called “Triple-Zero” was the primary Sub with a case constructed from upgraded 904L metal, and marks the shift between classic and fashionable Submariner designs. As a result of it was made for lower than a 12 months within the late Nineteen Eighties, this is without doubt one of the extra collectible Subs of the fashionable period.

The Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680

The arrival of the primary Submariner Date, the 1680, marked the Submariner’s shift from hardcore instrument watch to quintessential desk diver. Created from the late Sixties till 1980, it was additionally the primary Sub to be accessible in full gold and two-tone variants. Inside this reference are additionally the so-called “Crimson Sub” variations, that are notably sought by collectors because of the Submariner identify printed in purple ink on the dial.

The Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513

For anybody seeking to get into classic Subs with out spending a fortune, this reference, which was in manufacturing from 1962 till 1989, is an effective place to start out. Later examples could be discovered within the excessive 4 figures (which sadly is about as inexpensive because it will get for classic Subs), and it additionally has the excellence of being worn by James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Stay and Let Die, and The Man with the Golden Gun.

The Rolex Submariner Ref. 5512

If you wish to know the precise second that the Sub got here of age, many collectors will level to this historic reference produced from 1959-1979. The ref. 5512 was made in a complete whack of various variants throughout its life, however they’re all distinguished by a modern-sized 40mm case (up from 38mm beforehand) and guards on both facet of the crown (Submariner collectors love to speak about crown guards.) It was additionally Steve McQueen’s Sub of selection.

The Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680/16800/168000 “Comex”

The French underwater engineering agency Compagnie Maritime D’expertises isn’t a model most of us can be conversant in if not for its outstanding place within the historical past of the Submariner. From the Nineteen Seventies via the Nineties, Rolex produced a half-dozen totally different Submariner Date references for COMEX divers, a lot of them with the COMEX brand prominently stamped on the dial. Did it enhance the look of the watch? Debatable. Does it make these a number of the most collectible (and priciest) Subs on the market? It positive does.