Rolex Submariner Watches

Rolex Submariner: Overview & Key Specifications

When you hold a Rolex Submariner, you feel the density of the 904L steel and the precision of the manufacturing. The company created this model because a Rolex director, Rene Paul Jeanneret, wanted a watch that could go from a formal dinner to a deep dive without changing straps.

Model Description and Naming

The Rolex Submariner started as a watch for divers. Early models like the reference 6204 were simple because they had a black dial, white markers, and a rotating bezel to time oxygen. The watch has evolved over the last 70 years as this model has moved from plastic and acrylic crystals to sapphire and from aluminum bezels to ceramic bezels.

In addition, collectors just don’t call them “Submariners.” In fact, they use nicknames. For instance, the “Hulk” is the green dial and bezel model, the “Kermit” or “Starbucks” is the black dial with a green bezel, and the “Bluesy” is the two-tone steel and gold with a blue face. These names for the Rolex Submariner make it easier to identify specific configurations among the many reference numbers.

Technical Specifications

The modern Rolex Submariner launched after 2020 has advanced technology features. These tech features are standard across the Submariner line, whether you buy the white gold “Cookie Monster” or the steel version. Here are the most important technical features:

• Case: The Rolex Submariner has a 41mm Oyster case, and it is slightly bigger than the old 40mm. However, the lugs are slimmer, so it wears comfortably on your wrist. 
• Material: This model has 904L Oystersteel material, which is harder and shines brighter than the standard 316L steel used by other brands. 
• Bezel: The bezel is unidirectional and rotating with 60 clicks with a Cerachrom (Ceramic) insert. It does not scratch as well as the color does not fade in the sun. You will see that Rolex has coated the numbers in platinum or gold.  
• Lume: The Submariner model usually has Chromalight Lume, which means the hands and markers glow a bright blue light in the dark. Remember, this is not green. 
• Waterproofness: All Submariner watches are waterproof up to 1,000 feet or 300 meters, thanks to the Triplock crown, which screws down tight with three rubber gaskets to keep water out. 

Main Variants

Keep in mind that you can’t buy a Rolex Submariner on a leather strap or a Jubilee bracelet. It only comes on the Oyster bracelet, which has the Glidelock system. It allows you to slide the clasp and make the bracelet larger or smaller by 20mm in 2mm steps. So, you don’t need any tools.

Rolex launched the Submariner with 3135 Calibre movement between 1988 and 2020. Collectors call this variant the workhorse because it is reliable and strong with a 48-hour power reserve. The current Submariner watches come with 3235 or 3230 Calibre movements. These have the Chronergy escapement feature, but the big difference here is the 70-hour power reserve. Moreover, the Submariner has the following reference families:

• 5-Digit: These usually have the aluminum bezel and smaller case feel (for example, the reference 16610).
• 6-Digit: The reference number 116610 and others come with the maxi case, thicker lugs, and ceramic bezels. 
• Current 6-Digit: The best example is 126610, 41mm with slimmer lugs and new movement.

Rolex Submariner Prices: Retail vs Secondary Market

There is a big gap between the retail and secondary market prices for the Rolex Submariner.

Secondary-Market Price Overview

The market in 2025 has stabilized compared to the high prices we experienced in 2022. While the prices have cooled down, the demand for the Submariner is still higher than the supply. So, this means you can’t usually buy a steel Submariner immediately if you walk into the shop. You have to wait. And because of this, secondary-market dealers sell these watches for a premium.

Remember, the condition of the watch is very important when buying from a secondary market dealer. For example, a 2025 unworn model with the box and papers costs the most, but the price will drop if the watch has scratches. The green warranty card and the original box usually add 10% to 20% to the value. So, the watch-only deal is cheaper. Steel models with black and green bezels have higher prices than retail, and two-toned models with steel and gold bezels trade closer to the retail price.

Official Retail Price List

Secondary prices for Submariner watches, particularly steel models, are 30% to 40% higher than the following retail prices.

Rolex Submariner as an Investment

People usually call the Rolex Submariner “liquid cash” because it is one of the safest investments in the world. When we analyze the historical data, we find that the price has rarely gone down for over 10 years. The steel models are the best for value retention. For instance, if you bought a Rolex Submariner for $8,000 five years ago, it is worth much more today. The important factor is discontinuation because when Rolex stops making a specific color, as it did with the “Hulk,” the price usually increases immediately.

Authenticity, Certification & Warranty

There are many fake Rolex Submariners, so knowing the details is very important. First, you should check the Rehaut by looking at the inner metal ring around the dial. It must say “ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX” engraved sharply. You can also see the serial number engraved at 6 o’clock. Secondly, check the finishing on the hands and see whether the edges are rough or smooth. Our experts at Watch Maestro say that there are no rough edges even under a loupe. Besides, there is a tiny laser-etched coronet or crown logo at 6 o’clock on the sapphire crystal.

Remember, this is very hard to see without good light. When it comes to the movement or winding, it must feel smooth and not gritty. The hands should move precisely after you pull the crown to change the time. All new Rolex watches, including the Submariner model, come with a 5-year international guarantee. But it stays with the watch and not the owner. If you buy a Submariner at Watch Maestro, we will give you a limited one-year warranty, so you have peace of mind.