Article Summary
- The Rolex Submariner is the world's most recognisable dive watch and one of the most liquid references in the pre-owned market
- Two main variants exist: the Submariner (no date) and the Rolex Submariner Date, which features a date window at 3 o'clock with a Cyclops lens
- Key references to know include the 114060, 124060, 116610LN, 126610LN, and the green-bezel variants known as the Hulk and the Kermit
- Pre-owned Rolex Submariner prices vary by reference, condition, and whether original box and papers are present
- The Submariner runs on an automatic movement and does not need to be wound during regular wear, though manual winding is straightforward when required
- Authentication is essential when buying pre-owned; there are specific tells that distinguish a genuine Submariner from a fake
- LH Watch Trade buys and sells pre-owned Rolex Submariner watches from its Portsmouth showroom, with same-day valuations available
The Rolex Submariner: An Introduction
Few watches in history have achieved what the Rolex Submariner has. Introduced in 1953 as the first wristwatch water-resistant to 100 metres, it went on to become the definitive dive watch and, in many respects, the definitive sports watch full stop. Decades later, its core design remains almost unchanged. That consistency is not conservatism for its own sake; it reflects the fact that Rolex got the formula right early and has refined rather than reinvented it ever since.
For anyone considering a pre-owned Rolex Submariner, the volume of available references, versions, and price points can feel overwhelming at first. This guide covers what you need to know about the key references, the differences between them, what they cost, and what to look for when buying.
Submariner vs Rolex Submariner Date: What Is the Difference?
The most fundamental distinction in the Submariner range is between the no-date and date variants. The Rolex Submariner Date features a date window at 3 o'clock, magnified by a Cyclops lens on the crystal. The no-date Submariner has a cleaner dial with no date complication and no Cyclops. The no-date reference also has a slightly slimmer case profile as a result.
Both versions share the same 40mm or 41mm case depending on the generation, the same unidirectional rotating bezel, and the same Oyster bracelet. The choice between them is largely aesthetic. Purists and those who prefer a cleaner dial tend to favour the no-date; buyers who want the practical date function opt for the Rolex Submariner Date. Neither holds its value significantly better than the other, though the no-date has historically traded at a slight premium due to lower production volumes.
For a broader look at how the Submariner compares to the Daytona and Datejust as an overall purchase, the three-model comparison covers the key differences.
The Key Rolex Submariner References Explained
114060 and 124060 (No-Date)
The 114060 was the modern no-date Rolex Submariner produced from 2012 until 2020. It was the first no-date Submariner to feature a ceramic Cerachrom bezel, replacing the older aluminium insert. The 124060 replaced it in 2020, introducing the larger 41mm case, the calibre 3230 movement with an extended 70-hour power reserve, and a refined bracelet with the Oysterlock clasp and Glidelock extension system. Both are strong pre-owned buys. The 124060 commands a premium for its more current specification.
116610LN (Black Bezel Date)
The 116610LN is the black-bezel Rolex Submariner Date produced between 2010 and 2020. It was the first Submariner Date to move to the ceramic bezel, and it remains one of the most bought and sold references in the pre-owned market.
Supply is healthy, which keeps prices relatively accessible compared to rarer references, and its timeless black-on-black dial and bezel combination suits almost any context. If you are buying your first Rolex Submariner, this is the reference most people start with.
126610LN (Current Black Bezel Date)
The 126610LN is the current generation Rolex Submariner Date in black, introduced in 2020 alongside the no-date 124060. It shares the same 41mm case upgrade and calibre 3235 movement with the 70-hour power reserve. Pre-owned examples are available and represent a good way to access the current specification at below retail pricing, particularly for buyers who would otherwise face a significant wait at an authorised dealer.
116610LV and 126610LV (Green Bezel: Hulk and Kermit)
The green-bezel variants of the Rolex Submariner Date have developed a following that goes well beyond the standard market. The 116610LV, known as the Hulk, features a green ceramic bezel and a green dial. It was discontinued in 2020 and immediately became sought-after on the secondary market as a result.
The 126610LV, known as the Kermit, revived the green-bezel Submariner but with a black dial rather than green, referencing an earlier aluminium-bezel green Submariner from 2003. Both are strong performers in the pre-owned market and tend to trade at a premium above the equivalent black-bezel references.
How Much Is a Rolex Submariner?
New Rolex Submariner prices at authorised dealers start at around £8,100 for the no-date and rise to £9,000 or more for the Rolex Submariner Date, depending on the configuration. In practice, new examples are difficult to obtain without an existing relationship with an authorised dealer, and waiting lists for the more popular references remain long.
On the pre-owned market, how much a Rolex Submariner costs depends on the reference, condition, and whether original box and papers are present. A pre-owned 116610LN in good condition with box and papers typically trades in the range of £8,000 to £10,000 at the time of writing, while a current-generation 126610LN commands a modest premium. Discontinued green-bezel variants such as the Hulk often trade above those figures.
Buyers tracking how pre-owned Rolex prices are moving in 2025 will find the secondary market has stabilised considerably after the peaks of 2021 and 2022, making now a reasonable time to buy.
How to Wind a Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner runs on an automatic movement, which means it winds itself through the motion of the wearer's wrist during normal daily wear. In practice, most Submariner owners never need to wind their watch manually. However, if the watch has been left unworn for several days and has stopped, knowing how to wind a Rolex Submariner is useful.
First, unscrew the crown by turning it anticlockwise until it releases from the case. With the crown in its resting position (pushed in, position 0), turn it clockwise approximately 20 to 30 times to give the mainspring sufficient power to start running. Once running, push the crown back in and screw it down clockwise until it is firmly seated against the case. This restores the watch's water resistance.
Avoid winding the Submariner while it is on the wrist, as the angle can put unnecessary pressure on the crown and stem. If the watch requires regular manual winding to keep running, that is a sign a service may be due. The LH Watch Trade servicing team can advise on whether a service is appropriate.
How to Spot a Fake Rolex Submariner
Counterfeits are becoming increasingly sophisticated across all Rolex references, and the Submariner is one of the most frequently imitated. Knowing the specific tells for this model is useful whether you are buying privately or assessing a watch you have been offered.
The bezel on a genuine modern Rolex Submariner is ceramic and has a very specific resistance and click when rotated. It moves in one direction only, in 120 precise increments. On a fake, the bezel often feels loose, moves in both directions, or clicks unevenly. The crown on a genuine Submariner screws down firmly and smoothly; on a counterfeit it often feels gritty or imprecise. The date magnification on a Rolex Submariner Date should enlarge the date to 2.5 times its size through the Cyclops lens.
On most fakes, the magnification is visibly weaker. The seconds hand on a genuine Submariner sweeps continuously rather than ticking; even high-quality fakes rarely replicate this accurately.
When buying pre-owned, always use a specialist dealer who authenticates every watch before sale. LH Watch Trade inspects every Rolex Submariner we sell, so buyers can purchase with complete confidence.
Buying a Pre-Owned Rolex Submariner at LH Watch Trade
LH Watch Trade buys and sells pre-owned Rolex Submariner watches from its Portsmouth showroom, serving buyers and sellers across Hampshire, the South Coast, and the wider UK. Every Rolex Submariner we sell is authenticated and described honestly, with condition, reference, and documentation clearly stated.
If you are looking to sell a Rolex Submariner, we offer same-day in-person valuations with no obligation to proceed. If you are considering whether to sell outright or part exchange toward another reference, both options are available and we can walk you through the difference in value before you decide.
Browse our current men's Rolex watches to see what is in stock, or get in touch to discuss a valuation on your existing Submariner.