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Rolex Submariner Auction Records & Realized Prices

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253+
Records
$281,600
Highest Sale (page)
$141,799
Avg Price (page)
$5,000 - $500,000+
Typical Range

Rolex Submariner Auction Results

253+ total — showing 12
ROLEX | 'SUBMARINER' STAINLESS STEEL BRACELET WATCH
$14,760
BONHAMS AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS · Aug 2025

ROLEX | 'SUBMARINER' STAINLESS STEEL BRACELET WATCH

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ROLEX | SUBMARINER - SERTI DIAL, REF.16613, A RARE STAINLESS STEEL AND YELLOW GOLD BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE AND SAPPHIRE/DIAMOND INDEXES, CIRCA 1991
$102,000
BONHAMS AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS, Hong Kong, Admiralty · Feb 2023

ROLEX | SUBMARINER - SERTI DIAL, REF.16613, A RARE STAINLESS STEEL AND YELLOW GOLD BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE AND SAPPHIRE/DIAMOND INDEXES, CIRCA 1991

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ROLEX | SUBMARINER, REF.116613LB, A STAINLESS STEEL AND YELLOW GOLD BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE, CIRCA 2015
$121,600
BONHAMS AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS, Hong Kong, Admiralty · May 2024

ROLEX | SUBMARINER, REF.116613LB, A STAINLESS STEEL AND YELLOW GOLD BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE, CIRCA 2015

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ROLEX | SUBMARINER "HULK", REF.116610LV, A BRAND NEW STAINLESS STEEL BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE, CIRCA 2019
$204,800
BONHAMS AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS, Hong Kong, Admiralty · May 2024

ROLEX | SUBMARINER "HULK", REF.116610LV, A BRAND NEW STAINLESS STEEL BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE, CIRCA 2019

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ROLEX | SUBMARINER, REF.116619LB "SMURF", A WHITE GOLD BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE, CIRCA 2010
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ROLEX | SUBMARINER, REF.116619LB "SMURF", A WHITE GOLD BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE, CIRCA 2010

ROLEX | SUBMARINER "STARBUCKS", REF.126610LV, A BRAND NEW STAINLESS STEEL BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE, CIRCA 2024
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ROLEX | SUBMARINER "STARBUCKS", REF.126610LV, A BRAND NEW STAINLESS STEEL BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE, CIRCA 2024

ROLEX | SUBMARINER "HULK", REF.116610LV, A STAINLESS STEEL BRACELET WATCH WITH CERAMIC BEZEL AND DATE, CIRCA 2018
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ROLEX | SUBMARINER "HULK", REF.116610LV, A STAINLESS STEEL BRACELET WATCH WITH CERAMIC BEZEL AND DATE, CIRCA 2018

ROLEX | SUBMARINER "KERMIT", REF.16610LV, A STAINLESS STEEL BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE, CIRCA 2005
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ROLEX | SUBMARINER "KERMIT", REF.16610LV, A STAINLESS STEEL BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE, CIRCA 2005

ROLEX | SUBMARINER - KERMIT FLAT 4, REF.16610T, A STAINLESS STEEL BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE, CIRCA 2004
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ROLEX | SUBMARINER - KERMIT FLAT 4, REF.16610T, A STAINLESS STEEL BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE, CIRCA 2004

ROLEX | SUBMARINER, REF.16618, A FINE YELLOW GOLD BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE, CIRCA 2007
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ROLEX | SUBMARINER, REF.16618, A FINE YELLOW GOLD BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE, CIRCA 2007

ROLEX | SUBMARINER "SINGLE RED" REF.1680, A STAINLESS STEEL BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE, CIRCA 1973
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ROLEX | SUBMARINER "SINGLE RED" REF.1680, A STAINLESS STEEL BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE, CIRCA 1973

ROLEX | SUBMARINER, REF.126613LN, A YELLOW GOLD AND STAINLESS STEEL BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE, CIRCA 2022
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ROLEX | SUBMARINER, REF.126613LN, A YELLOW GOLD AND STAINLESS STEEL BRACELET WATCH WITH DATE, CIRCA 2022

Rolex Submariner Values Explained

The Submariner is the defining dive watch and the most recognizable Rolex ever made. Vintage Submariners with gilt dials and early "Big Crown" references command extraordinary premiums. The ref 6538 (as worn by Sean Connery as James Bond) is among the most collectible Rolex references — examples in good condition start above $50,000. Tropical dials, where the black lacquer has aged to a warm brown, can add 300-500% to value.

Notable Reference Numbers

6200 (First Sub) 6204 6538 (Big Crown) 5512 5513 1680 (Date) 16610 (Ceramic era) 116610LN 124060 (No date, current) 126610LN (Current)
Auction Record
$425,500 (Ref 6538 "Big Crown", Christie's 2019)

Rolex Submariner — Frequently Asked Questions

Vintage Submariner values span an enormous range: a standard 5513 in good condition might sell for $5,000-$15,000, while a ref 6538 "Big Crown" with original gilt dial can exceed $400,000. Key factors are the reference number, dial condition (tropical dials command huge premiums), originality of hands and crown, and whether the case has been polished (which destroys collector value).

A tropical dial is a Submariner where the original black lacquer dial has naturally aged to a warm chocolate brown. This happens unpredictably over decades due to UV exposure and specific chemical reactions. Collectors prize these because they are rare and impossible to replicate authentically. A Submariner with a well-patinated tropical dial typically sells for 3-5x the price of the same reference with a standard black dial.

Absolutely not. Polishing destroys the original case geometry and removes decades of authentic wear that collectors value. A polished vintage Sub can lose 30-50% of its auction value compared to an unpolished example with natural wear. Original case condition with sharp lugs and untouched surfaces is the single most important cosmetic factor in vintage Rolex valuation.

The ref 6200 (first production Submariner, extremely rare) and ref 6538 "Big Crown" (James Bond watch) are the most valuable, with top examples exceeding $400,000. Within the 5512 and 5513 family, examples with original gilt dials, "meters first" depth ratings, and untouched cases command the highest prices.
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