Pre-Owned
Rolex Submariner Watches
Diving had become revolutionised in the 1950’s by Jacques Cousteau’s invention, the aqua-lung, which made diving easier and more accessible. He was also commissioned by Rolex to help test their new diver’s watch, the Submariner, which went on to become one of the most successful diver’s watches in history.
Rolex Submariner Watches
History
The Rolex Submariner is a legendary timepiece that has evolved from humble tool-watch beginnings into an iconic symbol of luxury and prestige.
First introduced in 1953, it was a continuation of Rolex’s previous success with waterproof watches, having launched the ground-breaking Oyster model in 1926.
Specifically designed for divers, the Submariner quickly gained popularity among professional underwater explorers, eventually becoming a favourite choice for watch enthusiasts and collectors alike.
From its early models with water resistance of up to 100 metres, it has evolved to withstand depths of up to 300 metres in contemporary versions. Each iteration of the Submariner showcases Rolex's commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
Aside from its impressive technical specifications, the Submariner is a true symbol of luxury. Its timeless design and robust construction make it a timepiece suitable for both formal occasions and adventurous pursuits, as James Bond would attest (the fictional spy famously wore a Submariner in several of the early movies).
The Submariner's distinct features, such as the unidirectional rotating bezel, luminescent markers, and iconic Oyster bracelet, add to its allure and unmistakable aesthetic.
Another standout feature is its triple waterproof system. Designed to withstand the pressures of deep-sea diving, this ensures that the watch remains watertight even at depths of up to 300 metres.
The combination of a screw-down caseback, Triplock winding crown, and synthetic gaskets guarantees the utmost protection against water ingress. Whether you're exploring the ocean depths or simply enjoying a swim at the hotel pool, you can trust that your Rolex Submariner will keep ticking.
Lastly, let's not forget about the unidirectional rotatable bezel of the Rolex Submariner. Now crafted from ceramic, rather than aluminium, this bezel provides a crucial function. By allowing divers to track their immersion time accurately, the bezel enhances safety and prevents any accidental extension of dive times.
There have been countless versions of the Submariner through the years and the design has evolved incrementally. Early versions came without a Cyclops date window or crown guard, and the colour of the dial and bezel were available only in black. These days the Submariner comes in multiple colour combinations, with nicknames given to several models, such as the all-green “Hulk”, now discontinued.
Most Submariner models now come with a date window at 3 o’clock. However, for those who prefer a cleaner, more minimalist dial, the no-date Submariner is a popular choice. This model is only available with a black dial and bezel.
If you're looking for a more luxurious option, the Submariner two-tone is worth considering. This model combines stainless steel with 18k yellow gold, creating a striking contrast that exudes elegance. The two-tone design adds a touch of luxury to the iconic Submariner silhouette. Even more prestigious are the all-gold versions, which pair a blue bezel with either a black or blue dial. Both yellow gold and white gold models are available.
With its rich history and exceptional craftsmanship, the Rolex Submariner range offers a model for every discerning watch enthusiast. Whether you're a professional diver or simply appreciate the art of horology, the Submariner is a timepiece that will never disappoint. Choose from Watchfinder’s extensive range of pre-owned Rolex Submariners today.
Popular Rolex Submariner Models
Rolex Submariner 124060
The Rolex Submariner 124060 was launched in 2020, replacing the previous no-date Submariner, the reference 114060. Since the reference 1680, which was launched in 1966 , most Submariners have featured a date function, although Rolex has always offered a dateless option—albeit only in stainless steel and with a black dial and bezel. The 124060 came with an upgraded movement, the Calibre 3230, and 41mm case—a millimetre larger than the reference 114060.
Rolex Submariner 126610 LN
Rolex introduced the Submariner reference 126610 LN (the LN stands for “Lunette Noir”, French for “Black Bezel”) in 2020. It replaced the 116610 LN and came in a larger 41mm case and with the updated Calibre 3235 movement, replacing the 3135 used on the previous reference.
Rolex Submariner 16610
The reference 16610 was manufactured between 1989 and 2010 and was among the last Submariners to feature an aluminium bezel insert before the introduction of the less fade-prone Cerachrom, Rolex’s proprietary ceramic alloy. Its 40mm case houses the Calibre 3135, the first Submariner to use this movement, which was upgraded from the Calibre 3035.
Rolex Submariner 126610 LV
The Rolex Submariner reference 126610 LV (the LV stands for “Lunette Verte”, French for “Green Bezel”) is commonly known as the “Starbucks”, a nickname it was given due to its black dial and dark green Cerachrom bezel. This reference, released in 2020 replaced the previous 116610 LV, which was known as the “Hulk” and came with a matching green dial and bezel. As with the black-bezel version, it’s equipped with the Calibre 3235 self-winding movement.
Rolex Submariner 114060
The reference 114060 was launched in 2012 and produced until 2020. It was the first no-date model to come in the newer style Submariner case, with larger crown guards and lugs, although the case remained 40mm like the previous reference 14060. It also came on an upgraded Oyster bracelet that featured the new Glidelock system for easy, on-the-go adjustments. This model is equipped with the Calibre 3130.
Rolex Submariner 116610 LN
Launched in 2010, the reference 116610 LN was the model that first introduced Rolex’s proprietary Cerachrom bezel inserts to the stainless-steel Submariner. It features a 40mm case and an updated bracelet. Like the reference before it, the 16610, it’s powered by the self-winding Calibre 3135.
Rolex Submariner 16613
The Submariner reference 16613, produced between 1989 and 2010, was the second steel and yellow gold two-tone Submariner to be unveiled by Rolex, the first being the reference 16803. It comes with either a blue bezel and matching dial or black bezel and matching dial and is powered by the self-winding Calibre 3135. The case size is 40mm.
Rolex Submariner 116610 LV
Named after the comic-book superhero “Hulk” due to its green bezel and matching dial, this model replaced the similar “Kermit”, reference 16610, which had a light green bezel and black dial. It was produced between 2010 and 2020 before being replaced by the 126610. This watch was equipped with the self-winding Calibre 3135. The case size remained 40mm but it boasted a thicker profile, with fatter lugs, a larger crown guard, and a wider bezel.
Rolex Submariner 14060M
The no-date reference 14060M was something of a transitional model between the reference 14060 and 114060. It was produced between 1998 and 2012 and its dial can vary in appearance, with earlier models featuring two lines of text in the lower dial and newer models featuring four, thanks to the addition of the words “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified”. It was the last Submariner to feature holes on the outside of the case for the spring bars of the bracelet. The “M” added to the reference number stands for “modified”, due to it being equipped with a Calibre 3130, boasting some minor technical improvements on the Calibre 3000 used in the reference 14060.
Rolex Submariner 126613 LB
“Bluesy” is the nickname given to any two-tone steel and yellow gold Rolex Submariner with a blue bezel and matching dial. This version, reference 126613 LB, was released in 2020 and features a 41mm case, a millimetre larger than the previous reference. Equipped with the Calibre 3235, a version is also available with a black bezel and matching dial. The Chromalight hour markers, introduced to this model in the previous reference, provide superior legibility in darkness.
Rolex Submariner Wearing Celebrities
Considering the Submariner is such an iconic timepiece, it’s hardly surprising that it’s attracted an array of famous fans. Everyone from actor Tom Hardy to model Cara Delevingne has been spotted wearing this instantly recognisable dive watch. The former has opted for the understated 116610 in steel with a black dial and bezel, whereas Delevingne wears the two-tone yellow-gold and steel 116613LN.
Of course, the actor and renowned watch collector, Mark Wahlberg has not one, but a few Submariners in his collection including the striking yellow-gold and blue 116618LB and the “Starbucks”, reference 126610LV, with its black dial and green bezel. Fellow actor Robert Downey Jr unveiled his impressive watch collection in a video with GQ—his green-dial Submariner “Hulk” being a highlight.
Last but not least, comedian and chat show host, Ellen DeGeneres is well-known for her taste in typically masculine watches, her Submariner 6538 “Big Crown” being one of them. This is an incredibly sought-after timepiece that’s considered the original Bond watch after appearing in the first few films in the series (more below).
Submariner Appearances In Bond Films
For the first four James Bond films in the franchise—1962’s Dr. No, From Russia with Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964) and 1965 film Thunderball—Sean Connery’s Bond sported a Submariner 6538 “Big Crown”. One of the most recognisable features of the 6538 is its over-sized crown, hence its nickname, and lack of crown guards.
By 1969 film On Her Majesty's Secret Service, with George Lazenby as 007, the Submariner reference 5513 was his watch of choice, it also featured in Live and Let Die (1973) and The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) during the Roger Moore era. Timothy Dalton was the last Bond to wear a Submariner in the The Living Daylights (1987), which was a reference 16610. Although the current Bond watch is the Omega Seamaster, the Rolex Submariner is the only Bond watch that truly matters to many watch enthusiasts.
Rolex Submariner TV & Movie Appearances
As well as several early Bond movies, the Rolex Submariner has appeared extensively in hit movies and TV shows over the decades. These include the 2010 action comedy Knight and Day, where it was worn by Cameron Diaz, and 2004’s National Treasure, where the main character played by Nicholas Cage uses his Submariner as collateral to borrow a $100 bill from a cashier. Kiefer Sutherland, as Jack Bauer in the long-running hit series 24, also wore a Submariner, and it’s also been seen on the wrist of Theo James as Cameron Sullivan in the HBO black comedy, The White Lotus.
Adding to its credibility, the actor Steve McQueen famously wore a Submariner off-screen, owning two no-date models, one of which he gifted to his favourite stuntman.
Loren Janes, who doubled for McQueen in films such as the Towering Inferno and Bullitt, received a Submariner from McQueen with a caseback engraved with the message, “Loren, the best damn stuntman in the world. Steve.”
