Rolex Submariner Date

Many factors influence the price of a Submariner Date, including its year of production, condition, and materials. Unsurprisingly, stainless steel models are less expensive than those in gold. Plan to spend around 10,100 USD on a new stainless steel timepiece with a black dial and bezel from the current collection (ref. 116610LN). This same watch starts at about 8,100 USD pre-owned. If you're looking for an early, vintage model – such as the Submariner Date 1680 – be prepared to dig a bit deeper into your pockets. Depending on the watch's condition, prices range from 10,900 to 16,700 USD.

With its green bezel and black dial, the anniversary edition of the Submariner Date from 2003 is a coveted collector's item. This watch has the reference number 16610LV and is known as the " Kermit" by fans. A never-worn example costs around 16,300 USD, while a pre-owned model in good condition goes for about 11,800 USD. The ref. 116610LV is even less expensive. This timepiece not only has a green bezel, but also a green dial, which is why it is often referred to as the " Hulk." This model demands around 11,400 USD new and 10,400 USD pre-owned.

Thanks to its careful construction, every Submariner Date since the ref. 16800 has been water resistant to 300 m (30 bar, 984 ft). Older models could withstand up to 20 bar (200 m, 656 ft) of water pressure. Like all Oyster models, the case is composed of a single piece, known as monobloc, and the case back is screwed on to the center section. The ref. 16800 also marked the introduction of scratch-resistant sapphire glass to the series. How well a timepiece can keep water out is a crucial characteristic of a diving watch. The crown is a possible weak point, as it requires a hole be made in the case. This is why Rolex outfitted the Submariner Date with their Triplock system, which features four rubber gaskets to keep out water and dirt. Otherwise, the crown is screwed down into the case when not in use. It is only unscrewed when the watch needs to be set or manually wound.

A counterclockwise unidirectional bezel is also a mandatory feature of diving watches. This allows you to easily keep track of how long you have been underwater. It's impossible to turn the bezel clockwise, meaning the dive time cannot accidentally be lengthened. It's also important to be able to tell the time in darkness. This is why the Submariner is equipped with luminous hands and indices. Since the ref. 116610, Rolex has been using their own luminous material, Chromalight, which glows blue in the dark. Chromalight's color differs from the previously-used luminous substance, Superluminova, which glows green.