The best Rolex Submariner watches offer exceptional performance and functional design, even when 300m deep. The latest generation of Rolex Submariner and Submariner Date models remain true to the original model that was launched back in 1953.
Enhancements are a-plenty, with each of these latest models using scratch-resistant alloys, shock-absorbing oscillators, and hardened perpetual self-winding mechanical movements.
Best Rolex Submariner Watches
All with striking good looks and easy to read, even total darkness, here are 8 of the best Rolex Submariner watches to consider. These hardy timepieces will carry on working long after your ears have gone pop.
1. Rolex Submariner Date 126619LB
Review
The Submariner Date 126619LB is striking to the eye with a 41mm diameter Oyster case is presented in dazzling 18ct white gold. The blue unidirectional rotatable bezel is scratch-resistant and easy to read with platinum-coated graduations and numerals even when things get murky.
The black dial keeps things traditional and is extenuated by the luminescent hour markers and hands. All of which are protected in scratch-resistant sapphire glass, complete with Cyclops lens over the date aperture.
An 18ct white gold flat 3-piece link bracelet matched the case, and is heavy, durable, and comes with a folding Oysterlock safety clasp.
Performance is excellent. The self-winding perpetual movement has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, and this timepiece is waterproof to 300 metres.
Case Diameter:
41.0mm
Water Resistance:
Up to 300 meters / 1000 feet
Movement:
Mechanical, Perpetual, Self-winding
Guide Price
£31,850.00 / $49,995.00
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2. Rolex Submariner Date 126618LN
Review
With a decadent 41mm diameter 18ct yellow gold alloy Oyster case, the Submariner Date 126618LN timepiece is equally happy 300m deep or at red carpet events.
The scratch-resistant unidirectional rotatable bezel in black contrasts well with the surrounding sparkle. Gold-coated graduations and numerals are easy to read, and the etched edges look rugged.
A classy matching black dial allows the luminescent hour markers and hands to really ping. All this is protected in scratch-resistant sapphire glass. There is a Cyclops lens over the date aperture that looks very cool indeed.
18ct yellow gold flat 3-piece link bracelet matching the case looks chunky and expensive. Of course, comes with the Rolex folding Oysterlock safety clasp as standard.
As for performance, the self-winding perpetual movement provides a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, is scratch-resistant, and waterproof to 300 metres.
Case Diameter:
41.0mm
Water Resistance:
Up to 300 meters / 1000 feet
Movement:
Mechanical, Perpetual, Self-winding
Guide Price
£29,650.00 / $46,150.00
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3. Rolex Submariner Date 126618LB
Review
Presented in the same 41mm diameter 18ct yellow gold alloy Oyster case as the previous model, the Submariner Date 126618LB is far more of a luxury daytime sports watch due to its attention-seeking blue tones.
Its scratch-resistant bezel in black is unidirectionally rotatable. Gold-coated graduations and numerals are easy to read. The etched edges ensure the bezel is easy to grasp, even with diving gloves.
A royal blue dial allows the luminescent hour markers and hands to really ping as they are edged in yellow gold for added sparkle. Scratch-resistant sapphire glass protects this timepiece, and the Cyclops lens over the date aperture is a refined touch.
The eye-catching 18ct yellow gold flat 3-piece link bracelet feels heavy, well made. It comes complete with the Rolex folding Oysterlock safety clasp as standard.
As for performance, the perpetual movement is endowed with a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. This hardy timepiece is scratch-resistant, waterproof to 300 metres, and self-winding.
Case Diameter:
41.0mm
Water Resistance:
Up to 300 meters / 1000 feet
Movement:
Mechanical, Perpetual, Self-winding
Guide Price
£29,650.00 / $47,250.00
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4. Rolex Submariner Date 126613LN
Review
The 41mm diameter case of the Submariner Date 126613LN is a fusion of 18ct yellow gold alloy and Rolex Oystersteel. It looks equally suited for casual and formal attire, and of course, descending to the depths of the ocean.
The scratch-resistant unidirectional rotatable bezel looks striking in black. Gold-coated graduations and numerals are easy on the eye, and the bezels sharp edges are both functional and purposeful.
A black dial matches the bezel and ensures the luminescent and gold edged hour markers and hands stand out. Scratch-resistant sapphire glass protects everything. I love the Cyclops lens that sits over the date aperture as it gives a real retro feels whilst being functional.
The 18ct yellow gold and Rolex Oystersteel mixed flat 3-piece link bracelet is weighty and distinctive. The Rolex folding Oysterlock safety clasp comes as standard to ensure this timepiece stays on your wrist.
As you would expect, performance is excellent. Its perpetual movement enjoys a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. This hardy timepiece is scratch-resistant, waterproof to 300 metres, and self-winding.
Case Diameter:
41.0mm
Water Resistance:
Up to 300 meters / 1000 feet
Movement:
Mechanical, Perpetual, Self-winding
Guide Price
£11,450.00 / $19,450.00
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5. Rolex Submariner Date 126613LB
Review
The 41mm diameter case of the Submariner Date 126613LB is a masculine blend of 18ct yellow gold alloy and Rolex Oystersteel. It gives a modern look, making this timepiece handle sports, casual and more formal occasions with ease.
The chunky scratch-resistant unidirectional rotatable bezel is presented in royal blue. Gold-coated graduations, edging, and numerals are clear even when it gets dark. The jagged edges of the bezel are easy to grip, and the matching oversized gold crown looks manly.
A royal blue dial is easy on the eye and ensures the luminescent and gold edged hour markers and hands stand out nicely. All are protected by scratch-resistant sapphire glass. The Cyclops lens that hovers over the white date aperture is clear and concise.
The hefty mixed colour flat 3-piece link bracelet is made of a combination of 18ct yellow gold and Rolex Oystersteel. An Oysterlock safety clasp is included for added loss prevention.
The perpetual movement of this Submariner has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours and is precise to -2/+2 sec/day. Scratch-resistant, waterproof to 300 metres, and self-winding, this watch can keep up with you.
Case Diameter:
41.0mm
Water Resistance:
Up to 300 meters / 1000 feet
Movement:
Mechanical, Perpetual, Self-winding
Guide Price
£11,450.00 / $20,225.00
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6. Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV
Review
The 41mm diameter case of the Submariner Date 126610LV is presented in corrosion-resistant Rolex Oystersteel, giving a modern look. This more informal version is ideal for water sports and casual occasions.
Presented in green ceramic, the scratch-resistant rotatable bezel is unidirectional and easy to rotate. Graduations and numerals on the bezel are clear to read and coated in platinum. Jagged edges of the bezel allow for non-slip functionality.
The contrasting black dial works well with the green bezel. Luminescent hour markers and hands stand out well and are edged in platinum. Scratch-resistant sapphire glass protects all the workings of the dial. A Cyclops lens rests above the date aperture to boost visibility.
The Rolex Oystersteel flat 3-piece link bracelet is weighty. It is smart/casual in appearance, plus the folding Oysterlock safety clasp comes as standard as an extra safeguard.
As for performance; A self-winding bidirectional perpetual movement provides a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, is scratch-resistant, and waterproof to 300 metres.
Case Diameter:
41.0mm
Water Resistance:
Up to 300 meters / 1000 feet
Movement:
Mechanical, Perpetual, Self-winding
Guide Price
£7,650.00 / $21,000.00
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7. Rolex Submariner Date 126610LN
Review
The Submariner Date 126610LN has a 41mm corrosion resistant Rolex Oystersteel case with a brushed metal effect that is modern and timeless. Perfect for any occasion, from sports, diving, casual and even black-tie events.
The matching black ceramic scratch-resistant rotatable bezel adds additional wow-factor; I love the way it just makes this watch ping. Easy to see graduations and numerals on the bezel are coated in platinum. The jagged outer edge of the bezel provides extra grip.
A classic black coloured dial works well with the matching bezel. Luminescent hour markers and hands stand out well and are edged in platinum; minute markers are white. Scratch-resistant sapphire glass protects all the workings of the dial. A Cyclops lens boosts the visibility of the date aperture.
The Rolex Oystersteel flat 3-piece link bracelet looks modern, plus the folding Oysterlock safety clasp that comes as standard ensures you keep this timepiece on your wrist.
Each Submariner in the collection enjoys a similar performance. It is scratch-resistant and waterproof to 300 metres. It has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, thanks to its self-winding bidirectional perpetual movement.
Case Diameter:
41.0mm
Water Resistance:
Up to 300 meters / 1000 feet
Movement:
Mechanical, Perpetual, Self-winding
Guide Price
£7,650.00 / $21,000.00
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8. Rolex Submariner 124060
Review
Last but not least on this list is the entry-level Submariner 124060. This model has the same 41mm corrosion resistant Rolex Oystersteel case with a brushed metal as the previous model. Ideal for any occasion, it’s effortlessly classy and understated.
This watch is striking with a black ceramic scratch-resistant rotatable bezel matching the dial even though it’s an entry-level model. The same easy to see graduations and numerals on the bezel are coated in platinum. The jagged outer edge of the bezel feels good to the touch.
A classic black coloured dial blends perfectly with the matching bezel. Luminescent hour markers and hands come as standard and are edged in platinum; minute markers are white. Scratch-resistant sapphire glass protects all the workings, although there is no Cyclops lens in this version.
The Rolex Oystersteel flat 3-piece link bracelet has a brushed metal effect, plus the folding Oysterlock safety clasp that comes as standard ensures you keep this watch in place.
It is scratch-resistant, waterproof to 300 metres. It has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, thanks to its self-winding bidirectional perpetual movement. Excellent value as an introduction to the range.
If you are looking for a real classic divers style of watch with a leather strap check out my review of the Oris Divers Sixty-Five timepiece.
Case Diameter:
41.0mm
Water Resistance:
Up to 300 meters / 1000 feet
Movement:
Mechanical, Perpetual, Self-winding
Guide Price
£7,300.00 / $15,850.00
Check the latest pricing and shop online:
Rolex Submariner Watches Q&A
What is the cheapest Rolex Submariner watch?
The cheapest Rolex Submariner watch is the Oystersteel Submariner model 124060 which costs approx £6,450.00 / $8,100.00
What is the most expensive Rolex Submariner watch?
The most expensive Rolex Submariner watch is the White Gold Submariner model 126619LB which costs approx £31,850.00 / $57,500.00
Does the Rolex Submariner watch have a date aperture?
All of the Rolex Submariner models except for the entry-level Submariner 124060 have a date aperture and a Cyclops lens.
Is the Rolex Submariner watch a good investment?
Yes, the Rolex Submariner watch is a good investment. My research has shown that some pre-owned Rolex Submariner watches sell for more than the price of a new one, especially if it is an older model. [source]
Which celebrity wears a Rolex Submariner?
Steve McQueen is one celebrity icon known to have worn a Rolex Submariner. McQueen reportedly gifted a Rolex Submariner to his stuntman, Loren Janes.
Conclusion
We have just covered the entire current collection of Rolex Submariner models, from the classic-looking steel entry-level model to the stunning white gold edition. Choosing the best Rolex Submariner watch for you is now simply a matter of personal taste and budget.
If you fancy a divers watch originally used by Italian Navy frogmen with a super-retro rubber strap, check out my review on the Panerai Submersible collection of timepieces.
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from Viora London’s blog. We write articles on a number of interesting lifestyle topics such as fragrance, beauty, luxury accessories and more.
