Pre-Owned Rolex Submariner Watches

Choosing a pre-owned Rolex Submariner

Launched in 1953 as the first divers’ wristwatch waterproof to 100 metres, the Rolex Submariner set the template for every dive watch that followed: a rotating bezel to time a dive, luminous hands and markers, and an Oyster case built to be worn anywhere. Today it’s as at home with a suit as on a boat, and few watches are as instantly recognisable.

Every Submariner we sell is authenticated, serviced and pressure tested in our Birmingham atelier before it goes on sale, and comes with our 3-year warranty. You can also see the Submariners we’ve sold before on this page, a useful guide to the references, condition and prices to expect.

Submariner generations

Early references such as the 6204 of 1953 and the 5512 and 5513 defined the design, and the no-date 5513 was made until 1989. The date version arrived in 1969 with the 1680. The 16610, made from the late 1980s to 2010, is the classic modern Submariner Date, with an aluminium bezel insert, a calibre 3135 and 300 metres of water resistance, and the green-bezel 16610LV marked the model’s 50th anniversary. In 2010 the 116610 brought a scratch-resistant Cerachrom ceramic bezel, broader lugs and the Glidelock clasp, which extends the bracelet without tools. Since 2020 the 41mm 126610 has used the calibre 3235, with around 70 hours of power reserve, while the no-date line runs from the 14060 and 114060 to today’s 124060, the purest version of the design.

Steel, two-tone and gold

Steel with a black dial and bezel is the classic, and the green-bezel models have a following of their own. Two-tone steel and yellow gold Submariners, such as the 16613, 116613LB and 126613LB, are most often paired with a blue dial and bezel, and solid 18ct gold versions, from the yellow gold 16618 and 126618LB to the white gold 116619LB, are the most luxurious of all.

Why buy your Submariner from us

• Atelier Certified. Authenticated, serviced, pressure tested and graded by our watchmakers before it’s listed.
• 3-year warranty. Covering the movement and, unless a listing says otherwise, water resistance.
• Free next-day UK delivery. Fully insured and signed for, with 14 days to return an online purchase.
• Part exchange welcome. Trade in your current watch in our Birmingham showroom, by phone or on WhatsApp.

Submariner questions