Rolex Rolex Deepsea vs Rolex Submariner Date
Ref. M136660-0006 vs Ref. 16610
Comparing the Rolex Submariner Date to the Rolex Rolex Deepsea means weighing a significant price difference — is the premium justified? At $15,200 versus ~$12,500 (market value), these two watches serve different segments of the market. Here's how they stack up on specifications, value retention, and investment potential.
Price Comparison
Rolex
Rolex Deepsea
Rolex
Submariner Date
The Rolex Rolex Deepsea is priced at $15,200 while the Rolex Submariner Date comes in at ~$12,500 (market value). On the secondary market, the gap narrows: the Rolex Rolex Deepsea trades around $17,480 and the Rolex Submariner Date around $12,500, a difference of $4,980 favoring the Rolex Submariner Date. Trading at 15% above retail and holding steady, this model holds its value well on the pre-owned market. The Rolex Submariner Date shows a more modest market premium of 0.0%, with upward momentum. For investors, the Rolex Submariner Date edges ahead with a flip potential score of 6/10 compared to 5/10.
Specifications
| Specification | Rolex Rolex Deepsea | Rolex Submariner Date |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 44mm | 40mm |
| Case Thickness | 17.7mm | 12.5mm |
| Case Material | Oystersteel | Stainless steel |
| Bezel | Cerachrom (ceramic) in black | Stainless steel with aluminum insert in black |
| Crystal | Sapphire, 5.5mm thick | Sapphire with Cyclops lens |
| Water Resistance | 3900m / 12800ft | 300m / 1000ft |
| Movement | Rolex calibre 3235 | Rolex calibre 3135 |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours | 48 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Oyster, three-piece solid links | Oyster, three-piece solid links |
| Clasp | Oysterlock safety clasp with Fliplock extension and Glidelock extension system | Oysterlock safety clasp with Glidelock extension system (later models) |
| Lug Width | 22mm | 20mm |
Key specification differences stand out between these two: The Rolex Rolex Deepsea leads in water resistance (3900m / 12800ft vs. 300m / 1000ft), and the Rolex Rolex Deepsea offers longer power reserve at 70 hours, and the Rolex Rolex Deepsea uses Oystersteel while the Rolex Submariner Date opts for Stainless steel. With 7 notable spec differences in total, the choice depends on which features matter most to your use case.
Value Per Feature
Per millimeter of case diameter, the Rolex Rolex Deepsea costs $397 versus $313 for the Rolex Submariner Date. For water resistance, the Rolex Rolex Deepsea delivers better value per meter of depth rating. The Rolex Rolex Deepsea offers more power reserve per dollar spent.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Rolex Rolex Deepsea if you value better value retention, serious diving capabilities. Go with the Rolex Submariner Date if you prioritize a lower entry price, stronger flip potential, serious diving capabilities. For pure investment potential, the Rolex Submariner Date has the edge based on current market data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable, the Rolex Rolex Deepsea or the Rolex Submariner Date?
The Rolex Submariner Date is more accessible, priced at ~$12,500 (market value) compared to $15,200.
Which watch is a better investment?
Based on current market data, the Rolex Submariner Date has a higher flip potential score of 6/10, suggesting stronger investment returns. However, watch values can fluctuate based on market conditions.
Which holds its value better on the secondary market?
The Rolex Rolex Deepsea currently trades at 15.0% above retail, indicating strong value retention on the pre-owned market.
How do the Rolex Rolex Deepsea and Rolex Submariner Date compare in size?
The Rolex Rolex Deepsea measures 44mm in diameter and 17.7mm thick, while the Rolex Submariner Date is 40mm by 12.5mm. Water resistance differs too: 3900m / 12800ft versus 300m / 1000ft.
What movements do these watches use?
The Rolex Rolex Deepsea uses the Rolex calibre 3235 with 70 hours power reserve, while the Rolex Submariner Date runs on the Rolex calibre 3135 offering 48 hours of power reserve.