Rolex Submariner vs Rolex Submariner Date
Ref. 114060 vs Ref. 116610LV
Comparing the Rolex Submariner Date to the Rolex Submariner means weighing a significant price difference — is the premium justified? At ~$14,000 (market value) versus ~$21,000 (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
Submariner
Rolex
Submariner Date
The Rolex Submariner is priced at ~$14,000 (market value) while the Rolex Submariner Date comes in at ~$21,000 (market value). On the secondary market, the gap widens: the Rolex Submariner trades around $14,000 and the Rolex Submariner Date around $21,000, a difference of $7,000 favoring the Rolex Submariner. This watch trades at 73% above retail on the secondary market and is trending upward — a strong indicator of collector demand. The Rolex Submariner Date commands an even stronger market premium of +119.9%, with upward momentum. Both watches score equally on flip potential at 9/10, making neither a clear investment winner over the other.
Specifications
| Specification | Rolex Submariner | Rolex Submariner Date |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 40mm | 40mm |
| Case Thickness | 12.5mm | 12.5mm |
| Case Material | Oystersteel | Oystersteel |
| Bezel | Cerachrom (ceramic) in black | Cerachrom (ceramic) in green |
| Crystal | Sapphire | Sapphire with Cyclops lens |
| Water Resistance | 300m / 1000ft | 300m / 1000ft |
| Movement | Rolex calibre 3130 | Rolex calibre 3135 |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours | 48 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Oyster, three-piece solid links | Oyster, three-piece solid links |
| Clasp | Oysterlock safety clasp with Glidelock extension system | Oysterlock safety clasp with Glidelock extension system |
| Lug Width | 20mm | 20mm |
Key specification differences stand out between these two: the Rolex Submariner features Rolex calibre 3130 for movement compared to the Rolex Submariner Date's Rolex calibre 3135. With 2 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 Submariner costs $350 versus $525 for the Rolex Submariner Date. For water resistance, the Rolex Submariner delivers better value per meter of depth rating. The Rolex Submariner offers more power reserve per dollar spent.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Rolex Submariner if you value serious diving capabilities. Go with the Rolex Submariner Date if you prioritize better value retention, serious diving capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable, the Rolex Submariner or the Rolex Submariner Date?
The Rolex Submariner is more accessible, priced at ~$14,000 (market value) compared to ~$21,000 (market value).
Which holds its value better on the secondary market?
The Rolex Submariner Date currently trades at 119.9% above retail, indicating strong value retention on the pre-owned market.
How do the Rolex Submariner and Rolex Submariner Date compare in size?
The Rolex Submariner measures 40mm in diameter and 12.5mm thick, while the Rolex Submariner Date is 40mm by 12.5mm.
What movements do these watches use?
The Rolex Submariner uses the Rolex calibre 3130 with 48 hours power reserve, while the Rolex Submariner Date runs on the Rolex calibre 3135 offering 48 hours of power reserve.