Rolex Submariner vs Rolex Submariner Date
Ref. 5513 vs Ref. 16610
Comparing the Rolex Submariner Date to the Rolex Submariner means weighing a significant price difference — is the premium justified? At ~$22,000 (market value) 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
Submariner
Rolex
Submariner Date
The Rolex Submariner is priced at ~$22,000 (market value) while the Rolex Submariner Date comes in at ~$12,500 (market value). On the secondary market, the gap widens: the Rolex Submariner trades around $22,000 and the Rolex Submariner Date around $12,500, a difference of $9,500 favoring the Rolex Submariner Date. Currently trending upward at just 0% below retail, this watch retains most of its value on the secondary market. The Rolex Submariner Date shows a more modest market premium of 0.0%, with upward momentum. Both watches score equally on flip potential at 6/10, 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 | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Bezel | Stainless steel with aluminum insert in black | Stainless steel with aluminum insert in black |
| Crystal | Acrylic | Sapphire with Cyclops lens |
| Water Resistance | 200m / 660ft | 300m / 1000ft |
| Movement | Rolex calibre 1520 | Rolex calibre 3135 |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours | 48 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Oyster, folded or solid links (varies by year) | Oyster, three-piece solid links |
| Clasp | Oyster folding clasp | Oysterlock safety clasp with Glidelock extension system (later models) |
| Lug Width | 20mm | 20mm |
Key specification differences stand out between these two: The Rolex Submariner Date leads in water resistance (300m / 1000ft vs. 200m / 660ft). With 4 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 $550 versus $313 for the Rolex Submariner Date. For water resistance, the Rolex Submariner Date delivers better value per meter of depth rating. The Rolex Submariner Date 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 serious diving capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable, the Rolex Submariner or the Rolex Submariner Date?
The Rolex Submariner Date is more accessible, priced at ~$12,500 (market value) compared to ~$22,000 (market value).
Which holds its value better on the secondary market?
The Rolex Submariner Date currently trades at 0.0% below retail, indicating moderate 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. Water resistance differs too: 200m / 660ft versus 300m / 1000ft.
What movements do these watches use?
The Rolex Submariner uses the Rolex calibre 1520 with 48 hours power reserve, while the Rolex Submariner Date runs on the Rolex calibre 3135 offering 48 hours of power reserve.