Rolex Submariner vs Rolex Yacht-Master 37
Ref. M124060-0001 vs Ref. M268622-0002
The Rolex Submariner and Rolex Yacht-Master 37 both carry the Rolex name but serve different purposes — the Rolex Submariner as a dive watch and the Rolex Yacht-Master 37 as a sport watch. At $10,250 and $13,350 respectively, the question isn't which is better — it's which better fits your collection and investment goals.
Price Comparison
Rolex
Submariner
Rolex
Yacht-Master 37
At retail, the Rolex Submariner is listed at $10,250 while the Rolex Yacht-Master 37 comes in at $13,350. The Rolex Submariner saves you $3,100 (30% less), a meaningful difference for most buyers. On the secondary market, the gap narrows: the Rolex Submariner trades around $13,500 and the Rolex Yacht-Master 37 around $11,500, a difference of $2,000 favoring the Rolex Yacht-Master 37. This watch trades at 32% above retail on the secondary market and is trending upward — a strong indicator of collector demand. The Rolex Yacht-Master 37 shows a more modest market premium of -13.9%, though currently trending downward. For investors, the Rolex Submariner edges ahead with a flip potential score of 7/10 compared to 3/10.
Specifications
| Specification | Rolex Submariner | Rolex Yacht-Master 37 |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 41mm | 37mm |
| Case Thickness | 11.4mm | 11.6mm |
| Case Material | Oystersteel | Oystersteel and 950 platinum |
| Bezel | Cerachrom (ceramic) in black | 950 platinum, bidirectional rotatable, sandblasted |
| Crystal | Sapphire | Sapphire with Cyclops lens |
| Water Resistance | 300m / 1000ft | 100m / 330ft |
| Movement | Rolex calibre 3230 | Rolex calibre 2236 |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours | 55 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Oyster, three-piece solid links | Oyster, three-piece solid links |
| Clasp | Oysterlock safety clasp with Glidelock extension system | Oysterclasp with Easylink 5mm comfort extension |
| Lug Width | 21mm | 19mm |
Key specification differences stand out between these two: The Rolex Submariner leads in water resistance (300m / 1000ft vs. 100m / 330ft), and the Rolex Submariner offers longer power reserve at 70 hours, and the Rolex Submariner uses Oystersteel while the Rolex Yacht-Master 37 opts for Oystersteel and 950 platinum. 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 Submariner costs $329 versus $311 for the Rolex Yacht-Master 37. 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 a lower entry price, stronger flip potential, better value retention. Go with the Rolex Yacht-Master 37 if you prioritize the Rolex heritage. For pure investment potential, the Rolex Submariner has the edge based on current market data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable, the Rolex Submariner or the Rolex Yacht-Master 37?
The Rolex Submariner is more accessible, priced at $10,250 compared to $13,350.
Which watch is a better investment?
Based on current market data, the Rolex Submariner has a higher flip potential score of 7/10, suggesting stronger investment returns. However, watch values can fluctuate based on market conditions.
Which holds its value better on the secondary market?
The Rolex Submariner currently trades at 31.7% above retail, indicating strong value retention on the pre-owned market.
How do the Rolex Submariner and Rolex Yacht-Master 37 compare in size?
The Rolex Submariner measures 41mm in diameter and 11.4mm thick, while the Rolex Yacht-Master 37 is 37mm by 11.6mm. Water resistance differs too: 300m / 1000ft versus 100m / 330ft.
What movements do these watches use?
The Rolex Submariner uses the Rolex calibre 3230 with 70 hours power reserve, while the Rolex Yacht-Master 37 runs on the Rolex calibre 2236 offering 55 hours of power reserve.