Ever since Rolex introduced the first Submariner in 1954, the watch achieved a dramatic increase in popularity.
While Rolex built the watch exclusively for divers, the Submariner features many novel functions.
The watch is admired for its classic dial, colourful bezels, and metal combinations.
However, the modern Rolex Submariner watches are water-resistant up to 1,000ft.
Indeed, this iconic diver watch has experienced one of the most successful and long-running histories in the brand's catalogue. Now:
While the popularity of the Rolex Submariner continues to grow, the watch has seen significant changes in its price over the years.
Rolex Submariner Price History
Rolex has made several upgrades and refinements to the Submariner over the years. The price of the Submariner is one of the most surprising changes.
However, there is also a lot of history behind such an increase in this iconic watch's price.
In the 1950s
When Rolex released the Submariner in the 1950s, one could purchase it for about £115.
- After inflation, the price increased to nearly £1,102.
- Nonetheless, it is yet pretty cheap for such a luxury watch in the current market.
Between the 1950s and 1970s
The Rolex Submariner earned serious popularity between the 1950s and 1970s.
- The watch was celebrated already for its water-resistance ability. But:
- Its classic aesthetics, and more significantly, its appearance in James Bond films made the Submariner more than a diver's tool.
- Eventually, the Submariner became a recognised status symbol.
Rolex introduced an 18ct Rolex Submariner in the early 1970s, retailing for about £177. However, when considering inflation, the price increased to nearly £1,094.
In the 1980s
For the first time in the 1980s, mechanical timepieces were perceived as a luxury item rather than outdated technology.
People always considered a Rolex watch as a high-end asset. However, Rolex watches embraced their luxury status during this decade. And, the newly inflated prices manifested it.
- The cost of 18ct Submariner Gold increased to nearly £8,351 or about £20,673 today (inflation).
- The bi-tone stainless steel and yellow gold Submariner was priced at £2,290, and today it costs approximately £5,668.
- Moreover, the price of the standard Submariner in stainless steel dramatically increased to roughly £1,020.
In the 1990s
The Rolex Submariner price increase during the 1990s.
- The price of the stainless steel Submariner Date jumped to nearly £2,577.
- Moreover, between 1992 and 1996, the Submariner with no-date experienced a significant price increase - from £1,539 to £2,155.
In 2008
The Rolex Submariner Date Reference 16610 was priced £4,618 in 2008.
- However, the Submariner no date reference 14060M was worth about £4,194.
- Rolex also introduced the Submariner 116610N and 116610V for £5,579 and £5,944 respectively.
To Conclude...
By 2012, the Submariner ref 116610V was priced at £6,966 roughly.
While the Submariner 116619 had a price of nearly £28,359, the Submariner 116618 was £26,362.
Moreover, Rolex prices increased by nearly 7.4% in 2020. After the recent price increase, the modern Submariner Reference 116610 may cost you about £6,887.
Indeed, this is a significant jump in one decade. The standard Rolex Submariner No-Date even today ideally costs nearly £6,074.
Despite a considerable increase in price, the Rolex Submariner watches remain underrated. However, while the Submariner is the most famed and adorned diver watch, we can expect its prices to increase more over the years.
Sell your Rolex for the Best Price
If you own a Rolex watch and want to raise instant cash, you can decide to sell your Rolex today. You are likely to receive a highly competitive price when selling your luxury watch to any potential Rolex watch buyers in London.
You can fill up our online form for a free valuation. Or call us on 0207 242 9160 to get an immediate appraisal over the phone.
