First Sub

[BobbyC]

Good day Watch Nuts!

It is well known in our hobby that a big percentage of us aspire to own a submariner one day. However, most of us don't know where to start. What budget should I set? What are the notable entry level, mid range and high range models? And what are their fair prices in the AD and the second hand market? The list goes on....

I would like to create this thread to ask our Rolex experts here to help members such as myself that are aspiring to buy their first Rolex Sub but don't know where to start.

Hopefully, this thread could be a one-stop guide to buying your first sub :)

I think we could start by answering these questions:

1) What are the entry level rolex subs? Both for date and no-date.
1.1) The fair market prices for each model for both brand new and used.

2) Important models/serial numbers to note that every submariner collector should know?

3) Important aspects to note if you are buying second hand.

and of course, any other tips you guys may have for a person that is embarking in their search for their first submariner.

Many thanks in advance for your contributions

[Brenngun]

Entry level by today's models would be the 114060 and the 116610LN (date). Prices can be found all over the net including here in the for sale classifieds.

[bigrustypig]

Google is your friend for very encompassing questions like those you ask. There’s so much discussion on them already.


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[1William]

All Submariners come with the same movement and case design. Your choices will be date, no date, SS, TT , PM. You will also be able to pick some color for the dials and bezels. I prefer the SS Submariner-C ND. A balanced dial and a classic watch and a cornerstone to a collection. I also like the green of the Hulk. The prices are all over the place but I would look to our Trusted Sellers here on TRF and go with a slightly pre-owned model that is complete with box and papers and a good deal of warranty left. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[Ihatecheese]

Yes honestly there are hundreds of threads on these subjects. I would suggest that the op takes a quick look and then maybe can use this thread to collate all of the opinions and answer their questions! I'm sure many others would then also benefit.

[abozz]

There is only 2 models, date and no date, same case, movement and bracelet. The difference is about the date model because came in steel, steel and gold, All yellow gold, All white gold.

Steel came with black dial and bezel and green dial and bezel.

TT came in black and blue dial only

YG came in blue and black dial

WG came in blue dial only.

There is a WG and YG reference with diamons and stones, but that is for another day.

Is easy, you like steel then you have 2 options.

Price 8k aprox steel
14K aprox TT
30-37k aprox Gold


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[Brny11]

“Entry level” (I hate that term) is 114060. Price range is 8500-10000usd depending on condition, age and set (box papers links etc.)

116610ln is also “entry level” compared to the likes of 116610lv, TT and PM models. However, with the date, 116610ln has a slight premium. Based on same criteria above, ranges from 9000-11500usd

If maxi dial and case are not your thing, the 5 digit (14060 and 16610) are similar in pricing but have a higher fluctuation in price.

Once you decide to go older than above, vintage market ranges heavily. Quality of build quality is much worse on paper (though can still outlive you if properly cared for). However, collectibility is MUCH higher and prices for the right watch commands huge premiums i.e. New old stock (NOS) if found will have an insane premium.

Chrono24 is great for this research and buying can be safe if you do your due diligence. Buying on rolexforum from trusted seller will be safest bet but make sure you research the seller. WatchRecon is also a great tool!

New from AD was a rip off IMO < 2016. Nowadays it is your best bet but very difficult to accomplish for many.