Rolex Vault › All references › Submariner
Submariner · 1970s · Discontinued · Vintage
“MilSub”
Not ranked: too few recorded sales
Market range: 3 public auction results (Phillips) from the last 3 years, buyer's premium included.
Average market price for an example in excellent condition. Dashed line marks the 1977 retail price.
The Submariner Rolex built for the British Ministry of Defence. Royal Navy divers and special forces were issued these, not bought them.
The military spec changed the look completely: sword-shaped hands that were easier to read underwater, a bezel graduated all the way around, and fixed bars between the lugs so a strap could never fall off.
Issued watches carry military engravings on the caseback, and many were worn hard, so honest survivors are very scarce.
Because the value is so high, fakes and 'upgraded' civilian Subs are a real risk. The paperwork and the caseback engravings are as important as the watch itself.
Our verdict: One of the most collected Submariners. Provenance and engravings make or break it.
| Sizes | 40mm |
|---|---|
| Case & bracelet | Oystersteel (stainless) |
| Factory bracelet | NATO-style strap on fixed bars |
| Factory bezels | Fully graduated 60-minute dive bezel |
| Notable dials | Matte black with a circled 'T' for tritium, sword hands |
| Caliber | 1520 |
| Production | 1970s (discontinued) |
| Sold | Example | Price |
|---|---|---|
| May 10, 2025 | Phillips auction · Geneva Watch Auction: XXI ↗︎ MilSub · sold for CHF 330,200 | $398,023 |
| Nov 9, 2024 | Phillips auction · Geneva Watch Auction: XX ↗︎ MilSub · sold for CHF 107,950 | $122,643 |
| Nov 24, 2023 | Phillips auction · Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVII ↗︎ MilSub · sold for HK$3,429,000 | $439,216 |
Recorded eBay completed sales, logged at our last data refresh.