The Vault › All references › Submariner
Submariner · 1970s
“MilSub”
Grade A · 89/100Today's call: Buy
A: strong buy-and-hold. Ranked #9 of 164 references in The Crown Index vault.
| Original retail (1977) | $450 |
|---|---|
| Market today | $200,000 – $350,000 |
| Vs original retail | +61011% |
| 1-year trend | +4% |
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: A: the most collected Submariner of all. Provenance and engravings make or break it.
| Sizes | 40mm |
|---|---|
| Case & bracelet material | 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) |
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