If you want to buy a used Rolex Submariner, you made the right choice, and here is why in this comprehensive overview.

The Submariner, first introduced in 1953, is one of the most recognizable timepieces in the Rolex collection.

A sports watch initially intended for professional divers, new and used Submariners are in high demand by watch collectors due to their high-profile nature.

You have two options: accept it brand new from an authorized dealer or buy an authentic used model from a reputable dealer.

Why A Used Submariner Is the Best Option for You:

1- Value for Money

The first and most obvious reason to purchase a used Submariner is the lower price.

When a brand-new watch is acquired, it immediately becomes ‘pre-owned,’ losing a significant portion of its value.

If you buy a used watch, you will pay much less than the retail price and get more value for your money.

If you have a strict budget, you cannot exceed specific brand-new Submariner models that may be out of your price range.

However, looking through the used market, you may discover that you can now afford those same watch models and models of higher-quality materials.

2- Less Depreciation on Used Rolex Submariner

As previously stated, a brand-new Submariner depreciates when purchased, continues to decline as it is used, shows mild signs of wear and tear, and so on.

Suppose you buy a new timepiece from an authorized dealer. In that case, you could lose a significant portion of your investment within the first year.

Used Two-Tone Yellow-Gold and Stainless-Steel Submariners can lose roughly 30% of their value. In comparison, whole yellow gold Submariner watches can lose approximately 40%.

There are two reasons for this. For starters, total gold Rolex Submariners are less popular than stainless steel. Second, yellow gold is softer than stainless steel, so it wears out much faster.

Buying used has an advantage here because most value loss has already occurred.

Since it is already a pre-owned timepiece, purchasing it does not result in the same value loss.

If you buy a brand-new watch and immediately sell it, you will make far less than you paid.

If you purchase a used watch and immediately sell it, you will most likely be able to recoup your investment.

 

3-Vitality

Many people avoid buying used cars because they want to avoid spending more on maintenance. The same can be said for various mechanical devices.

However, this does not apply to Rolex timepieces. After all, to ensure superior quality, the company oversees every aspect of the production life cycle.

Finally, the high production quality of Rolex timepieces makes them a desirable purchase, even on the secondary market.

They last much longer than most other mechanical devices and necessitate less ongoing maintenance. Some of the first models are still in use today.

4- Wider Variety: Discontinued Submariner Watches

Another reason to buy a used Rolex timepiece is the greater variety of models available in the second-hand market.

You can only get the most recent models if you buy a new Rolex.

This means you must purchase a Submariner with a ceramic bezel, whereas limited edition models will likely be unavailable.

In contrast, the used market may contain any Submariner model.

Indeed, there will be plenty of timepieces with a classic aluminum bezel and several unique or discontinued models, giving you a much more comprehensive range of options.

5- No Waiting List

Some Rolex Submariner models, such as basic stainless-steel designs with a black dial and bezel, are difficult to locate from authorized dealers due to low stock levels.

Anyone who has attempted to purchase a low-stock design will attest that this can result in excruciatingly long waiting lists before receiving your watch.

However, when purchasing a Submariner through second-hand dealers, you can get these designs with no waiting list.

Sometimes, this can mean getting the same timepiece you wanted for a much lower price without waiting.

6- Indistinguishability

Finally, some customers are hesitant to purchase a used Rolex watch because they are concerned that the signs of use will be obvious.

However, second-hand dealers take great care to inspect each Submariner they receive to ensure everything is in working order.

All watches are professionally polished before being sold, removing many visible signs of wear.

The used watch you receive will likely show minor wear and tear beyond what you anticipate seeing on a new watch that has been used for a couple of weeks.

Stainless steel Rolex Submariners, in general, show less wear and tear than two-tone or full gold designs.

Ceramic bezels scratch less easily than aluminum bezels. Every used timepiece’s condition is unique, reflected in the price.

 

Take The Plunge: Benefits of Purchasing A Used Submariner

Iconic Look and Timeless Design:

The classic, timeless design of the Rolex Submariner has always been its main selling point.

Rolex understands better than any other watch company how to enhance and modernize legendary models over time while retaining their essence.

There are more exciting and technically sophisticated diving watches than the Submariner, but none are as iconic and timeless.

Comfort and Haptics:

No other luxury watch brand outperforms Rolex regarding haptics and overall watch feel.

The haptic expertise of a Rolex timepiece is truly exceptional and a sensory feast.

This applies to all of Rolex’s modern watches, especially the Submariner, which is famous for having a slew of unique features you can acquire at a lower price than used models.

On the other hand, the diving bezel is the absolute highlight of the Submariner. It is the best in the entire watch industry.

The exceptional quality can be felt – and heard – in each of the 120 clicks.

No other bezel feels as good and provides such good acoustic feedback, especially for pre-owned watches.

Used Submariner: Buying Guide

Once you’ve decided to buy a pre-owned Rolex Submariner, the following pointers can help you along the way:

1- Determine Your Criteria:

This is critical when making large purchases. You must be clear about what you want and the aspects you want to consider.

Factors such as budget, model, condition, investment benefits, and quality can help you narrow down the alternatives.

Establishing your criteria can make the entire process go more smoothly because you will be less likely to become overwhelmed or distracted.

2- Understand The Market:

Purchasing a used Submariner will be an entirely different experience than buying a new one.

You must become acquainted with the market by familiarising the authorized resellers, examining the various prices, and determining whether they meet your standards.

For example, if you already have a set criterion, looking into the price range will give you a better understanding of which models are within your price bracket.

3- Comprehensive Research:

This complements the previous point. Before purchasing a used Rolex Submariner, you should conduct extensive research.

Aim to become acquainted with some of the terminology used in the ‘used watches market.’

Failure to conduct research will only result in future purchases you will regret later.

Digesting as much information as possible is preferable to help you make the best decision.

4- Consult With Professionals:

It is best to consult an expert when unsure about a particular aspect and no amount of research is yielding results.

Most authorized resellers have specialists on staff who can answer your questions and assist you in finding what you’re looking for.

A Word of Caution!

Rolex watches are precious, which has resulted in an influx of replicas or fake models on the market.

This is especially beneficial when purchasing a used Rolex Submariner from a private seller. You could pay a lot for a fake watch with no real value.

However, our expert team certifies the authenticity of every timepiece we receive.

All used watches are marketed with a one-year shop warranty.

This insurance is in addition to any remaining Rolex warranty time, which means many of the used Submariners we offer have two-factor protection.

In addition, we have written two guides that might help you spot a fake Rolex:

1- How To Identify A Fake Rolex

2- Rolex Markings And Engravings

Takeaway

Since its introduction in the 1950s, the Submariner has offered a wide range of watches.

Whether brand new or used, purchasing a piece from this collection is an excellent choice; be aware that there are alternatives to buying a brand-new Submariner.

Finally, if you do enough review, you will realize that purchasing a used Rolex Submariner may be a more significant investment than buying a new one.

Please do not hesitate to share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!

Mark