Rolex Submariner Date

The first Submariner Date with a yellow gold case and bracelet debuted in 1988 and bears the reference number 16618. Rolex offered this watch with a black or blue dial and bezel.

In 2008, Rolex replaced the ref. 16618 with the ref. 116618, which was then swapped out for the ref. 126618 in 2020. You have the choice between a black bezel (indicated in the reference number with LN "lunette noir") or blue bezel (LB "lunette bleue"). As usual with Rolex, the differences between the individual references are subtle. The ref. 16618 and ref. 116618 are both 40 mm in diameter. However, the latter has a "maxi case," which is characterized by somewhat heftier lugs. The ref. 116618 also features the maxi dial that can be seen on the Kermit.

The current yellow gold ref. 126618 also has a maxi dial, but is slightly larger at 41 mm. Moreover, this Submariner Date edition was outfitted with the caliber 3235, a newer version of the caliber 3135 used previously.

The ref. 16618 is without question the most affordable Submariner Date model in yellow gold. Expect to pay around 36,300 USD for the black model or 37,400 USD for the blue. The ref. 116618 will set you back about 44,000 USD, regardless of dial color. This reference experienced a downward price correction of about 17% between early 2022 and April 2023.

The current ref. 126618 demands an investment of approximately 45,000 USD. That's more than 11,000 USD (or 24%) cheaper than in 2022.

Rolex also updated the white gold Submariner Date in 2020 with the current 41-mm reference 126619LB. This new timepiece replaced the ref. 116619LB, which was nicknamed "Smurf" on account of its blue dial and bezel. The ref. 126619LB, however, combines the blue bezel with a classic black dial.

Officially, the watch cost 39,650 USD in 2020. Surprisingly, it was available on Chrono24 in the spring of 2023 for "only" 43,000 USD. This makes it about 9,000 USD cheaper than it was a year earlier.

Meanwhile, the Smurf ref. 116619LB has also seen some changes between 2022 and 2023. While you still had to shell out well over 50,000 USD for this model in April 2022, you could find it for just over 42,000 USD a year later.

Rolex calls their two-tone combination of stainless steel and yellow gold "Rolesor." These timepieces bear the reference number 116613LB or LN. Two-tone watches have made a real comeback in recent years. Both Rolex color variants in mint condition change hands on Chrono24 for roughly 16,000 USD, which is about 3,000 USD less than a year previously.

In September 2020, Rolex announced the ref. 126613LB and retired its predecessor. Its two-tone stainless steel and yellow gold case measures 41 mm in diameter and houses the caliber 3235. If you want to call this Submariner model your own, prepare to pay about 18,500 USD for the black version or 19,200 USD for the blue. A year earlier, prices for these models were in excess of 20,000 USD. As of 2023, the official list price is 15,670 USD.