Looking at the Most Expensive Rolex Submariners Ever Sold in Auction
Rolex ‘Four Liner’ Submariner ref. 6538, circa 1959 / Credit: Phillips
#1 – Rolex Submariner 6538, circa 1956 (2018)
Rolex Submariner ref. 6538, circa 1956 – sold in 2018/ Credit: Christie’s
This Rolex Submariner ref. 6538 is the most expensive Rolex Submariner ever sold, after selling for $1,068,5000 USD at Christies ‘An Evening of Exceptional Watches’ auction in 2018.
This is a Rolex Submariner that comes equipped with an extremely rare ‘Explorer’ dial, with Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. It also has the depth written in red, not white, another rarity. The Rolex ‘Big Crown’ Submariner models, a.k.a. the ‘James Bond’ Submariners, are extremely popular among Rolex collectors. But to find one with the incredibly rare ‘Explorer’ dial makes it even rarer.
Date sold: June 2018
Price: $1,068,500 USD
2 – Rolex Submariner 1680, circa 1973 (2017)
Rolex Submariner ref. 1680, circa 1973 – sold in 2017 / Credit: Christie’s
This white gold Rolex Submariner was auctioned off at a Christie’s ‘Rare Watches and a Rolex Afternoon’ auction for $628,572 USD back in 2017. This was a prototype, made in the early 1970s, with only three known to exist. Although it doesn’t have a serial number, it is confirmed to be genuine and produced at Rolex’s factory.
This Rolex Submariner ref. 1680 was equipped with a white gold case and dive bezel with unique markings on each side. This vintage Rolex Submariner represents classic 1970s design, a design that was never actually brought to market.
Date sold: May 2017
Price: CHF 631,500
3 – Rolex ‘Four Liner’ Submariner 6538, circa 1959 (2016)
Rolex ‘Four Liner’ Submariner ref. 6538, circa 1959 – sold in 2016 / Credit: Hodinkee
Another Rolex ‘Big Crown’ Submariner makes the list. This is a reference 6538 now from 1959 that sold at Phillips’ ‘Geneva Watch Auction: Four’ for CHF 562,000. There are many small but defining details that make this piece. It comes equipped with its original black lacquer dial, now a beautiful chocolate patina, with four lines of text at 6 o'clock. It has the perfect mix of attributes when it comes to collecting vintage Rolex: it’s a rare model, a rare variant of that model, in excellent condition, with historical significance, and a beautiful patina.
The Rolex Submariner reference 6538 is known by two names, the ‘James Bond’ after its appearance on Sean Connery’s wrist in Dr. No, and ‘Big Crown’ or ‘Coroncione’. Date sold: November 2016
Price: CHF 562, 000 CHF
Link: https://www.phillips.com/detail/ROLEX/CH080216/37?fromSearch=submariner&searchPage=1
4 – Rolex Submariner ‘Four Liner’ 6538, circa 1957 (2018)
Rolex Submariner ‘Four Liner’ ref. 6538, circa 1957 – sold in 2018 / Credit: Phillips
This Rolex Submariner reference 6538 sold for $567,000 USD in 2018 at Phillips ‘Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them’ auction. It is extremely impressive in terms of condition, completeness, and originality.
First launched in 1955, the Rolex Submariner ‘Four Liner’ ref. 6538 was in production for four short years, recognizable by its black lacquer dial, “Swiss” signed dial, no crown guards, and its large ~8 mm crown.
Date sold: December 2018
Price: $567,000 USD
Link: https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/NY080118/77
5 – James Bond’s 1972 Rolex Submariner 5513 (2015)
James Bond’s 1972 Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 – sold in 2015/ Credit: Phillips
Sir Roger Moore wore this Rolex Submariner reference 5513 in the popular James Bond Film Live and Let Die. It was previously sold at Phillips’ ‘Auction Number Two’ in 2015 for CHF 365,000.
The watch was made popular after it was customized to include a ‘Buzzsaw’ bezel which James Bond used to cut through rope in the film. The magnetism of the watch was also on full display when it was used to unzip Miss Caruso’s dress and catch a spoon off a saucer.
Unfortunately, this is just a movie prop and has had the movement removed, but still does boast some unique features like having “Roger Moore 007” engraved on the caseback.
Date sold: November 2015
Price: CHF 365,000
Link: https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080515/290
6 – Steve McQueen’s 1967 Rolex Submariner 5512 (2009)
Steve McQueen’s 1967 Rolex Submariner ref. 5512 / Credit: Antiquorum
Another highly notable Submariner is Steve McQueen’s Rolex sold at Antiquorum’s ‘Important Collector’s Wristwatches’ auction in 2009 for $234, 000 USD. This Rolex Submariner ref. 5512 was made in 1967.
Date sold: June 2009
Price: $234,000 USD
Link: https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-215-416
Was Steve McQueen’s Other Submariner Set to Be the Most Expensive Rolex Submariner Ever Sold? (2018)
Steve McQueen’s Rolex Submariner reference 5513 made circa 1964. Gifted to stunt double Loren James.
This Rolex Submariner that was owned and worn by Steve McQueen was set to be auctioned on October 25th in 2018 at a Phillips auction. Unfortunately, the watch had been pulled from the Phillips auction at the request of the McQueen family.
This watch was the earliest known Rolex Submariner in Steve McQueen’s collection. This Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 dates back to 1964, and in the mid to late 1970s, McQueen gifted it to his close friend and stunt double Loren James.
“TO LOREN, THE BEST DAMN STUNTMAN IN THE WORLD. STEVE” is engraved on the caseback.
McQueen was known to have owned and gifted several watches over the course of his lifetime with this being just one example. This vintage Rolex Submariner was estimated to sell for between $300,000 USD and $600,000 USD back in 2018. What do you think it would fetch now in 2022?
By: Eric Mulder