Rolex Submariner: The 10 Rarest References Ever Made

The Submariners Money Can’t (Easily) Buy

While modern Submariners are produced in six-figure quantities, certain vintage references are so rare that fewer than 100 examples exist worldwide. These are the holy grails of Submariner collecting.

1. Ref. 6538 “Big Crown” (1955): The James Bond Sub. ~200 survive. $200K-$500K.
2. Ref. 5514 COMEX (1972): First Sub with helium valve. ~200 exist. $150K-$400K.
3. Ref. 6200 “Explorer Dial” (1954): Sub case with Explorer 3-6-9 dial. ~50 known. $500K+.
4. Ref. 5513 COMEX (1970s): Military-issued no-date. ~80 exist. $80K-$200K.
5. Ref. 1680 “Red Sub” Mk1 (1966): First date Sub, “SUBMARINER” in red. Mk1 dial ~1,000 exist. $30K-$80K.
6. Ref. 5512 “Bart Simpson” (1960s): Early gilt dial with crown guards resembling Bart Simpson’s hair. Named by collectors. $50K-$120K.
7. Ref. 5513 Military (MilSub): British Ministry of Defence-issued, sword hands, fixed bars. ~1,200 exist. $100K-$300K.
8. Ref. 1665 “Double Red” Sea-Dweller (1967): “SEA-DWELLER” in red on two lines. ~3,000 exist. $40K-$100K.
9. Ref. 6204 (1953): The FIRST Submariner. ~100 survive. $300K-$800K.
10. Ref. 5510 “Big Crown” (1958): Larger 8mm crown, thick case. ~100 survive. $150K-$400K.

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