Two Titans, One Winner
In the Rolex world, two names dominate the conversation: Submariner and Daytona. Both are iconic, both are in demand—but which one is actually performing better in 2024 auctions?
Drawing on Bond Street Auctions results and analysis from watch expert Adam Levinsohn, we compare these heavyweights in terms of auction performance, investment return, and collector heat.
Auction Performance: Daytona Leads in Dollars, Submariner Wins on Volume
According to Q1–Q2 2024 Bond Street auction results, Rolex Daytona models outperformed Submariners in average hammer price by a margin of over 40%.
Model Avg. Auction Price Sell-Through Rate
Rolex Daytona 116500LN $34,200 96%
Rolex Submariner 124060 $13,800 99%
“The Daytona creates bidding wars,” says Levinsohn. “But the Submariner is the workhorse—it sells fast, every time.”
Resale Value Retention: Both Strong, One Edges Ahead
When it comes to value retention, both references are reliable—but the Daytona has been less affected by grey market price corrections.
Reference MSRP Avg. Auction Price % Above Retail
Daytona 116500LN $15,100 $34,200 +126%
Submariner 124060 $9,100 $13,800 +52%
The Submariner remains more accessible, but the Daytona wins for pure investment return.
Collector Psychology: Status vs. Utility
Levinsohn explains that many buyers see the Daytona as status-driven and the Submariner as function-first.
• Daytona buyers tend to be focused on hype, rarity, and resale potential
• Submariner buyers often care more about wearing the watch day-to-day
“Sub buyers are wearers. Daytona buyers are flippers, flexers—or both,” Levinsohn says.
Which Reference Has More Variants at Auction?
The Submariner has more total SKUs and variations (Date/No-Date, Kermit, Hulk, Starbucks), making it more liquid at auction.
But Daytonas—especially with ceramic bezels or exotic dials—command collector premiums.
Reference Auction Avg. Notes
Daytona 116520 $28,000 Pre-ceramic, strong demand
Daytona 6263 $165,000 Vintage w/ Paul Newman dials
Submariner 16610LV $17,500 “Kermit” anniversary model
Submariner 116610LV $22,300 “Hulk” — rising again
Levinsohn’s Take: When to Buy Which
“If you’re just starting out, buy the Submariner. It’s liquid, iconic, and holds strong.
If you want to play in the deep end, target a Daytona—but only with the right documentation and condition.”
FAQs
Is the Submariner easier to buy than the Daytona?
Yes. Submariners are produced in higher volume and often face shorter waitlists or lower secondary premiums.
Which watch holds its value better in 2024?
The Daytona holds more upside in resale—especially ceramic and exotic dial variants.
Do vintage Subs or Daytonas do better at auction?
Vintage Daytonas dominate high-end auctions, especially Paul Newman references. Subs sell faster, but at lower average prices.
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