Submariner Waiting List: Realistic Timelines and Tips

The realistic waiting period for a stainless steel Rolex Submariner currently ranges from 6 to 12 months for the No-Date model (Ref. 124060) and 12 to 24 months for the Submariner Date (Ref. 126610LN) if you have little to no purchase history. For highly coveted variations like the green-bezel “Starbucks” (Ref. 126610LV), expect a wait time exceeding 2 to 3 years, while two-tone and solid gold models are generally more accessible, often available within 3 to 6 months. These timelines are heavily influenced by your relationship with the Authorized Dealer (AD), your geographic location, and local demand.

The Myth of the “List”

Let’s clear the air immediately: the “waiting list” isn’t a queue.

There is no “first come, first served” spreadsheet where your name slowly ticks up toward the number one spot. If there were, getting a Rolex would be a simple test of patience. Instead, it is a test of allocation. Authorized Dealers receive a limited number of units per year, and they allocate them to clients based on a mix of purchase history, relationship strength, and—let’s be honest—how much they like you.

When an AD takes your name, they are essentially adding you to a “register of interest.” When a watch comes in, the sales associate looks at that register and decides who deserves the reward. It’s subjective. It’s frustrating. But it’s the game you have to play if you want to pay retail price.

Breakdown: Timelines by Model

Not all Submariners are created equal in the eyes of the supply chain. While the silhouette is iconic, the bezel color and metal type drastically change your odds of getting “the call.”

The Stainless Steel Models

This is the battlefield. The steel Submariner is arguably the most recognizable watch in the world, meaning demand outstrips supply by a massive margin.

• Submariner No-Date (Ref. 124060): This is the purist’s choice. Without the date window or the cyclops lens, the dial is perfectly symmetrical. Paradoxically, while it is the “entry-level” Sub, it is produced in lower quantities than the Date model.

  • Timeline: 6 to 18 months.
  • Difficulty: High.

• Submariner Date (Ref. 126610LN): The standard-bearer. Black dial, black bezel. It’s the watch everyone imagines when you say “Rolex.”

  • Timeline: 12 to 24 months.
  • Difficulty: Very High.

• The “Starbucks” / Green Bezel (Ref. 126610LV): If the standard black Sub is hard to get, this is nearly impossible for a first-time buyer. The green bezel adds a collectible flair that drives enthusiasts wild.

  • Timeline: 2 to 4 years (or “Never” without spend history).
  • Difficulty: Extreme.

Two-Tone (Rolesor) and Precious Metals

If you are willing to spend more, you wait less. It’s a simple equation. Gold and two-tone (steel and yellow gold) models filter out a large chunk of the buyers who are strictly looking for a steel sports watch.

• Two-Tone (Ref. 126613LB/LN): The “Bluesy” (blue dial/bezel) is iconic, but the higher price tag softens demand.
  • Timeline: 3 to 9 months.
• Solid Gold (Yellow or White): These are heavy hitters.
  • Timeline: Weeks to 6 months. Occasionally, you might even find one in a display case if you’re lucky.

If you are just getting into horology, you might start with a simple diver, but your tastes will evolve. Eventually, you might want to understand what makes other movements tick. For a deep dive into mechanics beyond the diving bezel, check out how complications explained gmt moonphase function, as this knowledge often impresses ADs.

How to Cheat the Clock: Tips for Working the AD

You can’t force an AD to sell to you, but you can certainly make yourself a more attractive candidate than the guy who just walked in demanding a watch.

1. The Art of the Approach

First impressions are everything. Do not walk in wearing sweatpants. You don’t need a tuxedo, but smart casual is the minimum. When you enter, do not ask, “Do you have any Submariners?” The answer is no.

Instead, introduce yourself. Express a genuine interest in the brand. Tell them why you want the Submariner. Is it a milestone birthday? A promotion? A wedding? ADs love a story. They want to sell to people who will cherish the watch, not flippers who will sell it for a profit the next day.

2. Purchase History (The Elephant in the Room)

Let’s address the uncomfortable truth. You are far more likely to get a steel sports watch if you have bought other things. Jewelry, less popular watch models, or items for your spouse help build your profile.

However, be careful. Don’t buy things you hate just to get the watch you want. That’s a fast way to lose money. But if you were already in the market for a necklace or a different timepiece, buy it there.

For example, if you are debating materials for a different daily beater, understanding the nuances of titanium vs stainless steel can help you make a smarter purchase that pads your history while still getting you a great watch.

3. The Follow-Up Game

Don’t be a ghost, but don’t be a pest. pop in once every 4-6 weeks.

• Do: Stop by to say hello, check out new arrivals, and remind them you are still waiting.
• Don’t: Call every Friday asking, “Is it here yet?”

If you want to look like you know what you’re doing, carry your collection in style when you visit. A cheap bag ruins the vibe.

• Recommended: Mirage Luxury Travel Watch Case – It shows you take care of your timepieces.

The “Grey Market” Alternative

If patience isn’t your virtue, the secondary market is always open. You can have a Submariner on your wrist tomorrow morning if you are willing to pay the premium.

Currently, the premium for a steel Submariner Date is roughly 20-30% over retail. While that stings, you have to calculate the value of your time. Is waiting two years worth saving $3,000 to $4,000? For some, the “hunt” is part of the fun. For others, time is money.

If you decide to go this route, you need to be extremely careful about authentication. There are reputable dealers, and there are scams. Sometimes, looking at pre owned rolex air models can give you a sense of how the secondary market fluctuates for entry-level Rolexes before you drop big money on a Sub.

When to Walk Away: Exploring Alternatives

Sometimes, the game just isn’t worth playing. The Submariner is the king of dive watches, but it isn’t the only watch in the ocean.

If you are tired of the AD games, look at the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M. It’s technically superior in many ways (Co-Axial Master Chronometer movement, better water resistance) and you can actually buy one. Tudor, Rolex’s sister company, offers the Black Bay and Pelagos lines, which offer 90% of the Rolex quality for 40% of the price.

Or perhaps you realize that a diver isn’t actually what you need for your lifestyle. Maybe your collection needs something with a bit more aviation history? In that case, checking out the top 5 pilot watches might steer you toward an IWC or a Breitling that you can purchase immediately and enjoy without the headache.

To keep whatever watch you buy in pristine condition, you’ll need the right tools for strap changes and cleaning.

• Recommended: Bergeon 6767-F Spring Bar Tool – The industry standard for a reason.

Final Strategy Checklist

If you are dead set on the Crown, here is your cheat sheet to maximize your chances in 2026:

1. Pick One AD: Don’t spread your spend. Be a big fish in one pond rather than a minnow in five.
2. Be Specific: Don’t say “I want a Rolex.” Say, “I am looking for the Submariner Date 126610LN to commemorate my 10th anniversary.”
3. Human Connection: Remember your sales associate’s name. Ask about their day. Treat them like a human, not a vending machine.
4. Visit in Person: Emails are easy to ignore. A face in the shop is harder to forget.

The wait for a Submariner is a rite of passage for many collectors. It tests your resolve and your wallet. But when you finally get that call, and you feel the weight of that Oystersteel on your wrist, you’ll realize why people play the game.

For those who want to immerse themselves in the history while they wait, education is the best distraction.

• Recommended: The Watch Book Rolex – A stunning coffee table book that keeps the dream alive.

Good luck with the hunt. You’re going to need it.