$500K vs $50K Rolex: Why Is This Submariner Worth 10x More

Two vintage Rolex Submariners. One is a legendary 1950s “big crown” 5510, basically unworn, discovered in a lockdown farmhouse with three identical watches from a watch‑obsessed grandfather — now estimated at around half a million dollars. The other is a 1970s “Red Sub” 1680 once owned and engraved by Mr. October himself, Reggie Jackson.

Same model line, totally different markets. In this video we break down why one Sub is worth 10x the other — rarity, condition, provenance — and which one you’d take home.

Sotheby’s is proud to present both of these iconic Rolex Submariners as part of the Important Watches auction to be held 15 June in New York at the historic Breuer building.