Rolex Submariner

TheRolex Oyster Perpetual Submarineris a line of sportswatchesdesigned fordivingand manufactured byRolex, resistant to water and corrosion.The first Submariner was introduced to the public in 1954 at theBasel Watch Fair.It was the first watch to be waterproof up to 100 metres (330 ft).The Rolex Submariner is considered "a classic among wristwatches",manufactured by one of the world's most widely recognized luxury brands.Due to its huge popularity, there are manyhomage watchesby well-established watchmakers, as well as illegalcounterfeits. The Rolex Submariner is part of Rolex'sProfessional line.
Today, the Submariner and Submariner Date models are equipped with Rolex Calibres 3230 and 3235, respectively, and feature luminescent hour markers, a unidirectional rotatable bezel with Cerachrom ceramic insert, and a solid-link Oyster bracelet. The models underwater diving depth rating is 300 metres (1,000 ft).
The Submariner model went into production in 1953 and was showcased at theBasel Watch Fairin 1954. This first Submariner's assigned case reference number was either 6204 or 6205. It is unclear which model came first; in any event, the two watches are nearly identical.Neither the distinctive "cathedral" or "Mercedes" hands are now so strongly associated with the Submariner line. Rather, both of these early submariners have straight "pencil" style hands.
Both the 6204 and 6205 were fitted with the A260 movement. Neither model displayed a depth rating on the dial. The 6204 was originally rated to a depth of 100 meters (330 feet), but by 1954, Rolex certified the watch as waterproof to 200 meters (660 feet) in the accompanying catalog. The 6205 was depth rated to 100 meters (330 feet).
Some 6204 models have the Submariner logo printed below the center pinion, while others have the logo blacked out. Few, if any, of the 6205 watches bear the name "Submariner" on the dial, a major distinction of modern Submariners. It is believed that there were unexpected trademark issues connected with the name "Submariner" at the time the 6204 and 6205 were released, accounting for the inconsistent use of the Submariner mark on these early Submariners. Trademark irregularities notwithstanding, both the 6204 and 6205 are designated Submariner models in Rolex product literature.
In 1954, Rolex also produced a small number of ref. 6200 Submariners. This was the first Submariner (although not the first Rolex) to make use of the Mercedes hand set,a feature of all subsequent Submariners. The 6200 also featured an oversized winding crown compared to the 6204 and 6205 models.Within a few years, Rolex revised its Submariner line, producing the 6536 (small crown) and 6538 (oversized crown) models. These watches had "improved" movements (the cal. 1030), including a chronometer version in some 6536 models (designated 6536/1), the now-familiar Mercedes hands, and the Submariner logo and depth rating printed on the dial.
By the early 1960s, these models had given way to the 5508 (small crown) and 5510 (large crown) models. All of these early Submariners used either gilt (6200, 6204, 6205) or gilt/silver gilt (6536, 6538) printing on glossy black dials.Radiumpaint was used for the luminous indices.
The next wave of Submariners, the 5512 (chronometer version) and 5513 (non-chronometer), marked a significant change in the appearance of the popular Rolex design. "Shoulders" were added to the case's crown side to protect the winding/setting mechanism. In early watches—until 1964, these shoulders were pyramid-shaped and ended in points. Later watches were manufactured with rounded shoulders. The 5512 and 5513 were both fitted with the oversized crown, which thereafter became a standard feature of the Submariner line. In the early 1960s, Rolex discontinued the use of radium paint for the luminous indices, switching to safertritium-infused paint.
In 1965–1966, Rolex discontinued using gilt/silver gilt dials on the Submariner watches, switching to white printing. A final important change came with the introduction of the 1680 model in the late 1960s: the 1680 was the first Submariner to be equipped with a date function,marking the completion of the transition of the Submariner line from specialist no-frills utilitarian tool watch forscuba diversto mass market fashion accessory. While many professional and military divers used—and continue to use—Submariners in the most demanding underwater environments, by the late 1960s, the watch had undeniably become a mass-market product as well.
Throughout the next 40 years, the Submariner was updated with improved water resistance, new movements, and numerous small cosmetic changes.In 2003, Rolex celebrated the Submariner's 50th anniversary by launching the Rolex Submariner-Date anniversary edition (16610 LV), with distinguishing features such as the greenbezeland Maxi dial; its production ended in 2010 with the final watches being issued with the new "random" serial number.
A new Submariner-Date, model 116613 (not to be confused with model 16613), based on the "Super Case" used in theGMT Master II, was presented at the 2008 Basel show. It featured heavier lugs and crown guards, a Cerachrom ceramic bezel, and a quick-adjust function "Glidelock" clasp. The first Submariner-Date models offered were a yellow gold with a blue face and bezel and a new white gold with a blue face and bezel. The stainless steel case model was presented at the 2010 Basel show. Its reference is 116610. An anti-reflective coating was applied to the inner side of the sapphire crystal.The steel 14060M did not have these modifications.
At the 2012BaselWorldwatch show, an updated steel Submariner ref 114060 was introduced. It replaced the 14060M, with the newer "Super Case" with wider lug end shoulders, enlarged crown guards, enlarged "Chromalight" hour markers and broader hands for increased visibility, ceramic bezel inlay, blue Parachrom hairspring and bracelet with solely solid links featuring ceramic axle sleeves to prevent premature wear or bracelet stretch and a "Glidelock" extension system allowing for up to 20.0 mm (0.79 in) of total adjustment in 2.0 mm (0.079 in) increments without the use of any tools.
The Rolex Submariner watch case has a diameter of 40.0mm(1.57in) and a thickness of 13.0 mm (0.51 in) (crystal thickness 2.0 mm (0.079 in)), and the case and bracelet weigh 155g(5.5oz).
At the year 2020 Rolex retired the chunky looking "Super Case" by introducing a slightly enlarged watch case styled more to pre-"Super Case" slimmer looking Submariner models which has a depending on the source a 40.5 or 41.0mm(1.59 or 1.61in) diameter, a thickness of 12.3 mm (0.48 in) and an anti-reflective coating applied on the inner side of the crystal. Like the watch case, the lug width has also been enlarged to 21.0mm(0.83in).The No-Date model features a caliber 3230 movement and the Date model features a caliber 3235 movement. Both areCOSCcertified.
From 1970 onwards, the French diving companyCOMEXreceived a special version of Rolex Submariner 5513 featuring ahelium release valvefor theirsaturation divers.This version of the Submariner was based on theSea Dwellerdesigned for the needs of professional divers working at great depths and not the other way around as often claimed. In 1974, the first double-signed dials featuring the Comex logo were introduced followed by changing the reference number to 5514, thus creating an exclusive reference for Comex. These watches were never available to the public.
Rolex has disclosed that approximately 4 million Submariner watches were produced between 1953 and 2020. Based on current market prices, this equates to an estimated value of $46 billion for this period. Including production from 2020 onwards, Submariner watches' total value could exceed $50 billion. While the luxury watch market has experienced significant growth and volatility, precise figures for annual Rolex production have yet to be discovered. However, it is generally estimated that Rolex produces around one million timepieces annually.
All models feature 300-meter (1000 feet) water resistance.
TheRolex Sea-Dweller, developed in 1967 but introduced to the general public in 1971, is a heavier-duty steel version of the Submariner, with a thicker case and crystal, as well as a date feature, minus thedate magnifying lens("cyclops"). The Sea-Dweller incorporates a helium escape valve for use when decompressing and helium is in the gas mixture of a pressurized habitat; this model (ref 16600) has a guaranteed waterproof depth of 1,220 metres (4,000 ft).
The Sea-Dweller was superseded by the DeepSea Sea-Dweller in late 2008,with the last 16600 Sea-Dwellers produced running into the V-series (late 2008). The DeepSea features a 44 mm case that guarantees a depth of 3,900 metres (12,800 ft) (ref. 116660).
In late 2022 Rolex introduced the Deepsea Challenge, a commercial full ocean depth capable watch featuring a 50 mm titanium alloy case.The Deepsea Challenge model does not feature a date complication unlike the Deepsea and Sea-Dweller models, which were designed forsaturation divingwhere people have to spend multiple days in pressurized environments.The DeepSea Challenge features a 50 mm case that guarantees a depth of 11,000 metres (36,000 ft)..
The Rolex Submariner has appeared in a number ofJames Bondmovies.Sean Connerywore a reference 6538 in his first four movies. InDr. NoandFrom Russia with Love,the watch was worn with a leather strap. InGoldfingerandThunderballthe strap had been swapped for an undersized NATO type nylonband. (The Ministry of Defence "G10" strap was not  commissioned until 1973, and then only in admiralty grey without stripes.)George Lazenby wore a reference 5513 with an oyster bracelet in parts ofOn Her Majesty's Secret Service;Roger Moorewore reference 5513 with a 7206 riveted bracelet in his first two Bond movies,Live and Let DieandThe Man with the Golden Gun.Timothy Daltonis so far the last Bond actor to wear a Rolex in the Bond franchise; he wore a Submariner with a date window in his last Bond film,Licence to Kill. The watch may have been a 16800 or 168000, as the movie was shot in the summer of 1988. FromGoldenEyeonwards, James Bond wears different versions of theOmega Seamaster.