Rolex Submariner

Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner, also known as Oyster Perpetual Submariner, is a classic diving watch that has been around for nearly 70 years. Known for its ruggedness and water resistance, it is a popular choice for those looking for a reliable watch to take with them on their adventures. The Rolex Submariner is available in a wide range of designs and colors, so there is sure to be one to suit your needs. Whether you are looking for a watch to wear daily or one you can take with you on your next diving trip, the Rolex Submariner is a great option. The Rolex Submariner marked a historic turning point in watchmaking because of the many innovations that came with the model and have endured many changes over the years. Since then, the watch has achieved great status.

The history of the Rolex Submariner

First released in 1953, the Rolex Submariner was the first diving watch that was waterproof to 100m. The reference of the original model is 6204 and is also called ´Small Crown´ due to its small crown compared to its bigger brother the ´Big crown´ with the ref 6200. The ´Big Crown´ received a larger crown to improve water resistance to 200m. These early Submariners had a stretch bracelet that allowed divers to wear and use the watch over their diving suits. Read more about the history of the Rolex Submariner here (link: https://langedykvintagewatches.com/thehistory-of-the-rolex-submariner/)

The Submariner in the 1960s

After this first series of Submariners came a new generation of Submariners in the late 1950s to early 1960s, this time with crown guards and a new 40mm case. In the later 60s, the famous gilt dial was replaced by a matte dial and the first Submariner Date came out. Also, starting in 1969 you could buy a Rolex Submariner with a case made of gold.

Collectible Submariners from the 1960s

Many of these Submariners have a very desirable ´Chapter ring´ on the edge of the dial and are considered collector’s items. There are also some specimens known with 3, 6, and 9 dials, known from the Rolex Explorer. These models are also hugely popular with collectors.

COMEX Submariners 

The Submariner is an excellent diving watch that is very reliable. Because of this, the watch was also often used by professionals, such as professional divers from COMEX. COMEX is a French diving company with which Rolex had a good relationship and for which Rolex made diving watches. These watches are known among collectors as COMEX Submariners and have the reference 5514.

Military Submariners

Besides COMEX Submariners, there is another model that is a special Submariner called 5517. This Submariner was used by military personnel and had a special rotating bezel with more dashes on it than the normal Submariner bezel. In addition to a different bezel, the 5517 had different hands so they were easier to read by military personnel.

Features of the Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner has many versions but has had several fixed features since its inception. One of these features is the Oyster case, even though the Oyster case has been used in multiple sizes in the Submariner it has always had it.

The Black Submariner 

The Rolex Submariner almost always has a black dial and a black rotating bezel (except for a few references such as the Hulk, a green Submariner. There is almost always luminous material on this black dial which makes the watch easy to read under water or in the dark. Older versions have Radium or Tritium and the current Submariner has super luminova. The famous actor Steve Mcqueen often wore a black Submariner.

The Rolex Submariner in brief 

The Rolex Submariner is a very popular dive watch that has proven itself over the last 70 years as one of the best watches on the market. The Submariner is rugged and water resistant to 300m. In addition to its practical features, the Submariner is a truly classic design that is recognizable from a great distance. Today, the Rolex Submariner is even more popular than the Rolex Datejust, something that says a lot about the desirability of this watch.