The Rolex Submariner is an iconic watch designed for diving. These COSC-certified and waterproof watches can go to depths of 1,000 feet! In reality, the use of dive computers or less expensive watches may be the choice of divers today, but the aesthetic is suitable to all occasions and everyday living in the utmost style.

Submariner

In this review, we share technical information and show you the options available for the Rolex Submariner and the Submariner Date.

As defined by Rolex –

sub • ma • ri • ner

  1. The iconic divers’ watch since 1953.
  2. Probably the only divers’ watch you can wear with a tuxedo.
  3. An indispensable instrument to securely monitor diving time and decompression stops.
  4. Fitted with a case back and a Triplock winding crown, which screw down securely like the hatch of a submarine.
  5. Rated waterproof to 300 meters.
  6. Systematically tested to go 25 percent deeper.
  7. The Rolex Way.

The most striking feature of the Submariner is that it resembles its cousin the GMT in that is has a square bloc making the 40mm watch look larger than it is.

Rolex is producing, at this time, only one Submariner (without the date window). This reference or model uses a different Calibre than the Submariner Date.



The Submariner was introduced in 1953, at a time when scuba diving was making tremendous progress. A lot of the things we take for granted with watches now were first originated by Rolex.

Most importantly, this was the first watch designed to be water-resistant up to 100 meters, among other breakthroughs and now is water-resistant to 300 meters (1,000 feet). That is to say, it has evolved in many ways since it was first introduced more than 60 years ago.

So, like many Rolex watches, you can choose from many variations such as a blue dial, green dial, date or no date, gold casing or stainless steel. We ‘ve grouped the options for you.

Stainless Steel Models

Black Watch Dial and Bezel with Platinum Markings. Rolex Submariner with stainless bracelet.
Submariner
Reference 114060
MSRP $7,500
Black Watch Dial and Bezel with Platinum Markings. Rolex Submariner with stainless bracelet.
Submariner Date
Reference 116610LN
MSRP $8,550
Green Watch Dial and Bezel with Platinum Markings. Rolex Submariner with stainless bracelet.
Submariner Date
Referenc
e 116610LV
MSRP $9,050

Steel and Yellow Gold Models



The Submariner’s rotatable bezel is a key functionality of the watch. Its engraved 60-minute graduations allow a diver to accurately and safely monitor diving time and decompression stops. The numerals and indicators on the bezel are coated in gold for the watches with a gold case and platinum for watches with a stainless steel or white gold case.

Manufactured by Rolex from a hard, corrosion-resistant ceramic, the Cerachrom bezel insert is virtually scratchproof. A luminescent capsule on the zero marker ensures readability, no matter how dark the environment.

In addition, the bezel’s edge is carefully designed to offer ease of grip underwater, even with gloves.


Key Features of the Rolex Submariner Date

  • Diameter – 40mm
  • Sapphire dial window. As you may know, sapphire is the most expensive and durable crystal, approximately three times harder than mineral crystals and 20 times harder than acrylic crystals.
  • Cyclops lens over the date
  • Adjustable bracelet to fit over a wet suit
  • Chronometer – COSC certified – for keeping track of oxygen supply
  • Automatic movement
  • Some models made of Rolesor – A combination of Oystersteel and 18K gold.
  • Calibre – Rolex 3135
  • Chromalight Display with blue luminescence

Other features that come in handy

  • Bezel – Unidirectional rotatable 60 minute graduated, scratch-resistant Cerachrom insert in ceramic
  • Winding Crown – Screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness system
  • Bracelet -Oyster, flat three-piece links
  • Clasp – Folding, oyster lock safety clasp with Rolex Glidelock extension system
  • Power Reserve – 48 hours

The Chromalight display on the dial is a revolution that greatly illuminates the limits of visibility in dark environments. That is to say, the blue glow lasts up to eight hours with a consistent luminosity, practically twice as long as that of other luminescent materials.

18k Gold Models



Availability

As with other Rolex models, there is usually a waiting period for a new watch. For example, the Submariner version called “The Hulk“, with a green dial and bezel had a waiting list starting at three years.

One solution is to buy a pre-owned watch which may have already appreciated. There are many Submariner references (models) available on Amazon, including models that are no longer in production.

About The Brand

According to Rolex:

Look in all the dictionaries, there is no word for what we do. It’s not ‘tradition’, though our craft is timeless. ‘Limitless’ is too limiting. ‘Enduring’ is not enduring enough. ‘Innovation’ can only begin to describe it. We sculpt, paint and explore. But explorers, sculptors, and painters we are not. This is the only thing we make. The only thing we will ever make. There is no word for what we do. There’s only a way, The Rolex Way.

The history of Rolex and Swiss watchmaking are totally intertwined. A trailblazer in the development of the wristwatches, the brand is at the birth of numerous major watchmaking breakthroughs and has registered over 400 patents in the journey of its lifetime. Rolex designs, develops and produces internally all the essential parts of its watches, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial, and bracelet.

Rolex makes sure all its watches can live up to high expectations by putting each and every single one through extreme testing before allowing it to leave their site. As a result, Rolex watches have proven themselves from the beginning in the most extreme conditions imaginable – from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains, in the air, and on the race track.

The Oyster Case

The Oyster case is a pivotal part of the history of Rolex.

It clamps shut like an oyster shell and can survive underwater due to two major changes: a screw-down back and bezel and a screw-down waterproof winding crown. Invented by Rolex in 1926, the Oyster case was put to a real-life test a year later when a young sportswoman named Mercedes Gleitze swam the English Channel wearing a Rolex Oyster. Her watch was fully functional after she spent ten plus hours in cold water, solidifying Rolex’s historic underwater mastery.


Overall Thoughts

While this watch was designed for scuba divers, the functionality can be used for other sports activities. Most scuba divers nowadays use a computer instead of a watch. However, for those who love the look and idea of a dive watch, the Submariner is an ultimate choice.

To sum it up poetically, the watch is beautiful at home, and in the oceans, where it remains an invaluable tool for every diver. Likewise, the Submariner has also conquered the land as the watch of any activity with a rugged sophistication of its own.


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