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Rolex Submariner reference number 5514
Produced between 1972 and 1978, the Rolex Submariner reference 5514 is a special release of the 5513 and is made specifically for COMEX – Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises, which is a French company which specialized in engineering and deep diving operations. As such, their diver’s needed only the best diver’s watches, and Rolex had proven that they made the best diver’s watches.
The 5514 is based on the 5513, however, there are a few differences and modifications done to the watch. The most important difference is that the 5514 COMEX Submariner has a helium escape valve on the left side of the case, which is a feature made for deep-sea saturation divers who worried about their watch becoming pressurized inside their suits.
The COMEX Submariner was only produced in 150 examples, and therefore, it’s certainly one of the most expensive submariners out there.
In a way, the Comex is essentially a Sea-Dweller due to the fact of the helium escape valve, however, since the COMEX watch is based on the 5513, you may say that it is either a Sea-Dweller or a Submariner.
The COMEX was never available for sale to the public, but rather made as tools for the divers, who wore them as an integral part of their gear.
Ultra Premium Alternatives to the Rolex Submariner
Bell & Ross Diver
The Bell & Ross Diver is an interesting Rolex Submariner alternative. It features the iconic Bell & Ross screws at each corner of the rectangular case. The rubber strap, case screws, orange hour hand, and “lock” crown text give the Bell & Ross a truly military inspired look.
Model: BR0392-D-BL-ST/SRB
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Bell and Ross Calibre BR-CAL.302
Band: Woven rubber strap
Case Size: 42 mm
Water Resistance: 300 meters / 1000 feet
BUY FOR $2,550.00**At time of publication
Breitling Superocean II 42
The Breitling Superocean II is a fantastic automatic dive watch with a unique look of its own. The Arabic numerals and the red tipped second hand give this watch a more military feel than the Rolex Submariner. The twisting bracelet links are also a very interesting feature and definitely sets the Superocean II apart from the Rolex and its classic Oyster style bracelet.
Model: A17365C9-BD67-161A
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Breitling Calibre 17
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 42 mm
Water Resistance: 500 meters / 1650 feet
BUY FOR $2,895.00**At time of publication
Omega Seamaster Professional
The Omega Seamaster Professional is an excellent alternative to the Submariner as it is undoubtedly the second most famous dive watch in existence. It can also be bought for around a quarter of the price of the Rolex Submariner.
Model: 212.30.41.20.01.003
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Omega Calibre 2500
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 41 mm
Water Resistance: 300 meters / 1000 feet
BUY FOR $2,749.00**At time of publication
Tudor Black Bay
Some might refer to the Tudor Black Bay as the ultimate Rolex Submariner alternative. The Tudor brand was in fact started by Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, as a line that his agents could sell alongside Rolex watches at a more affordable price point.
With a 41mm case, the Black Bay is slightly wider than the Submariner, but retains the same overall Oyster form. The Tudor’s dial is strikingly similar to the Submariner, although the snowflake hands give this dive watch a unique look of its own.
Much like the Submariner, the Black Bay Heritage uses an in-house automatic Swiss movement.
Model: 79230N
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Tudor Calibre MT5602
Band: “Rivet” Steel Bracelet
Case Size: 41 mm
Water Resistance: 200 meters / 660 feet
BUY FOR $3,195.00**At time of publication
Tudor Pelagos
The Tudor Pelagos is another Swiss-made Submariner alternative. It is obviously more expensive than any other watch on this list, but it is still available for well under half the price of a Rolex Submariner. The all-titanium Pelagos is available with a black or blue dial. The Tudor Pelagos is also available in left-hand drive, which is definitely a desirable option for lefty watch enthusiasts.
Model: 25600TN
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Tudor Calibre MT5612
Band: Titanium Bracelet (Rubber Strap Included)
Case Size: 42 mm
Water Resistance: 500 meters / 1650 feet
BUY FOR $3,850.00**At time of publication
Best Entry-Level Rolex Submariner Alternatives
Orient Ray II
Orient are widely known for their affordable, high-quality automatic watches. The Orient Ray II continues this trend with a Submariner-like appearance and solid technical specs. It features 200m water resistance, day/date function, a 120 click unidirectional bezel and a slick Japanese automatic movement.
The Orient is slightly wider than the Rolex, measuring in at 41mm across. Its lugs taper in towards the bracelet, giving a more flush look than the Submariner; a subtle difference that helps the Orient design stand up on its own. This Orient Submariner is definitely more than just a Submariner look-alike.
Model: FAA02004B9
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Orient Calibre F6922
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 41.5 mm
Water Resistance: 200 meters / 660 feet
BUY FOR $159.19**Price updated as of 2021-09-19
Seiko SNZF17 “Sea Urchin”
Seiko, much like Rolex has a long history of watchmaking experience. The Seiko “Sea Urchin” shows many similarities to the Submariner, from the classic black dial and bezel, to the Oyster style bracelet. The “Seiko Submariner” is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an affordable Rolex Submariner alternative.
The one stark distinction between the two is that the Seiko features day/date with no magnification, compared to the cyclops date only window on the Rolex.
The Seiko 5 SNZF17 is a little bigger than the Rolex, measuring 42mm across the case. It is powered by an in-house automatic Japanese movement.
Model: SNZF17
Movement: Automatic
Engine: Seiko Caliber 7S36
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 41 mm
Water Resistance: 100 meters / 330 feet
BUY FOR $271.00**Price updated as of 2021-09-19
Casio MDV106-1A
The Casio MDV106-1A is very basic, yet extremely affordable, Rolex Submariner alternative. It sits on a rubber dive strap vs. the stainless steel bracelet of the Submariner. The case itself is very similar to the Rolex, with the biggest difference being its size; a massive 44mm!
The Casio has a Japanese quartz movement, providing low maintenance and accurate timekeeping qualities. It has a unidirectional bezel and a 200m water resistance rating, making this a useful dive ‘tool watch’. There is a date window at 3 o’ clock as on the Rolex, however there is no magnification on the Casio.
Model: MDV106-1A
Movement: Quartz
Band: Resin Strap
Case Size: 44 mm
Water Resistance: 201 meters / 660 feet
BUY FOR $53.58**Price updated as of 2021-09-19
Deep Blue Master 1000
The Deep Blue Master 1000 is a solid all around dive watch. It is water resistant to 300 meters and has a 120 click unidirectional bezel. There is a non-magnified date window at the 3 o’clock position.
The Master 1000 is available in several color combinations including, red, blue, green, “pepsi”, “coke”, “batman”, and black. For this reason it is a great alternative to the more colorful Submariner models.
Model: MAS1KBLKORGSEC
Movement: Automatic
Engine: TMI Caliber NH35
Band: Black silicon strap
Case Size: 44 mm
Water Resistance: 300 meters / 1000 feet
BUY FOR $229.00**At time of publication
Citizen Promaster
The Citizen pays homage to the classic Rolex Submariner without any obvious attempts at imitation. It features a sporty rubber strap secured by a standard buckle.
The Citizen is powered by the famous Eco-Drive Japanese quartz movement, which takes its power from exposure to light, never needing a battery replacement.
The Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster has a 3 o’ clock date window, a unidirectional bezel and checks the ‘real dive watch’ box with its 200m water resistance rating. A blue dial variant is available in the Citzen Eco-Drive Promaster BN0191-55L.
Model: BN0190-07E
Movement: Eco-Drive
Engine: Citizen Caliber Eco-Drive E168
Band: Rubber Strap
Case Size: 45 mm
Water Resistance: 200 meters / 660 feet
BUY FOR $174.99**At time of publication
Rolex Submariner reference number 6536
This Submariner was in production between 1954 and 1958.
The Submariner ref 6536 did not feature a big crown but instead started featuring a smaller crown. The size of the case, however, increased from its predecessors and was now 38 mm.
For this model, Rolex replaced the A260 movement in the 6536-1 and started using its first bi-directional automatic movement of which the rotor could rotate in both directions, more effectively powering the watch. The Caliber 1030 movement eventually also became Rolex’s first movement that was ”officially certified chronometer”. This would also come to be revealed by the ”Officially Certified Chronometer” text printed on the watch’s dial.
Innovations of the modern Rolex Submariner
It’s safe to say that the Rolex Submariner has been subject to plenty of innovations, changes, and improvements over the years which ultimately has improved the watch on a number of areas.
In more recent years, from the 1970s and beyond, Rolex started making the Submariners in yellow gold or two-tone. Furthermore, Rolex also introduced new colored dials as opposed to the black dial they had used since the beginning.Rolex introduced in 2004 the 16610LV with a distinct green bezel to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Submariner.
Now, Rolex has also started using their 904L steel made in their foundry, and the fact that Rolex goes so above and beyond and makes its own steel since other else is good enough is proof of Rolex’s great attention to detail and never compromising. The 904L steel is corrosion-resistant and extremely hard, and this makes it the perfect steel for a diver’s watch.
Today, the Rolex Submariner is unarguably the most hyped and popular model of Rolex, but the Submariner hasn’t always had the huge popularity that it has today. In fact, it wouldn’t take until the 1960s when the popularity for the Submariner would come to surge when the Rolex Submariner was featured in several James Bond films, on his very own wrist. The Submariner was actually also used in a number of underwater scenes which proved that the watch was extremely durable for the greatest of spies and his missions, but also classy for a suit and tie – something that continues to remain the case to this day.
Even though many different Submariner watches having been manufactured over the years, there are two Submariners, the 5512 and 5513 which are very similar to each other that are considered to be the most iconic vintage Submariners. The reason is that these watches have been the Submariner watches which have been produced for the longest time, and have thus become classics.
Now, without further ado,let’s look at our complete list of Rolex Submariner models.
Introduction to the Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner is distinctive in design, and even those who know little about watches are often able to point out the iconic design of the Submariner.
As mentioned, since the Submariner has been in production for more than 50 years now, the design has evolved, however, you can very much recognize the iconic design that the modern Rolex Submariner has, with the original and first Rolex Submariner.
Today, the modern Submariner is distinctive by its “cathedral” or “Mercedes” hands, featuring a rounded piece near the point of the hand. On the flip side, the early Submariner models didn’t have this type of hands, but instead, they have plain pencil hands.
The modern watch has the text ”Submariner” on the dial, but this has not always been the case. The modern Submariner is recognized by its unidirectional Cerachrom bezel which allows you to track immersion time, and this is the main feature of the watch that makes it a diver’s watch, including the fact that it is rugged and waterproof down to a great depth.
The modern Rolex Submariner is powered by the reliable and high-precision in-house Rolex caliber 3130, and this is obviously something that hasn’t been the case all the way since the beginning of the Submariner production.
The watch has a perpetual rotor and is part of Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual self-winding watches line.
Today, the Rolex Submariner is available in stainless steel, two-tone (gold and steel), and gold. Originally, the Rolex Submariner was only available in stainless steel, because frankly, diver’s didn’t wear full-gold watches while diving, and they didn’t see any point in doing so either.
Due to the importance that the Rolex Submariner has played in the history and innovation of watch designs, in particular, dive watches, if you ask essentially any watch collector, you’ll find that keeping one such in their collection is always a must. This is because the model has played such importance for not just dive watches but also for the watch industry as a whole.
In the luxury watch market, the popularity of a brand and a model can be measured in the number of fakes watches that are made as replicas of a particular model, and the fact is that the Rolex Submariner is the most replicated luxury watch in the world. While this is anything than positive, it says something about the immense popularity of the Submariner.
Более поздние модели
Текущий дизайн с микропроцессором Rolex «Glidelock»
В течение следующих 40 лет Submariner обновлялся с улучшенной водонепроницаемостью, новыми механизмами и многочисленными небольшими косметическими изменениями. В 2003 году компания Rolex отметила 50-летие модели Submariner, выпустив юбилейную версию Rolex Submariner-Date (16610 LV) с такими отличительными чертами, как зеленый безель и макси-циферблат; его производство закончилось в 2010 году, и последние часы были выпущены под новым «случайным» серийным номером. В 2008 году для Submariner-Date был представлен новый корпус от GMT II с более тяжелыми проушинами и защитным кожухом; Также были добавлены безель Cerachrom и обновленная застежка с функцией быстрой регулировки. 14060M не имел этих модификаций.
На выставке в Базеле в 2008 году была представлена новая модель Submariner-Date, модель 116613 (не путать с моделью 16613), основанная на «суперкорсе», используемом в GMT Master II . Первыми предложенными моделями Submariner-Date были желтое золото с синим циферблатом и безелем и новое белое золото с синим циферблатом и безелем. Модель с корпусом из нержавеющей стали была представлена на выставке в Базеле в 2010 году. Его номер 116610.
На часовой выставке BaselWorld 2012 была представлена обновленная модель Submariner ref 114060. Он заменил 14060M более новым Maxi Case с часовыми метками Chromalight, керамическим безелем, синей спиралью Parachrom и браслетом с системой удлинения Glidelock.
Корпус часов Rolex Submariner имеет диаметр 40,0 мм (1,57 в ) мм и толщиной 13,0 мм (0,51 дюйма), а корпус и браслет весит 155 г (5,5 унции ).
В 2020 году Rolex представил новый корпус для часов. Новый корпус имеет диаметр 41,0 мм.
Также в том же году доступны два новых механизма для новых моделей «41 мм». Для модели без даты — 3230, а для моделей с датой — калибр 3235. Оба имеют сертификат COSC.
Rolex Submariner 116618LB
The 116610LB was released in 2009 and is a bold and bright version of the otherwise traditional and orthodox Submariner. With its bright full yellow gold case and bracelet and its bright blue color, this is definitely a watch that stands out from the crowd. The watch features a Maxi case and Maxi dial. Equipped with 3135 Caliber. Glidelock clasp and of course an Oyster bracelet. It has a blue Cerachrom bezel and a blue sunburst dial. This watch is identical to the 116618LN with the difference that it has a blue bezel and a blue dial instead of black.
An interesting detail to point out is that at the beginning of its production, this watch came with a flat blue ceramic dial. But eventually, this dial came to become replaced by a blue sunburst dial. The sunburst dial gives this watch much more life and personality as it allows the dial to change color depending on how the light hits it. Discontinued in 2020.
Дизайн
Они квинтэссенция дайверских часов, каждая деталь которых направлена на обеспечение разборчивости и надежности под водой. Однонаправленный безель с делением от 12-часовой до 15-минутной отметки, окрашенный в цвет, дополняющий цвет циферблата; заводная головка, обладающая защитой; большие круглые индексы в хромалайте Rolex, светящиеся голубым светом и люминесцирующие до 8 часов кряду.
Варианты довольно ограничены – с датой или без даты; из стали Oystersteel, двухцветного или 18-каратного золота; синий, черный или зеленый циферблат и ободок. Но вы не обращаетесь к Rolex за неограниченным выбором, вы приходите, потому что знаете, что приобретаете один из самых долговечных экземпляров в истории часового дела.
Rolex Submariner reference number 5513/5517
Produced between 1972 and 1978, the Rolex Submariner 5513/17 is a military Submariner. This is one of the most sought-after collection pieces of the Submariner range, because their caries an interesting history, and the production is very limited.
The watch is more commonly referred to as the Milsub due to the fact that it was made specifically for the military – ”Military sub”.
The Milsub is considered (and most likely is) the most famous military-issued dive watch.
The Brits were early to use divers for war purposes and various missions, and as such, the British military divers needed a robust and reliable dive watch for their missions.
As such, since Role was the leading watch company at the time when it came to waterproof watches, they were assigned the mission of developing the first military-issued Submariner.
As the reference number revealed, the Milsub was built on the Rolex Submariner 5513, because really, Rolex had no reason to change a winning concept. The Milsub is different from the original 5513 in a number of ways. First, it features fixed bars, a tritium “T” on the dial, sword hands, a 60-minute bezel, with hash marks for each of the 60 minutes as opposed to the first 15 minutes on your average diver’s watch.
Today, the Rolex Submariner Milsub is one of the most expensive vintage Rolex watches due to its extreme rarity.
Best High End Rolex Submariner Homages
Squale 1545 Series
Squale is a brand known for making professional diving watches and dive watch components since the early 1950’s. The Squale 1545 is an automatic Rolex Submariner homage that offers a refined, classic look at an affordable price.
The Squale uses all Swiss parts. The lume is Super-LumiNova and the crystal is domed sapphire. The date can come magnified or non-magnified, depending on the specific model.
Model: 1545
Movement: Automatic
Engine: ETA 2824-2
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 40 mm
Water Resistance: 200 meters / 660 feet (some models are higher)
BUY ON EBAY FOR $549.99+**At time of publication
Davosa Ternos
The Davosa Ternos is a Swiss made Submariner homage with an automatic movement and a ceramic bezel insert. The crystal is sapphire and features an anti-glare coating. The Ternos is available with or without the cyclops. The lume is Super-LumiNova.
With a water resistance of 500 meters, and a helium valve this is a true dive watch.
Model: Various
Movement: Automatic
Engine: DAV2824
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 42 mm
Water Resistance: 500 meters / 1650 feet
BUY FOR Price not available**Price updated as of 2021-09-19
Heritor Pytheas
The Heritor Pytheas is a Rolex Submariner homage with a couple of interesting features. First is the crown lock, and second is the carbon fiber textured dial. Both of these are a nice touch that sets the Pytheas apart from other homages. Aside from these features, the second hand, and the branding, the Pytheas is a Rolex Submariner look-alike through and through.
Model: HR2102
Movement: Automatic
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Case Size: 41 mm
Water Resistance: 200 meters / 660 feet
BUY FOR $512.00**At time of publication
Consistent Success Since 1953
The Submariner has spent the last six decades making watchmaking history. It has also developed into an icon and one of the most well-known watches of all time. In 2012, the special Deepsea Challenge model plunged into the Mariana Trench, reaching an impressive depth of about 36,000 ft (nearly 11,000 m). Before the first Submariner, there was the ref. 6200. This timepiece is water-resistant to 100 m (328 m) thanks to its distinctive Twinlock crown. It has a bidirectional bezel that enables divers to keep track of the length of their dive with a quick glance.
Swiss watch manufacturer Blancpain improved upon this bezel in 1953 with their Fifty Fathoms model. Its bezel is unidirectional, meaning it only turns counterclockwise so that the dive time can only be shortened and never lengthened.
Rolex took the advice of René-Paul Jeanneret when designing the Submariner. The former Rolex director was an avid recreational diver and gave helpful suggestions for the dial, bezel, and case. The watch survived various tests and 132 dives to depths of between 12 and 60 m (39 to 197 ft). It was even dropped on a concrete dock from a height of just over six-and-a-half feet (two meters) and continued to function. The only damage was the loss of a small part of the luminous material from one of the hands. The successor to the original Submariner was water-resistant up to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft) and used to be the official watch of the British, Australian, and Canadian navies.
Rolex Submariner reference number 6538
This Rolex Submariner was in production between 1956 and 1959.
The watch featured a non-chronometer movement with two lines on the dial – meters/feet, and ”Submariner”
The rotating bezel has a red triangle at 12 o’clock to improve legibility and a dash index to 15 minutes. In one way, the 6538 Submariner has become one of the most iconic vintage Submariners, because it was this watch that James Bond used in several films, and Bond wearing the Submariner is said to have had a huge impact on the popularity of the model, since bond showed that it was rugged, durable, and looked just as good with a suit as with relaxed clothes or diving equipment.
Unlike the first Submariner models, this watch featured a ”Mercedes” hand that is still used today and iconic for the model.
The Submariner ref 6538is powered by a caliber 1030 which is a 25 jewel movement. The watch has sweep center seconds.
How much does a Rolex Submariner cost?
The Submariner No Date with the reference number 114060 costs around 10,500 USD in mint condition. Pre-owned pieces demand only slightly less at about 9,400 USD. The Submariner Date has a date display and goes for around 11,500 USD new and some 11,000 USD pre-owned. Prices for both models have been on the rise in recent years.
In general, prices for new and used Submariners have steadily increased over the last few years. Date editions tend to be more popular, which explains the larger price gap between mint-condition and pre-owned models compared to the gap experienced with No Date watches.
Green Submariner watches are especially popular among collectors. Connoisseurs differentiate between the so-called «Kermit» (ref. 16610LV), which has a green bezel and a black dial, and the «Hulk» ref. 116610LV with a green bezel and dial. The latter changes hands for around 16,500 USD new. Pre-owned examples are a bit more affordable at 15,500 USD. Kermit models are even more difficult to find and, thus, more expensive. Be sure to have at least 21,000 USD on hand for a never-worn timepiece. You can find pre-owned «Kermits» for roughly 16,000 USD.
Fans of gold watches will also find what they are looking for in the Rolex Submariner collection. This luxury diving watch is available in yellow or white gold. If you prefer white gold, your only option is the so-called «Submariner Blue» (ref. 116619LB) with a blue dial and bezel. You can purchase this model for about 36,500 USD in mint condition. The same watch sells for around 31,500 USD pre-owned.
The yellow gold version (ref. 116618LN) features a black dial and bezel. It costs about 33,000 USD new and 30,500 USD used. There are also two-tone Submariners, which give off a real 1980s vibe. A never-worn version will set you back around 13,000 USD.
Подводник спин-офф
Rolex Sea-Dweller , разработанный в 1967 году , но представлен широкой публике в 1971 году, представляет собой стальной вариант более тяжелой обязанностью Submariner, с более толстым корпусом и стеклом, а также функции даты, рубленый циклопа лупой. Sea-Dweller включает гелиевый выпускной клапан для использования при декомпрессии, когда гелий находится в газовой смеси в среде обитания под давлением; Гарантированная водонепроницаемость этой модели (арт. 16600) составляет 1220 метров (4000 футов).
Sea-Dweller был заменен DeepSea Sea-Dweller в конце 2008 года, и последние 16600 произведенных Sea-Dweller попали в серию V (конец 2008 года). DeepSea имеет корпус диаметром 44 мм, который гарантирует глубину до 3900 метров (12800 футов) (каталожный номер 116660).
The beginning of the Rolex Submariner
The fact is that even before the introduction of the Rolex Submariner, there were predecessors in the Rolex collection. These were water-resistant watches which were made from the early 1930’s, but they were not complete tools for divers.
Eventually, Rolex came to start a partnership with Panerai which sold diving equipment and Rolex watches. Panerai Radiomir was combined with Oyster-shaped cases with caliber movement provided by Rolex.
One of Hans Wilsdorf’s employees, Jeanneret came up with the idea of making an entirely new division of Rolex which would make sports watches, including a diver’s watch. Since Wilsdorf was known for listening to his employees, he agreed with the idea and came up with the idea of a self-winding movement as well as a screw-down crown.
Eventually, Jeanneret developed a friendship with Jacques Cousteau, a famous explorer, and diver. The result of this relationship was that he tried to convince Rolex to make a watch specially designed for professional divers. Since Costeau was a valuable resource in the development of a professional diver’s watch who know the needs and demands of a professional diver, the Submariner was developed.
It is not clear whether the first Rolex Submariner had the reference 6204 or 6205. It’s not clear which of these came first, because to a large extent, they’re identical.
As for the first models, you won’t find the name ”Submariner” on the dial. Some 6204 do, however, have the Submariner text printed below the center pinion, while others don’t, and it is believed that the reason why some of the watches feature the Submariner name and others don’t is that Rolex faced unexpected trademark issues with the ”Submariner” name.
Maybe one of the most important reasons for the Submariner’s success is not because of its rotatable bezel or its high-quality movement – eventless things have probably been contributing factors as well, however, the most important factor is probably due to the fact that the Rolex Submariner is a universal timeless icon which features a design that is just as relevant today as 50 years ago, and it is also a watch which can be used for many different occasions as it is, despite being a diver’s watch, a universal watch. While the model has changed since it was first released, the distinct design and looks of the watch remain the same, and this is something that contributes to its immense popularity, as well as its heritage.
While most Submariner watches will never touch the ocean, we cannot forget the technical innovations and improvements that made the Rolex Submariner a tool used by the most demanding divers.
The Rolex Submariner became, upon its launch an important tool watch, made for a specific purpose, and featuring helpful characteristics and functions.
As the model was launched, the Submariner was popular among divers and oceanographers.
First of all, we have the rotating bezel, which nowadays is unidirectional to ensure that the time can only be less, and thus making sure that the diver doesn’t run out of oxygen while underwater since this is the main usage area for the Submariner’s rotating bezel.
Furthermore, the flip-lock clasp of the Submariner was specifically built to be handled with neoprene gloves, allowing for easy operation. From having no crown guards, eventually, the Submariner came to include crown guards to protect the crown of the watch from being damaged.
Since diving on great depths results in great pressure, a demand for a diver’s watch’s with a greater waterproofness eventually came around. As a result, Rolex introduced the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Submariner 2000. This model was the first edition of what is today known as the Sea-Dweller (and which is still in production), and this featured a 610m/2000 feet water-resistance as it was launched in 1967. The Sea-Dweller was built on the already existing Submariner model and made for Comex S.A. company. Rolex achieved the increased the water resistance by making the crystal thicker. The watch got the reference 1665.
Rolex’s Submariner model also featured more iconic traits, including the ”cyclops” on the date, which works as a magnifying for improved legibility, especially underwater, and luminous markers to allow checking the time underwater.
Rolex Submariner reference number 5510
The Rolex 5510 was in production in 1959 and is the rarest watch among the big crown vintage Rolex Submariner watches.
The watch was only produced for one or two years, and this means that the number of examples made is limited, making the demand for them extremely high, and the prices equally so.
It was only made for a short time as it was then replaced by the 5512 and 5513 which featured larger cases.
It is said that only 400 to 600 examples of the Submariner reference 5510 were ever produced.
The watch featured the Rolex Caliber 1530, had a thicker case to fit the movement and slightly different shaped lugs.
Consistent Success Since 1953
The Submariner has spent the last six decades making watchmaking history. It has also developed into an icon and one of the most well-known watches of all time. In 2012, the special Deepsea Challenge model plunged into the Mariana Trench, reaching an impressive depth of about 36,000 ft (nearly 11,000 m). Before the first Submariner, there was the ref. 6200. This timepiece is water-resistant to 100 m (328 m) thanks to its distinctive Twinlock crown. It has a bidirectional bezel that enables divers to keep track of the length of their dive with a quick glance.
Swiss watch manufacturer Blancpain improved upon this bezel in 1953 with their Fifty Fathoms model. Its bezel is unidirectional, meaning it only turns counterclockwise so that the dive time can only be shortened and never lengthened.
Rolex took the advice of René-Paul Jeanneret when designing the Submariner. The former Rolex director was an avid recreational diver and gave helpful suggestions for the dial, bezel, and case. The watch survived various tests and 132 dives to depths of between 12 and 60 m (39 to 197 ft). It was even dropped on a concrete dock from a height of just over six-and-a-half feet (two meters) and continued to function. The only damage was the loss of a small part of the luminous material from one of the hands. The successor to the original Submariner was water-resistant up to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft) and used to be the official watch of the British, Australian, and Canadian navies.
Rolex Submariner reference number 1680
The Rolex Submariner 1680 was produced between 1966 and 1981. Before this time, Rolex didn’t see any point in having a date function on diver’s watches since divers wouldn’t have any need for it while diving, however, now, the audience of people who wore the Submariner had expanded to the everyday people who wore the Submariner because they liked the look of it, and never went diving with it. The majority of submariner owners never went diving, and as such, a date function would actually be helpful for the people wearing it. As such, with the 1680, Rolex introduced a date window featuring Rolex’s iconic Cyclops which is a magnifying bubble attached to the crystal with glue to magnify the date window 2.5x.
