Rolex submariner closeup

The Rolex Submariner is one of the most iconic dive watches in the world, renowned for its robustness and timeless design since 1953.

About this subject

The Rolex Submariner was introduced in 1953 at the Basel World Fair, marking a significant milestone in professional dive watchmaking. It was the first watch water-resistant to 100 meters, utilizing the Triplock screw-down crown and Oyster case, both Rolex patents. The original model, Ref. 6204, featured a rotating bezel with minute graduations for dive time calculation, an innovation that became standard in the industry.

Over the decades, the Submariner evolved with technical improvements such as water resistance to 300 meters (from 1979 with the Ref. 16800) and the use of materials like Oystersteel and sapphire crystal. The automatic Caliber 3135 movement, introduced in 1988, brought legendary precision and reliability. The Submariner is not just a functional dive watch but also a status symbol and adventure icon, worn by explorers, military personnel, and celebrities.

Culturally, the Submariner became a pop icon thanks to James Bond, who wore it in films like "Goldfinger" (1964) and “Thunderball” (1965). The model is also known for its minimalistic aesthetic, with a black dial and Chromalight luminescence. The Submariner’s value in the luxury market is remarkable: vintage models can fetch over $100,000 at auctions. Rolex maintains meticulous production with rigorous testing, including chronometer certification by COSC and the Superlative Chronometer seal.

Trivia: The Submariner’s rotating bezel is bidirectional only in modern models, but early ones were unidirectional to prevent accidental adjustments during dives. Each Submariner takes about a year to manufacture, and Rolex produces approximately one million watches per year, with the Submariner representing a significant portion of that total.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth rating of a Rolex Submariner?

Current Rolex Submariner models are water-resistant to 300 meters (1000 feet). Vintage models initially had 100 meters, then evolved to 200 and finally 300 meters from 1979 onward.

Is the Rolex Submariner automatic or manual?

The Rolex Submariner is an automatic watch, powered by self-winding movements like the Caliber 3135 and modern Caliber 3235. It does not require manual winding unless stopped for several days.

What material is the bezel of the Rolex Submariner made of?

The bezel of modern Rolex Submariners is made of ceramic (Cerachrom), introduced in 2008. Vintage models used anodized aluminum bezels that could fade over time.