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Rolex Submariner - Watch History
The Rolex Submariner is a timeless design that has a proven track record of durability. The design of the watch is very practical and its utilitarian purposes are obvious; the large numbers and markings on the bezel and face hint at crucial moments in the owner's life where they have only split seconds to get a reading from their Submariner Watch. As one would already have guessed from the name, the Rolex Submariner has been proven to thrive at deep sea diving expeditions.
Waterproof Challenges
In 1953, a special version of the Submariner was strapped to the outside of a submarine and was taken to a depth of 10,336 feet and was still operational. The Submariner design was further tested when the watch was brought into the Marianas Trench (deepest part of the oceans) where the Rolex Submariner proved to be waterproof at over 35,000 feet underwater.
Rolex frequently boasts about the Rolex Submariner line being present at a number of dangerous and taxing expeditions such as the Moana expedition where the movement withstood temperatures significantly below zero degrees. Stainless steel Submariners have been made for the Australian military and English Royal Navy (James Bond Submariner) - these watches have different specifications such as nylon straps and are now highly sought after in Rolex enthusiast groups.
Rolex Submariner Models
The Submariner line was first sold in 1954 as the 6204 model, which was rated to be waterproof up to 600 feet. It is worthy to note that not all early models bear the “Submariner” text on the face. The successor to the 6204 model was logically the 6205, which was released later in the same year. The 6205 model enjoyed minor refinements such as cosmetic changes to the dial and markers, as well as a change to the waterproof depth rating (330 feet). The original two Submariner model designations would be later renamed to 6538 and 6536.
Rolex revised the Submariner design in 1959 with the 5512 and included the square profiled crown guard. A number of years later, the 5512 models would be stamped with the words “Officially Certified Chronometer” right above the “6” position on the dial. The 5513 model was released in 1962 and this is the model where Tritium is used (in place of Radium) as the brilliant material used to adorn items on the watch face. This change was signified with the words “Swiss T<25” on the face of the Rolex.
In 1960, the color of the Submariner dial changed from gold to white and the text on the face now read “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified”. The 1680 model of the Rolex Submariner was launched in 1966 which was significant because it was the first model with the date feature and the crystal covering has a different shape because of the magnifying feature over the date display. 1680 Submariner models made after 1980 were renamed as 16800 and given a more resilient crystal (also thinner) as well as a deeper waterproof rating (1000 feet) and a feature that only allowed the watch bezel to turn counterclockwise. The 16800 model was replaced with the 16610 model, which is the current Rolex Submariner model.
Throughout its life, the Rolex Submariner line has enjoyed production in different materials, such as the in many different types of materials. The 14060M, 16610, 16610LV models were made of steel; the 16613 was made of a combination of steel and gold; the 16618 was made of gold.
James Bond Rolex Submariners...
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