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Rolex Submariner

Rolex Submariner

Rolex Submariner watches come in a wide array of colors, case materials, and band offerings.
Whether you like deep blue color tones or vibrant green options, you’re sure to find a Rolex
Submariner that piques your interest.
The bracelet and case materials are also wide and varied, ranging from stainless steel to yellow
gold. You can find most Rolex Submariner watches with date windows, but you may find a few
that don’t have this calendar feature.
Basically, the Rolex Submariner collection is so expansive that you’re bound to find the exact
luxury watch that meets all your timekeeping needs. TheWristWatcherInc.com offers an array
of Rolex watches, including the Rolex Submariner.

The History of the Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner, known as one of Rolex’s top sport watches, is a prime choice amongst
both professional and amateur divers. The Submariner has been around for decades and
evolved from the Rolex Oyster which was introduced in 1926. The Rolex Oyster was this luxury
watchmaker’s first produced water-resistant watch.

The Rolex Oyster featured many water-resistant qualities, such as a hermetically sealed case,
that would protect the inside of the watch from water and water damage. This watch may be
familiar to you if you’ve heard the story of the English Channel swim in 1927 when the
swimmer wore this watch during the entire length of the event. The results were extremely
positive!

In 1931, the Rolex Oyster was upgraded by the addition of a perpetual self-winding movement.
All of these innovative advancements were what cleared the path for the next water-resistant
Rolex, the Rolex Submariner. The Rolex Submariner was introduced in 1953 and highlighted at
the Basel Watch Fair in 1954.

The First Rolex Submariner Watches

The first two Submariner models that Rolex introduced included the Reference 6204 and
Reference 6205. Not all of these models had the Submariner name labeled on them, which was
a unique feature of this watch. These models featured a screw-down crown and were water
resistant up to 600 feet.

The next Rolex Submariner introduced was the Reference 6200, which was released in 1954.
This watch featured the Mercedes hour hand, which is now a signature feature of the Rolex
Submariner. In 1955, Rolex added the Reference 6538 and Reference 6536 to the collection.
Ref. 6538 was the successor to Ref. 6204 and Ref. 6536 followed behind 6205. Both watch
models had a calibre 1030 movement and Reference 6536 had an oversized crown. Reference
6536 also had a chronometer version released and named Reference 6536/1.
Ref. 6538 was issued in a military version and this luxury watch was worn by members of both
the British Royal Navy and Royal Canadian Navy. Most features of the Reference 6538 were the
same between the original model and military model, except that with the latter identification
and service numbers were inscribed on the back of the watch.

In 1956, the current Rolex models at that time underwent a few updates. The Ref. 6538 had the
Ref. 6200 case added to it and this version was named Ref. 6538A. All Rolex Submariner
watches had a minute scale added to the first quarter which gave the watch an added
component and new look.

The Evolution of the Rolex Submariner

During 1958 and 1959, four new Submariner models were introduced. Reference 5510 was
based on the Reference 6200 model and featured a calibre 1530 movement. The next new
Submariner, Reference 5508, was the updated version of the Rolex Submariner Reference
6536/1 and had an updated bezel font.

The Rolex Submariner Reference 5512 saw an increase in case size from 36mm to 40mm. This
watch model along with the Reference 6538 were the first Rolex Submariners to have
"Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified" inscribed on the dials.

In 1962, the Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 was introduced as an updated version of the Ref. 5512.
This watch has a calibre 1530 movement and new design on the crown guard. In 1963, Rolex
updated the model again and added a new calibre 1520 movement.

The next Rolex Submariner release was the Reference 1680, launched in 1966. This model was
the first Rolex Submariner to have a date display window, Cyclops lens, and “Submariner” in red
writing on the dial. All Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 watches up until 1973 had this red writing,
which is why this model is often referred to as the Red Submariner.

It was in the 1960s that the Rolex Submariner got massive exposure by the introduction in
James Bond movies. Sean Connery wore this watch model in four Bond movies. George Lazenby
and Roger Moore also had a fondness for wearing the Rolex Submariner in their respective
Bond films.

New Material Introductions for the Rolex Submariner

After the time when the Rolex Submariner Ref. 16618 was released in 1969, Rolex introduced
new models less frequently. Instead the luxury brand would introduce new materials with each
of the previously introduced watches.

Ref. 16618 was constructed of a gold material as was the Ref. 16800, a model that launched in
1979 and also had a sapphire crystal. In the late 1970s, Rolex aficionados had come to see the
Rolex Submariner being offered with a higher water resistance level of 300m.

In 1981, the Ref. 16800 was updated to include a two-directional bezel as was the Ref. 16618.
When 1983 arrived, the Ref. 16613 featuring a signature two-tone gold and steel material was
released and referred to as the Rolesor model.

In 2003 and in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Rolex Submariner model, the brand
introduced the Ref.  16610 LV Submariner. Fondly nicknamed the Kermit model, this watch
showcased a green bezel. Another Rolesor model, the Ref. 116613LB, was also released around
this time and was the first Rolex Submariner that had a ceramic bezel.

The next Rolex Submariner release was in 2010, when the company introduced two versions of
the Ref. 116610. The Ref. 116610LN is a stainless steel watch with black ceramic bezel while the
Ref. 116610LV includes a green dial and green bezel. The latter of the two is called the “Hulk”
Submariner.

Celebrities Who Adore the Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner has been a favorite timepiece of many celebrities over the years. In
addition to being the watch worn by James Bond actors, it was also favored by other celebrities
including Steve McQueen and Johnny Depp. McQueen was a fan of the Rolex Submariner Ref.
5512 and Ref. 5513 in particular. Other famous individuals who shared a fondness for the Rolex
Submariner included Adam Levine, Jessica Simpson, and Sharon Stone.

Submariner Bezel Types

The first Rolex Submariner models included aluminum bezel inserts. With more recent Rolex
Submariners, ceramic inserts replaced the aluminum ones. Ceramic was used most recently
because it had better properties according to the brand. However, it can be said, there are pros
and cons associated with each type.

Ceramic bezel inserts are a bit more durable in nature. They can stand up to tougher conditions
and are less likely to scratch. However, should it become damaged, this type of bezel is a bit
pricier when you need to obtain a replacement part. As for the beauty of the ceramic bezel, one
might say it is more eye-catching than its aluminum counterpart.

Rolex Submariner Movement Characteristics

The Rolex Submariner has used the calibre 3135 self-winding movement since 1988. Designed
and manufactured in-house, this movement has seen upgrades throughout the years for better
precision and accuracy. As a certified Swiss chronometer, it has passed rigorous testing to be
rated as such. Add in the shock resistant Parachrom hairspring and temperature change
resistance and you have one well-made movement.

The Rolex Submariner with its calibre 3135 also has a free sprung balance. This addition gives it
above average accuracy. The calibre 3135 gains or loses only two seconds every 24-hour period,
which is pretty spectacular.

Rolex Submariner Special Edition Watches

Rolex has also released a number of Submariner special editions over the years. From the “50 th
Anniversary” model to the “No Date” model, there were plenty of unique options to choose
from thanks to Rolex watchmakers. These special editions are produced for a limited time,
which made them more valuable and quite coveted.

The “50 th Anniversary” model was introduced in 2003 to mark 50 wonderful years since Rolex
Submariner first made its debut. This watch has a black dial and green bezel. It’s sometimes
called the “Kermit” model due to its signature color.

The “No Date” Submariner was produced without a date display window, which was unusual
for a Rolex Submariner. The “No Date” model included reference numbers 14060, 14060M, and
114060. This model had clean lines and a symmetric style.

Color and Material Options

From stainless steel to 18k gold, Rolex Submariner purchasers definitely have options when it
comes to materials. As for the color tones, some Rolex watches have a black dial and black
bezel, such as the Reference 16610 and 14060, while others offer a unique green color tone, as
you can see with the green bezel and green dial of the “Hulk” watch, Reference 116610LV.

If you’re eager to buy a Rolex Submariner with two color tones, look no further than the
Rolesor model, the Rolex Submariner 16613. And you can often find a Rolesor in unique color
schemes, such as a blue bezel and blue dial.

If you are a gold aficionado, you can buy your Rolex Submariner made of 18k gold. Choose from
a variety of color combinations and find the Rolex Submariner that suits your style and tastes.

Affordability of the Rolex Submariner

The Rolex brand is one associated with superior luxury. So, one might think that all Rolex
watches are unattainable. Not so! Rolex watches come in a wide array of price ranges. Some of
the more affordable Rolex watches include the Reference 16610, which carries an average price
tag of around $10,000.

For those who might be willing and able to spend quite a bit of money on their new Rolex
watch, the two most expensive Rolex watches include the Reference 116618 and the Reference
116619. With their 18k gold materials, it’s no wonder these watches are on the more expensive
side. These watch models are sold for anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000, on average, when
purchased new. Plus, add diamonds to your Rolex of choice and the price tag increases.

When you’re ready to buy a new or pre-owned watch, TheWristWatcherInc.com can help!
Preview the wide selection of Rolex Submariner watches offered by TheWristWatcherInc.com
for the one that suits your tastes best.