history of Rolex submariner

Rolex Submariner is generally considered as one of the best dive watches and it has the background from the middle of the twentieth century. Here is a detailed exploration of its history:Here is a detailed exploration of its history:

Origin and Introduction (1953-1954):

Rolex Submariner was launched in 1953 and was officially premiered at the Basel Fair for the year 1954. In particular, the watch was considered and created as a working tool for professional divers that can be used in severe conditions of some underwater researches. It was one of the earliest wrist watches to boast of water resistance of up to 100 meters/330 feet, which was quite unique in that era.

Main features:

Rotatable Bezel: For divers, they are permitted to record their bottom time.

High visibility: Lumes of the watch were big with large lines and clear hand markings which were easy to see at night.

Robust construction: The structure was designed for use in harsh conditions of the geography that it was located in.

Early Models (1950-1960):

This marked the first time the Submariner model name appeared; specifically, reference 6204 was the starting point for the line. It had simple aesthetics with a 37mm diameter and a case of stainless steel material with an automatic system along with of 100 meters of water resistance.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Rolex introduced several references, each improving on the last:During the 1950s and 1960s, Rolex introduced several references, each improving on the last:

Reference 6205 (1954): Released some time after the 6204 Cross Clip and is only distinguished by a small innovation.

Reference 6538 (1955): The so called ‘James Bond Submariner’ that has a bigger crown without crown protector and raised the water-resistance to 200 meters.

Reference 5512 (1959): First submarine to incorporate a crown guard which increases security and a chronometer-certified movement which measures time with accuracy.

The “James Bond” Connection (1962):

The appearance of wristwatches in movies can be potentially dangerous: according to tradition, the choice of such a watch falls on the actor who played the main character, and since the Submariner reference 6538 was first worn by Sean Connery, who incarnated James Bond in the film “Dr. No” in 1962, this watch’s image has been inevitably linked to this fictional character for ever. This watch, the James Bond Submariner’, was used and displayed in several of the Bonds. Movies such as the; From Russia with Love (1963) and Goldfinger (1964). Taking into consideration the indications of a quintessential Bond style, the Submariner reflects James Bond’s image in the letter and the spirit – solid and stylish, prepared for the fight. This link boosted the sale of the Submariner massively and turned the watch from being simply a diving watch to a male icon, a tool and style watch. Although other brands make their appearances in the later Bond films, the bond that Rolex has established with the brand mascot is unique and thus people are willing to collecting the “James Bond Submariner. ” However, the definitive contribution to the popularization of the watch stemmed from the likes of Sean Connery who portrayed James Bond and popularized it as a tool for the world’s foremost secret agent.

Evolution and Technological Progress (1960-1980):

During 1960s and up to 1980, there was the advancement of technology and modification in the design of the Rolex Submarihttps://thetimewise.com/history-of-rolex-submariner/ner thus making it no longer a simple divers watch. New inventions include the inception of crown guards in the reference number 5512, and incorporation of a date feature by a cyclops lens in the reference number 1680. Submariner’s rating of water-resistance was raised up to 300 meters and the new use of a sapphire crystal (Ref. 16800 introduced). Over these decades for Rolex, the Submariner retained all its core characteristics; the rotating bezel and the hours markers with luminosity; it will also receive enhancements within its movements. These innovations facilitated the transformation of the Rolex Submariner from the professional divers’ watch into a symbol of affluence in the advertized market of dive watches.

Modern Era (1980-Present):

In the 1980s, Rolex continued to innovate by incorporating new materials and technology into the Submariner:In the 1980s, Rolex submariner continued to innovate by incorporating new materials and technology into the Submariner:

Reference 16610 (1988): used its COSC certification along with the new 3135 movement that was dubbed to be stronger than its predecessor. This particular model was gradually established as one of the most familiar and the most often used Submariners.

Reference 14060 (1990): It was a no-date Rolex Submariner which referencing to the earliest model of the watch while using the latest technology.

Ceramic Bezel Introduction (2010): Now, with the Rolex Submariner Date Reference 116610 and No-Date Reference 114060 Rolex submariner presented the bezel made from Cerachrome – the ceramic that is resistant to scratching, and the wider lugs and clades are stronger. For fine adjustments.

Design Consistency and Iconic Status:

Traditionally, one of the defining features in Rolex Submariner’s aesthetic is that it lacks radical changes or alterations. The watch through the years has had many technical improvements but when it comes to the look, it has not changed a whole lot. Such a layout has been used in the Rolex Submariner series for decades and due to Rolex’s tradition for manufacture precise and long-wearing watches, the Submariner has become one of the most recognizable timepieces on the planet.

Submariner Today:

The current Rolex Submariner models include the full steel, Rolesor (combination of steel and gold), and the full gold models. More recent is the update of the year 2020 which brought references 126610 of date model and 124060 of no date model. These models are legislated with a slightly larger 41mm case, the new, tested caliber 3235 movement with an extended power reserve, as well as refined designs to improve the functionality and appearance of the watch.

Inheritance and influence:

The Rolex Submariner has been a driving force on the watch making market for many years, constituting what a dive watch should look and function like. It has been copied by a myriad of other brands and has become the epitome of the meaning of luxury motoring as well as usability. Another proof of relevance is the fact that submarines and submariners have also turn to be associated with success, thrill and timelessness.

To sum up, it could be said that the story of the development of the reference 6204 Rolex Submariner proves that Rolex never stopped searching for innovation, the highest quality and genuinely attractive designs. As a professional tool watch to a status symbol of luxury, the Submariner remains one of the most revered and recognized watches in horology.