The Rolex Submariner is probably the world’s most sought after Rolex, other than the Rolex Daytona. However it is easily the most recognizable timepiece in the Rolex collection. Ian Flemming and Sean Connery made the Submariner the worlds most recognizable watch worn by the worlds most recognizable spy – James Bond.
Bond is a naval officer and wearing a timepiece made for the ocean is not only fitting, but practical. Add to that, his many gadgets added to the timepiece including high powered magnets, lasers and an actual working saw and you have the ultimate watch any spy could want.
The Submariner is a stunning timepiece. No matter which model you choose and color scheme, this timepiece is a perfect addition to your collection, even if it is your only timepiece you own. It is versatile and works well both at the beach and at the boardroom.
The visibility both in daytime and night is exceptional. Its waterproofness and tough build means it can be worn in the pool, diving in the ocean and is also sturdy enough to withstand most sports.
Rolex Submariner Guide
The Oyster Perpetual Submariner was the first timepiece capable of submerging to 100 meters. Rolex released the Submariner in 1954. Although it was not the first dive watch, it became the first pure diver’s watch to achieve this depth. It is a tool watch of the highest caliber and is highly sought after by collectors and first time Rolex owners all over the world. This has driven up the value of these timepieces in recent years.
However, Rolex never rested on its success. It continued to develop the Submariner. It increased the size of the case to 40mm and added crown-guards on either side of the winding crown for protection in 1959. In 1969 it added a date window to the Submariner. In 1979 the sapphire crystal became the standard for scratch resistant glass on the Sub.
In 1988 Rolex changed the stainless steel from 316L to 904L giving it added strength and long lasting shine. In 2020 the case increased to 41mm and the movement was completely redesigned to the new 3230 caliber with the power reserve extended to 70 hours. For the date models a cyclops lens over the date window.
Rolex increased water resistance to 200 feet with its 1955-56 reference 6200. In 1979 the Submariner reached 1000 feet of waterproof depth support and it also received a unidirectional turning bezel. Rolex added 4,000 feet of resistance in the Sea-Dweller models, and 12,800 feet of waterproof depth support in the Rolex Deep-Sea.
The Submariner has had an extensive number of versions over the years:
Reference 6204 (1953) – Cal. A260
Reference 6205 (1954) – Cal. A296 or Cal. A260
Reference 6200 (1955-6) – Cal. A296/775
Reference 6205 – (1953-7) caliber A260 9 3/4″
Reference 6536 (1955-9) – Caliber 1030
Reference 6536/1 (1955-61) – Caliber 1030
Reference 6538 (1956-9)- Caliber 1030
Reference 5510 (1958)- Caliber 1530
Reference 5508 (1958-62) – Caliber 1530
Reference 5512 (1959-80) – Caliber 1530, 1560, 1570 – “Superlative Chronomerter Officially Certified” is added to the dial.
Reference 5513 (1962-89) – Caliber 1520, 1530
Reference 5514 – (1970’s) Caliber 1520
Reference 14060 (1990-8) – Caliber 3030
Reference 14060M (1998-2012) – Caliber 3130
Reference 114060 (2012-20) – Caliber 3130
Reference 124060 (2021-present) – Caliber 3230
The Submariners with Date followed a slightly different path.
Reference 1680 (1969 -79) – Caliber 1570
Reference 1680/8 – (1969-79) – Caliber 1575
Reference16800 – (1979-88) – Caliber 3035
Reference 16808 – (1979-88) – Caliber 3035
Reference 16803 – (1984-88) – Caliber 3035
Reference 168000 – (1988-89) – Caliber 3035
Reference 16610 – (1989-2010) – Caliber 3135
Reference 16618 – (1989-2010) – Caliber 3135
Reference 16613 – (1989-2010) – Caliber 3135
Reference 16610LV – (2003-10) – Caliber 3135
Reference 116618LN – (2008-20) – Caliber 3135
Reference 116618LB – (2008-20) – Caliber 3135
Reference 116613LN – (2009-20) – Caliber 3135
Reference 116613LB – (2009-20) – Caliber 3135
Reference 116619 – (2008-20) – Caliber 3135
Reference 116610LN – (2010-2020) – Caliber 3135
Reference 116610LV – (2010-2020) – Caliber 3135
Reference 126610LN – (2020-Present) – Caliber 3235 Black Dial and Bezel with Date
Reference 126610LV – (2020-Present) – Caliber 3235 Oystersteel with Green bezel and black dial
Reference 126618LN – (2020-Present) – Caliber 3235 Yellow Gold with black dial and bezel
Reference 126618LB – (2020-Present) – Caliber 3235 Yellow Gold with Blue Bezel and Dial.
Reference 126613LN – (2020-Present) – Caliber 3235 Yellow Gold and Oystersteel “Rolesor” with Black Dial and Bezel
Reference 126613LB – (2020-Present) – Caliber 3235 Yellow Gold and Oystersteel “Rolesor” with Blue dial and bezel
Reference 126619LB – (2020-Present) – Caliber 3235 White gold with Black Dial and Blue Bezel
The Submariner has appeared in classic stainless steel (now called Oystersteel), Yellow gold, White gold, and two-tone gold (which is called Rolesor combining gold and Oystersteel on both the band and the watch case).
Other Popular Submariners
The above Submariner Reference 115510LV is a classic green bezel Submariner. Collectors named it the “Hulk” after the Marvel comic superhero. This Submariner comes with a black dial.
Rolex also made a lighter green dial model as well – the Reference 16610LV, nicknamed the Kermit, after the famous puppet frog.
This model is built with a stunning blue bezel. It has a two-tone yellow gold and stainless steel case. It has a blue dial, making the white luminous hour markers pop with dazzling contrast. Rolex surrounded the hour markers on this Submariner with 18 karat yellow gold. This protects the hour markers from bleeding. The blue Rubber B watchband completes the package on this timeless timepiece.
Rolex also released the Reference 116619 with a lighter shade of blue on both the bezel and dial on top of white gold. Collectors quickly nicknamed this the “Smurf” after the adorable cartoon characters.
3 Rolex Submariner Designer Watchbands for the Rolex Submariner
Rubber B designed 3 different Rolex Submariner designer watchbands for the Submariner.
The first has the standard bracelet that supports the original Rolex deployant buckle. For owners that want to keep the same buckle that they have come to love from Rolex, this is the ideal complimentary watchband. This option features the Rubber B signature “T” design and allows owners to adjust the band quickly and slip the watch on and off using the easy Oyster clasp that Rolex has developed over the years. For the model that supports the Rolex Glidelock deployant buckle, click here. For the classic non-glidelock buckle go here instead.
The second band option is has a standard 316L Stainless Steel Tang buckle as the clasp, in lieu of the Rolex deployant buckle. This stunning band is a perfect complete replacement band since you can save the original Rolex steel band for future resale value, while enjoying the beauty of a the wide variety of colors and styles that Rubber B offers. Rubber B has 5 colored bands with 3 dual-color options as well. If you want to change your look, just put a new Rubber B band on your classic Rolex Submariner and you will have a new timepiece to enjoy. For more information on the Tang buckle option go here.
Finally, Rubber B also pioneered the stunning Velcro clasp Rolex Submariner designer watchbands. Powerfully built with Gore-Tenara Marine Thread, this band features the exclusive Velcro® Alfatex® closure provides a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing mount to the Rolex Submariner. Rubber B added a Titanium insert for strength. For more information on this band, click here.
Rubber B makes all of its bands in Switzerland. All bands are pure vulcanized rubber. The Tang Series and the Classic Series each have a wide variety of color options. Rubber B engineered all three bands with Blocked Engineering for a tight fit. All bands are non-toxic, non-marking and non-allergenic. For more information, visit our Rolex Submariner designer bands page here.
Rubber B offers 4 different types of bands for the Rolex Submariner. Each band design comes with different colors and features. For more information, visit our Rolex Submariner band page here. Every Rubber B bracelet is made from pure 100% vulcanized rubber. All bands are made in Switzerland of the highest standards.
Rubber B has released a tremendous new color into its lineup. Many Rolex Submariner owners have been asking for a Green band to match their Submariner “HULK”, “Kermit” and even all black models. It will match any Rolex Submariner date or no date. The Rubber B Carbon Fiber Series rubber strap engineered to fit Rolex Submariner Ceramic case and Glidelock clasp*.
Our exclusive STRENGTH INFUSION TECHNOLOGY provides upgraded support against the friction, weight, and frequent micro-adjustments made daily to your Rolex Glidelock Clasp. Carbon Fiber molecules are fused within the vulcanized rubber during its mold process. The result is a substantial increase in vertical and lateral stress resistance, while maintaining supple, flexible comfort around the wearer’s wrist.
