Rolex Submariner History: 1950 – 1960
Stories of the Stainless Steel Rolex Submariner from it’s earliest years in 1950, have been slightly speculative, and mysterious at best. For example, no one really knows when the very first Rolex Submariner model was first produced, or why there were so many different variations along the way. At that time, a remarkable number of new Submariner models were quickly being introduced by Rolex, especially in comparison with more recent years. Most likely, the Rolex Watch Company (RWC) was experimenting with their Submariner, until they found the right recipe for the long run.
General consensus agrees that Rolex first formally introduced the Submariner model 6204 at the 1954 Basel Spring Fair (although an earlier model 6200 was already in limited existence). This forged the pathway for their competition to follow, as Rolex was full of innovations such as the rotating bezel, tip lock clasp, and extension link.
Model Numbers during this period were ref. 6200, 6204, 6205, 6536, 6536/1, 6538, 6538/6, 5508, and 5510.
