The Rolex Submariner has the perfect case dimensions, allowing it to fit very well on small and large size wrists. Older Submariner watch cases are 40 mm made of a solid block of 904L stainless steel. However, the newer Submariners are made slightly larger at 41 mm. In addition, the top surfaces of the Rolex Submariner case is interesting, in that one portion is brushed, while the sides are mirror-polished.
It is interesting to note that the Submariner is made essentially for both men and women and there isn’t a smaller “feminine size” version of the Submariner. Therefore, Rolex must keep the timepiece case size small enough to be unisex, and yet large enough to keep up with the market’s push for larger and larger timepieces. The move to a 41 mm case was a big compromise since it was more of a gradual change rather than a radical move from its heritage.
The New Rolex Submariner
The new Rolex Submariner retains its waterproofness of a depth of 1000 feet. However it is powered by the new caliber 3230 (for the no date version) and the 3235 (for the Submariner Date) which has an enhanced 70 hours of power reserve. This new movement was developed entirely by Rolex and unveiled in 2020. They are fitted with the exclusive blue Parachrom hairspring that is up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks.
Like all Rolex timepieces made today, the Submariner also receives its Superlative Chronometer certification after its casing. The COSC tests every Rolex for its accuracy, waterproofness, and other functions to make sure it is ready to achieve the seal of approval from Rolex.
The Rolex Submariner was originally launched in 1953 and was the first divers’ wristwatch that was certified to support a waterproofness to a depth of 330 feet. Rolex has made significant enhancements to the original Rolex Submariner, but is still faithful to the original model design. The Submariner still has a rotatable bezel with 60 minute graduations to allow a diver to accurately and safely monitor diving time and decompression stops.
Rolex offers both the Submariner model with no date on its dial, and the Submariner Date which has a date aperture at 3 o’clock and a cyclops lens on the sapphire glass above it. The new submariner uses a hard, corrosion-resistant ceramic Cerachrom bezel which is also virtually scratchproof. It also has a luminescent capsule at the Zero marker so that it is visible even in the darkest of environments. The knurled edge of the bezel allows for excellent grip under water, even with rubber gloves.
The new Chromalight display provides a beautiful blue glow underwater or in dark conditions. The larger hour markers and hands are even more visible with this new long-lasting chromalight luminescence.
The Rolex winding crown on the Submariner is quite a bit larger than the original one released in 1953. It is also protected by two carefully crafted and symmetrical crown guards on the top and bottom of it. The glass has also been upgraded to a Sapphire glass which has both the toughness required for a dive watch but is also scratch resistance.
One of the most powerful enhancements of the Submariner lineup is the addition of the Oyster bracelet. Engineered for robust use and for comfort, this bracelet has the ability to be placed directly on the owner’s wrist, or over a diving suit and adjusted comfortably using the Rolex Glidelock extension system. It is equipped with an Oysterlock safety clasp to protect against accidental opening when diving.
Rubber B has developed an extensive amount of band options for the Rolex Submariner and Rolex Submariner Date. Although you will undoubtedly opt for a Rubber B band because of its style, strong waterproof vulcanized rubber, and multiple color options, it is important to note that Rubber B offers many clasp options as well. The original band supports the Rolex deployant buckle that comes with the Oyster timepiece. However, Rubber B also offers a Tang buckle and a Velcro clasp as well. For more information visit our Rolex Submariner page here.
