{"id":20842,"date":"2026-01-31T04:02:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-31T09:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rubberb.com\/blog\/?p=20842"},"modified":"2026-07-31T12:39:24","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T16:39:24","slug":"rolex-submariner-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rubberb.com\/blog\/rolex-submariner-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Rolex Submariner Guide: History, References, Models & Rubber Straps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Rolex Submariner is one of the most recognizable luxury sports watches ever created. Introduced in 1953 as a professional diving instrument, the Submariner has developed from a purpose-built underwater tool into a watchmaking icon associated with exploration, cinema, collecting and contemporary luxury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than seven decades after its introduction, the fundamental formula remains remarkably consistent: a highly legible dial, rotating timing bezel, waterproof Oyster case, automatic movement and robust bracelet architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The modern Rolex Submariner measures 41 mm and is waterproof to 300 meters \/ 1,000 feet. Current no-date models use Rolex calibre 3230, while Submariner Date references use calibre 3235. Both movements provide approximately 70 hours of power reserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rolex Submariner Quick Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Introduced:<\/strong> 1953
Original water resistance:<\/strong> 100 meters \/ 330 feet
Current case size:<\/strong> 41 mm
Current water resistance:<\/strong> 300 meters \/ 1,000 feet
No-Date movement:<\/strong> Rolex calibre 3230
Date movement:<\/strong> Rolex calibre 3235
Current bezel:<\/strong> Unidirectional 60-minute Cerachrom ceramic
Bracelet:<\/strong> Oyster bracelet with Oysterlock and Glidelock
Crystal:<\/strong> Scratch-resistant sapphire
Current materials:<\/strong> Oystersteel, Yellow Rolesor, yellow gold and white gold depending on reference<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rolex describes the Submariner today as its benchmark among divers’ watches. The collection retains the fundamental architecture established by the original while incorporating modern materials, movements and manufacturing techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Rolex Submariner Guide<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The History of the Rolex Submariner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1953: The Beginning of the Submariner<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rolex dates the launch of the Oyster Perpetual Submariner to 1953<\/strong>. The original watch was waterproof to 100 meters, an important capability during an era in which recreational and professional diving were rapidly developing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Submariner was publicly presented at the Basel watch fair in 1954, which explains why 1954 is sometimes incorrectly cited as the year the model was created.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early references such as the 6204, 6205 and 6200 established design characteristics that remain immediately recognizable today: a dark dial, luminous hour markers, rotating timing bezel and an Oyster case developed for underwater use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Submariner and James Bond<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Submariner’s place in popular culture was strengthened considerably through its association with James Bond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sean Connery wore a Rolex Submariner reference 6538 while portraying James Bond in films including Dr. No<\/em>, From Russia with Love<\/em> and Goldfinger<\/em>. The large-crown 6538 subsequently became one of the most recognizable vintage Submariner references.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A different Submariner appeared during Roger Moore’s era. For Live and Let Die<\/em> in 1973, a reference 5513 was modified as a film prop with the famous rotating saw-tooth bezel and fictional magnetic capability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The connection between Rolex, Bond and the Submariner helped move the watch beyond professional diving and into global popular culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How the Rolex Submariner Evolved<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rather than completely redesigning the Submariner, Rolex has progressively refined it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1959: Crown Guards and the 40 mm Case<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The reference 5512 represented an important step toward the familiar modern Submariner. Introduced in 1959, it brought protective crown guards and a case measuring approximately 40 mm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The long-running 5512 and 5513 references helped establish what collectors now recognize as the classic Submariner profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1969: The Submariner Date<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rolex introduced the Submariner Date in 1969.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reference 1680 added a date aperture at 3 o’clock together with the signature Cyclops magnifying lens. Early versions featuring the word \u201cSubmariner\u201d printed in red have become known among collectors as the Red Submariner<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The addition of the date also opened the collection to a broader range of materials and configurations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1979: Sapphire Crystal and 300-Meter Water Resistance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The reference 16800 represented another major technical transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It introduced a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, calibre 3035, quickset date functionality and a depth rating of 300 meters \/ 1,000 feet<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Submariner also transitioned to the safer unidirectional rotating bezel architecture during this generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Transition to 904L Steel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The short-lived reference 168000 marked the Submariner’s transition from 316L stainless steel to the highly corrosion-resistant 904L steel family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rolex now refers to its proprietary implementation of this material as Oystersteel<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2008\u20132010: Cerachrom and Glidelock<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The six-digit Submariner generation introduced one of the greatest visual and functional changes in the collection’s modern history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rolex replaced aluminum bezel inserts with highly scratch-resistant Cerachrom ceramic<\/strong> and introduced the Glidelock bracelet-extension system, allowing the bracelet to be adjusted without tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These features remain integral to the current Submariner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2020: The 41 mm Submariner Generation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In 2020, Rolex replaced the 40 mm ceramic Submariner generation with a redesigned 41 mm<\/strong> collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The no-date reference 124060 received calibre 3230, while the Submariner Date family moved to calibre 3235.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the increase in nominal diameter, Rolex revised the proportions of the lugs and bracelet, giving the contemporary Submariner a more refined profile than the preceding \u201cSuper Case\u201d generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Rolex
Rolex Submariner 116613LB on Pacific Blue Rubber B Strap<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rolex Submariner References<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Because the Submariner has been produced for more than 70 years, reference numbers are essential when selecting replacement straps, bracelets or other fitted accessories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Production dates for vintage Rolex references can overlap and should be treated as approximate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Important Rolex Submariner No-Date References<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Reference<\/strong><\/td>Approx. Period<\/strong><\/td>Significance<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
6204<\/td>1953\u20131954<\/td>Among the earliest Submariners<\/td><\/tr>
6205<\/td>1950s<\/td>Early small-crown Submariner<\/td><\/tr>
6200<\/td>1950s<\/td>Early \u201cBig Crown\u201d reference<\/td><\/tr>
6536 \/ 6536-1<\/td>1950s<\/td>Calibre 1030 generation<\/td><\/tr>
6538<\/td>1950s<\/td>Famous \u201cBig Crown\u201d James Bond reference<\/td><\/tr>
5510<\/td>1958<\/td>Short-lived transitional reference<\/td><\/tr>
5508<\/td>1958\u20131962<\/td>Final small-crown generation<\/td><\/tr>
5512<\/td>1959\u20131980<\/td>Crown guards and approximately 40 mm case<\/td><\/tr>
5513<\/td>1962\u20131989<\/td>One of the longest-running Submariner references<\/td><\/tr>
5514<\/td>1970s<\/td>Special COMEX-associated reference<\/td><\/tr>
14060<\/td>1990s<\/td>Sapphire-crystal no-date Submariner<\/td><\/tr>
14060M<\/td>1999\u20132012<\/td>Calibre 3130<\/td><\/tr>
114060<\/td>2012\u20132020<\/td>40 mm ceramic no-date Submariner<\/td><\/tr>
124060<\/strong><\/td>2020\u2013present<\/strong><\/td>41 mm, calibre 3230<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Important Rolex Submariner Date References<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Reference<\/strong><\/td>Approx. Period<\/strong><\/td>Configuration<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
1680<\/td>1969\u20131979<\/td>First Submariner Date<\/td><\/tr>
1680\/8<\/td>1969\u20131979<\/td>Yellow-gold Submariner Date<\/td><\/tr>
16800<\/td>1979\u20131988<\/td>Sapphire crystal, calibre 3035<\/td><\/tr>
16808<\/td>1979\u20131988<\/td>Yellow gold<\/td><\/tr>
16803<\/td>1980s<\/td>Early Yellow Rolesor<\/td><\/tr>
168000<\/td>1988\u20131989<\/td>Transitional 904L steel reference<\/td><\/tr>
16610<\/td>1989\u20132010<\/td>Long-running steel Submariner Date<\/td><\/tr>
16618<\/td>1989\u20132010<\/td>Yellow gold<\/td><\/tr>
16613<\/td>1989\u20132010<\/td>Yellow Rolesor<\/td><\/tr>
16610LV<\/td>2003\u20132010<\/td>Green bezel \u201cKermit\u201d<\/td><\/tr>
116618LN \/ LB<\/td>2008\u20132020<\/td>Yellow gold ceramic<\/td><\/tr>
116613LN \/ LB<\/td>2009\u20132020<\/td>Yellow Rolesor ceramic<\/td><\/tr>
116619LB<\/td>2008\u20132020<\/td>White-gold blue \u201cSmurf\u201d<\/td><\/tr>
116610LN<\/td>2010\u20132020<\/td>Steel, black ceramic bezel<\/td><\/tr>
116610LV<\/td>2010\u20132020<\/td>Green \u201cHulk\u201d<\/td><\/tr>
126610LN<\/strong><\/td>2020\u2013present<\/strong><\/td>Oystersteel, black bezel<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
126610LV<\/strong><\/td>2020\u2013present<\/strong><\/td>Oystersteel, green bezel<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
126613LN<\/strong><\/td>2020\u2013present<\/strong><\/td>Yellow Rolesor, black<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
126613LB<\/strong><\/td>2020\u2013present<\/strong><\/td>Yellow Rolesor, blue<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
126618LN<\/strong><\/td>2020\u2013present<\/strong><\/td>Yellow gold, black<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
126618LB<\/strong><\/td>2020\u2013present<\/strong><\/td>Yellow gold, blue<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
126619LB<\/strong><\/td>2020\u2013present generation<\/strong><\/td>White gold, blue bezel<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Current Rolex Submariner Models<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The contemporary Submariner generation is built around a 41 mm Oyster case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rolex Submariner 124060<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The reference 124060<\/strong> is the modern expression of the original no-date Submariner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It pairs a black dial with a black Cerachrom bezel and Oystersteel case. Inside is Rolex calibre 3230, providing approximately 70 hours of power reserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For purists, the absence of a date window maintains the symmetry associated with the earliest professional Submariners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rolex Submariner Date 126610LN<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The 126610LN<\/strong> combines an Oystersteel case with a black dial and black Cerachrom bezel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is powered by calibre 3235 and includes the signature date window and Cyclops magnification lens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Reference 126610LV<\/strong> pairs a black dial with a green Cerachrom bezel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This distinction is important: unlike the previous Hulk, the current LV does not<\/strong> have a green dial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rolex Submariner Date 126613LN and 126613LB<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Yellow Rolesor Submariner combines Oystersteel and 18 kt yellow gold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 126613LN<\/strong> uses a black dial and bezel, while the 126613LB<\/strong> combines a royal-blue dial with a blue Cerachrom bezel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rolex Submariner Date 126618LN and 126618LB<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The 126618 family is constructed from 18 kt yellow gold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The LN configuration is finished in black, while the 126618LB<\/strong> combines yellow gold with a royal-blue dial and blue ceramic bezel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rolex Submariner Date 126619LB<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The white-gold 126619LB<\/strong> combines a black dial with a blue Cerachrom bezel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It represents the precious-metal successor to the blue-dial 116619LB frequently known among collectors as the Smurf. Rolex technical documentation specifies a 41 mm white-gold Oyster case, calibre 3235 and 300-meter water resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rolex Submariner Nicknames Explained<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Collector nicknames are unofficial, but several have become deeply embedded in modern Rolex terminology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rolex Submariner \u201cKermit\u201d \u2013 16610LV<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Introduced for the Submariner’s 50th anniversary, the 16610LV<\/strong> combines a green aluminum bezel with a black dial<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Kermit should not be described as having a green dial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rolex Submariner \u201cHulk\u201d \u2013 116610LV<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 116610LV<\/strong> introduced a much more dramatic green appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike the Kermit, the Hulk combines a green Cerachrom ceramic bezel with a green dial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This distinction makes the 116610LV instantly recognizable and has contributed substantially to its popularity among modern Rolex collectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rolex Submariner 126610LV<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The current 126610LV returns to the Kermit concept by combining a green ceramic bezel with a black dial<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Collectors have applied several unofficial nicknames to the watch, including \u201cStarbucks\u201d and \u201cCermit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rubber B uses reference numbers rather than relying exclusively on nicknames because precise case generation and clasp compatibility are essential when selecting an integrated strap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rolex Submariner \u201cSmurf\u201d \u2013 116619LB<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The discontinued white-gold 116619LB became known as the Smurf<\/strong> because of its distinctive blue dial and blue ceramic bezel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its successor, 126619LB, retains the blue bezel but uses a black dial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rolex Submariner \u201cBluesy\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBluesy\u201d is commonly associated with blue Yellow Rolesor Submariners, including references such as the 16613LB, 116613LB and current 126613LB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The combination of Oystersteel, yellow gold and deep blue has remained one of the most recognizable configurations within the Submariner Date family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rubber Straps for the Rolex Submariner<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The correct strap for a Rolex Submariner depends primarily on case generation and clasp architecture<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A strap engineered for a pre-2010 40 mm Submariner is not automatically compatible with a 40 mm ceramic reference, and a 40 mm strap should not be installed on the current 41 mm generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rubber B separates the Submariner collection into three primary fitment generations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rolex Submariner 40 mm \u2014 Non-Ceramic, Pre-2010<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This category covers traditional aluminum-bezel Submariners equipped with the earlier Oyster clasp architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Examples include references such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n