The Submariner

As an underwater survival tool, this watch’s design has been entirely dictated by the practical needs of divers. Since 1953, the Submariner has evolved technically and aesthetically as it has been endowed with features to improve overall functionality. The first watch was a pioneer and its subsequent versions have continued to set the benchmark for divers’ watches.

With its redesigned, slightly larger 41 mm Oyster case, distinctive dial with large luminescent hour markers, unidirectional rotatable bezel with Cerachrom insert and Oyster bracelet, the new-generation Submariner and Submariner Date remain faithful to the original model.

The dial’s Chromalight display is an innovation that improves visibility in dark environments, an essential feature for divers. Hour markers in simple shapes – triangles, circles, rectangles – and broad hour and minute hands enable instant and reliable reading to prevent any risk of confusion underwater.

The Submariner’s Oyster case, guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 300 metres (1,000 feet), provides the high-precision movement with optimal protection from water, dust, pressure and shocks. The Triplock winding crown – fitted with a triple waterproofness system – screws down securely against the case, ensuring watertight security.

The Submariner’s unidirectional rotatable bezel has knurled edges that offer excellent grip when setting the dive time. It rotates notch by notch, accompanied by distinctive clicks. Thanks to the Chromalight luminescent capsule on the zero marker, the bezel can also be used in dark underwater environments.

The Oyster bracelet marries engineering and aesthetics, designed to be both robust and comfortable. It is equipped with an Oysterlock safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening, and a Rolex Glidelock extension system, allowing fine adjustments of the bracelet without using any tools so that it can be worn comfortably over a diving suit.

The Submariner and Submariner Date models are equipped respectively with calibre 3230 – unveiled in 2020 – and calibre 3235, self-winding mechanical movements entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Their architecture, manufacturing and innovative features make them singularly precise and reliable.

The Submariner was originally created specifically for underwater exploration and diving. Over the years, it has proved to be equally at home out of the water and has become the emblematic all-round watch, worn by explorers, athletes, filmmakers, artists and others across all walks of life.

When it first came out of the Rolex workshops, the Submariner was an immediate success with many pioneering deep-sea professionals who were asked to test it for the brand. 

Since its creation in 1953, the Submariner has constantly evolved, enhancing its waterproofness, robustness, and functionality. The case was first enlarged from 38 to 40 mm – when it was equipped with a crown guard – and then to 41 mm in 2020.