Launched in 1953, the Rolex Submariner is the first divers’ wristwatch to be waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet) – now 300 metres (1,000 feet). Its major features, such as the graduated rotatable bezel, the luminescent display, the large hands and hour markers, have been a driving force in the creation of the long line of Rolex divers’ watches which followed.
The Submariner is an iconic timepiece whose renown now extends beyond the professional world it was first designed for. The Submariner, the ultimate standard.
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.
The Submariner’s unidirectional rotatable bezel has knurled edges that offer excellent grip when setting the dive time, even when wearing gloves. It rotates notch by notch, accompanied by distinctive clicks. Its engraved 60-minute graduation allows divers to monitor their time underwater. Manufactured by Rolex from a hard, corrosion-resistant ceramic, the Cerachrom bezel insert is virtually scratchproof and its colour is unaffected by ultraviolet rays, seawater or water that is chlorinated. In addition, thanks to its chemical composition, the high-tech ceramic is inert and cannot corrode.
The Submariner’s unidirectional rotatable bezel is key to the functionality of the watch.
The Submariner’s Oyster case, guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 300 metres (1,000 feet), provides the movement with optimal protection from water and dust. The Triplock winding crown – fitted with a triple waterproofness system – screws down securely against the case, ensuring watertight security.
The Chromalight display is an innovation that improves visibility in dark environments, an essential feature for divers. An innovative luminescent material emitting a blue glow is applied to the hands, hour markers and the capsule on the bezel.
Hour markers in simple shapes – triangle, circle, rectangle – and broad hour and minute hands enable instant and reliable reading to prevent any risk of confusion underwater.
I was wearing a Submariner the first time I saw the Titanic for real through the porthole of a submersible, and I was wearing the same watch in my black tie when I went up on the stage to get the Oscar for directing Titanic.
