The history of the Rolex Submariner is legend in Rolex watches. But why is this sports watch also heralded as one of the most famous elegant dress watches of all time?
Perhaps it has something to do with the famous names associated with
this timepiece: Jacques Cousteau, James Bond, Sean Connery, Thor
Heyerdal , the British Royal Navy and COMEX (a famous French
expeditionary diving company) to name just a few. Click here to learn more and read the official guide about the Rolex 16610 and why it still retains its iconic status among die hard Rolex fans even compared to the new ceramic Submariner model 116610.
Beyond the marketing hype, however, the Rolex Submariner just has that
timeless sophisticated design that true watch aficionados want to see
when they look down at their wrist several times a day.
Ocean Conquest
The Submariner story began in the early 1950s when Rolex director Rene
P. Jeanneret, who was also an amateur diver, encouraged the company to
develop a sports watch for scuba divers.
Then, in 1953, Rolex managed to test their new 6200 model timepiece as
Auguste Piccard and his son Jacques attempted a world diving record.
Not only was the pair successful in taking their “bathyscaphe” to a new
world record depth of 10,335 feet below the ocean's surface, but the
Submariner survived too.
That same year, Cousteau made a documentary film about the Mediterranean Sea titled The Silent World , which ended up winning an Academy Award. Of course, Rolex made certain the famous oceanographer was prominently wearing a Rolex Submariner in all of the film's shots.
Formal Launch
Then in 1954, Rolex formally launched Submariner model 6204 at the Basel Spring Fair.
The company claimed its new timepiece was water resistant and could
withstand depths of 200 meters (or 660 feet): something no other watch
company had been able to accomplish.
This same model (as well as the 6205), which was a bit smaller than the
first “experimental” 6200 model, was officially launched for sale to
the general public in 1955.
It wouldn't be until the 1960s, however, that the Submariner would have mass appeal.
The groovy era is when the Submariner showed up on the wrist of Sean
Connery in several James Bond 007 films, including some famous
underwater scenes. (In fact, the Submariner has shown up in no less than nine Bond films.)
What made the Submariner perfect for diving -- other than the ability
to work at incredible depths under the water -- is the rotating bezel
keeps track of air time when divers are submerged.
In addition, many of the other Submariner innovations were created to
deal with the limitations of wearing a wet suit and gloves such as the
Submariner's famous flip lock clasp (later known as “triplock”).
Submariner Innovations
Over the decades, Rolex has made only minor changes to its classic
Submariner watches such as thinning out the crown guard and adding even
more innovations such as a helium escape valve, a 31-jewel movement,
extra luminescent hour markers (called “superluminova”), synthetic
sapphire glass, a date feature (some with “Cyclops” magnifying glass for
easier reading) and an even greater depth rating (300 meters of 1,000
feet).
Modern Transformations
Starting in the 1970s, Rolex also transformed the Submariner into a more colorful timepiece.
The first Submariners were all crafted in silver steel with black
faces, but the more contemporary Submariner watches became available in
yellow gold (or two tone) and even bright blue faces. In 2004, Rolex launched its green face (or LV as in “lunette verde”) to commemorate the 50 th anniversary of the Submariner. Rolex uses a proprietary 904L stainless steel on its latest Submariner models. This ultra hard, corrosion-resistant steel is only used in aerospace and chemical factors.
In fact, no other company in the world except Rolex has the economies
of scale or expertise to use this shock-resistant material for everyday
timepieces.
Through the years, the Submariner has retained its rugged sporty appeal
while at the same time being sophisticated enough to wear at board
meetings.
History of The Rolex Submariner Watch
