Why You Should Buy A Rolex Submariner Watch

One of the most iconic and prestigious watch brands still is Rolex. Based in Geneva, this luxury Swiss watchmaker can trace its history back to 1905. Rolexes are known for their superb style, fabulous features and unrivalled craftsmanship. The brand is also famous for the range of models it has produced over the years. One of the most popular is the Rolex Submariner.
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But what is the history behind this superb watch?

A Post-War Foray Into The Sports Watch Market

In simple terms, the Submariner represented Rolex's foray into the post-war sports watch market. As the name suggests, it was originally designed for divers and those who spent time out at sea. This saw the Submariner come with water resistance built-in and also protection against corrosion from seawater. Interestingly, it is not a range in its own right.

It first went into production in 1953 and was unveiled to the world at the Basel Watch Fair in 1954. It instantly caused a stir and its reputation as a classic wristwatch has grown since then. The first Submariners came with the reference numbers of 6204 and 6205. Compared to modern Submariners, they looked a lot different. The early models, for example, did not have the trademark 'Mercedes' hands which modern ones do. Early models also did not have the Submariner name on them either. This is thought to be down to trademark issues over the name at the time they were first being produced.

Rolex Continues To Refine and Improve The Submariner

The favourable response to the original Submariner wristwatches gave Rolex the confidence to produce newer models with extra features included. This saw models such as the 6200 follow in 1954 with the Mercedes hands and an oversize winding crown. The latter part of the 1950s also saw models such as the 6536 small crown version produced, with the Submariner logo included and an improved cal. 1030 movement.
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By the early 1960s, Rolex had seen how popular the watch was and continued to refine the look and design of it. This saw the small crown 5508 launched and the larger crown 5510 too. The real jump forward in terms of design though was the 5512 chronometer Submariner and the 5513 non-chronometer version. Both added on the distinctive crown shoulders for added protection to the winding mechanism. They also had an oversize crown which became a feature on every Submariner afterwards. The late 1960s also saw the 1680 Submariner launched, which was the first model to ever include a date function. This was a key point in the watch's development, as it gave it mass-market appeal.

Submariners In The Present Day

As in the 1950s and 1960s, Rolex has continued to update and improve the Submariner in the present day. This has seen modern examples boast up to 300 metres of water resistance, new movements and tweaks to their design. 2003 saw the Submariner celebrate its 50th birthday and Rolex launch the 16610 LV anniversary edition. This had a dazzling green bezel and a cool Maxi dial. 2008 saw an innovative case brought in for the Submariner Date. This included a dashing Cerachrom bezel and quick-adjust clasp.

Rolex have also kept a Submariner presence at the Basel Watch Fair in modern times, with the stainless steel 116610 model being presented at the 2010 edition. Coming right up to date, 2020 saw the Swiss manufacturer introduce a new 41mm watch case for Submariner models 124060 and 126610LN. Both these models also have new movements inside them for even better timekeeping.
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Furthermore, one of the most sought after, desirable and most collectable watch from the Submariner collection is the Hulk 116610LV. The Hulk Submariner was the first submariner to feature a matching green dial and bezel, which was launched in 2010 until 2020.

Pick up your own Submariner at Watches.co.uk

The history of this wristwatch is fascinating to read about. Of course, it has also been seen in many movies in its lifetime too. Some of the James Bond films, like Dr No, for example, see our favourite spy rocking a Submariner! Known for their features, cool looks and iconic branding, they are a great watch to own. Why not treat yourself to one today at Watches.co.uk?