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The Rolex Saga...Submariner

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The Saga of the Submariner

Anatomy of a phenomenonal passion

The Watch Quoteâ„¢ - February 20th, 2004

 

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In the early 1950s, ROLEX started work on watches to meet the most demanding and complex technical and professional requirements. Half a century later, the Submariner is still among the surest values in horology, a magic timepiece that we all dream of owning or collecting. Like us, you ladies have long since fallen under its spell, and we all know why.

 

Discover the history of the most coveted: the most copied and the most envied watch of all time. When you say ROLEX, you’re talking SUBMARINER.

 

 

The Submariner was first revealed in 1953

and went on show to the public as reference 6204

at the Basle Fair in Spring 1954

 

At that time, few watch lovers foresaw the fantastic future ahead of this new ROLEX. Essentially intended for those involved in extreme sports and dangerous professions, the watch didn’t conform to the prevalent standards of elegance at all, and yet…

 

The 6200 had a variant of the dial produced only for the English market, named the Explorer. There is no SUBMARINER inscription and the hours are in Arab figures, in gold for 3, 6 and 9. The winding crown, measuring 8mm, was initially marked Brevet, and was the prototype for the future TRIPLOCK with three points, produced for 18 months between 1956 and 1958. This series still has the original lunette with the red triangle. The bigger winding crown was introduced to make it easier to use while wearing gloves.

 

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ROLEX adopts the caliber 1030.

 

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In 1956, ROLEX unveiled the SUBMARINERS 6536 and 6538, which can be found with caliber A296 as well as caliber 1030 (bi-directional winding rotor). The first version of the 6538 still has a rounded back of the Bubble-back type. The second version of the 6538 is distinguished by its more imposing case and the 8mm winding crown, as well as for the new caliber 1030. This model is known as the 6538A. The triangle of the lunette can be red (as for the English 6200). Its maximum depth limit is 660feet/200 meters, compared to 330 feet/100meters for the 6536. Models of caliber 1030 have their own reference: 6536-1. Adopting the caliber 1030 enabled higher precision, and from the end of 1958 we start to find 6538s carrying the inscription OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED CHRONOMETER on the dial. These models usually have hours and inscriptions in gold (depth indicator and chronometer in white). They remained in production throughout 1960

 

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1958

Superlative Officially Certified Chronometer

 

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In 1958, ROLEX introduced the references 5510 and 5508.The 5510 (produced until 1962) was simply a modified version of the reference 6538. You can find the 5510 with calibers 1530 or 1520, which differ from one another only by the number of alternations per hour: 18,000 and 19,800. Dial with inscriptions in gold (generally without maximum depth indicator) and 8mm winding crown.

 

rolexSubmariner5508.gif

 

The new 5508 inherited the same case as the 6536, and was its direct descendant. Launched as 1030 caliber, it subsequently became 1530 caliber until production ceased in 1962. It can be found with white or gold inscriptions. It still has a 6mm winding crown without surround.

 

These models are often called the JAMES BOND, but the 6538 is the only reference that really merits this name.

 

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1960:

The Submariner 5512

 

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The first modern model of the SUBMARINER, reference ROLEX 5512, came out in 1960 .

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Characterized by a case that is almost identical to the one we know now, the 5512 had a large winding crown (8mm) with very pronounced surround and moletage. It comes in caliber 1530 and 1570. Production continued until 1977. Almost all the 5512s obtained the standard of chronometer. The usual dial has white inscriptions and indicators. However, there is a series that was produced for the US with the SUBMARINER inscription and depth indicator in gold.

 

rolexSubmariner5512-5513.gif

 

In 1962, the 5508 was replaced as basic model by the 5513, without the chronometer certificate. You can find it in the two calibers chosen for the 5512 (1530 and 1570). Examples also exist with inscriptions in gold. The first of these references have a winding with a very tapering surround (known as great horns). From the end of 1970, until production ceased in 1989, the hour indices are circled.

 

1965:

The Submariner 1680

 

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In 1965, with the SUBMARINER 1680, ROLEX introduced two brand new features.

 

The date: the new SUBMARINER 1680 incorporated a chimney-type Cyclops lens glued to the outside of the acrylic crystal for easy date reading. The 1680 (caliber 1570 and 1575) SUBMARINER stayed in production for longer than any other model, and is now prized by collectors.

 

1986:

The “Transition Submarinerâ€

 

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The first SUBMARINER with a sapphire crystal, the model 16800 was produced for just three years, between 1986 and 1989. With the16800, ROLEX also introduced other improvements from the new SEA-DWELLER: 30350 caliber, safety lunette and index in gobelets. The maximum depth increased to 1000 feet/300 meters, and a version in gold and steel was launched with the reference 16803.

 

1989:

Contemporary Submariners

 

rolexSubmariner16610.gif

 

The present caliber 3135 model 16610 appeared in 1989. It is also available in gold and steel, 16613, and 18 carat gold 16618.

 

As for the SUBMARINER with no date, the 5513 came to the end of production in 1989, replaced by the present reference 14060 with sapphire crystal.

 

A super cool timeline here : www.timeline.watch 

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bigbossa

G.Curcio

 

Excellent ! Thanks man really informative.Will help me greatly :D

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greg_r

Great post, mate - instant sticky!

 

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Ellery

thank you for this

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Jan-mj

It's allways good to know your History!

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lightnoise

Great post!!

 

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lukaboy

thank you so much!

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Timetraveler22

This is a Realy Great post. Thank You for the history lesson.

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akrolex123

thanks for the time and effort put into this, you must a true rolex enthusiast

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HeavyKrush

This watch is currently in the #1 spot on my Gen wish list. It's easy to understand why.

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HeavyKrush

I should clarify by saying the 116610 is in the #1 spot.

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USERNAME777

Yes, VERY informative post GC. Appreciate it!

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Navichief

If only I had a time machine and some 1950's appropriate currency.

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nic3

Great post my friend!

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senna99

Great read :)

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EeZee

Brilliant read thanks for this

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Socalidol

i like reading this

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Y30BAD

Good read!

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Abagnale

@op: you need to revise the 16800 part. this reference was produced from 1981 until 1987/88. the watches had a matte dial until 1985. then the glossy dial with the white gold surroundings was introduced. in 1987 the 168000 was introduced. this reference was the first rolex with 904 L steel, which was more resistant to corrosion.

 

cheerio

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Faithinyou

Thanks for the info :)

 

 

Sorry for the typos sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

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Heading180

Good read thanks :)

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beepbeepimajeep

very interesting read, thanks

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again

great

 

thanks

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LT2014

One correction......

I purchased my 16800 in 1983. You stated they were only made from 1986-89.

I am certain of this.....it is currently at RUSA for only its second service in 30 years. The 3035 movement has been truly durable.

Thanks.

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wtcf90

Lunch-time reading sorted. Thank you for the contribution!

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