Description

Introduced around 60 years ago, the Oyster case had a tremendous success around the globe for all lovers of water related activities.

The ingenious development by Rolex to come up with the best materials and innovations for waterproof watches, while keeping a sober and elegant look, gave the success to the Submariner model.
Several high profile stunt with divers tests in the ocean and remarkable marketing helped the world know.
Of course, an appearance on the big screen as the tool watch of the most famous English spy developed an interest within the watchafionados.

The introduction in 1954 of the Submariner came with 3 models as the reference 6200, 6204 and 6205.
Before 1954, some of these models existed but without the wording Submariner, therefore the birth of this iconic model started when we could read it on the dial.  At that time, there were no crown guards but the water resistance from 100 to 200 meters was guaranteed. ,The crown guards appeared with the reference 5512 in 1959 and then the date window with the famous « Cyclops » Plexi crystal in 1966.

The present reference is the Rolex Submariner Date Ref: 116613LB, featuring a two-tone steel and yellow gold oyster bracelet, a blue cerachrome bezel with gold inserts and a glossy blue dial.

The 300m water-resistant case measures 40mm and features a maxi dial with golden gilt prints. The dial is bold and uncluttered displaying the hours, minutes, seconds and the cyclops date. It could be termed as a slightly fancier version of the iconic Submariner.

The three-link oyster bracelet features polished yellow gold center links and satin finished steel shoulder links with polished sides.
The length of the bracelet can be adjusted upto 20mm in 2 mm increments, thanks to the patented Glide-Lock mechanism.

Sealed inside is the reliable workhorse of Rolex – Caliber 3135 with hacking seconds function and quick set date function. It offers 48hr power reserve.\

Rolex – bio

Founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, initially as Wilsdorf & Davis Ltd. Renamed Rolex by 1908 and moved its base of operations to Geneva, Switzerland in 1919.  Their success is due to their innovation namely the legendary “Oyster” case – first water resistant watch and their extremely reliable movements.
The most famous models are Datejust, Day-Date, Daytona, Explorer, GMT-Master, Submariner and many more.
The company is owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, a family private trust.
One story, never confirmed by Wilsdorf, recounts that the name came from the French words “horlogerie exquise”‘è, meaning “exquisite clockwork”.