Submariner Rolex

In 1953, Rolex unveiled an innovation new to the world of watchmaking; the Submariner watch, the first diving watch to be waterproof to 100 metres. At the time, few people would have imagined that it would become so enduringly popular. And yet this model of diving watch is now legendary. Lire la suite
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Rolex Submariner, a diving watch that made history.


Invented in 1953, the Rolex Submariner turned the world of diving on its head and continues to define the history of fine watchmaking to this day. It very quickly made a name for itself as the first watch to be waterproof to a depth of 100 metres. To achieve this feat, the Swiss manufacture relied heavily on the advice of René-Paul Jeanneret, a true scuba diving enthusiast. So it was not without reason that upon its release, the very first Submariner was accompanied by a label which read ""The diver's friend"". The 1953 Submariner, which bore the reference number 6204, had a black dial as well as luminescent elements such as the numerals and hands making it easy to read in the water.

Time has no hold over the Rolex Submariner


Despite the years, the Rolex Submariner has managed to maintain the features that helped it to achieve success, notably the slightly redesigned Oyster case, its large luminescent hands and its resistant Oyster bracelet. The modifications to this watch can mainly be seen in the finer details: its new crown guard as well as the subtly polished sides of its bracelet. The only significant change is its performance levels. The Submariner is now waterproof to up to 300 meters. It is also equipped with a graduated rotating bezel with a scratchproof Cerachrom disc. Although designed for diving, this Rolex watch still also manages to be a luxurious timepiece. Its gold hands, platinum-coated numerals and sapphire crystal glass are all proof of this.

A watch for celebrities


Much more than a simple diving watch, the Rolex Submariner has seduced many personalities since its creation in 1953. Look no further than several actors who have played James Bond on the big screen. In 1963, Sean Connery wore the 6538 model in the very first James Bond film, Dr. No. Later, Roger Moore wore the 5513 Submariner model, which was produced from 1962 onwards, in the eighth film in the saga: Live and Let Die. As for Steve McQueen, he was also charmed by the allure of this Rolex watch. The American actor and pilot can be seen wearing the 5512 model for a photo. Finally, Ernesto Rafael Guevara, better known as Che Guevara, also owned one of these exceptional watches.

A popular watch in the world of collectable watches


Despite the passing of time, the Rolex Submariner is as appealing as ever in the eyes of fine watch lovers. In 2021, the price of a pre-owned Rolex Submariner Date can now exceed £10,000. The Green Ceramic Submariner Date, nicknamed the ""Hulk"", is priced at over £16,000 in the second-hand market. The models most prized by collectors, such as the Submariner Red and the Comex, a watch created between 1972 and 1978 for the Compagnie Maritime d'Expertises, can see their price reach impressive levels, provided they are in excellent, boxed condition. It is worth noting that the price of these second-hand watches is currently rising at the same rate as that of other models from the Swiss manufacturer, such as the Rolex Day-Date, the Datejust and the Explorer adventurer's watch.