The almost 70 year old watch remains revered today for its unique, timeless qualities.
Throughout the history of watchmaking, one brand truly stands out when it comes to global recognition: Rolex. As a symbol of luxury, style, form, and function combined, the brand is also one of the first to ask the question, what if watches could continue to function even when submerged in deep waters? What truly constitutes a divers watch?
The Rolex Submariner traces its roots back to the 1920s, when Rolex first created a water-resistant or waterproof case called the "Oyster," Gear Patrol explained. Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf, being the brilliant marketer that he was, enlisted English swimmer Mercedes Glitz to wear a Rolex with the Oyster case around her neck during her journey on the English Channel in 1927. These were the beginnings of the company's journey in making the ultimate divers' watch.
The photos eventually made it into advertisements for Rolex. But it would not be until 1953 when the company would develop the Rolex Submariner, the first divers' watch that is waterproof to a depth of 100 meters or 330 feet. So what makes the Rolex divers' watch so unique? Here are 10 things to know about the Rolex Submariner.
1. The Rolex Submariner is so iconic that it has become one of the least altered models in the watchmaker's history.
Rolex is famous for refusing to make huge changes to its designs over the years. The Rolex Submariner is no exception, as almost all fundamental physical elements from the first reference can be found in the newest model, Bob's Watches reported.
2. The case reference number of the first Rolex Submariner was 6204.
Despite little debate between case reference numbers 6204 and 6205, the former is believed to be the first one released. This iteration featured a jet black dial with dots and batons for hour markers and an inverted triangle at the 12, which is still present in today's Rolex Submariner.
3. The first Rolex Submariners did not feature Mercedes' hands.
Reference 6204 and other earlier Rolex Submariners did not have the Mercedes style hand, a distinctive hour hand with a Mercedes symbol, a three pointed star that is also known as the Rising Star. It symbolizes three modes of transport, land, air, and sea. The Mercedes hour hand was adapted so that more luminescent paint can be applied to the larger, more stable surface area.
4. Rolex Submariner 6200's were the first to feature Mercedes hands.
It was only a year later in 1954 when Rolex applied the Mercedes hands to what would become Submariner 6200. But the company produced only a small number of it, Millenary Watches reported.
5. The company introduced the oversized crown in the Rolex Submariner 5512 and 5513.
As a divers' watch, Rolex had to innovate to cater to divers' needs. The Rolex Submariner 5512 and 5513 did this by featuring an oversized crown that would enable divers to easily adjust the watch even with gloves on. The oversized crown eventually became a standard feature of the divers' watch line.
6. Ian Fleming's first James Bond film featured the Rolex Submariner.
James Bond himself, Sean Connery sported a Submariner reference 6538 in the film. It was believed that the Rolex Submariner belonged to producer Albert "Cubby" Broccoli, who lent it to the actor while filming "Dr. No."
7. The Rolex Submariner was first worn by a celebrity in 1954.
One of the first prominent people to wear the Rolex Submariner was naval officer turned explorer and innovator Jacques-Yves Cousteau, who appeared in the 1954 documentary "The Silent World," The Good Men Project reported.
8. The Rolex Submariner is crafted in one of the brand's four ateliers, which produces only one million timepieces annually.
All of the brand's timepieces, including the Rolex Submariner, is made in one of four ateliers. The luxury brand hand-makes each of its one million timepieces annually, making supply scarce for buyers who do not have an established relationship with an authorized distributor, SCMP reported.
9. The addition of the date on the Rolex Submariner caused debates among critics.
Some argued that true divers did not need the date of the month on the watch, while critics said it was Rolex's move for the Submariner to become more of a status symbol.
10. Rolex produced a 50 year anniversary Submariner.
The Rolex Submariner-Date anniversary edition 16610 LV is the brand's anniversary watch, which stood apart from other Submariners for its distinctive green bezel in Rolex's own signature color and a Maxi dial. Production of this model ceased in 2010.
