![]() Kermitįor the collection’s 50th anniversary in 2003, Rolex unveiled the Reference 16610, a new silver version of the timepiece with a green bezel. The watchmaker then followed this up with further improved models, such as the Reference 16800, Reference 16618 and Reference 16613. This timepiece featured sapphire crystal with a water resistance of up to 300 metres (984 ft). It took until the late 1970s before Rolex made a significant update to the Submariner collection, with the release of the Reference 16800 in 1979. Then, in 1969, Rolex made the first gold version of the watch – which had only previously been available in silver. Both these models featured a larger case, crown guards and the wording “Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified” adorning the dial.Īnother iconic feature of the Rolex Submariner was added in 1966, when the Reference 1680 featured the now-commonplace Cyclops lens to maximise the date. ![]() When it comes to design, the first big overhaul came with the release of the Reference5512 in 1958 and the Reference5513 in 1962. The first major one of these was the introduction of the chronometer-certified Rolex calibre 1030 with the references 65 in 1955 – versions that proved to be much more efficient than previous models. In the subsequent years after its release, Rolex went on to release several updates. Often regarded as the ‘holy grail’ of Rolexes, this new iteration was water resistant up to 200 m (656 ft) and featured a bigger crown. The following year, a third model with the reference 6200 was unveiled. These were the first timepieces to be water resistant up to 100 meters (328 feet). Two versions (reference numbers 62) of the Rolex Submariner were finally released to the public at the 1954 Basel Watch Fair. After it resurfaced, the watch was still in full working order. The only thing is, the watch was actually attached to the outside of their bathyscaphe as it descended to a record depth of 3,131.8 meters (10,275 ft). Divers Auguste Piccard and his son Jacques attempted the world diving record and took a specially-built Rolex Submariner along for the ride. In 1953, Rolex was ready to answer this question. Jeanneret, a director of the company and a keen amateur diver, challenged the watchmaker to develop a functional diving watch that could also be worn as an elegant timepiece for everyday use. The Swiss watchmaker had already cemented itself as a pioneer of making resilient water-faring watches, having already launched the Rolex Oyster back in 1926.Īs with many classic watches, the history of the Rolex Submariner begins by answering a practical question. While the Explorer was released a few months earlier, that particular timepiece was more targeted towards adventurers and was nowhere near as robust in function or size. Created during the post-war economic boom of the 1950s, Rolex Submariner watches marked the brand’s real expansion into the sports watch market.
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