Later watches were manufactured with rounded shoulders. In early watches-until 1964 or so-these shoulders were pyramid-shaped and ended in points. "Shoulders" were added to the crown side of the case to provide protection for the winding/setting mechanism. The next wave of Submariners, the 5512 (chronometer version) and 5513 (non-chronometer), marked a significant change in the appearance of the popular Rolex design. Radium paint was used for the luminous indices. All of these early Submariners used either gilt (6200, 6204, 6205) or gilt/silver gilt (6536, 6538) printing on glossy black dials. 1030), including a chronometer version in some 6536 models (designated 6536/1), the now-familiar Mercedes hands, and the Submariner logo and depth rating printed on the dial.īy the early 1960s, these models had given way to the 5508 (small crown) and 5510 (large crown) models. These watches had "improved" movements (the cal. Within a few years, Rolex revised its Submariner line, producing the 6536 (small crown) and 6538 (oversized crown) models. The 6200 also featured an oversized winding crown compared to the 62 models. This was the first Submariner (although not the first Rolex) to make use of the Mercedes hand set, a feature of all subsequent Submariners. In 1954, Rolex also produced a small number of ref. The back of pre-2008 stainless steel Submariner, with original Rolex green sticker removed Trademark irregularities notwithstanding, both the 62 are designated Submariner models in Rolex product literature. It is believed that there were unexpected trademark issues connected with the name "Submariner" at the time the 62 were released, accounting for the inconsistent use of the Submariner mark on these early Submariners. Some 6204 models have the Submariner logo printed below the center pinion, while others have the logo blacked out. Rather, both of these early submariners have straight "pencil" style hands.įew, if any, of the 6205 watches bear the name "Submariner" on the dial, a major distinction of modern Submariners. Neither has the distinctive "cathedral" or "Mercedes" hands now so strongly associated with the Submariner line. It is unclear which model came first in any event, the two watches are nearly identical. The assigned case reference number of this first Submariner was either 6204 or 6205. The Submariner model went into production in 1953 and was showcased at the Basel Watch Fair in 1954. 7 Model information and characteristics.They are water resistant up to 300 metres (1000 ft). Today, the Submariner and Submariner Date models are equipped with Rolex Calibres 32, respectively, and feature luminescent hour markers, a unidirectional rotatable bezel with Cerachrom ceramic insert, and a solid-link Oyster bracelet. The Rolex Submariner is part of Rolex's Oyster Perpetual line. Due to its huge popularity, there are many homage watches by well-established watchmakers, as well as illegal counterfeits. The Rolex Submariner is considered "a classic among wristwatches", manufactured by one of the most widely recognized luxury brands in the world. It was the first watch to be waterproof up to 100m. The first Submariner was introduced to the public in 1954 at the Basel Watch Fair. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner is a line of sports watches designed for diving and manufactured by Rolex, and are known for their resistance to water and corrosion. Model 16610 was produced from the year 1987 to 2010. Rolex Submariner-Date model 16610, with a water resistance of 300 meters (1000 feet).