A watch that could survive 100 meters underwater? The concept was unthinkable in 1953, when Rolex introduced what would become the benchmark for a diver’s watch, the Submariner, at the international watch and jewelry fair in Basel, Switzerland. By this point, Rolex was well-versed in durable timepieces; it had released the Oyster, the world’s first waterproof watch, in 1926. The Submariner — full name: Oyster Perpetual Submariner — would go on to become not only a technical feat but also a decade-spanning status symbol.
Technically, the Submariner watch is defined by its scratch-resistant, ceramic, rotatable bezel, which allows for optimal accuracy even deep underwater and bears a knurled rim for ease of adjustment with diving gloves. Later versions of the timepiece are waterproof to 300 meters — although most fans of the watch, content to sport the timepiece on solid ground, will likely never test that capability.
The Submariner’s most famous star turn, perhaps, is its association with one famous fictional spy. In playing the role of James Bond, Sean Connery sported a reference 6538 in several of the series’ films. George Lazenby, Roger Moore and Timothy Dalton would go on to wear subsequent models of the Submariner in their respective portrayals of the secret agent.
Connery’s Submariner loyalty in the early Bond films correlated with the watch’s move from diving accoutrement to widely coveted accessory. Other well-known Submariner admirers have included rock legend and watch aficionado Eric Clapton as well as Steve McQueen, Al Pacino and even Che Guevara. In 2016, GQ magazine dubbed the Rolex wristwatch “the male engagement ring” and recognized the Submariner as “the most primally loved” of the brand’s models.
Given the numerous versions of Submariner that Rolex has produced since 1953, variations are plentiful.
The first Submariners were manufactured in stainless steel. Since then, Rolex has added versions in yellow gold as well as a mix of its “Oystersteel” — a high-quality stainless steel produced in-house at the watchmaker — and yellow gold.
Other modifications relate to the dial’s characteristics or the style of the hands: Modern Submariners bear the name “Submariner” on their dials, although not all early models do. (Some attribute this to an unforeseen trademark issue.) Pre-1965 models have dials printed in gold, while those produced since then are white. The hands of later models are shaped in the decorative cathedral style as opposed to the slender pencil-style hands of the early models.
Details aside, Submariners of all eras bear an undeniable allure. Who, after all, wouldn’t want to wear the same timepiece as James Bond?
Rolex Submariner Small Crown Gilt Black Dial 6205 Steel Automatic Watch 1954
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 6205 Year: 1954 Serial number: 21xxx Reference: OT1504 Model 6204 as the first small crown submariner produced in 1953, guarantee depth rate 100 meters. ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date 116610LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Submariner Date in stainless steel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial, a date aperture and a uni-directional rotatable bezel with 60-minute graduations. Fitted with an Oyster bracele...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Daytona NOS Black Dial 116520
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
The predecessor to the 116500LN, this stainless steel unworn NOS Cosmograph Daytona by Rolex features a black dial. Featuring an engraved tachymetric scale, three chronograph counter...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Hulk 116610LV
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Submariner Date Hulk in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a green dial with a green unidirectional rotatable ceramic bezel which features 60 minute graduations. Fitted with a scratch...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date Ceramic Bezel Yellow Gold Black 116618LN Men's Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Never Worn Rolex Submariner Date Ceramic Bezel Yellow Gold Watch with Black Dial 116618LN. Watch comes with original Rolex Box, Rolex Warranty Car...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Submariner Date 116610LN Steel Ceramic Black Dial Watch Full Kit
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The watch is pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with the original and papers.
Steel
Rolex Submariner 116613LN 40mm Steel 18K Yellow Gold Black Dial Watch Box Papers
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with original box and papers. 1-year seller warranty.
Steel
$29,165Sale Price|20% Off
Rolex Submariner Kermit NOS 16610LV
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn NOS Submariner Date by Rolex in stainless steel, known as a Kermit. Features a black dial and a green unidirectional rotatable bezel with 60-minute graduations. The Oyster ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Rare Submariner Date Diamond Dial 116618LB
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A solid 18k yellow gold rare Blue Submariner Date ref. 116618LB wristwatch by Rolex. Featuring a blue dial with applied diamond hour markers and a yellow gold uni-directional rotatin...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rolex Submariner Date 41mm Starbucks Black Dial Steel Oyster Bracelet 126610LV
By Rolex
Located in Aventura, FL
The Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date in Oystersteel with a Cerachrom bezel insert in green ceramic and a black dial with large luminescent hour markers. The Submariner's rotatable be...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Bart Simpson 5513 Submariner 40mm Steel Unpolished Circa 1960
By Rolex
Located in Miami, FL
Rolex stainless steel 40mm reference 5513 men's wrist watch. Vintage, circa 1959-1964. Known in the trade as the Bart Simpson Rolex. The wa...
Steel, Stainless Steel
New Rolex Submariner Starbucks Steel Ceramic Black Dial Automatic Watch 126610LV
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand new. Comes with the original box and papers. Brand: Rolex Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model: Rolex Submariner 126610LV Model Number: 1...
Steel
Rolex Rare Submariner Date Red Writing Vintage Stainless Steel Mark VI 1680
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date Red Writing men's wristwatch, in stainless steel. This rare vintage wristwatch is a Submariner 1680; a watch that is incredibly sought after and...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Non-Date Mark III Maxi Dial Lollipop 5513
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 40mm stainless steel Submariner Non-Date by Rolex. Featuring a distinctive black Mark III maxi dial. The features of this particular dial include: • Large tritium hour plots that ...
Stainless Steel
Unworn Rolex Submariner Date 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Men Watch 126613LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Box and paper. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's authenticity at any boutique or dealership within this period * Kindly be aware that international buyers must cover any customs taxes or duties imposed by their country. We do not defraud Customs. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand and Model Information: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Submariner...
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Submariner Serti Dial 16618
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's 40mm Submariner in yellow gold by Rolex. Featuring a champagne serti dial (please note, the original dial was replaced with this serti dial during the Rolex service) set with 8 round brilliant cut diamonds, 3 sapphires and a date display. Complementing the dial is a yellow gold uni-directional rotating bezel with a blue bezel insert. Fitted with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and powered by a self-winding automatic movement. The watch is equipped with a yellow gold Oyster bracelet and an Oyster lock deployant clasp. The watch comes with our own presentation box, Rolex punched papers dated November 1992 and a Rolex service warranty card...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rolex Submariner Date Steel Ceramic Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116610LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Original box and papers are included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buy...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner 18k Yellow Gold Blue Dial Automatic Mens Watch 126618LB
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn Rolex Submariner 18K Yellow Gold Black Dial Automatic Men's Watch 126618LNBKSO. Original Box and Papers are Included. * Free Shipping w...
Yellow Gold
Rolex Submariner Date 41mm Steel Ceramic Black Dial Watch 126610LN Box Paper
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in mint condition. Box and papers. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Submariner Model Number: 126610LN Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Style: Luxury, Sport Country/...
Steel
Rolex Submariner Date 116610LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Submariner Date in stainless steel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial, a date aperture and a uni-directional rotatable bezel with 60-minute graduations. Fitted with an Oyster bracele...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Two Tone Watch with Custom Diamond Bezel 16613
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Submariner Two Tone Watch With Custom Diamond Bezel 16613. This watch is in like new condition. It's been polished, serviced and ...
Diamond, Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date 116613LB Ceramic Bezel Yellow Gold/Stainless Steel Watch
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This watch has been professionally polished, serviced and is in excellent overall condition. There are absolutely no visible scratches or blemishes. Authenticity guaranteed! The watc...
Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Kermit Starbucks Steel Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 126610lV
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2023 card. Original Box and Papers are Included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's authenticity at any boutique or dealership within this period * Kindly be aware that international buyers must cover any customs taxes or duties imposed by their country. We do not defraud Customs. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Watch Details: Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex Submariner 126610...
Steel
Rolex Submariner Non-Date 41mm 124060
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn 41mm Submariner Non-Date in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial and a black ceramic unidirectional rotatable bezel with 60-minute graduations coated in platinum. ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date Steel Ceramic Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116610LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Original box and papers are included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buy...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date White Gold 2022 Unworn 41mm 126619LB Discontinued
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A discontinued, unworn 41mm Submariner Date in white gold by Rolex, iconically known as the Blueberry. Featuring a black dial and a blue ceramic unidirectional rotatable bezel with 6...
White Gold
Rolex Submariner Non-Date 114060
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 40mm Submariner Non-Date, by Rolex in stainless steel. Features a black dial and a black ceramic unidirectional rotatable bezel with 60-minute graduations coated in platinum. The ...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Submariner Non-Date 5513
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stainless steel Non-Date vintage Submariner by Rolex. Features a matte black dial that is complemented by a bi-directional rotatable black bezel. Fitted with a plastic glass and s...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Kermit NOS 16610LV
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A mens unworn NOS Submariner Date by Rolex in stainless steel, known as a Kermit. Features a black dial and a green unidirectional rotatable bezel with 60-minute graduations. The Oys...
Stainless Steel
New Rolex Submariner Date Steel Ceramic Black Dial Watch 126610LN Box Pappers
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Brand new. Comes with the original box and papers. 5 year Rolex warranty. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. B...
Steel
Rolex Submariner 18k Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Automatic Men Watch 116613
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned No Original Box and Papers are Included. Comes with a Chronostore Presentation Box and Authenticity Card. Covered by a 2-year Chronostore Warranty. Details: Brand Rolex De...
Rolex Submariner 1680 Black Dial Stainless Steel Automatic Mens Watch
By Rolex
Located in Westport, CT
An original vintage Rolex Submariner reference 1680 stainless steel men’s wristwatch, circa 1980s. Featuring a jet black dial with a date aperture and a rotating bezel, the watch is ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date 18K Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Watch 126613LN Unworn
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. Box and paper included. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's authenticity at...
Yellow Gold, Steel
Rolex Submariner Date Holes Steel None Ceramic Black Dial Mens Watch 16610
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. No Original Box and Papers are Included. Comes with a Chronostore Presentation Box and a Chronostore Authenticity Card. Covered by 2-year Chronostore Warranty. Brand Rolex Type Wristwatch Department Men Model Number 16610 Country/Region of Manufacture Switzerland Style Luxury Model Rolex Submariner...
Steel
Rolex Submariner Date Diamond Dial 116613LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 40mm Submariner Date in stainless steel and yellow gold by Rolex. Features a black diamond set dial, complemented by a yellow gold uni-directional rotatable bezel which has a black...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Rolex Submarine Spider Dial 5513
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stainless steel Submariner by Rolex. Featuring a distinctive black glossy spider dial with applied hour markers and a uni-directional rotatable bezel. Fitted with a plastic glass,...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Vintage Submariner Mark IV Dial1680
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage 40mm Rolex Submariner in stainless steel. Featuring a distinctive mark IV black dial with open sixes, and a stainless steel bi-directional rota...
Stainless Steel
