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?
New 2024 Rolex Submariner Date Steel Ceramic Black Dial Men's Watch 126610LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
2024 Card Full set. Comes with the original box and papers. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can veri...
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
Rolex Submariner Date NOS Stainless Steel & Yellow Gold Blue Dial 16613
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An Unworn Stainless Steel & 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date NOS Men's Wristwatch, blue dial with applied hour markers, date at 3 0'clock, an 18k yellow gold uni-dire...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date Sapphire/Diamond Stainless Steel Watch Blue Dial
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Submariner Date Custom Diamond Stainless Steel Watch with Sapphire/Diamond Bezel Lugs and Blue Dial 116610. Watch has been professionally po...
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 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 Non-Date Vintage Stainless Steel Matte Black Dial 5513
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Submariner Non-Date Vintage Men's Wristwatch, matte black dial with hour markers, a stainless steel bi-directional rotating bezel with a black beze...
Stainless Steel
2000 Rolex Submariner Date 16610 Steel Auto Black Dial 40mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Final Peak Of The Classic Submariner The reference 16610 represents the final evolution of the traditional Submariner case before the shift toward the bulkier Super Case designs...
Steel, Stainless Steel
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 Vintage Submariner Single Red Matte Dial 1680 Steel Automatic Watch, 1970
By Rolex
Located in Central & Western District, HK
Brand: Vintage Rolex Model: 1680 Year: 1970 Serial number: 29xxxxx Reference: C03865 Case: Show sign of wear with slight polish from previous; inner case back stamped 1680 IV.70 Di...
Steel, 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 40MM 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 Hulk 116610LV
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn Submariner Date Hulk in Oystersteel by Rolex. Featuring a green dial and green unidirectional rotatable ceramic bezel with 60 minute g...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date No Holes Steel Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 16610
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Original Box and Papers are Included. Covered by a 2-year Chronostore Warranty. Details: Brand Rolex Type Wristwatch Department Men Model Number 16610 Country/Region of M...
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 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
$13,330
Rolex Submariner Date 16610
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's 40mm Submariner Date in Oyster steel by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with a unidirectional rotating bezel and a black 60-minute graduation be...
Stainless Steel
Rolex 18K Yellow Gold Rare Nipple Dial Omani Crest Submariner Date B&P 1680
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare 18k Yellow Gold Omani Crest Submariner Date Vintage Men's Wristwatch, original matte black nipple dial, date at 3 0'clock, an 18k yellow gold bi-directional rotating bezel wit...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 Date Custom Diamond Stainless Steel with Sapphire/Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Submariner Date Custom Diamond Stainless Steel Watch with Sapphire/Diamond Bezel 116610 Never worn watch, a discontinued model.
Diamond, Sapphire, Steel, Stainless Steel
$29,053Sale 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 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
Rolex Submariner Date 41mm 126613LB Unworn 2026
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 41mm Submariner Date 126613LB by Rolex, available now at our Showroom in London. Crafted from oystersteel and 18k yellow gold, this timepiece features a royal blue dial with lumin...
Yellow Gold, 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
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 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 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
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
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 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 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 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 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 126610LV Stainless Steel Watch Kermit Green Bezel 2022
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV Stainless Steel Watch Kermit Green Bezel 2022 We are a premiere distributor of pre-owned and new watche...
Stainless Steel
Rolex Submariner Date White Gold 126619LB
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn 41mm Submariner Date in white gold by Rolex. Featuring a black dial and a blue ceramic unidirectional rotatable bezel with 60 minute numerals and graduations coated in plat...
White Gold
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 41mm Steel 18K Yellow Gold Blue Dial Automatic Watch 126613LB
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
2022 card. The watch comes with a 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'...
Steel
Rolex Submariner Kermit Starbucks MK2 126610LV
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An unworn 41mm Submariner Date known as both a Kermit or Starbucks, from Rolex in Oystersteel. Features a black dial with the date display and a green ceramic unidirectional rotatabl...
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 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
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
