Rolex Submariner Watch: Iconic Dive Timepiece for Style & Adventure

The Rolex Submariner watch is more than a watch; it’s a fashion statement. It’s a symbol of confidence, adventure, and precision that talks to people who care about style as much as trustworthiness. This famous watch has won its place as one of the most well-known and admired watches in the world. It’s been worn in deep ocean dives and in everyday city life. You know right away that a Submariner stands for strength, performance, and timeless style.

If you like watches that look good with both wetsuits and suit jackets, you probably thought of the Rolex Submariner. It has come a long way from its original function as a professional diving tool, which it first served in 1953. Today, it is worn by explorers, filmmakers, workers, and collectors who like its history, innovation, and clear presence.

A Legend Born Underwater

The Submariner was one of Rolex’s first professional watches and quickly became the model for all current diving tool watches. When it came out in 1953, it was a big deal: the first clock for divers that could go 100 meters (330 feet) underwater without getting wet. That one new idea changed the future of dive watches forever.

At that time, exploring underwater was still new. Scientists and military divers were pushing the limits, and regular people were starting to dream about the secrets of the deep sea. Rolex noticed this change and made a watch that would stay clear, strong, and reliable even in the most extreme underwater circumstances.

The watch didn’t just survive underwater; it thrived there.

Deep Confidence: Designed for Real Divers

The goal for the Rolex Submariner watch from the start was to be completely dependable. Rolex made a watch that divers could trust with their lives.

Key early features included:

• A highly legible dial for low-light underwater conditions
• A rotating bezel to track dive time
• A robust Oyster case to protect the movement
• Exceptional waterproofness for deep dives

With this mix, the Submariner became the most popular tool watch for divers, giving them the confidence to go deeper and stay underwater longer.

Rolex Submariner Watches

Rolex Submariner Prices

Model	Reference	Case / Material	Bezel	Retail Price (USD)
Submariner (No Date)	124060	41 mm, Oystersteel	Black Cerachrom	$9,100
Submariner Date	126610LV	41 mm, Oystersteel	Green Cerachrom	$10,800
Submariner Date	126613LB	41 mm, Oystersteel & Yellow Gold	Blue Cerachrom	$15,900
Submariner Date	126618LN	41 mm, 18 ct Yellow Gold	Black Cerachrom	$39,500

Rolex Submariner Watch Color & Material Variations

There are a lot of different, well-known colors and materials for the Rolex Submariner watch, each one made to fit a different person, lifestyle, and taste. Every Submariner has the same professional diving performance, resistance to water up to 300 meters, and great readability both day and night.

So, whether you like the classic strength of black, the elegant boldness of blue, the luxury of gold, or the easily recognizable green bezel, there is a Submariner for you. Below, you’ll find a clear explanation of the most famous and frequently searched Submariner variations, along with the exact models that match them.

Rolex Submariner Two Tone Watch

The Submariner Date Ref. 126613LB, made of Yellow Rolesor (a mix of Oystersteel and 18 ct. yellow gold), is the best example of the two-tone Rolex Submariner watch. This model mixes sporty and luxurious styles, so it’s perfect for people who want a Submariner that looks great in and out of the water. The royal blue dial and blue ceramic bezel make the watch look high-end, and the strong Oyster bracelet makes sure it is comfortable and durable for regular wear.

Rolex Watch Submariner Blue

The Submariner Date Ref. 126613LB is the best model if you’re looking for a blue Rolex Submariner. Its striking and classy look comes from the rich blue Cerachrom rim and dial that match each other. This version is especially loved by collectors who want a Submariner with bright colors that don’t take away from the standard Rolex look.

Rolex Submariner Watch Black

The Rolex Submariner Black watch is the best example of what the Submariner heritage is all about. This category is a great fit for both of these models:

• Submariner Ref. 124060 (No Date) in Oystersteel
• Submariner Date Ref. 126610LV / 126618LN (Black Dial)

The black face is classic and makes it easier to read the time. Black is still the most adaptable and widely liked Submariner choice, whether you go for the symmetrical no-date steel version or the more useful date version.

Rolex Watches Submariner Gold

The Submariner Date Ref. 126618LN is the best example of a Rolex Submariner gold watch for people who want clear-cut luxury. This model is made completely from 18 ct yellow gold and features a black ceramic bezel and a black clock. It’s sure to make a statement. It offers the performance of a professional dive watch and is made with great attention to detail. This makes it a top choice for fans who want both status and substance.

Rolex Watch Submariner Green

The Rolex watch Submariner green is one of the most well-known and sought-after models in the collection. The Submariner Date Ref. 126610LV has a green Cerachrom bezel and a black face. It is often called the modern “Kermit.” This model is a top pick for both fans and buyers because it has a unique color contrast, high resale value, and is instantly recognizable.

Rolex Submariner Watch – Key Features

Feature	Details
Case Size	41 mm
Case Material	Oystersteel / Yellow Rolesor / 18 ct Yellow Gold
Bezel	Unidirectional rotatable Cerachrom ceramic bezel
Bezel Colors	Black, Blue, Green
Crystal	Scratch-resistant sapphire
Water Resistance	Up to 300 metres / 1,000 feet
Movement	Rolex Perpetual automatic (Calibre 3230 / 3235)
Power Reserve	Approximately 70 hours
Functions	Hours, minutes, seconds, date (Submariner Date models)
Dial	Black or Blue with Chromalight display
Luminescence	Chromalight blue glow (day/night visibility)
Bracelet	Oyster bracelet with Glidelock extension
Clasp	Folding Oysterlock safety clasp
Certification	Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex)

Exploring the Depths: The Rise of Recreational Diving

The 1950s and a New Passion for the Ocean

In the 1950s, anyone could go diving. Diving for fun became very popular very quickly, and the interest people had in exploring the ocean led to the opening of the first schools for diving.

Rolex launched the Submariner at just the right time.

It was:

• Waterproof
• Highly legible
• Technically advanced
• Extremely robust

This was a great time for the Submariner to become more than just a watch; it became a reliable friend for a new group of people who explore underwater.

Rolex Submariner Waterproofness

Pushing the Limits of the Ocean

The most important feature of the Rolex Submariner watch has always been that it is waterproof. In the 1950s, Rolex’s bold start turned a great accomplishment into a lasting goal.

Here’s how waterproof performance evolved over time:

• 1953: Waterproof to 100 metres (330 feet)
• 1954: Increased to 200 metres (660 feet)
• 1989: Enhanced to 300 metres (1,000 feet)

The Submariner Date followed a similar path:

• 1969: Waterproof to 200 metres (660 feet)
• 1979 onwards: Guaranteed to 300 metres (1,000 feet)

Rolex’s unending drive to be creative meant these changes were real scientific breakthroughs, not just marketing claims.

The Oyster Case: Mastering Waterproofness

The Oyster case, which Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf created in the 1920s, is what makes the Rolex Submariner special. His clear, novel goal was to keep a wristwatch safe from dust, moisture, and other things that could damage it without losing its accuracy or dependability. During the time when most watches were easy to break, the Oyster case set a new bar for how long they should last and how well they should work.

By using a screw-down crown, a screw-down case back, and a hermetically sealed build, the movement was put in a space that is completely closed off and waterproof. Though this technology made the Submariner famous for its water protection, it was also used in many other watches. The Oyster case changed the whole watch business and made it possible for waterproof wristwatches to be made.

A Pioneer Among Divers’ Watches

The Rolex Submariner didn’t just meet standards; it helped create them.

When the global standard for divers’ watches was set in 1981, the Submariner’s technical and design aspects were used as examples. That’s an uncommon thing to do, which shows how very innovative this watch was.

The Submariner also led to the creation of a whole family of dive watches for professionals, such as:

• Sea-Dweller (1967)
• Rolex Deepsea (2008)
• Deepsea Challenge (2022)

Each of these watches carries the DNA of the original Submariner.

Evolution of a Tool Watch: Staying in Step With the Times

Rolex has been making the Submariner better and better for decades, even though the original was just a tool for skilled divers. The Submariner changed over time with advances in material science and watchmaking technology, but it never lost its original purpose or character.

Modern Submariner models now have Oystersteel, a very strong and corrosion-resistant metal, and a high-tech Cerachrom ceramic bezel that is almost scratchproof and fade-resistant. Rolex also came out with a better glowing material that makes it easier to read both underwater and at night. Even with these big changes, the Submariner is still easy to recognize. This shows that real icons can change while staying true to their roots.

Submariner vs Submariner Date – Key Differences

Feature	Submariner (No Date)	Submariner Date
Dial Design	Clean, pure, and perfectly symmetrical	Slightly asymmetrical due to date window
Date Function	❌ No date display	✅ Date with Cyclops lens
Cyclops Lens	❌ Not present	✅ Magnifies date for easy reading
Aesthetic Appeal	Minimalist and classic	More functional and practical
Popular With	Purists and traditionalists	Everyday wearers who want convenience
Diving Performance	300 m / 1,000 ft	300 m / 1,000 ft
Build Quality	Identical Rolex craftsmanship	Identical Rolex craftsmanship
Movement	Automatic Rolex calibre	Automatic Rolex calibre
Overall Legacy	Original Submariner design	Evolution with added functionality

FAQs Rolex Submariner watch

How much is a Rolex Submariner watch?

A Rolex Submariner costs anywhere from $9,100 to $39,500 in stores. The price depends on the type and materials. If there is a lot of demand, market prices might be higher.

How to wind a Rolex Submariner watch?

To properly wind the movement by hand, unscrew the crown and turn it to the right about 30 to 40 times.

How to set a Rolex Submariner watch?

Remove the crown by unscrewing it, then pull it out to the first or second position and set the time (and date, if necessary). Finally, push the crown in and screw it back in.

How to check original Rolex Submariner watch?

On date models, look for exact movement, solid construction, correct engravings, and Superlative Chronometer certification and Cyclops lens magnification.

How to open Rolex Submariner watch?

Only authorized Rolex repair centers should open the case. This keeps it from getting damaged and makes sure it stays waterproof.

Is Rolex Submariner a dive watch?

Yes, it’s a professional dive watch. It can be submerged up to 300 meters (1,000 feet), and its one-way dial is designed to time dives.

Is Rolex Submariner a good watch?

Yes, it’s one of the best luxury watches because it is accurate, lasts a long time, has a classic look, and keeps its value.

How popular is the Rolex Submariner watch?

The Submariner is one of the most famous and desired watches in the world. Divers, collectors, and fans all love it.