The world saw the first Rolex Submariner in 1954 at the Swiss Watch Fair. Aptly named, the classic watch was made for divers and featured great water resistance. Rolex began production of the Submariner in 1953 as part of the Oyster Perpetual line. Two models with reference numbers one digit apart were produced that were virtually identical. These early Submariners had straight pencil style hands rather than the “Mercedes” or “cathedral hands of later models.
Some of the first early models produced have the logo blackened out, while the logo can be found below the center pinion on others. This can probably be explained by trademark issues at that time. Later, the Submariner logo appeared along with printed depth rating.
There were a few 1954 Submariners that featured the trademark Mercedes hands associated with today’s model. The styling of the Submariner went through subtle changes through the years involving crown size and printing substances used on the glossy black dials. A chronometer version was produced in some models. Finally, models introduced in the 1960s included a date complication. The Submariner then became a mass market product.
Rolex Submariner 116618
This popular gent’s model of Submariner features a black dial and black ceramic bezel. The case is of polished and brushed 18K yellow gold attached to an Oysterlock bracelet. It is self-winding, automatic and water resistant up to 300 meters.
Rolex Submariner 116613
This Submariner for men has a sophisticated blue diamond dial and ceramic bezel. The hands and markers are luminescent. It features a screw down crown and case back. It has a scratch resistant sapphire crystal. It is also water resistant up to 300 meters.
Two-tone Gold and Mother of Pearl Dial
This gentleman’s Submariner from the 16613 series is of two-tone gold with a glossy white mother of pearl dial. The stainless steel Oyster bracelet has a center link of yellow gold. The case is black coated stainless steel.
Rebecca M for Raymond Lee Jewelers, South Florida’s premiere source for buying and selling luxury watches and designer jewelry.
