When a watch is great, that’s great. But if it’s iconic, that’s awesome. The Rolex Submariner is arguably the most iconic and legendary watch ever made.
The Rolex Submariner is the true definition of a timeless design. Whether you look at an early or the newest Submariner, you will always be able to recognize its characteristics.
The handset with the mercedes hour hand, the arrow marker at 12 o’clock, baton indexes at three, six and nine o‘clock and round indexes marking the rest of the hours. The bezel also hasn’t changed much over the past decades with another arrow marker with a lume pit in its middle at 12 and the minutes counting up until 15 minutes.
The oyster bracelet is another piece of the Submariner that hasn‘t changed its launch. It‘s simple and rugged design makes it timeless and beautiful, adding to the iconic status of the watch. The bracelet can also be found on a number of other Rolex models, such as the Oyster Perpetual, Daytona or Explorer, making a testament to its everlasting design.
The Rolex Submariner was launched in 1953 and was the first watch waterproof up to 100 meters, thereby making it the first divers watch in the world.
Its initial design has one significant difference: The mercedes hour hand was missing. Since then the Submariner has evolved over many decades to the iconic design it embodies today.
The Submariner also finds itself in the design of other watches. Take for example the red arrow marker on the bezel of the Tudor Black Bay 58. This is inspired by one of the first versions of the Submariner, which featured this distinct feature.
All of the watches that take inspiration of the iconic Rolex design, show how perfect this dive watch was designed and why the iconic status of the Submariner is more than understandable.
Whilst many other manufacturers also launched a wide range of divers watches, the Submariner stood out and stayed. This is not only due to the fact of it being the first of its kind, but also because it was kept simple, made for a purpose and made to stand the test of time.
Models such as the lineup of Tudor or also the number of hommages which can be found nowadays, prove this. The Rolex Submariner printed the layout for divers watches. Almost any divers watch you will find, has a tad bit of Submariner in it.
Nowadays the Submariner is truly in its prime form. It features 904L stainless steel, on the fly adjustment, a perfected movement and design. It’s probably tougher than ever. It’s a watch definitely taking a look at and maybe even considering to buy if looking for an iconic watch to add to your collection or to start a one watch collection.
Check it out, STAY WOUND UP and STAY CURIOUS