The Rolex Submariner Size Guide You Need
First launched in 1953, the Rolex Submariner is a diving watch designed for professional use. Quite possibly the most recognizable timepieces in the world, the Underwater Tool watch has retained its essence for decades, making it the most sought-after luxury watch on the planet.
While this may sound hyperbolic, it is not an exaggeration. Its appeal spans cultural groups, continents, genders, personality types… you name it! Rolex knows better than any other watch brand how to maintain the spirit of its flagships.
As a result, the Submariner retains its classic 1950s design while displaying the mechanical and aesthetic virtuosity that has been mastered over the years. All legends have a story and in true fashion for fine timepieces we will give this emblem the attention it deserves. Today, we take a look at the different Rolex Submariner sizes over the years.
About the Rolex Submariner
The Submariner was Rolex’s first attempt at turning a functional timepiece into a luxury item (and it worked!). Although it started as a simple and relatively affordable tool watch, it quickly established itself among elite horological circles influencing generations of timekeeping devices.
Designed for diving and outdoor activities, the Rolex Submariner is part of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual collection, which includes durable, high-precision, water- and corrosion-resistant sports watches.
Here are some of its main features:
WATER RESISTANCE: The Submariner is designed to be water resistant to a depth of 300 meters (1000 feet), making it suitable for diving and other water-related activities. Note, however, that earlier models were water resistant to 100m and 200m, as we’ll see later.
Rotating bezel: All Submariner models feature a rotating bezel that allows divers to read the elapsed time from the start of any activity. copy watches for sale
Oyster case: The case of the watch is made of Oystersteel, a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material developed by Rolex.
Date Window: Most modern Submariner models feature a date window that enlarges the date display for easier reading.
Luminous Markers: All Submariner hour markers and hands are equipped with luminous markers for legibility in low-light conditions.
Automatic movement: The Submariner is powered by a Rolex automatic movement, known for its precision and reliability.
Bracelet: Watches are usually paired with a stainless steel Oyster bracelet for comfort and safety.
Triple Lock System Water-Resistant Crown: The Submariner crown features a triple gasket system that helps protect the watch from damage and ensures its water resistance.
History of the Rolex Submariner
The history of the Rolex Submariner is one of the most frequently told stories among watch enthusiasts, and for good reason. In 1953, the Submariner watch was born, and its legendary story wonderfully tells how a watch brand overcame difficulties and achieved unprecedented success.
Rolex has been popular since its inception and is revered as the premier watchmaker for well-crafted timepieces. The brand has launched many breakthrough inventions, such as the first waterproof and dustproof watch (the Rolex Oyster) in 1926, the first self-winding movement in 1931, and the first automatic watch with automatic date display. Watches (Rolex Oyster), etc. Rolex Datejust) in 1945.
Launched a few months before the Submariner, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms was the first watch capable of accurate timekeeping at depths of up to 91.45 metres. Then, at the Baselworld in 1954, the Submariner made its public debut, furthering this virtuosity with the record-breaking feat of high-precision timekeeping at a depth of 100 meters (330 feet).
The first iteration is considered the reference. 6204 (although there is still some debate about this). The watch has a black gold-plated dial and a rotating bezel marking 60 minutes. It also features straight hands with luminous baton and dot indexes for excellent legibility in the depths of the ocean.
Reference 6205 followed in 1954 and is nearly identical to Ref. 6205. 6204 but with a thicker case and a larger crown. Since then, a much-loved iteration called the “King Sub” has been launched, featuring a large 8mm crown and water resistance to 200 meters. referee. 6538 is one of the most revered of the bunch because of its connection to the iconic Bond franchise, which was made in the late 1950s. referee. The 5508 replaced the 6538 and was the first Submariner to carry the Cal.5. 1530.
Production continued steadily over the ensuing decades, largely inspired by technological advancements such as enhanced water resistance and upgraded movements. Despite these changes, the Submariner remained true to its original design. Today, the Submariner boasts a water resistance rating of 300 meters, a patented high-tech Cerachrom bezel, a Glidelock bracelet and a date function. buy watches online
Rolex Submariner Size
Since 1953, the Rolex Submariner has been the watch of choice for divers. Since its inception, Rolex has made some significant improvements to the Sub collection, notably in terms of size, water resistance, robustness and functionality.
Let’s take a look at the different sizes of the Submariner. We won’t go into the details of every size the Sub series has or every reference within the chosen size. However, we’ll take a look at the highlights of the main Sub sizes so you can see how this model has evolved.
Rolex Submariner 37mm
Between 1953 and 1959, Submariner watches had stainless steel cases with a diameter of 37 mm. It’s worth noting that its first few years were a bit turbulent, so Rolex seemed to change designs endlessly. Eight known models were introduced in this short period of time, including Ref. 6204, 6205, 6200, 6536, 6536/1 6538, 5508, and 5510.
The stainless steel Oyster case features a screw-down case back, often referred to as a “bubble back” due to its round shape and the movement it houses.
Reference 6204 was the first official Submariner watch to feature the word “Submariner” on the dial, with a subsequent iteration (Ref. 6205) displaying many of its hallmarks. Reference 6205 is water resistant to 100 meters and uses the same movement as Ref. 6205. 6204 (Cal. A260). However, it has an increased crown size (from 5.3mm to approximately 6mm) and it lacks the Submariner logo on the dial.
The following year, the brand released a small number of models. The 6200 Submariner is divided into two distinct series. The design is nearly identical to its predecessor; however, a few tweaks and upgrades are worth mentioning. For starters, it has a thicker case and a large 8mm “brevet” crown, ensuring an increased water resistance to 200 meters. The dial also features a 3-6-9 Arabic numeral configuration (explorer style).
Rolex continued to rapidly develop the Submariner, so between 1956 and 1958 the collection was again significantly revised, producing the 6536 (small crown: 6 mm) and 6538 (extra large crown: 8 mm) models. referee. The 6536/1 featured a thinner chronometer-certified movement (cal.1030), the now-familiar Mercedes hands, and the “red triangle” marking on the bezel. replica limited edition watches
referee. There are several versions and dial variations of the 6538, divided into “4-wire” (Observatory-certified) and “2-wire” (non-Observatory-certified). It’s also known as the “Bond” sub because it’s a reference to what Sean Connery wore in the first James Bond film, Dr. No. 1958, Ref. 5510 and reference number. 5508, they were one of the last known models to feature a 37mm case.
Ref. 5510 is almost identical to Ref. 5510. 6538, 200 meters water resistance, red triangle, large crown. referee. On the other hand, 5508 is similar to Ref. 5508. The 6536/1 crown is smaller, the case is thinner, and the water resistance is only 100 meters. Both models are equipped with the updated Caliber 1530 movement. referee. The 5508 ran until around 1962 and was the last Submariner without a crown guard.
Rolex Submariner 40mm
40mm Submariner generation from Ref. 5512 released in 1959. Since then, the Submariner has achieved consistency and looks more like the contemporary Submariner we know today. In addition to the now standard Mercedes earpieces, a crown guard was introduced to keep the winding crown from loosening.
referee. The 5512 and its non-COSC-certified siblings ref. 5512 5513 represent the amalgamation of all the different elements that have worked so well in previous Submariners. Both watches are nearly identical, with a 40mm wide case, 7mm crown, 200m depth, beveled lugs, crown guards, Mercedes hands and a calibrated dive bezel.
However, references. The 5512 has “Superlative Chronometer/Officially Certified” above the 6 o’clock position, while the 5513 does not. Both models have been in service for a very long time. Ref. 5512 was produced between 1959 and 1980, while ref. 5513 ran from 1962 until 1989. Of course, the dials of these two models underwent numerous tweaks and design changes during this period, resulting in many variants.
A variant of Ref. The 5513 even comes with an “Explorer” dial, very similar to the Ref. 5513. 6200. This was the last Submariner to feature Arabic numerals at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, making it a highly sought after vintage timepiece. With the production of the Ref., the modern Submariner gradually began to emerge. 5513 draws to a close. Tritium has replaced radium for luminescence, and the dial is now glossy black with white gold accents.
Another 40mm model was the Ref. 1680 (1967-1979), the first Submariner to feature a Cyclops-less date window. It is one of the most famous vintage Rolex timepieces and has gone through many iterations. There is a version with the words “Submariner” printed in red (called “Red Sub”), a “white version” (with all the writing on the dial in white), and there are even special interpretations of the same model. The 1680 was designed for the Compagnie de Maritime Expertise (COMEX) and was never sold directly to the public.
Other reference models with 40mm cases are only “transitional”, but feature significant upgrades. For example, the 16800 (1979-1988) was the first Sub watch to feature a sapphire crystal (an upgrade from Perspex) and a unidirectional bezel.
Other 166XX reference models with various tweaks and engine upgrades entered the market and remained in production for about two decades. Luminova replaces tritium, and drilling holes in the case is a thing of the past.
Production of the Ref. 40mm Sub case has ended. 14060 (non-dated model with sapphire crystal and triple lock crown) introduced with Ref. 14060. 14060M (upgraded version 3130 movement). Finally, the reference number. 114060 and 116610 (Supercase models) feature slightly square cases (thanks to large, robust lugs) and feature thicker crown guards than previous generations.
Rolex Submariner 41mm
In 2020, Ref. retired. 114060 and Ref. 114060’s launch 124060 and reference number. 126610. First one-time update in the history of the Submariner series. The craze for “big” watches is intensifying around the world, and Rolex is responding to this trend by increasing case sizes.
The bulky and masculine “Supercase” is gone entirely in this iteration, with the 41mm case now featuring thinner lugs, an elegant silhouette and slimmer crown guards. The case height is still around 12.5mm, but the slim profile of the lugs makes the 1mm increase in diameter barely noticeable.
The Oystersteel (904L stainless steel) case is finely crafted, with polished sides and brushed surfaces for brilliance. The case back is still solid screw-down stainless steel, while the triple-lock crown ensures water resistance to 300m or 1,000ft.
referee. 124060 is the basic “No Date Model” powered by Cal.124060. 3230, 70-hour power reserve. referee. On the other hand, 12661X is a date model driven by Cal.12661X. 3235, with as many as seven different iterations.
Ref. 126610LN has a monochrome exterior with a black bezel, while 126610LV (nicknamed “Kermit” from the frog) has a green bezel. Both movements have an increased power reserve from 48 to 70 hours and are chronometer-certified with an accuracy of 2/+2 seconds per day.
The Submariner is the only watch collection that remains true to its original design, making it a beloved one. Heck, if Hans Wilsdorf was back today, he would still instantly recognize this quintessential dive watch.
It is one of the greatest Review copy watches ever made and will always be a popular choice among divers, collectors and watch lovers. Due to its popularity, the Sub is a target for counterfeiters, so if you’re planning to add it to your collection, be careful and make sure you’re buying from a reputable source.
