Submariner

Dive into another world

Deep confidence

It was one of our very first Professional watches and has become the archetype of tool watches dedicated to diving. The Oyster Perpetual Submariner was, at its launch in 1953, the first divers’ wristwatch to be waterproof to 100 metres (330 feet). Today, at the forefront of watchmaking technology, the Submariner and the Submariner Date are equipped with features that ensure their reliability and trustworthiness as diving instruments. Much like those who venture boldly into the mysterious ocean depths, many wearers have chosen the Submariner to explore different territories. On their wrists, it has surpassed its original purpose and has become a globally recognized icon.

A tool watch in step with the times.

Submariner

Exploring the depths

In the 1950s, the exploration of the underwater world was no longer limited to scientists and the military. The Submariner was launched at a time when diving was becoming increasingly popular. The public’s fascination with ocean exploration led to the establishment of the first diving schools.

Waterproof, robust, technical and perfectly legible, the Submariner was designed with this new-found popularity in mind. It became the tool watch of choice for divers, giving them the confidence to venture into the depths.

Waterproofness

Waterproofness: a founding quest, a perpetual challenge.

Diver

A pioneering divers’ watch

At its launch in 1953, the Rolex Submariner was the first divers’ wristwatch to be waterproof to 100 metres (330 feet). This depth was increased to 200 metres (660 feet) the following year, then to 300 metres (1,000 feet) in 1989. As for the Submariner Date, it was guaranteed waterproof to 200 metres (660 feet) at its launch in 1969, and to 300 metres (1,000 feet) from 1979 onwards. These successive improvements bear witness to Rolex’s unwavering efforts to push back the limits of waterproofness – a quest that began with the development of the Oyster case in the 1920s.

Several of the technical features and design aspects of the Submariner models were taken into consideration in 1981 when the international standard for divers’ watches was established. The Submariner marked the beginning of the great adventure that would see the emergence of our entire family of watches designed for deep-sea diving: the Sea-Dweller (1967), the Rolex Deepsea (2008) and the Deepsea Challenge (2022).

Over the years, the Submariner has benefited from innovations developed by Rolex, making it a timeless benchmark for divers’ watches.

Submariner date

The evolution of a tool watch

The original design and functions of the Submariner were entirely dictated by the practical needs of divers. The numerous material developments it has undergone over the years have further improved its efficiency. Today, extremely durable Oystersteel, virtually scratchproof high-technology ceramic and an improved luminescent substance are just some of the innovations that keep the Submariner and Submariner Date in step with the times. While these watches remain essential tools for survival underwater, they have also become archetypes of the tool watch.

I was wearing a Submariner the first time I saw the Titanic for real through the porthole of a submersible, and I was wearing the same watch in my black tie when I went up on the stage to get the Oscar for directing Titanic.

James Cameron
James Cameron

Beyond the surface

The Submariner and Submariner Date have established themselves as the watches of choice for those who, like Oscar-winning explorer and filmmaker James Cameron, have made the underwater world their favourite playground. They are the loyal companions of individuals who dedicate their lives to preserving the oceans, the blue heart of our planet. The technical performance and unique aesthetics of these watches have enabled them to conquer other territories, far beyond the realm of diving.

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  • Submariner Date