Oyster Perpetual Submariner: The Reference Among Divers’ Watches

Rolex has a long history of underwater exploration and created the benchmark for divers’ watches.

Most notably in 1962, Rolex made history when the brand took part in an expedition to the deepest part of the ocean, the floor of the Mariana Trench, on the bathyscaphe Trieste. Manned by Swiss oceanographer Jacques Piccard and U.S. Navy Lieutenant Don Walsh, the experimental Rolex watch called the Deep Sea Special was attached to the outside of the Trieste, where it accompanied the men to the extreme depth of 10,916 meters (35,814 feet) and withstood the enormous pressure exerted at such depth. With this adventure, Rolex set the bar for dive watches and it would be decades before any such expedition would be repeated. After the Trieste resurfaced, a cable was sent to Rolex headquarters:

“HAPPY ANNOUNCE TO YOU YOUR WATCH AS PRECISE AT 11,000 METRES AS ON SURFACE. BEST REGARDS JACQUES PICCARD.”

Long’s has been serving the Boston area since 1878 and with seven locations across New England we have helped generations create memories linked to Rolex.

Here’s a deeper dive into the Oyster Perpetual Submariner and how this tool watch can accompany you on both land and sea.

The Oyster Perpetual Submariner and Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date, archetypes of the divers’ watch, epitomize the historic link between Rolex and underwater exploration.

Launched in 1953, the Submariner was the first divers’ wristwatch waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). The Submariner Date, with its date function in addition to the time, was introduced in 1969. The waterproofness of both models was later increased to 300 metres (1,000 feet). Thanks to their renowned robustness, they have moved beyond the marine depths, becoming watches of choice for a wide range of sports and other activities.

A True Divers’ Watch By Design

As an underwater survival tool, the Submariner’s design has been entirely dictated by the practical needs of divers. The model has evolved technically and been endowed with features to improve overall functionality.

Featuring a 41 mm Oyster case, distinctive dial with large luminescent hour markers and hands, unidirectional rotatable bezel and Oyster bracelet, the Submariner and Submariner Date are among the most recognizable watches ever designed. Contributing to the strong visual identity, a graduated Cerachrom bezel insert made from high-tech ceramic is key to their functionality. Its 60-minute graduation allows a diver to monitor diving time accurately.

Reliability, Robustness and Functionality

The Submariner and Submariner Date’s Oyster case is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 300 metres (1,000 feet). The Triplock winding crown – fitted with a triple waterproofness system – screws down securely against the case, providing increased water resistance.

Designed to be both robust and comfortable, the Oyster bracelet is equipped with an Oysterlock safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening, and a Rolex Glidelock extension system, allowing fine adjustment of the bracelet length without using any tools.

The Submariner and Submariner Date are equipped with calibre 3230 and calibre 3235 respectively, self-winding mechanical movements entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Their architecture, manufacturing and innovative features make them singularly precise and reliable. Both movements’ power reserve extends to approximately 70 hours.

Superlative Chronometer Certification

Like all Rolex timepieces, watches in the Submariner range are covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification. This designation testifies that every watch has  successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories. The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by a green seal and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.

A Key To The Deep

The Submariner was created specifically for underwater exploration and diving. When it first came out of the Rolex workshops, the watch was an immediate success with many pioneering deep-sea professionals, who were asked to test it. One of those trailblazers was Dimitri Rebikoff, a French engineer and underwater photographer. In his 1953 report, Rebikoff wrote that it had performed outstandingly well in trials: “We are able to confirm that this watch has not only given entire satisfaction in diving conditions which were extremely tough and particularly murderous for the material used, but that it has proved an indispensable accessory for all diving with independent equipment.”

Whatever adventure you have planned, let us help you find the Rolex to help you achieve your goals. We invite you to visit Long’s to discover the Submariner collection first-hand.

As an Official Retailer, we are the only retailers allowed to sell Rolex watches. With the necessary skills and technical know-how, we will help you make the choice of a lifetime.

Contact us today to book an appointment.

 

NOTES:

Quote is from:the Rolex Newsroom. The attribution is to Jaques Picard

https://newsroom-content.rolex.com/-/media/project/rolex/newsroom/rolex/rolex-newsroom-int/watches/thematic-presskit/rolex-deepsea-challenge/en_02_rolex_deepseachallenge_2020_en.pdf