A Rolex Submariner watch with a black dial lays on its side in shallow water
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner
The Reference Among Divers' Watches.

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

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner with a black dial and blue insert on the bezel rises from vibrant blue water

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 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner from 1953 against a black background with encroaching water
Side view of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner against a greyish blue background streaked with white light Side view of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner against a greyish blue background streaked with white light Side view of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner against a greyish blue background streaked with white light

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. 

An Oyster Perpetual Submariner watch face with a black dial and insert in low light with slightly glowing luminescent hour markers and hands An Oyster Perpetual Submariner watch face with a black dial and insert in low light with slightly glowing luminescent hour markers and hands An Oyster Perpetual Submariner watch face with a black dial and insert in low light with slightly glowing luminescent hour markers and hands

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.

The Rolex Submariner's Triplock winding crows The Rolex Submariner's Triplock winding crows The Rolex Submariner's Triplock winding crows

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.

Oyster Perpetual Submariner with a blue dial and drop of water magnifying some of the words on the face Oyster Perpetual Submariner with a blue dial and drop of water magnifying some of the words on the face Oyster Perpetual Submariner with a blue dial and drop of water magnifying some of the words on the face

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 blue and gold Rolex Submariner rises above the water a blue and gold Rolex Submariner rises above the water a blue and gold Rolex Submariner rises above the water

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. 


 

An old ad from the 1950s that corresponds with the historic release of the Rolex Submariner divers' watch An old ad from the 1950s that corresponds with the historic release of the Rolex Submariner divers' watch An old ad from the 1950s that corresponds with the historic release of the Rolex Submariner divers' watch

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.”

Visit Us to Discover the Submariner

As an Official Rolex Jeweler, Ben Bridge Jeweler is honored to carry the most exquisite Rolex timepieces. We have the experience, knowledge and technical skill to make sure you choose a watch that will last a lifetime.

We’ve been a trusted Rolex partner since 1973 and warmly invite you to visit your local Ben Bridge Jeweler and take a deep dive into the iconic Rolex Submariner. Whether you need help finding a new Submariner, or need your current watch serviced by a Rolex Certified Watchmaker, you can count on our expert staff to guide you every step of the way.