History and Significance

The Rolex Submariner watch, a symbol of luxury, adventure, and precision, has a rich history spanning over seven decades. Its journey from a groundbreaking diving tool to an iconic timepiece has been marked by innovation, evolution, and a lasting legacy.

The Submariner’s story began in 1953 when Rolex introduced the first commercially available diving watch, the “Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner.” This groundbreaking watch was designed for professional divers and featured a water-resistant case, a rotating bezel, and a self-winding movement. The Submariner quickly gained popularity among divers and collectors alike, solidifying its place as a symbol of adventure and exploration.

Evolution of the Submariner

The Submariner’s evolution over the years has been characterized by continuous refinement and innovation. Here are some key milestones:

  • 1953: The first Rolex Submariner, Ref. 6204, is released with a 36mm case, a black dial, and a rotating bezel. This model set the stage for the Submariner’s iconic design.
  • 1954: The Ref. 6205, with a larger 38mm case, is introduced. This change offered improved readability and comfort.
  • 1962: The Ref. 5512, with a thicker case and a larger crown, is introduced. This model also featured a more robust movement and a larger crystal.
  • 1967: The Ref. 1680, with a date window at 3 o’clock, is introduced. This feature was a significant addition for divers who needed to track the date.
  • 1980: The Ref. 16800, with a larger case and a more durable movement, is introduced. This model also featured a sapphire crystal, which was more resistant to scratches.
  • 1990: The Ref. 16610, with a new movement and a redesigned bezel, is introduced. This model also featured a larger crown and a more robust case.
  • 2003: The Ref. 16610LV, with a green bezel, is introduced. This model was a limited edition and became a highly sought-after collector’s item.
  • 2010: The Ref. 116610LN, with a ceramic bezel, is introduced. This model offered enhanced durability and scratch resistance.

Significance of the 50th Anniversary, 50th anniversary rolex submariner watch

The 50th anniversary of the Submariner in 2003 was a significant milestone in the watch’s history. To commemorate this occasion, Rolex released a limited edition Submariner, the Ref. 16610LV, with a green bezel. This model became a collector’s favorite, and its value has appreciated significantly over the years. The 50th anniversary also marked a turning point in the Submariner’s evolution, as Rolex introduced new technologies and materials, such as ceramic bezels, which further enhanced the watch’s durability and performance.

Design and Features

The 50th Anniversary Submariner, also known as the “Red Sub,” stands out as a special edition with its distinctive design elements and premium materials, marking a significant milestone in the history of Rolex.

Design Elements

The 50th Anniversary Submariner features several design elements that distinguish it from standard Submariner models.

  • Red Bezel Insert: The most prominent feature is the red ceramic bezel insert, a departure from the traditional black insert. This red color represents the anniversary celebration and adds a vibrant touch to the watch.
  • Gold Crown and Hands: The watch features a 18k yellow gold crown and hands, a contrast to the stainless steel case and bracelet, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication.
  • Anniversary Engraving: The case back is engraved with the inscription “50th Anniversary of the Submariner,” commemorating the watch’s milestone.
  • Unique Dial: The dial features a black lacquered surface with gold hour markers and hands, providing excellent readability. The date window is located at 3 o’clock, a standard feature of Submariner models.

Materials

The 50th Anniversary Submariner is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity.

  • Oyster Steel Case: The watch features a robust Oyster steel case, known for its resistance to corrosion and scratches.
  • Cerachrom Bezel Insert: The red bezel insert is made of Cerachrom, a scratch-resistant ceramic material that is highly resistant to fading and discoloration.
  • 18k Yellow Gold: The crown and hands are crafted from 18k yellow gold, adding a touch of luxury and elegance to the watch.
  • Sapphire Crystal Glass: The watch is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass, providing excellent clarity and durability.

Technical Specifications

The 50th Anniversary Submariner is powered by the reliable and robust Rolex Calibre 3135 movement, known for its precision and reliability.

  • Calibre 3135 Movement: This self-winding mechanical movement is known for its accuracy, with a power reserve of approximately 48 hours.
  • Water Resistance: The watch is water-resistant to a depth of 300 meters (1,000 feet), making it suitable for professional diving.
  • Oyster Bracelet: The watch is fitted with an Oyster bracelet, a classic Rolex design known for its comfort and durability.
  • Triplock Crown: The Triplock crown provides triple waterproofness, ensuring maximum protection against water infiltration.
  • Cyclops Lens: The date window features a Cyclops lens, magnifying the date display for easy readability.

Rarity and Collectibility

The 50th anniversary Rolex Submariner, a limited-edition timepiece, is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. Its rarity, combined with its historical significance and enduring design, has propelled it to iconic status within the horological realm.

The limited production run of the 50th anniversary Submariner is a key factor contributing to its rarity. Rolex produced only 1,000 pieces of this special edition, making it a highly exclusive timepiece.

Current Market Value and Historical Price Trends

The 50th anniversary Submariner’s current market value reflects its rarity and desirability. Its price has steadily increased over the years, making it a valuable investment for collectors. The watch’s historical price trends demonstrate its consistent appreciation in value, showcasing its potential as a collectible asset.

The 50th anniversary Submariner is a valuable asset for collectors, and its price is expected to continue to appreciate in the future.

Popularity Among Collectors

The 50th anniversary Submariner has captured the hearts of collectors for several reasons. Its limited production, historical significance, and enduring design make it a highly desirable timepiece. Collectors are drawn to its unique features, such as the green dial and the engraved case back, which distinguish it from other Submariner models.

  • The watch’s limited production run of 1,000 pieces makes it highly exclusive and sought after by collectors.
  • Its historical significance as a celebration of the Submariner’s 50th anniversary adds to its appeal.
  • The watch’s enduring design, featuring the iconic Submariner aesthetics, continues to resonate with collectors.
  • The green dial and engraved case back are unique features that distinguish the 50th anniversary Submariner from other models.

Notable Variations

The 50th anniversary Submariner, while a significant milestone, wasn’t the only special edition Rolex released during this period. There were several notable variations and special editions of the Submariner released in the years leading up to and following the 50th anniversary, each with unique features and historical significance. These variations, often limited in production, have become highly sought-after by collectors.

Limited Edition Submariners

These limited-edition Submariners were released in various materials and designs, offering unique aesthetics and features.

  • Rolex Submariner “Hulk” (Ref. 116610LV): Introduced in 2010, the “Hulk” is a popular and distinctive Submariner featuring a green ceramic bezel and a green dial. The green color, inspired by the military’s use of green dials, is a striking contrast to the traditional black Submariner. The “Hulk” was discontinued in 2020, further increasing its desirability among collectors.
  • Rolex Submariner “Kermit” (Ref. 16610LV): This Submariner, released in 2003, features a green aluminum bezel and a black dial. It was a departure from the traditional black bezel and dial, and the green color was inspired by the iconic “Kermit” the frog from the Muppet Show. The “Kermit” was discontinued in 2010, replaced by the “Hulk”.
  • Rolex Submariner “Red” (Ref. 1680): Introduced in 1969, this Submariner features a red “GMT-Master” style bezel with a red triangle at the 12 o’clock position. It was intended for military use and was only produced for a short time. The “Red” is considered one of the rarest and most sought-after Submariners.

Materials and Design

The 50th anniversary Submariner was made of stainless steel, but Rolex experimented with other materials in the years leading up to and following the anniversary.

  • Gold Submariners: Rolex produced several Submariners in gold, including the “Yellow Gold” (Ref. 1680) and the “Two-Tone” (Ref. 16613). These versions, often with diamond-set bezels, appealed to a more luxurious market and reflected Rolex’s commitment to craftsmanship and high-end materials.
  • Platinum Submariners: In 2008, Rolex introduced the “Platinum” Submariner (Ref. 116619LB). This model featured a platinum case and bracelet, a black ceramic bezel, and a blue dial. The platinum Submariner was a limited-edition model, making it a highly desirable and collectible piece.

Special Editions

Rolex also released several special edition Submariners to commemorate specific events or partnerships.

  • Rolex Submariner “James Bond” (Ref. 6538): This Submariner, famously worn by Sean Connery in the 1962 film “Dr. No”, is considered a legend. It features a black bezel and a black dial, and its simple design and robust construction made it ideal for underwater adventures.
  • Rolex Submariner “Comex”: Rolex partnered with the French underwater engineering company Comex, and these special edition Submariners were designed for deep-sea diving. They featured unique features like a helium escape valve and a distinctive orange bezel.

Cultural Impact: 50th Anniversary Rolex Submariner Watch

The Rolex Submariner, particularly the 50th anniversary model, has transcended its status as a timepiece to become a cultural icon. Its enduring appeal lies in its association with adventure, luxury, and a sense of accomplishment. This iconic watch has graced the wrists of some of the most famous individuals in the world, further solidifying its cultural significance.

Representation in Popular Culture

The Rolex Submariner has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and books, often serving as a symbol of wealth, status, and masculinity.

  • In the James Bond franchise, Sean Connery famously wore a Rolex Submariner in the 1962 film “Dr. No.” This association with the iconic spy solidified the watch’s image as a symbol of sophistication and adventure.
  • The Rolex Submariner also appeared in the 1977 film “The Spy Who Loved Me,” where Roger Moore’s James Bond sported a gold Submariner. This further reinforced the watch’s connection to the world of espionage and high-stakes action.
  • Beyond James Bond, the Rolex Submariner has been featured in countless other films, including “The Godfather,” “Goodfellas,” and “Pulp Fiction,” further solidifying its place in cinematic history.

Notable Individuals

Many notable individuals have worn the Rolex Submariner, including:

  • Steve McQueen, the legendary actor, was known for his love of watches and often wore a Rolex Submariner, including in the film “Le Mans.”
  • Paul Newman, another iconic actor, was known for his fondness for the Rolex Daytona, but he also wore a Rolex Submariner on several occasions.
  • Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest, wore a Rolex Submariner during his historic expedition. This further cemented the watch’s reputation for durability and reliability in extreme conditions.

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