In 1953, the world saw the Replica Rolex Submariner for the first time. And the Submariner is one of the Rolex models that has been popular and sought after right from its launch to the present day.
The Rolex Submariner was originally developed as a professional diver’s watch for deep-sea exploration and was presented to the public in 1954. This early Submariner watch was water-resistant to 100 meters and featured a distinctive rotating bezel and a crown cylinder that ensured optimal water resistance. It quickly became a favorite among divers and stylish luxury aficionados alike.
A design to watch out for
I can’t manage to comment or mention all the reference numbers and model variations that have been up through time.
Rolex has in the most beautiful strategic way managed to create continuous improvements on the Submariner over time without revolutionizing the design from time to time. And that is strong. That’s the kind of strong DNA timeless classics are made of.
All the revolutions are inside the clock, so to speak. Whether it’s the diver’s watch that could go deeper and deeper, or whether it’s the watch with a date wheel and cyclops, or whether it’s the ceramic bezel or the constant improvements to Rolex’s own movements, links, clasps and cases, there talk about constant innovation in extremely conservative execution. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is an art form that very few companies can excel at.
A classic has sat at the end of the table
What exactly makes an object a design classic or a definite collector’s item?
It deals with, among other things, about the following concepts: – The relationship between supply and demand – Pedigree & heritage (films, historical events and who has worn it) – The scarcity in relation to models produced in limited quantities or periods – Age and condition And many, many more concepts.
The models that appeal to me the most are the vintage models. But, I’m also quite vintage by now. But allow me to mention a few, in my view, important downfalls:
Reference number 1680 (Red Submariner)
The first model with a date wheel. Submariner was written in red font. And here we have everything needed to create a unicorn. The red writing on the dial, the open numbers 6 and 9 on the date wheel and the plexiglass encasing the dial.
Reference number 14060 (no-date)
Of all the neovintage replica watches in the world, I honestly think the 14060 is the most beautiful. It has a great movement, a totally clean design, just the right size. Not just in millimeters, but also in the proportions in general. Simple, delicious, classic and soon vintage. I have to grab the piggy bank, I feel.
Reference number 16800
But, if you now take the aforementioned 14060 and then just add a disc with Tritium markers and pin holes in the case, I would think that we are approaching perfection. Model 16800 is a fantastic mix of true vintage and new technology. And down at the end of the table it is still sitting. The Submariner. It is the watch that goes with everything, for everyone and for all occasions.