10 Facts About The Rolex Submariner You Might Not Know

When you speak of Rolex, the world’s most popular luxury watch brand, the first name that hovers in your mind is the ‘Submariner’. Thanks to its long history and popularity, many people automatically relate to the Submariner as the face of the brand. Being the first waterproof watch in the world has its own perks, after all.

Since its debut in 1954, the Submariner has remained the undisputed king of dive watches and has set the standard for performance, style and capabilities. Easily, the world’s most renowned dive watch serves the definition of an industry icon.

While there is an abundance of Submariner trivia and discussions surrounding why it is one of the best diving watches, watch enthusiasts are certainly unaware of many facets. Read until the end for the most interesting facts.

10 Unknown Facts About the Rolex Submariner

1. The Rolex Submariner COPIES another watch design

While the first Rolex Submariner model was made available to the public in 1954, Rolex had started working towards its design in 1953 after they saw the design of the US Navy-approved watch, the Blancpain 50 Fathoms. This Blancpain watch introduced many significant qualities of a basic dive watch, including a clear, luminous dial and a turning bezel.

Rolex quickly adopted the design and introduced these qualities in a modified Turn-O-Graph model to create the Submariner. That’s not it. As Blancpain held the patent for unidirectional bezels, Rolex Submariner had to work with bidirectional bezels until the 1980s.

2. The Submariner uses an UNUSUAL type of steel

Most steel items are made from an alloy known as 316L, which is durable and robust and is commonly referred to as marine-grade steel. However, Rolex uses a lesser-known grade of steel called 904L stainless steel. The 904L stainless steel contains a higher percentage of chromium and nickel than the 316L, making the watches more corrosion-resistant and suitable for diving in saltwater.

The 904L stainless steel is softer and, hence, less scratch-resistant. The good part is that this unusual steel type polishes to a higher shine.

3. The Rolex Submariner FAILED the US Navy trials

That sounds unbelievable for a mighty diving watch like the Submariner, right? Well, yes, the Submariner had a pretty rough start before becoming the ultimate dive watch for professionals. In 1958, the US Navy tested the Submariner for use in combat, and unfortunately, the findings did not favour Rolex.

According to the records, the Rolex Submariner lacked water resistance, the bezel was not up to the mark, and the strap was too expensive. For these reasons, the US Navy had, in fact, recommended deleting the watch from the approved lists.

4. Not Omega, but the Submariner was JAMES BOND’S first pick

Before the world went crazy seeing James Bond wear an Omega, he had a Rolex. In his books, Ian Fleming describes the watch as a Rolex and most probably an Explorer, as could be derived from the description. But in his first film, Dr. No, in 1962, Sean Connery’s Bond was spotted wearing a Rolex Submariner Ref. 6538. James Bond demonstrated that the Rolex Submariner is not only a practical diving watch but also complements a tuxedo with style.

This Bond connection ensured that the Rolex Submariner 6538 performed extraordinarily at auctions.

5. The Submariner was assigned to the British ROYAL Navy

After the Submariner failed to meet the standards of the US Navy, it was assigned to the British Royal Navy. But this time, Rolex made minor adjustments to the Submariner and integrated the British military specifications, including wider, sword-shaped hands, ‘T’ on the dial that signified that it was coated with radioactive tritium luminous paint and minute markers around the bezel. The modifications worked on its behalf. 

6. Paul Newman WORE a Rolex Submariner

Not just once, but there are numerous pictures showing that the famous racer wore his Submariner often. This is quite surprising as Paul Newman is almost synonymous with the Rolex Daytona, and the Newman Daytona has a record for being the highest-priced wristwatch ever sold at an auction.

However, after a certain point, Newman stopped wearing his Submariner and gifted it to his stunt double, Loren Janes, as a sign of appreciation for their great work together. 

7. The Rolex Submariner has gone to SPACE

You might think that the Omega Speedmaster is the only watch to be worn in space, but the Rolex Submariner has made it to space, too! In 1995, for his third and final space mission, STS-74 on Shuttle Atlantis to the Mir Space Station, NASA Astronaut Kenneth D. Cameron wore a vintage Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680. This specific reference is nicknamed the ‘Red Sub’ due to the name Submariner written in red on the dial. Explore unknown facts about the vintage Rolex ‘Red Submariner’ 1680 here. 

This wasn’t the only Submariner to be worn in space. The next Submariner in space was worn in 1998.

8. The Submariner model had a HELIUM ESCAPE valve

Generally, you’ll find a helium escape valve on the Rolex Sea-Dweller. However, there was also a Submariner model featuring a helium escape valve on the case side. French diving agency COMEX, often considered the underwater NASA, needed a watch that could go deeper than any watch went beforehand. Starting in 1970, they worked with several watchmakers to make a watch that could go deeper than ever. Among those list of watchmakers was Rolex, who fitted a helium escape valve on the case side of a Submariner model to prevent destruction during decompression. The Rolex Submariner Ref. 5514 was developed in collaboration with COMEX and was never made available to the public.

Rolex produced only 154 pieces of this model, which is no wonder one of the most sought-after models among collectors and watch enthusiasts.

9. The Submariner is a CELEBRITY favourite

The Rolex Submariner is not only revered by divers and professionals but has also gained a prestigious reputation among the wealthy and famous worldwide. Some of the most well-known owners include Jacques-Cousteau, Steve McQueen, Jack Black, James Cameron, David Beckham, Keanu Reeves, and Queen Latifah.

10. The most EXPENSIVE Submariner model costs a fortune

Let’s be honest: the Rolex Submariner doesn’t come cheap. Even the most basic model can be on the pricier side. But when you look at the most expensive Submariner ever sold, its cost is in a league of its own. The honours go to the Rolex Submariner Ref. 6538 from 1956, sold at an auction in 2018. The reason that makes this watch so coveted and sought-after is its rare ‘Explorer’ dial featuring Arabic numerals at 3-6-9 o’clock instead of the Submariner-typical index hour markers.

Another rare Rolex Submariner model sold for over £200,000 at auction. This watch’s six-figure value is due to the scarce 3-6-9 Explorer dial.

IN SUMMARY

It’s almost strange that a watch originally designed as an underwater tool has evolved into one of the most famous, desirable and instantly recognisable luxury watches. If you look into the Rolex Submariner price increase history, you’ll know that when it was first launched in 1954, the watches cost a few hundred pounds, but now, a new Rolex Submariner costs almost ten times that figure.

The Rolex Submariner is so successful that collectors and enthusiasts consider it a solid investment model that will only appreciate in value with time. You can sell Rolex watches at a much higher price.

As these 10 lesser-known facts shed light on why the Rolex Submariner remains a symbol of horological excellence, it’s time to add one to your collection! Refer to the ultimate Rolex Submariner price guide to pick the perfect model. Happy Exploring!