Feature: Rolex’s Submariner is 70! Here are our favourite models
The Rolex Submariner is one of the most famous watches of all time and this year it’s reached the ripe old age of 70. To celebrate this impressive milestone we’ve rounded up a handful of its best models below. What’s your favourite?
Rolex Submariner 116610 LV “Hulk”
Featuring a striking emerald-green bezel and dial, it’s not surprising that this Submariner garnered the affectionate nickname “Hulk” after the famously green superhero. This is a watch that became one of the most collectible and sought-after Submariners around, updating the 16610—"Kermit”—that was introduced in 2003 for the Submariner’s 50th anniversary.
Rolex Submariner “no-date”
So-called “no-date” references of the Submariner like the 114060 or 124060, offer a more symmetrical dial thanks to the lack of date window with a classic cyclops lens at 3 o’clock. Although you may be down on a function, you’ll be up on style points with one of these beauties.
Rolex Submariner 116613
If you’re into two-tone watches, you’ll like this reference. Coming in either a black or royal-blue dial and bezel with steel and yellow-gold case and bracelet, this is one striking Submariner, especially in blue. It runs on the calibre 3235, a new-generation Rolex movement featuring the new Chronergy escapement and Parachrom hairspring.
Rolex Submariner 5514 COMEX
French diving agency COMEX needed a watch that could go deeper than ever before and after working with several watchmakers from 1970, it decided on Rolex. This collaboration showcased a special Submariner fitted with a helium escape valve to prevent damage during decompression, as well as COMEX’s logo on the dial, making it incredibly collectible.
Rolex Submariner 6538 “Explorer” dial
Image courtesy of Christies
As Submariners go, this 1950s model is a special one. Not only does it look more like an Explorer thanks to its Arabic numerals at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock but this specific model is the most expensive Submariner ever sold, going for a whopping $1 million—despite being short of its bracelet and bezel.
Rolex Submariner 16613 “serti” dial
Image courtesy of Bonhams
If you think the words “glamour” and “Submariner” have no right to be in the same sentence, think again. This two-tone version from the early 1990s boasts a highly sought-after “serti” (short for “sertissage”) dial, with diamond and sapphire indexes replacing the standard lumed versions.
