The best way to determine the correct age of your Rolex wristwatch is through the serial number. Apart from that, that is equally a fantastic way to figure out an estimated worth of your pre-owned Rolex watch.
Rolex Submariner-Date model 16610, with a water resistance of 300 meters (1000 feet). Model 16610 was produced from the year 1987 to 2010. | |
Type | Automatic |
---|---|
Display | Analogue |
Introduced | 1953 |
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner is a line of sports watches designed for diving manufactured by Rolex, known for their resistance to water and corrosion.[1] Virtual dj mac download. The first Submariner was introduced to the public in 1954 at the Basel Watch Fair. The Rolex Submariner is considered 'a classic among wristwatches',[1] manufactured by one of the most widely recognized luxury brands in the world.[2][3][4][5] Due to its popularity there are many homage watches by well-established watchmakers as well as illegal counterfeits. The Rolex Submariner is part of Rolex's Oyster Perpetual line.
Early models[edit]
The Submariner model went into production in 1953 and was showcased at the Basel Watch Fair in 1954. The assigned case reference number of this first Submariner was either 6204 or 6205. It is unclear which model came first; in any event, the two watches are nearly identical.Neither has the distinctive 'cathedral' or 'Mercedes' hands now so strongly associated with the Submariner line. Rather, both of these early submariners have straight 'pencil' style hands.Few, if any, of the 6205 watches bear the name 'Submariner' on the dial, a major distinction of modern Submariners. Some 6204 models have the Submariner logo printed below the center pinion, while others have the logo blacked out. It is believed that there were unexpected trademark issues connected with the name 'Submariner' at the time the 6204 and 6205 were released, accounting for the inconsistent use of the Submariner mark on these early Submariners. Trademark irregularities notwithstanding, both the 6204 and 6205 are designated Submariner models in Rolex product literature.
The back of pre-2008 stainless steel Submariner, with original Rolex green sticker removed
![Date Date](https://www.keepthetime.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/rolex-serial-number-diagram.jpg)
In 1954, Rolex also produced a small number of ref. 6200 Submariners. This was the first Submariner (although not the first Rolex) to make use of the Mercedes hand set, a feature of all subsequent Submariners. The 6200 also featured an oversized winding crown compared to the 6204 and 6205 models. Within a few years, Rolex revised its Submariner line, producing the 6536 (small crown) and 6538 (oversized crown) models. These watches had 'improved' movements (the cal. 1030), including a chronometer version in some 6536 models (designated 6536/1), the now-familiar Mercedes hands, and the Submariner logo and depth rating printed on the dial.
By the early 1960s, these models had given way to the 5508 (small crown) and 5510 (large crown) models. All of these early Submariners used either gilt (6200, 6204, 6205) or gilt/silver gilt (6536, 6538) printing on glossy black dials. Radium paint was used for the luminous indices.
The next wave of Submariners, the 5512 (chronometer version) and 5513 (non-chronometer), marked a significant change in the appearance of the popular Rolex design. 'Shoulders' were added to the crown side of the case to provide protection for the winding/setting mechanism. In early watches—until 1964 or so—these shoulders were pyramid-shaped and ended in points. Later watches were manufactured with rounded shoulders. The 5512 and 5513 were both fitted with the oversized crown, which thereafter became a standard feature of the Submariner line. In the early 1960s, Rolex discontinued the use of radium paint for the luminous indices, switching to safer tritium-infused paint.
In 1965–1966, Rolex discontinued use of gilt/silver gilt dials on the Submariner watches, switching to white printing. A final important change came with the introduction of the 1680 model in the late 1960s: the 1680 was the first Submariner to be equipped with a date function, marking the completion of the transition of the Submariner line from specialist tool watch to mass market fashion accessory. While many professional and military divers used—and continue to use—Submariners in the most demanding underwater environments, by the late 1960s, the watch had undeniably become a mass market product as well.
Later models[edit]
Current Rolex 'Glidelock' micro adjustment design
Throughout the next 40 years, the Submariner was updated with improved water resistance, new movements, and numerous small cosmetic changes. In 2003, Rolex celebrated the Submariner's 50th anniversary by launching the Rolex Submariner-Date anniversary edition (16610 LV), with distinguishing features such as the green bezel and Maxi dial; its production ended in 2010 with the final watches being issued with the new 'random' serial number. In 2008, a new case from the GMT II was introduced for the Submariner-Date, featuring heavier lugs and crownguard; a cerachrome bezel and updated clasp featuring a quick adjust function were also added. The 14060M did not have these modifications.
A new Submariner-Date, model 116613 (not to be confused with model 16613), based on the 'supercase' used in the GMT II, was presented at the 2008 Basel show. The first Submariner-Date models offered were a yellow gold with blue face and bezel and a new white gold with blue face and bezel. The stainless steel case model was presented at the 2010 Basel show. Its reference is 116610.
At the 2012 BaselWorld watch show, an updated Submariner ref 114060 was introduced. It replaced the 14060M, with newer 'Maxi Case' with 'Chromalight' hour markers, ceramic bezel, blue Parachrom hairspring and bracelet with 'Glidelock' extension system.[6]
The Rolex Submariner watch case has a diameter of 40.0 mm (1.57 in) mm and a thickness of 13.0 mm (0.51 in), and the case and bracelet weigh 155 g (5.5 oz).[7]
Usage[edit]
The French diving company COMEX adopted the Rolex Submariner and Sea Dweller as standard issue for their saturation divers in the late 1960s; this continued until the company was sold in 1997.[8]
Current models[edit]
Model number | Model | Material | Bezel | Movement | Production | 2015 USD MSRP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
114060 | Submariner 40 mm | Steel | Black | 3130 COSC | 2012– | $7,500 |
116610LN | Submariner Date 40 mm | Steel | Black | 3135 COSC | 2010– | $8,550 |
116610LV | Submariner Date 40 mm | Steel | Green | 3135 COSC | 2010– | $9,050 |
116613LB | Submariner Date 40 mm | Steel and Yellow Gold | Blue | 3135 COSC | 2009– | $13,400 |
116613LN | Submariner Date 40 mm | Steel and Yellow Gold | Black | 3135 COSC | 2009– | $13,400 |
116618LB | Submariner Date 40 mm | Yellow Gold | Blue | 3135 COSC | 2009– | $38,800 |
116618LN | Submariner Date 40 mm | Yellow Gold | Black | 3135 COSC | 2009– | $34,250 |
116619LB | Submariner Date 40 mm | White Gold | Blue | 3135 COSC | 2008– | $40,250 |
All models feature 300-meter (1000 feet) water resistance.
Discontinued models[edit]
Model number | In production | Note |
---|---|---|
6200 | 1955 | |
6204 | 1953 | |
6205 | 1953–1957 | |
6536 | 1954–1958 | |
6536/1 | 1955–1961 | |
A/6538 | 1957 | |
6538 | 1958-1961 | |
5508 | 1958–1965 | |
5510 | 1959 | |
5512 | 1959–1978 | |
5513 | 1962–1990 | |
5513/17 | 1972–1978 | |
5514 | 1972–1978 | |
5517 | 1972–1978 | |
1680 | 1966–1981 | |
16800 | 1977–1987 | |
168000 | 1987 | |
16610 | 1989–2010 | |
14060 | 1990–2002 | |
14060M | 2002–2012 | Certified chronometer 2007–2012 |
16610LV | 2003–2010 | 50th anniversary model |
Submariner spinoff[edit]
Lookup Rolex By Serial Number
The Rolex Sea-Dweller, introduced in 1971, is a heavier-duty steel version of the Submariner, with a thicker case and crystal, as well as a date feature, sans cyclops magnifier. The Sea-Dweller incorporates a helium escape valve for use when decompressing and helium is in the gas mixture of a pressurized habitat; this model (ref 16600) has a guaranteed waterproof depth of 1,220 metres (4,000 ft).
The Sea-Dweller was superseded by the DeepSea Sea-Dweller in late 2008, with the last 16600 Sea-Dwellers produced running into the V-series (late 2008). The DeepSea features a 44 mm case that guarantees a depth of 3,900 metres (12,800 ft) (ref. 116660).
Model information and characteristics[edit]
- Waterproof to a maximum depth of 300 m (1000 ft). Earlier models were thinner and resistant to 200 metres (660 ft).
- Triplock system waterproof crown, featuring a triple gasket system, identified by three dots on the crown. Screws down tightly onto the case tube and against the Oyster case to provide extra waterproof protection for underwater diving.
- Case made from solid block of 904L stainless steel, a corrosion-resistant alloy, or gold. The golds (white or yellow) are made in Rolex's own foundry.
- Unidirectional bezel that enables a diver to memorize and follow immersion time. As the bezel only rotates counterclockwise, the dive time can only become 'shorter' in case of accidental bezel movement, averting the danger of spending too much time underwater.
- Perpetual rotor in the self-winding wristwatch mechanism, allowing the watch to run continuously, as every slight movement of the wrist winds the movement. The energy generated is stored in the mainspring, allowing the watch to continue to function with no movement for several days. Each movement is a Swiss chronometer officially certified by the COSC.
- Rolex calendar mechanism that advances to the next date at midnight in a single short rotation.
- Removable hologram on the caseback, featured until 2007.
- Recent models of the Submariner and Submariner-Date (late 2008) feature a distinctive 'ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX' and serial number engraved on the 'inner bezel', also known as the 'Rehaut' (French) or 'Flange' (English).[9] It also contains a minuscule laser-etched Rolex Crown at the bottom of the crystal in line with 6 o'clock mark.
James Bond[edit]
The Rolex Submariner has appeared in a number of James Bondmovies. Sean Connery wore a reference 6538 in his four first movies. In Dr. No.[10] and From Russia with Love, the watch was used with a leather strap, while in Goldfinger and Thunderball the strap had been swapped for an undersized Nato type nylon band (The Ministry of Defence 'G10' strap not being commissioned until 1973, and then only in admiralty grey without stripes). George Lazenby wore a reference 5513 with an oyster bracelet in parts of On Her Majesty's Secret Service,[11] as did Roger Moore in his first two movies Live and Let Die and The Man with the Golden Gun, but with a 7206 “riveted”' bracelet. Timothy Dalton is so far the last Bond actor to wear a Rolex in the Bond franchise. He is seen wearing a Submariner with a date window in his last film Licence to Kill. The watch is arguably a 16800 or 168000, as the movie was shot in the summer of 1988. From GoldenEye onwards, James Bond wears Omega Seamasters.[12][13][14][15]
References[edit]
![Rolex By Serial Number Rolex By Serial Number](/uploads/1/2/4/3/124327309/131439101.jpg)
- ^ abGQ magazine GQ: How to Buy a Watch The Classics Buy any one of these signature watches and you can’t go wrong 1. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Unveiled in 1953, the Submariner was the first watch water-resistant to 330 feet. Its 'combination of unparalleled elegance and spy-friendly versatility' appealed to Sean Connery’s James Bond and none other than Che Guevara.
- ^CNN Money Quote: That explains why big recognizable brands like Cartier, Patek Philippe and Rolex rule. They can be thought of, in fact, as portable status symbols, owing to their tradition of quality workmanship.
- ^'China: Breaking out the largest logos'. Time Magazine. 21 September 2007.
- ^New York Times Magazine quote: ..became as much a status symbol as a silver Porsche or a gold-faced Rolex watch.
- ^Guardian UK: What is it with men and their watches? quote: It used to be so simple – rich men adorned themselves with that ultimate macho status symbol the Rolex, while the less well-to-do strapped on Timex or Casio.
- ^Hodinkee (21 February 2010). 'IN-DEPTH: The New Rolex Submariner No-Date Reference 114060 (Live Pics, Specs, Pricing, Video) — HODINKEE – Wristwatch News, Reviews, & Original Stories'. Hodinkee.com. Archived from the original on 30 November 2012. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
- ^Battle Of Three Rolex Divers
- ^thewatchquote.com
- ^montresuisses.blogspot.com
- ^Grant, Donald (29 June 2006). 'Bonding with time'. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
- ^Brown, Craig (2012). Hello Goodbye Hello: A Circle of 101 Remarkable Meetings. Simon and Schuster. p. 267. ISBN9781451684520.
- ^James Bond omegawatches.com
- ^All Omega Seamaster James Bond Watches - An Overview Fratello Watches, August 17, 2015
- ^James Bond’s Watches: The Complete Movie TimelineWatchTime, November 5, 2018
- ^A concise history of James Bond watches REBECCA DOULTON, 13 July 2017
External links[edit]
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rolex_Submariner&oldid=882634655'
HOW TO FIND THE SERIAL NUMBERS ON YOUR ROLEX WATCH
The serial numbers can be found in one of two places on the watch. First check the inner rim of the watch face (also called the rehaut, which is french for 'flange') between the dial and the crystal. If the watch was produced in 2005 or newer the serial should be engraved on the rehaut.
On older Rolexes, this serial is located on the side of the watch case at the 6 o'clock position where the bracelet is attached. To view these serial numbers, the bracelet must be detached from the 6 'clock side of the case. For instructions on removing the bracelet, see the video to the right or call us at 1-800-494-3708 to speak with a Rolex expert. You can also learn by watching the video at the top of the page.
FAQ:
- Where to find the Rolex serial numbers
- Rolex serial numbers 2013
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Rolex Serial Number Lookup Authenticity
FIND THE MODEL NUMBER ON YOUR ROLEX WATCH
The model or reference number is located on the side of the watch case at the 12 o'clock position. As with the serial number, the bracelet must be detached from the 12 o'clock side of the case to be able to check the serial number. For instructions on removing the bracelet, watch the video above or call us at 1-800-494-3708 to speak with a Rolex expert.
Rolex has been engraving their watches with a unique Rolex serial numbers, and Rolex models number since the 1920’s as tool to track the production year of a Rolex watch. The production age of a pre-owned Rolex watch is a significant factor in determining its current market value. As you would expect, the value of a Rolex watch, unlike a fine wine, will decrease in value as new, improved models are launched by Rolex. For example, watches that have Rolex model numbers beginning with the letter Z were produced in the year 2006 and, all things considered, are valued higher than say a Rolex with serial numbers that begins with P for the year 2000. The age along with other factors such as the condition of the bracelet will help Bob's establish the true, fair market value of the wristwatch. This distinctive serial number is located on the inside case of the watch between the lugs below the 6 o’clock end of the watch. It is a five to seven digit number starting with 28000 in the year 1926. You will need to remove the bracelet carefully from the watch using a small screw driver or tack. While this number will tell us when the watch was made by Rolex, it will not tell us when the watch was eventually sold. Also worth noting is that the condition of the watch is as important as its age. The Rolex serial numbers (also referred to as Rolex style numbers or case number), is also helpful in determining if a watch such as a Submariner watch is a genuine authentic Rolex as some fakes do not have serial numbers (see How To Spot a Fake Rolex article for tips). When inspecting the different models of Rolex watches this 'look up' tool, or widget, is the only one of its kind in the industry and allows people to easily find the manufacture date of their pre-owned Rolex by the Rolex band serial numbers. Ebay has a list or chart of the serial numbers with estimated production dates but they too do not have an easy to use look up tool like we provide here.
Look Up Rolex By Serial Number
Note: If you need help on how to find the Rolex case number (serial #), please view the video below or check out find my Rolex serial numbers for a quick and easy tutorial about how to find Rolex numbers. Also refer to the Rolex Serial Number Chart below.