Friday, August 22, 2008

2008-2010 Rolex Submariner's

The Rolex Submariner is probably the second best selling watch in Rolex's line-up, just behind the Rolex Datejust. The modern day Submariner has evolved gradually since its first release in 1953. The evolution is so gradual, if you were to compare the model released in 1953, with the current model, the family affiliation with be apparent.

The last face-lift of the Submariner was back in 1989 when Rolex released the current model 16610 Submariner Date and 14060 No-Date Submariner. In Basel 2008, Rolex announce a revision of the Submariner.


Changes. The newly announced Submariners are only available in 18-ct gold, in either White or Yellow gold. But, as what happened with the Rolex GMT Master II, we expect that the changes effected in the all-gold Submariner will appear in the two-tone version by 2009, and in the all stainless steel version by 2010.


1. CERACHROME Bezel. The new Submariners sport a new ceramic bezel made of the same material used in the GMT Master II released in 2005. The new bezel replaces the older aluminum bezel. The ceramic bezel is reportedly very scratch resistant.

2. MAXI Dial. I am not a fan of the Maxi dial. Basically, fatter hands and larger indices/markers. The Maxi dial was first seen in the Rolex Yatchmaster.

3. SUPER Case. Wider lugs and probably a slightly larger dial just like the GMT Master II released in 2005.

4. Glidelock Clasp. One change I am sure everybody would be happy with is the new clasp. The Rolex Submariner, still uses the old style Oyster clasp, which while very durable has been subject of many a complaint because it has a "cheap" feel to it.


The new clasp will look like the one which is in use in the current Rolex Cosmograph Daytona and GMT Master II. In addition it adjusted for wear over a diving suit thanks to a double extension system composed of Fliplock extension links and the new Glidelock clasp.

The Glidelock clasp

Movement? While I am not certain I am also pretty sure that the PARACHROM hairspring with high resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, will start quietly finding its way into Submariners.

About Rolex. Rolex SA is a Swiss manufacturer of wristwatches and accessories founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis. Rolex is the largest single luxury watch brand by far, producing over 2000 watches per day. Rolex is the best known and most sought after watch brand in the world.

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