Baselworld 2010: Pre-Basel Rolex Submariner Predictions

Submariner Part III. Basel 2010 is a year when Rolex will complete its upgrade of its popular Submariner. It is a given that a new stainless steel Rolex Submariner will be out this year, completing the upgrading of the entire line-up of Submariner which started in 2008 with the all gold versions, and ithe two-tone versions receiving an upgrade in 2009. The new Submariner won't be a surprise to many, as it will simply be a stainless steel version of the gold and bi-metal ceramic bezeled Submariner's available at your local Rolex Authorized Distributor today.

For those who have not been following the changes to the Rolex Submariner in the past two years, what you will see is a new "CERACHROME" (Ceramic) bezel, a dial with larger indices and wider hands, the revised case with wider lugs and the Glidelock clasp which allows for temporary easy adjustment.

The only question is whether the watch will have polished center links on the oyster the bracelet or come with a brushed bracelet. For those worried their tool watch is about to be converted into a piece of jewelry, do not fret. The 2010 stainless steel Rolex Submariner will have a brushed stainless steel bracelet (just like the Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA).

A new Sub will sell faster than Krispy Kreme donuts, so expect a long wait unless you have a very good relationship with your AD.



Another one bites the dust? There is one Submariner which we do not expect to be upgraded, the no-date Ref. 14060M Submariner. People often think its is a regular Submariner Date without the date complication. While the two look very much alike, the 14060M has a smaller slimmer case han the Submariner Date. The 14060M has a case diameter of 39.5mm, which is 0.5mm less than the Submariner Date. The cases of the 14060M is 11mm thick, which is slimmer than the 12mm case of the Submariner Date. The height of the 14060M (length from lug to lug) is 47mm, or 1mm less than the Submariner Date. Despite their very similar appearance, both watches use very different cases.

We do not think the 14060M will be officially discontinued at Basel 2010, but I do think it will just quietly fade into the night. But hey, we were dead wrong last year with our Explorer I and II predictions.

You can read part II of this article here... or

Just take a look at the New Submariners here (March 17, 2010 update)