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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Submariner}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Submariner}}
{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Submariner — Reference Guide to Every Model & Year | Rolexopedia
|title=Rolex Submariner reference guide | Rolexopedia
|description=Every Rolex Submariner reference from the 1953 original through the current 41mm generation. Production histories, dial variants, movement specs, and collector context.
|description=Rolex Submariner references, production periods, dial variants and movements, from early watches without crown guards to ceramic-bezel models.
|keywords=Rolex Submariner, vintage Submariner, 5512, 5513, 1680, 16610, 116610, 126610, dive watch, collector guide
|keywords=Rolex Submariner, vintage Submariner, 5512, 5513, 1680, 16610, 116610, 126610, dive watch, collector guide
|image=Submariner vintage poster.webp
|image=Submariner vintage poster.webp
|image_alt=Vintage Rolex Submariner advertising — the watch that defined the dive watch category
|image_alt=Vintage Rolex Submariner advertisement
|type=Article
|type=Article
|og_type=article
|og_type=article
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The Submariner is Rolex's core dive watch and the model that fixed the basic template every other dive watch later borrowed from. Rolex introduced the first Submariner, the 6204, in 1953, and the line has run continuously since. Four broad eras follow: pre-crown-guard watches through the late 1950s, the long acrylic crown-guard run led by the 5512 and 5513, sapphire-crystal five-digit references from 1979, and ceramic six-digit references from 2010.
The Submariner is Rolex's dive-watch family, with an elapsed-time bezel and versions with and without a date. Rolex dates its origin to 1953. The line includes early watches without crown guards, acrylic-crystal models such as the 5512 and 5513, and later sapphire-crystal references. The ceramic-bezel generation began with gold models in 2008.


[[File:Submariner vintage poster.webp|thumb|center|400px|alt=Vintage Rolex Submariner advertising — the watch that defined the dive watch category|Vintage Rolex Submariner advertising — the watch that defined the dive watch category]]
[[File:Submariner vintage poster.webp|thumb|center|400px|alt=Vintage Rolex Submariner advertisement|Vintage Rolex Submariner advertisement]]


== Common entry points ==
== Common entry points ==


<div class="rp-grid">
<div class="rp-grid">
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Identifying a long-run vintage Sub with crown guards?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:5513|5513]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">Twenty-seven years of production, four dial generations (gilt, matte, Bart Simpson, white-gold-surround). The mid-vintage benchmark.</div></div></div>
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Vintage no-date models</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:5513|5513]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">A no-date Submariner with gilt, matte and later glossy dials with white-gold hour-marker surrounds. </div></div></div>
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Researching a Red Sub or the first date Submariner?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:1680|1680]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">First date Sub, first depth rating on the dial, the platform that hosts the Red Sub and White Sub eras.</div></div></div>
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Early Submariner Date</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:1680|1680]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">The first Submariner with a date, with early red SUBMARINER text and later white-text dials.</div></div></div>
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Cross-checking a five-digit modern Sub?</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:16610|16610]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">The twenty-three-year five-digit benchmark on caliber 3135, sapphire crystal, the canonical 1987–2010 Submariner.</div></div></div>
<div class="rp-card"><div class="rp-card-body"><div class="rp-card-meta">Sapphire and aluminium</div><div class="rp-card-title">[[Reference:16610|16610]]</div><div class="rp-card-text">A five-digit Submariner Date with caliber 3135, a sapphire crystal and an aluminium bezel insert.</div></div></div>
</div>
</div>


== Early Submariner (1953–1959) ==
<span id="Early_Submariner_(1953–1959)"></span>
== Early models without crown guards ==


Six years of unsettled design before the line found its shape. Crown sizes changed, depth ratings jumped from 100m to 200m, hands shifted from pencil to Mercedes, and the dial alternated between a clean three-line layout and an Explorer-style 3-6-9. The grouped sub-family page ([[Reference:submariner-early-family|early family]]) carries the cross-reference map across the 6204, 6205, 6200, 6536, 6536/1, and 6538.
Early references differ in crown size, depth rating, hands and dial layout. Periods below are approximate; the linked reference pages discuss conflicting dates and individual examples. SS means steel, YG yellow gold and WG white gold. The [[Reference:submariner-early-family|early family]] page compares the 6204, 6205, 6200, 6536, 6536/1 and 6538.


{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Depth !! Case !! Key distinction
! Reference !! Approximate period !! Movement !! Depth !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
|-
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 1953–1954 || A260 || 100m || 36mm SS || First Submariner
| [[Reference:6204|6204]] || 1953–1954 || A260 || 100m || Steel || Early pencil-style hands; gilt dials
|-
|-
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] || 1953–1954 || A296 || 100m || 36mm SS || Parallel early production; minor case/dial variations
| [[Reference:6205|6205]] || 1954–1955 || A260 || 100m || Steel || Dials with and without SUBMARINER; pencil or Mercedes hands
|-
|-
| [[Reference:6200|6200]] || 1953–1954 || A296 || 200m || 36mm SS || "King Sub" — oversized 8mm crown, Explorer dial option
| [[Reference:6200|6200]] || Mid-1950s || A296 || 200m || Steel || 8mm crown and Explorer-style 3-6-9 dial
|-
|-
| [[Reference:6536|6536]] || 1954–1958 || A296/1030 || 100m || 36mm SS || Transitional; smaller crown, Mercedes hands
| [[Reference:6536|6536]] || Mid-to-late 1950s || 1030 || 100m || Steel || 6mm crown; compare the 6536/1
|-
|-
| [[Reference:6538|6538]] || 1957–1960 || 1030 || 200m || 38mm SS || James Bond Sub (Connery); large crown, no crown guards
| [[Reference:6536-1|6536/1]] || c.1955–1959 (Phillips) || 1030 || 100m || Steel || Small-crown model with the /1 reference marking
|-
| [[Reference:6538|6538]] || c.1956–1959 || 1030 || 200m || Steel || 8mm crown; the reference associated with Sean Connery’s Bond
|}
|}


== Crown-guard era (1958–1990) ==
Phillips identifies an A260 in its 1954 6205; Christie’s lists caliber 1030 for both 6536 and 6536/1. Phillips places the 6200’s launch in 1954; Hodinkee dates the reference to 1955–1956. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/NY080119/54 Phillips 6205]; [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online-winter-holiday-sale/rolex-submariner-ref-6536-1-228/64773 Christie’s 6536/1]; [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/rolex-submariner-reference-points Hodinkee’s early-reference comparison].


The Submariner takes the form it would carry for three decades. Crown guards arrived on the 5512 in 1959, the chronometer / non-chronometer split hardened into the 5512 / 5513 pairing, and the 1680 added the date complication in 1969. The 5512, 5513, 5514, and 5517 are tracked together on the [[Reference:submariner-5xxx-family|5xxx-family]] page.
<span id="Crown-guard_era_(1958–1990)"></span>
== Acrylic models (1958–1990) ==
 
The 5512 introduced crown guards in 1959. Later 5512 production used chronometer movements, while the 5513 remained the non-chronometer model. Rolex dates the introduction of the Submariner Date to 1969. The 5512, 5513, 5514, and 5517 are tracked together on the [[Reference:submariner-5xxx-family|5xxx-family]] page.


{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Type !! Case !! Key distinction
! Reference !! Approximate period !! Movement !! Type !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
|-
| colspan="6" style="background:#f5f5f5; font-weight:bold;" | No-date
| colspan="6" style="background:#f5f5f5; font-weight:bold;" | No-date
|-
|-
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 1958–1962 || 1530 || No-date || 38mm SS || Last pre-crown-guard no-date
| [[Reference:5508|5508]] || 1958–1962 || 1530 || No-date || 38mm SS || Small crown, no crown guards
|-
|-
| [[Reference:5510|5510]] || 1958–1960 || 1530 || No-date || 38mm SS || Rare transitional; crown guard + no crown guard variants
| [[Reference:5510|5510]] || c.1958–1959; later end dates published || 1530 || No-date || 38mm SS || 8mm crown, no crown guards; [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080424/220 Phillips chronology]
|-
|-
| [[Reference:5512|5512]] || 1959–1980 || 1530/1560/1570 || No-date || 40mm SS || Chronometer; crown guards; gilt and matte eras; 17,338 units
| [[Reference:5512|5512]] || 1959–around 1980 || 1530/1560/1570 || No-date || 40mm SS || Crown guards; gilt and matte dials; chronometer movements on later examples
|-
|-
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] || ~1962–1989 || 1520/1530 || No-date || 40mm SS || 27-year run; non-chronometer; gilt, matte, Bart Simpson variants
| [[Reference:5513|5513]] || c.1962–1989/1990 || 1530/1520 || No-date || 40mm SS || Gilt, matte and later glossy dials; non-chronometer model
|-
|-
| [[Reference:5514|5514]] || 1960–1978 || 1520 || No-date || 40mm SS || COMEX; helium escape valve
| [[Reference:5514|5514]] || 1972–1978 in Antiquorum’s chronology || 1520 || No-date || 40mm SS || COMEX; helium escape valve; exact endpoints disputed
|-
|-
| [[Reference:5517|5517]] || 1972–1979 || 1520 || No-date || 40mm SS || British Military; MOD markings, fixed spring bars
| [[Reference:5517|5517]] || 1970s || 1520 || No-date || 40mm SS || British military issue; fixed strap bars
|-
|-
| colspan="6" style="background:#f5f5f5; font-weight:bold;" | Date
| colspan="6" style="background:#f5f5f5; font-weight:bold;" | Date
|-
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 1969–1979 || 1575 || Date || 40mm SS || First date Sub; Red Sub (6 marks) and White Sub eras
| [[Reference:1680|1680]] || 1969–around 1980 || 1575 || Date || 40mm SS || Red and white SUBMARINER text; detailed dial types on the reference page
|-
| [[Reference:1680|1680/8]] || 1969–late 1970s || 1575 || Date || 40mm YG || Yellow-gold version; black and blue dials
|}
|}


== Five-digit era (1979–2010) ==
<span id="Five-digit_era_(1979–2010)"></span>
== Five-digit era (1979–2012) ==


Sapphire crystal replaced acrylic, the movement line advanced from caliber 3035 to 3135, and Rolex broadened the catalog with two-tone and full-gold variants running alongside the steel benchmark.
The references in this section use sapphire crystals. The short-lived 168000 belongs with the 16800 generation despite its six-digit number. Date models moved from caliber 3035 to 3135; the no-date 14060 and 14060M use calibers 3000 and 3130. Steel, two-tone and yellow-gold versions appear in the table below.


{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Type !! Case !! Key distinction
! Reference !! Approximate period !! Movement !! Type !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
|-
| colspan="6" style="background:#f5f5f5; font-weight:bold;" | No-date (steel)
| colspan="6" style="background:#f5f5f5; font-weight:bold;" | No-date (steel)
|-
|-
| [[Reference:14060|14060]] || 1990–2000 || 3000 || No-date || 40mm SS || Sapphire crystal, caliber 3000
| [[Reference:14060|14060]] || Around 1990–1999/2000 || 3000 || No-date || 40mm SS || Sapphire crystal; two-line dial
|-
|-
| [[Reference:14060M|14060M]] || 2000–2012 || 3130 || No-date || 40mm SS || Superlative Chronometer certification
| [[Reference:14060M|14060M]] || Around 1999/2000–2012 || 3130 || No-date || 40mm SS || Caliber 3130; two-line and later four-line dials
|-
|-
| colspan="6" style="background:#f5f5f5; font-weight:bold;" | Date (steel)
| colspan="6" style="background:#f5f5f5; font-weight:bold;" | Date (steel)
|-
|-
| [[Reference:16800|16800]] || 1979–1986 || 3035 || Date || 40mm SS || Transitional; first sapphire crystal Sub Date
| [[Reference:16800|16800]] || 1979–late 1980s || 3035 || Date || 40mm SS || Sapphire crystal; matte and later glossy dials
|-
| 168000 || 1980s; Sotheby’s dates one to c.1986 || 3035 || Date || 40mm SS || “Triple Zero” reference; [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-online-3/rolex-reference-168000-submariner-a-stainless catalogued example]
|-
|-
| [[Reference:16610|16610]] || 1987–2010 || 3135 || Date || 40mm SS || 23-year benchmark; solid end links, Parachrom late
| [[Reference:16610|16610]] || 1988–2010 || 3135 || Date || 40mm SS || Black dial and aluminium bezel insert
|-
|-
| [[Reference:16610LV|16610LV]] || 2003–2010 || 3135 || Date || 40mm SS || "Kermit" — first green bezel, 50th anniversary
| [[Reference:16610LV|16610LV]] || 2003–2010 || 3135 || Date || 40mm SS || “Kermit”: black dial, green aluminium bezel and larger hour markers
|-
|-
| colspan="6" style="background:#f5f5f5; font-weight:bold;" | Date (precious metal)
| colspan="6" style="background:#f5f5f5; font-weight:bold;" | Date (precious metal)
|-
|-
| [[Reference:16803|16803]] || 1984–1988 || 3035 || Date || 40mm SS/YG || Two-tone; blue or black dial
| [[Reference:16803|16803]] || c.1984–1987/1988 || 3035 || Date || 40mm SS/YG || Two-tone; blue or black dial
|-
|-
| [[Reference:16808|16808]] || 1984–1988 || 3035 || Date || 40mm YG || Full 18k yellow gold
| [[Reference:16808|16808]] || 1979–around 1987 || 3035 || Date || 40mm YG || Gold sapphire-crystal model; [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6539583 Christie’s chronology]
|-
|-
| [[Reference:16613|16613]] || 1988–2010 || 3135 || Date || 40mm SS/YG || Two-tone successor to 16803
| [[Reference:16613|16613]] || From 1988; successor introduced 2009 || 3135 || Date || 40mm SS/YG || Two-tone successor to 16803
|-
|-
| [[Reference:16618|16618]] || 1988–2010 || 3135 || Date || 40mm YG || Full gold successor to 16808
| [[Reference:16618|16618]] || From 1988; successor introduced 2008 || 3135 || Date || 40mm YG || Yellow-gold successor to 16808
|}
|}


== Six-digit era (2010–2020) ==
Gold models gained ceramic successors in 2008, two-tone models in 2009 and steel Date models in 2010. Retail sales of the outgoing references could overlap those introductions. [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-3-the-5-digit-references/ Five-digit chronology]; [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-4-modern-references/ Ceramic rollout].


Cerachrom ceramic bezels, Glidelock micro-adjust bracelets, and, for the 126 series that replaced these in 2020, the move from 40mm to 41mm. The six-digit Subs are the most technically refined the line has been, though many collectors still prefer how the five-digit era wears.
<span id="Six-digit_era_(2010–2020)"></span>
== Ceramic era (2008–2020) ==
 
The 40mm ceramic generation began with the yellow-gold 116618 and white-gold 116619LB in 2008. Antiquorum offered a 116619 at its December 2008 sale. The two-tone 116613 followed in 2009, the steel 116610LN and 116610LV in 2010, and the no-date 114060 in 2012. These watches have Cerachrom ceramic bezel inserts and Glidelock bracelet adjustment. See [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-4-modern-references/ Monochrome's chronology] and [https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-submariner-116613-versus-16613/ Fratello's January 2010 report].


{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
|-
! Reference !! Production !! Movement !! Type !! Case !! Key distinction
! Reference !! Approximate period !! Movement !! Type !! Case !! Key distinction
|-
|-
| colspan="6" style="background:#f5f5f5; font-weight:bold;" | No-date
| colspan="6" style="background:#f5f5f5; font-weight:bold;" | No-date
|-
|-
| [[Reference:114060|114060]] || 2012–2020 || 3130 || No-date || 40mm SS || "Last small Sub" — ceramic bezel, maxi dial
| [[Reference:114060|114060]] || 2012–2020 || 3130 || No-date || 40mm SS || Ceramic bezel; enlarged luminous hour markers
|-
|-
| colspan="6" style="background:#f5f5f5; font-weight:bold;" | Date (steel)
| colspan="6" style="background:#f5f5f5; font-weight:bold;" | Date (steel)
Line 121: Line 135:
| [[Reference:116610LN|116610LN]] || 2010–2020 || 3135 || Date || 40mm SS || Cerachrom bezel, Glidelock bracelet
| [[Reference:116610LN|116610LN]] || 2010–2020 || 3135 || Date || 40mm SS || Cerachrom bezel, Glidelock bracelet
|-
|-
| [[Reference:116610LV|116610LV]] || 2010–2020 || 3135 || Date || 40mm SS || "Hulk" — green dial + green ceramic bezel
| [[Reference:116610LV|116610LV]] || 2010–2020 || 3135 || Date || 40mm SS || “Hulk”: green dial and green ceramic bezel
|-
|-
| colspan="6" style="background:#f5f5f5; font-weight:bold;" | Date (precious metal)
| colspan="6" style="background:#f5f5f5; font-weight:bold;" | Date (precious metal)
|-
|-
| [[Reference:116613|116613]] || 2010–2020 || 3135 || Date || 40mm SS/YG || Two-tone, Cerachrom
| [[Reference:116613|116613]] || 2009–2020 || 3135 || Date || 40mm SS/YG || Black LN or blue LB dial and bezel
|-
| [[Reference:116618|116618]] || 2008–2020 || 3135 || Date || 40mm YG || Full gold, Cerachrom
|-
| [[Reference:116619LB|116619LB]] || 2008–2020 || 3135 || Date || 40mm WG || “Smurf”: white gold, blue dial and bezel
|}
 
== 41mm generation (from 2020) ==
 
Rolex introduced a 41mm case in 2020, with caliber 3230 in the no-date Submariner and caliber 3235 in the Submariner Date. Both changes appear in [https://www.rolex.com/watches/submariner/from-tool-watch-to-icon Rolex's 2020 chronology entry].
 
The 2020 configurations pair these materials and dial colours with ceramic bezel inserts:
 
{| class="wikitable"
! Reference !! Material !! Dial / bezel !! Caliber
|-
| 124060 || Steel || Black / black; no date || 3230
|-
| [[Reference:126610LN|126610LN]] || Steel || Black / black || 3235
|-
| [[Reference:126610LV|126610LV]] || Steel || Black / green || 3235
|-
|-
| [[Reference:116618|116618]] || 2010–2020 || 3135 || Date || 40mm YG || Full gold, Cerachrom
| 126613LN / 126613LB || Steel and yellow gold || Black / black or blue / blue || 3235
|-
|-
| [[Reference:116619LB|116619LB]] || 2010–2020 || 3135 || Date || 40mm WG || "Smurf" — white gold, blue bezel
| 126618LN / 126618LB || Yellow gold || Black / black or blue / blue || 3235
|-
| 126619LB || White gold || Black / blue || 3235
|}
|}
[https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-4-modern-references/ Monochrome lists these 2020-generation configurations]. [https://newsroom.rolex.com/watches/oyster-collection/submariner Rolex specifies the 3230 and 3235 movements] and approximately 70 hours of power reserve.


== Special branches ==
== Special branches ==


Two institutional branches sit alongside the retail line. The [[Reference:comex|COMEX]] program issued seven references (5513, 5514, 1665, 16660, 16800, 16600, 16610) to Compagnie Maritime d'Expertises in Marseille between 1971 and 1997 for saturation diving; the 5514 was built as a dedicated COMEX product, the rest are retail references modified or marked at supply. The [[Reference:milsub|MilSub]] is the British military configuration of the 5513 and 5517 issued to Royal Navy and Army units between roughly 1971 and 1979, with fixed bars, a fully graduated 60-minute bezel, sword hands, T SWISS T tritium dial, and broad-arrow caseback engraving.
Rolex dates its formal partnership with [[Reference:comex|COMEX]] to 1971. The programme included Submariners and Sea-Dwellers; the [[Reference:5514|5514]] was the dedicated Submariner reference with a helium escape valve. Documented examples include early non-logo watches, later service dials and Argentine Navy markings. [https://www.rolex.com/watches/submariner/from-tool-watch-to-icon Rolex chronology]; [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-323 Antiquorum’s reference overview].
 
The [[Reference:milsub|MilSub]] guide covers British military 5513, double-reference 5513/5517 and 5517 watches. Identifying features include fixed strap bars, a bezel graduated for all 60 minutes, sword hands, a circled-T tritium mark and military caseback engravings. A surviving watch may have replacement parts; the issued configuration needs to be checked against its own records. [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/214905 Phillips 5517, circa 1977].


== Movement progression ==
== Movement progression ==
[[Reference:Movements|Movements]] covers technical specifications, component variations and service-part identification.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Caliber !! Submariner use
|-
| A260 || 6204 and 6205
|-
|-
! Caliber !! Frequency !! Power reserve !! Used in !! Notes
| A296 || 6200
|-
|-
| A260/A296 || — || — || 6204, 6205, 6200, 6536 || Pre-1530 era
| 1030 || 6536, 6536/1 and 6538
|-
|-
| 1030 || — || — || 6536 (late), 6538 || Crown-guard transition
| 1530 || 5508, 5510 and early 5512/5513
|-
|-
| 1520 || 19,800 vph || — || 5513, 5514, 5517 || Non-chronometer path
| 1520 || 5513, 5514 and 5517
|-
|-
| 1530 || 18,000 vph || — || 5508, 5510, 5512 (early) || First crown-guard movements
| 1560 / 1570 || Chronometer 5512 versions
|-
|-
| 1560/1570 || 18,000/19,800 vph || — || 5512 || Chronometer path; hacking 1972
| 1575 || 1680, including gold versions
|-
|-
| 1575 || 19,800 vph || — || 1680 || Date complication
| 3035 || 16800, 168000, 16803 and 16808
|-
|-
| 3000 || 28,800 vph || 48 hr || 14060 || First modern no-date movement
| 3000 || 14060
|-
|-
| 3035 || 28,800 vph || 48 hr || 16800, 16803, 16808 || First sapphire-crystal era date
| 3130 || 14060M and 114060
|-
|-
| 3130 || 28,800 vph || 48 hr || 14060M, 114060 || Parachrom; Superlative Chronometer
| 3135 || 16610, 16610LV, 16613, 16618 and the 40mm ceramic Submariner Date generation
|-
|-
| 3135 || 28,800 vph || 48 hr || 16610–116619LB || The 3135 era; 23+ years
| 3230 / 3235 || 41mm generation: no-date / Date
|}
|}


== Related families ==
== Related families ==


* [[Reference:sea-dweller|Sea-Dweller]] — the deeper-rated sibling, helium escape valve, depth rating to 1,220m. Covers 1665, 16660, 16600, 116600.
* [[Reference:sea-dweller|Sea-Dweller]] — Rolex’s saturation-diving line, with a helium escape valve.
* [[Reference:gmt-master|GMT-Master]] — the parallel sports line. Same case-era splits (acrylic, sapphire, ceramic), GMT hand instead of the Submariner's elapsed-time bezel.
* [[Reference:gmt-master|GMT-Master]] — an additional hour hand and a 24-hour bezel for reading another time zone.
* [[Reference:explorer|Explorer]] — same 1953 launch year as the 6204, similar case construction, tool-watch restraint.
* [[Reference:explorer|Explorer]] — a time-only sports watch without a rotating timing bezel.
 
 


== Shared references ==
== Shared references ==


* [[Reference:Serial-numbers|Serial numbers by year]] — date any Submariner from its serial
* [[Reference:Serial-numbers|Serial numbers by year]] — serial ranges and the limits of dating
* [[Reference:Movements|Movement reference]] — the calibers used across the Submariner line
* [[Reference:Movements|Movement reference]] — the calibers used across the Submariner line
* [[Reference:Bracelets|Bracelet & clasp guide]] — bracelet types, end-links, and clasp date codes
* [[Reference:Bracelets|Bracelet & clasp guide]] — bracelet types, end-links, and clasp date codes


== Sources ==
== Sources ==
* [https://www.rolex.com/watches/submariner/from-tool-watch-to-icon Submariner: From tool watch to icon] — Rolex; dated historical milestones
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-210-187 Reference 116619, lot 187] — Antiquorum, New York, 11 December 2008
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-submariner-116613-versus-16613/ Rolex Submariner 116613 versus 16613] — Robert-Jan Broer, Fratello, 4 January 2010
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/NY080121/27 Reference 5510, lot 27] — Phillips, New York, 2021
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-1-the-early-references/ History of the Rolex Submariner - Part 1] — Tom Mulraney, Monochrome
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-1-the-early-references/ History of the Rolex Submariner - Part 1] — Tom Mulraney, Monochrome
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-2-the-55xx-1680references/ History of the Rolex Submariner - Part 2] — Tom Mulraney, Monochrome
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-2-the-55xx-1680references/ History of the Rolex Submariner - Part 2] — Tom Mulraney, Monochrome
Line 183: Line 230:
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/how-to-start-collecting-the-rolex-submariner Submariner Collector's Guide] — Stephen Pulvirent, Sotheby's
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/how-to-start-collecting-the-rolex-submariner Submariner Collector's Guide] — Stephen Pulvirent, Sotheby's
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/rolex-submariner-reference-points Reference Points: The Rolex Submariner] — Stephen Pulvirent, Hodinkee
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/rolex-submariner-reference-points Reference Points: The Rolex Submariner] — Stephen Pulvirent, Hodinkee
 
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/NY080119/54 Phillips, Game Changers 2019, lot 54: reference 6205]
* [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online-winter-holiday-sale/rolex-submariner-ref-6536-1-228/64773 Christie’s, Watches Online, lot 228: references 6536 and 6536/1]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/183568 Phillips, Disruptors, reference 6536/1]
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-3-the-5-digit-references/ Monochrome, Submariner history, part 3: five-digit references]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/214905 Phillips, Geneva XXI, lot 97: reference 5517]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-online-3/rolex-reference-168000-submariner-a-stainless Sotheby’s, Watches Online 2020, lot 83: reference 168000]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6539583 Christie’s, reference 16808, case 6,412,142]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-144-323 Antiquorum, Geneva 2006, lot 323: COMEX chronology]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080424/220 Phillips, Geneva XX 2024, lot 220: reference 5510]
* [https://newsroom.rolex.com/watches/oyster-collection/submariner Rolex Newsroom, Submariner technical description]
* [https://www.rolex.com/watches/submariner/m126618lb-0002 Rolex, reference 126618LB]
* [https://www.rolex.com/watches/submariner/m126613lb-0002 Rolex, reference 126613LB]
[[Category:Submariner]]
[[Category:Submariner]]
[[Category:Family Index]]
[[Category:Family Index]]

Latest revision as of 05:43, 6 October 2026


The Submariner is Rolex's dive-watch family, with an elapsed-time bezel and versions with and without a date. Rolex dates its origin to 1953. The line includes early watches without crown guards, acrylic-crystal models such as the 5512 and 5513, and later sapphire-crystal references. The ceramic-bezel generation began with gold models in 2008.

Vintage Rolex Submariner advertisement
Vintage Rolex Submariner advertisement

Common entry points

Vintage no-date models
5513
A no-date Submariner with gilt, matte and later glossy dials with white-gold hour-marker surrounds.
Early Submariner Date
1680
The first Submariner with a date, with early red SUBMARINER text and later white-text dials.
Sapphire and aluminium
16610
A five-digit Submariner Date with caliber 3135, a sapphire crystal and an aluminium bezel insert.

Early models without crown guards

Early references differ in crown size, depth rating, hands and dial layout. Periods below are approximate; the linked reference pages discuss conflicting dates and individual examples. SS means steel, YG yellow gold and WG white gold. The early family page compares the 6204, 6205, 6200, 6536, 6536/1 and 6538.

Reference Approximate period Movement Depth Case Key distinction
6204 1953–1954 A260 100m Steel Early pencil-style hands; gilt dials
6205 1954–1955 A260 100m Steel Dials with and without SUBMARINER; pencil or Mercedes hands
6200 Mid-1950s A296 200m Steel 8mm crown and Explorer-style 3-6-9 dial
6536 Mid-to-late 1950s 1030 100m Steel 6mm crown; compare the 6536/1
6536/1 c.1955–1959 (Phillips) 1030 100m Steel Small-crown model with the /1 reference marking
6538 c.1956–1959 1030 200m Steel 8mm crown; the reference associated with Sean Connery’s Bond

Phillips identifies an A260 in its 1954 6205; Christie’s lists caliber 1030 for both 6536 and 6536/1. Phillips places the 6200’s launch in 1954; Hodinkee dates the reference to 1955–1956. Phillips 6205; Christie’s 6536/1; Hodinkee’s early-reference comparison.

Acrylic models (1958–1990)

The 5512 introduced crown guards in 1959. Later 5512 production used chronometer movements, while the 5513 remained the non-chronometer model. Rolex dates the introduction of the Submariner Date to 1969. The 5512, 5513, 5514, and 5517 are tracked together on the 5xxx-family page.

Reference Approximate period Movement Type Case Key distinction
No-date
5508 1958–1962 1530 No-date 38mm SS Small crown, no crown guards
5510 c.1958–1959; later end dates published 1530 No-date 38mm SS 8mm crown, no crown guards; Phillips chronology
5512 1959–around 1980 1530/1560/1570 No-date 40mm SS Crown guards; gilt and matte dials; chronometer movements on later examples
5513 c.1962–1989/1990 1530/1520 No-date 40mm SS Gilt, matte and later glossy dials; non-chronometer model
5514 1972–1978 in Antiquorum’s chronology 1520 No-date 40mm SS COMEX; helium escape valve; exact endpoints disputed
5517 1970s 1520 No-date 40mm SS British military issue; fixed strap bars
Date
1680 1969–around 1980 1575 Date 40mm SS Red and white SUBMARINER text; detailed dial types on the reference page
1680/8 1969–late 1970s 1575 Date 40mm YG Yellow-gold version; black and blue dials

Five-digit era (1979–2012)

The references in this section use sapphire crystals. The short-lived 168000 belongs with the 16800 generation despite its six-digit number. Date models moved from caliber 3035 to 3135; the no-date 14060 and 14060M use calibers 3000 and 3130. Steel, two-tone and yellow-gold versions appear in the table below.

Reference Approximate period Movement Type Case Key distinction
No-date (steel)
14060 Around 1990–1999/2000 3000 No-date 40mm SS Sapphire crystal; two-line dial
14060M Around 1999/2000–2012 3130 No-date 40mm SS Caliber 3130; two-line and later four-line dials
Date (steel)
16800 1979–late 1980s 3035 Date 40mm SS Sapphire crystal; matte and later glossy dials
168000 1980s; Sotheby’s dates one to c.1986 3035 Date 40mm SS “Triple Zero” reference; catalogued example
16610 1988–2010 3135 Date 40mm SS Black dial and aluminium bezel insert
16610LV 2003–2010 3135 Date 40mm SS “Kermit”: black dial, green aluminium bezel and larger hour markers
Date (precious metal)
16803 c.1984–1987/1988 3035 Date 40mm SS/YG Two-tone; blue or black dial
16808 1979–around 1987 3035 Date 40mm YG Gold sapphire-crystal model; Christie’s chronology
16613 From 1988; successor introduced 2009 3135 Date 40mm SS/YG Two-tone successor to 16803
16618 From 1988; successor introduced 2008 3135 Date 40mm YG Yellow-gold successor to 16808

Gold models gained ceramic successors in 2008, two-tone models in 2009 and steel Date models in 2010. Retail sales of the outgoing references could overlap those introductions. Five-digit chronology; Ceramic rollout.

Ceramic era (2008–2020)

The 40mm ceramic generation began with the yellow-gold 116618 and white-gold 116619LB in 2008. Antiquorum offered a 116619 at its December 2008 sale. The two-tone 116613 followed in 2009, the steel 116610LN and 116610LV in 2010, and the no-date 114060 in 2012. These watches have Cerachrom ceramic bezel inserts and Glidelock bracelet adjustment. See Monochrome's chronology and Fratello's January 2010 report.

Reference Approximate period Movement Type Case Key distinction
No-date
114060 2012–2020 3130 No-date 40mm SS Ceramic bezel; enlarged luminous hour markers
Date (steel)
116610LN 2010–2020 3135 Date 40mm SS Cerachrom bezel, Glidelock bracelet
116610LV 2010–2020 3135 Date 40mm SS “Hulk”: green dial and green ceramic bezel
Date (precious metal)
116613 2009–2020 3135 Date 40mm SS/YG Black LN or blue LB dial and bezel
116618 2008–2020 3135 Date 40mm YG Full gold, Cerachrom
116619LB 2008–2020 3135 Date 40mm WG “Smurf”: white gold, blue dial and bezel

41mm generation (from 2020)

Rolex introduced a 41mm case in 2020, with caliber 3230 in the no-date Submariner and caliber 3235 in the Submariner Date. Both changes appear in Rolex's 2020 chronology entry.

The 2020 configurations pair these materials and dial colours with ceramic bezel inserts:

Reference Material Dial / bezel Caliber
124060 Steel Black / black; no date 3230
126610LN Steel Black / black 3235
126610LV Steel Black / green 3235
126613LN / 126613LB Steel and yellow gold Black / black or blue / blue 3235
126618LN / 126618LB Yellow gold Black / black or blue / blue 3235
126619LB White gold Black / blue 3235

Monochrome lists these 2020-generation configurations. Rolex specifies the 3230 and 3235 movements and approximately 70 hours of power reserve.

Special branches

Rolex dates its formal partnership with COMEX to 1971. The programme included Submariners and Sea-Dwellers; the 5514 was the dedicated Submariner reference with a helium escape valve. Documented examples include early non-logo watches, later service dials and Argentine Navy markings. Rolex chronology; Antiquorum’s reference overview.

The MilSub guide covers British military 5513, double-reference 5513/5517 and 5517 watches. Identifying features include fixed strap bars, a bezel graduated for all 60 minutes, sword hands, a circled-T tritium mark and military caseback engravings. A surviving watch may have replacement parts; the issued configuration needs to be checked against its own records. Phillips 5517, circa 1977.

Movement progression

Movements covers technical specifications, component variations and service-part identification.

Caliber Submariner use
A260 6204 and 6205
A296 6200
1030 6536, 6536/1 and 6538
1530 5508, 5510 and early 5512/5513
1520 5513, 5514 and 5517
1560 / 1570 Chronometer 5512 versions
1575 1680, including gold versions
3035 16800, 168000, 16803 and 16808
3000 14060
3130 14060M and 114060
3135 16610, 16610LV, 16613, 16618 and the 40mm ceramic Submariner Date generation
3230 / 3235 41mm generation: no-date / Date

Related families

  • Sea-Dweller — Rolex’s saturation-diving line, with a helium escape valve.
  • GMT-Master — an additional hour hand and a 24-hour bezel for reading another time zone.
  • Explorer — a time-only sports watch without a rotating timing bezel.

Shared references

Sources

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