Reference:submariner: Difference between revisions

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The Submariner is Rolex's dive-watch family, with an elapsed-time bezel and versions with and without a date. ~~Introduced in~~ 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.

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.

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<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">A no-date Submariner with gilt, matte and later glossy dials with white-gold hour-marker surrounds~~. The article explains the dial variants~~.</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">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">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">A five-digit Submariner Date with caliber 3135, a sapphire crystal and an aluminium bezel insert.</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>

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== Early models without crown guards ==

Early references differ in crown size, depth rating, hands and dial layout. The [[Reference:submariner-early-family|early family]] page compares 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%;"

|-

! 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

|}

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].

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{| 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

|-

| [[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 || 8mm crown; no crown guards ([https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/~~NY080121~~/27 Phillips])

| [[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 || Crown guards; gilt and matte dials; ~~early and~~ later ~~movement variants~~

| [[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 || ~~Non-chronometer; gilt~~, matte and later glossy dials

| [[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

|-

| [[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

|}

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== Five-digit era (1979–2012) ==

~~Five-digit~~ references use sapphire crystals. 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~~. Gold Submariners predate this generation: Rolex introduced one in 1969~~.

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%;"

|-

! 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)

|-

| [[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 || Caliber 3130 ~~replaces the 14060's caliber 3000~~

| [[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)

|-

| [[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 || Black dial and aluminium bezel insert~~; caliber 3135~~

| [[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)

|-

| [[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

|}

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].

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{| 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

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| [[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)

|-

| [[Reference:116613|116613]] || c.2009–2020 || 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 bezel

| [[Reference:116619LB|116619LB]] || 2008–2020 || 3135 || Date || 40mm WG || “Smurf”: white gold, blue dial and bezel

|}

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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

|-

| 126610LN / 126610LV || Steel || Black / black or 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

|}

[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 ==

~~Two institutional branches sit alongside the retail line. The~~ [[Reference:comex|COMEX]] ~~program issued nine references (5513, 5514, 1680, 16800, 168000, 16610, 1665, 16660, 16600)~~ 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 ==

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

{| class="wikitable"

! Caliber !! Submariner use

|-

~~! Caliber !! Frequency !! Power reserve !! Used in !! Notes~~

| A260 || 6204 and 6205

|-

| ~~A260/~~A296 || ~~— || — || 6204, 6205,~~ 6200~~, 6536 || Pre-1530 era~~

| A296 || 6200

|-

| 1030 ~~|| — || —~~ || 6536 ~~(late)~~, 6538 ~~|| Used in references without crown guards~~

| 1030 || 6536, 6536/1 and 6538

|-

| ~~1520~~ || 19,~~800 vph || — ||~~ 5513~~, 5514, 5517 || Non-chronometer path~~

| 1530 || 5508, 5510 and early 5512/5513

|-

| ~~1530~~ || 18,~~000 vph || — || 5508, 5510, 5512 (early) || Used before~~ and ~~after crown guards appeared~~

| 1520 || 5513, 5514 and 5517

|-

| 1560/1570 || ~~18,000/19,800 vph || — ||~~ 5512 ~~|| Chronometer path; hacking 1972~~

| 1560 / 1570 || Chronometer 5512 versions

|-

| 1575 || 19,~~800 vph || — || 1680 || Date complication~~

| 1575 || 1680, including gold versions

|-

| ~~3000~~ || 28,~~800 vph || 48 hr || 14060 || First modern no-date movement~~

| 3035 || 16800, 168000, 16803 and 16808

|-

| ~~3035~~ || ~~28,800 vph || 48 hr || 16800, 16803, 16808 || First sapphire-crystal era date~~

| 3000 || 14060

|-

| 3130 ~~|| 28,800 vph || 48 hr~~ || 14060M, 114060 ~~|| No-date~~

| 3130 || 14060M and 114060

|-

| 3135 ~~|| 28,800 vph || 48 hr~~ || 16610, 16610LV, 16613, 16618~~, 116610LN~~/~~LV, 116613, 116618, 116619LB~~ || Date

| 3135 || 16610, 16610LV, 16613, 16618 and the 40mm ceramic Submariner Date generation

|-

| 3230 / 3235 || 41mm generation: no-date / Date

|}

== 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,~~ a time-only ~~dial and no elapsed-time~~ bezel.

* [[Reference:explorer|Explorer]] — a time-only sports watch without a rotating timing bezel.

== Shared references ==

Line 195:

Line 228:

* [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.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:Family Index]]

@@ Line 14: / Line 14: @@
-The Submariner is Rolex's dive-watch family, with an elapsed-time bezel and versions with and without a date. Introduced in 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.
+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 advertisement|Vintage Rolex Submariner advertisement]]
@@ Line 21: / Line 21: @@
 <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">A no-date Submariner with gilt, matte and later glossy dials with white-gold hour-marker surrounds. The article explains the dial variants.</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">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">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">A five-digit Submariner Date with caliber 3135, a sapphire crystal and an aluminium bezel insert.</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>
@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 == Early models without crown guards ==
-Early references differ in crown size, depth rating, hands and dial layout. The [[Reference:submariner-early-family|early family]] page compares 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%;"
 |-
-! 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
 |}
+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].
 <span id="Crown-guard_era_(1958–1990)"></span>
@@ Line 53: / Line 57: @@
 {| 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
 |-
-| [[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 || 8mm crown; no crown guards ([https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/NY080121/27 Phillips])
+| [[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 || Crown guards; gilt and matte dials; early and later movement variants
+| [[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 || Non-chronometer; gilt, matte and later glossy dials
+| [[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
 |-
-| [[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
 |}
@@ Line 77: / Line 83: @@
 == Five-digit era (1979–2012) ==
-Five-digit references use sapphire crystals. 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. Gold Submariners predate this generation: Rolex introduced one in 1969.
+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%;"
 |-
-! 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)
 |-
-| [[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 || Caliber 3130 replaces the 14060's caliber 3000
+| [[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)
 |-
-| [[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 || Black dial and aluminium bezel insert; caliber 3135
+| [[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)
 |-
-| [[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
 |}
+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].
 <span id="Six-digit_era_(2010–2020)"></span>
@@ Line 115: / Line 125: @@
 {| 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
@@ Line 125: / Line 135: @@
 | [[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)
 |-
-| [[Reference:116613|116613]] || c.2009–2020 || 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 bezel
+| [[Reference:116619LB|116619LB]] || 2008–2020 || 3135 || Date || 40mm WG || “Smurf”: white gold, blue dial and bezel
 |}
@@ Line 139: / Line 149: @@
 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
+|-
+| 126610LN / 126610LV || Steel || Black / black or 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
+|}
+[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 ==
-Two institutional branches sit alongside the retail line. The [[Reference:comex|COMEX]] program issued nine references (5513, 5514, 1680, 16800, 168000, 16610, 1665, 16660, 16600) 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 ==
+[[Reference:Movements|Movements]] covers technical specifications, component variations and service-part identification.
 {| class="wikitable"
+! Caliber !! Submariner use
 |-
-! Caliber !! Frequency !! Power reserve !! Used in !! Notes
+| A260 || 6204 and 6205
 |-
-| A260/A296 || — || — || 6204, 6205, 6200, 6536 || Pre-1530 era
+| A296 || 6200
 |-
-| 1030 || — || — || 6536 (late), 6538 || Used in references without crown guards
+| 1030 || 6536, 6536/1 and 6538
 |-
-| 1520 || 19,800 vph || — || 5513, 5514, 5517 || Non-chronometer path
+| 1530 || 5508, 5510 and early 5512/5513
 |-
-| 1530 || 18,000 vph || — || 5508, 5510, 5512 (early) || Used before and after crown guards appeared
+| 1520 || 5513, 5514 and 5517
 |-
-| 1560/1570 || 18,000/19,800 vph || — || 5512 || Chronometer path; hacking 1972
+| 1560 / 1570 || Chronometer 5512 versions
 |-
-| 1575 || 19,800 vph || — || 1680 || Date complication
+| 1575 || 1680, including gold versions
 |-
-| 3000 || 28,800 vph || 48 hr || 14060 || First modern no-date movement
+| 3035 || 16800, 168000, 16803 and 16808
 |-
-| 3035 || 28,800 vph || 48 hr || 16800, 16803, 16808 || First sapphire-crystal era date
+| 3000 || 14060
 |-
-| 3130 || 28,800 vph || 48 hr || 14060M, 114060 || No-date
+| 3130 || 14060M and 114060
 |-
-| 3135 || 28,800 vph || 48 hr || 16610, 16610LV, 16613, 16618, 116610LN/LV, 116613, 116618, 116619LB || Date
+| 3135 || 16610, 16610LV, 16613, 16618 and the 40mm ceramic Submariner Date generation
+|-
+| 3230 / 3235 || 41mm generation: no-date / Date
 |}
 == 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, a time-only dial and no elapsed-time bezel.
+* [[Reference:explorer|Explorer]] — a time-only sports watch without a rotating timing bezel.
 == Shared references ==
@@ Line 195: / Line 228: @@
 * [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.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:Family Index]]