Rolex’s dive watches hold a coveted status in the world of horology. It’s no surprise considering their rich history, notable collaborations, distinctive designs, and robust, precise in-house movements.
Rolex Dive Watches
Rolex presently offers four distinct dive watch models: the Submariner and Submariner Date, the Sea-Dweller, and the Deepsea. These models are listed in ascending order of both size and price. The Submariner and Submariner Date share identical case dimensions. Within this collection, there’s a plethora of options with variations in materials, dial colors, and bezel designs. The entry-level piece is the Submariner without a date indication, priced at $7,500. Introduced in 1953 as replica Rolex’s inaugural dive watch, it featured a bidirectional rotating bezel for dive time measurement. Initially rated for 100 meters water resistance, Rolex quickly upgraded it to 200 meters in 1954. By 1955, the English Royal Navy adopted the Submariner as its official dive watch, with the Royal Canadian Navy following suit a year later.
Rolex’s Legacy in Diving
Rolex first gained prominence in 1927 for its water-resistant watches, featuring the patented screw-down crown. The name “Oyster” became synonymous with durability and reliability. Notably, during her 15-hour English Channel swim, Mercedes Gleitze wore a water-resistant Rolex, garnering significant publicity for the brand. This event solidified Rolex’s reputation for producing watches capable of withstanding extreme conditions.
Submariner: A Timeless Icon
Today’s Submariner boasts a 40mm diameter and a slim 12.5mm height, relatively compact for a dive watch. Powered by the self-winding in-house 3130 movement (3135 with date), both calibers offer a 48-hour power reserve. Each fake Rolex Submariner undergoes rigorous testing, ensuring precision within stringent standards. Equipped with the Glidelock system, the bracelet can be adjusted for a precise fit, accommodating various wrist sizes and wet suits.
Sea-Dweller: Meeting Professional Demands
In response to saturation diving challenges, Rolex introduced the Sea-Dweller in the mid-1960s. Professional divers required replica watches capable of withstanding extended periods at significant depths. Rolex’s collaboration with French diving specialist Comex led to significant advancements, including the development of the helium escape valve. This innovation allowed watches to release trapped helium during decompression, preventing crystal displacement.
Deepsea: Pushing the Limits
Rolex’s commitment to innovation culminated in the Deepsea model, introduced in 2008 with an impressive water resistance of 3,900 meters. Featuring a pioneering “Ringlock” system, this watch combines strength and resilience in a compact 44mm-by-18mm case. The Deepsea underwent extensive underwater testing, ensuring durability even at depths of up to 4,900 meters. In 2018, Rolex updated the Deepsea with a more balanced case and a new in-house movement, further enhancing its performance.
Rolex continues to innovate within its dive watch collection, offering a range of options to suit diverse preferences. From the classic Submariner to the advanced Deepsea, each model represents the pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking craftsmanship. With variations in materials, colors, and features, there’s a Rolex dive watch to cater to every enthusiast, regardless of wrist size or budget.