Close-Up: The New-Look Rolex Submariner (with Video)


Subtle but significant redesign is the hallmark of the redesigned Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner. The watch retains the Submariner’s immediately recognizable look but dispenses with the date window of previous models and incorporates several new technical innovations exclusive to Rolex.

The watch’s unidirectional-rotating 60-minute graduated bezel is now enhanced with a black insert made of virtually scratchproof, non-fading, corrosion-resistant ceramic that Rolex calls Cerachrom. The graduations are coated in a PVD process with a thin layer of platinum. The hour markers and hands on the sleek, black dial are filled with Rolex’s proprietary Chromalight luminescent material, which emits a blue glow that the company claims lasts twice as long as that of other luminous substances used on watch dials. The classical Oyster case of the new Submariner is 40 mm in diameter and water-resistant to a depth of 300 meters (1,000 feet). The case middle is crafted from a solid block of particularly corrosion-resistant 904L stainless steel, and the fluted caseback is hermetically screwed down with a special tool exclusive to Rolex watchmakers. The winding crown, fitted with Rolex’s patented Triplock system, screws down securely against the case in a manner akin to a submarine’s hatch and is protected by a crown guard. The crystal is made of scratch-resistant synthetic sapphire. (Click on the watch photos to enlarge the images.)

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner 2012 - front angle

To view Rolex’s video of the new Submariner, click here.

The high-precision movement inside the highly water-resistant case, automatic Caliber 3130, is a COSC-certified chronometer entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. The movement’s oscillator has a hairspring made of blue Parachrom, a Rolex-patented alloy that is unaffected by magnetic fields and maintains stability and precision when exposed to temperature variations and shocks. The new Oyster Perpetual Submariner is fitted with a solid-link Oyster bracelet in 904L steel. The bracelet includes a new-generation Oysterlock safety clasp and Glidelock extension system, located beneath the clasp cover, which allows fine adjustments of the bracelet length in 2-mm increments, for a total of approximately 20 mm, without using any tools. This feature allows the watch to be worn over a diving suit up to 3 mm thick, and also provides additional comfort on the wrist.

This newest generation of Rolex’s famous divers’ watch retails for $7,500.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner 2012 - CU

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner 2012 - CU crown

 

Technical characteristics:

Movement: Rolex manufacture Caliber 3130, with bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor; COSC-certified Swiss chronometer; frequency = 28,800 vph (4 Hz); paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring with Breguet overcoil; large balance wheel with variable inertia; high-precision regulation via four gold Microstella nuts; traversing balance bridge; 31 jewels; approximately 48-hour power reserve

Functions: Central hours, minutes and seconds; stop-seconds function for precise time-setting

Case and bracelet: 904L stainless steel Oyster case with monobloc middle case and screw-down caseback, satin and polished finishes; diameter = 40 mm; unidirectional rotating 60-minute graduated bezel with black Cerachrom insert with engraved numerals coated with platinum; Chromalight capsule at 12 o’clock; screw-down winding crown with Rolex fluting and Triplock triple water-resistance system; scratch-resistant synthetic sapphire crystal; water-resistant to 300 meters; on 904L steel Oyster bracelet with three-piece solid links (satin-finished with polished edges) and Glidelock extension system

Dial and hands: Black lacquer dial with Chromalight applique hour markers in 18k white gold; Chromalight hands in 18k white gold

This article was originally published on July 9, 2012, and has been updated.

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  1. Joseph Sultana

    I bought my submariner 3 years ago , my question is the bezel rotates in one direction anticlockwise only , is that normal

    Reply
  2. Gerald Loren Schreurs

    Look great, design of submariner best ever of all others

    Reply
  3. MillenialBoy

    The Rolex Submariner might look deceptively simple but there are decades of improvements and technology behind that “boring” facade.

    Take the bezel for example. It has a satisfying click when you turn it. It is neither stiff nor loose with just the right amount of tension that gives the impression of a well thought out design.

    The glidelock clasp is another great innovation. It looks simple enough. The glidelock replaced the diver’s extension on the older 5 digit models. And it is better in every way possible. The glidelock now doubles up as a minor adjustment tool for when your wrist swells up during wear. You can now adjust the bracelet length on the fry (20mm worth of adjustments in 2mm increments), which is more than sufficient unless your name is Bruce Banner and someone just happens to spill some wine on your favorite shirt.

    The glidelock enables the wearer to get the exact fit every single time without resorting to adding or removing links in the bracelet.

    The cerachrom bezel is another area that is marked improvement over the older models. The ceramic bezel offers scratch resistance on the part of the watch that is most prone to scratches – the bezel. Older aluminium bezels are a scratch and fade magnet. It is not uncommon for owners to request bezel swaps during servicing.

    Of course, there are the other technologies that make a Submariner, the diver’s watch. Triplock crown, sturdy oyster bracelet, oversized (meatball) hour markers and hands with chromalight that extends the glow by at least 5 hours over conventional super luminova.

    The watch looks simple and low tech. But beneath the surface lies more than 50 years of incremental improvements that Rolex made to it.

    Its a fantastic watch and is currently my favorite daily beater. I have the date version (116610LN).

    Reply
  4. Debashish

    This is truly an outstanding watch, which I lost just a few days ago.

    Only a person, who has suffered in a similar manner, can empathise with me.

    Reply
    • Where did you lose it? I found a new looking submariner a couple years ago. I still have it, I ordered a box for it and keep it in my safe.

      Reply
  5. Mathew Thorn

    Pursuant to the idea of philosophy, esthetics is about the beauty and the ugly at the same time.

    But I prefer callistics which is the knowkledge only about the definition of beauty.

    I possess only the wish to have one 1 day.
    But I already possess all the visions caused by this wrist watch, the right watch for a men living in adventures and phantasies.

    The beat of the automatic mechanism affected the beat of my phantasies.

    Regards

    Reply
  6. Michael Lewis

    Sympathise with the guy who lost his Sub in Brazil. I was in Miami recently and had my drink spiked and had my blue face steel and gold taken. Had it for over 15yrs, pride and joy! Went to a large Jewellery Centre in South Beach I think and bought a replacement, 2nd hand one but like new. Got back to the UK and bought a 2nd hand 2007 steel and gold yachtmaster, white face, stunning. I am a Rolex fan and have a date just as well, my first Rolex in 1985!

    Reply
  7. LG King

    The ‘no date’ is truely beauty via simplicity. Given the robustness and potential for longevity of these watches, (a lifetime) I am considering acquiring one slightly used but in good condition. I see they can be had in the market for between US$5700-6200. And I think that considering that Rolex sport watches hold their value over many years, would be a good value purchase point.

    Reply
    • Joe Espanol

      Absolutely, but I strongly suggest that you only deal with an authorized Rolex dealer and do not purchase from anyone else due to the fact that the market is saturated with high caliber fakes. You might pay a little bid more but you will win in the long run! If you do have a private seller take the watch to a Rolex dealer to have it inspected. Do your research by learning about the watch you are interested in purchasing. For your budget you can get a great deal with a watch made in the 2000 year plus era! Good luck!

      Reply
  8. MrTissot

    Amazing!! Im back at this post after 2.5 years…

    Wow!! Wow!!

    Time itself and an ever increasing love of watches has absolutely transformed me!
    I believe for the better!

    I actually now prefer the straight out Submariner as opposed to the Submariner Date, so about 1 year ago I bought the current Submariner ref. 114060 and will never look back !!

    Reply
    • Corleone

      Totally agree. Any fans of James Bond would know tat the original Sub is without a date. The Rolex folks did the right choice of bringin it back. R.sub is not the most expensive watch BUT it surely make a statement for one whom wears it. Every watch freak (esp a Rolex one) would hv 1 Sub in their collection. This is an iconic watch that the moment ppl saw one on the wrist, they know is a Sub.You can wear it on any occasion. In a suit or jeans and still wont go wrong (not missing out the diving suit as well… :-) Happy Rolexing everyone.

      Reply
  9. David Edwards

    Does it bother anyone else that this article continues to be delivered via email erroneously stating that the new Submariner “dispenses with the date window of previous models?” Seriously? There are two current versions of the Submariner; the Submariner and Submariner Date. The original and current Submariner never had a date display.

    Reply
    • Exactly this point.

      The sub-date model is an icon and I was dismayed to read the implication from the author that is has been dropped.

      Author; please confirm that this is NOT the case?

      Reply
  10. Leonard Martinez

    If you’ve seen one Rolex, you’ve seen them all. Borrrrrrrrrrrring!

    Reply
    • Perhaps it’s so borrrrrrring because every single watch manufacturer for the last 50 years has been copying ever design they make?

      Reply
    • Corleone

      There are so many interesting watches in the market that looks and feel better than a Rollie.
      Ex ; AP, Richard Mille and Panerai are some of the really cool brands. BUT…..if you asked any watch collectors, they will tell you they have at least 1 Rolex in their collection (no matter how boring the crown looks) In fact that is what made Rolex tick. Is such an iconic and recognizable watch. People just want to own it….In fact Rolex is the highest replicated watch in the world. If is really that boring, there won’t be so many fakes Rolexes out there. Fans would agree that no collection is complete without a Rolex ;-)

      Happy Rolexing

      Reply
    • Not so.

      A green dial Submariner Date is strikingly different, imho.

      Besides, we all know the Submariner, along with the Date Just, is one of the most copied watches in the world.

      Reply
  11. Chris C.

    My OMEGA Seamaster 300 m, blue dial is very accurate: -3 seconds per week!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  12. What a stunning watch i recently purchased the two tone sub 116613ln absolutely love it! I have several other watches Panerai, Tag Heuer, omega but the rolex is definitely my favorite.

    Reply
  13. Quiksilva

    I confess, I’ve never been attracted to many of the Rolex watches, but this model does appeal to me. It is definitely their best looking piece and better without that hideous date bubble. Unfortunately (along with a similarly priced IWC) it was just too much hype for the price in my opinion. I went for the slightly more expensive Planet Ocean in Titanium LM. For that little extra, I feel I got A LOT more watch and I have become a titanium convert as a result.
    I like the Sub, but it is rather ambitiously priced when you consider the competition. I’d take a Pelagos Titanium first with the ETA any day.

    Reply
  14. Nice watch, well made, but all the people I know say it does not keep good time, even
    my jeweler who owns one. For the price I would pick up a Breitling and with the change
    get a Hamilton. I own many high end watches, Rolex datejust, Omega 300m, Deville to
    name a few, and my Rolex is not the best for keeping good time.

    Reply
  15. In this part of the globe everybody wears a, faked or original, submariner. What about the Daytona? I’m about to buy an original one of course but you don’t see them often. Is there a reason I should know aboutt?

    Reply
  16. Just purchased new SS SubC great watch new glidelock clasp is awesome all solid links bezel engraved expensive but it’s great to wear with jeans and tee the beach and at formal affair I’ve had several Rolexes breitlings tag huaer citizens but the sub is the best

    Reply
  17. Rolex Fan

    I wear my new Rolex Submariner date watch all the time. It’s just perfect for me.

    Reply
  18. Got 2012 as a gift from Ben Bridge.. The most beautiful, classy, timeless watch I’ve ever had! I don’t take it off, ever! $7000.00 well spent bc it feels great to walk out of house wearing..

    Reply
  19. TheDave

    Great magazine.

    £37 wow. Certainly more than a weeks wages now, got stung over £5k for a GMT2c and don’t earn £20k a month. Would be nice though! :)

    Reply
  20. A classic, if boring watch, in a less useful version, with a ridiculous MSRP: well done Rolex, keep… keepin’ on!

    Reply
  21. I just bought it 2 weeks ago and love every moment wearing it, this is the original Submariner without date.
    Now I can rotate with my Deep Sea.

    Reply
  22. I just bought a week ago the New Submariner 116610LN Black Dial DATE, it looks much better than these high resolution pics. I have owned several watches some more prestigious than others, Seiko, Orient Automatic, Gucci to name some. These brands were all good watches but nothing extraordinary, The Rolex Sub is simply AMAZING, this totally falls out of the ordinary into the extraordinary. I agree its pricey, BUT you get what you pay for, State of the art Manufacturing, Craftmanship, materials and details, The cerachrome Bezel engraved, the Glidelock adjustment,triple lock crown, 904L steel, 3135 Movement ( The best on the market ) i stayed away from this watch for 20 years, but I am so glad i made this decision, this is a watch that i will enjoy for decades and will leave it for the second generation in my family. I cannot wait to take it diving in my next trip to Roatan, The second larget Coral Reef in the world!
    Cheers!!!

    Reply
    • I’m gutted – I got robbed at gunpoint in Brasil, and they took my cherished 2005 model Submariner.

      This watch above will be mine very, very shortly, – Its superb.

      Reply
      • fraser stewart

        That truly is a painful story. Have a subby (14060) with me here in Bogota but wear it very carefully. Feel your pain, would rather take a whack on the market that lose a Rolex at gunpoint. By the way, you’re fortunate that’s all that happened, my wife was carjacked in Bogota, they took her keys, purse, and then shot her. She lived through the crime, the shooter was never caught, a constant reminder for us both. Wear your new Rolex with care and enjoy it to the fullest.

        Reply
      • Corleone

        Yikes….feel your pain buddy. I’m a owner of a few Rollie myself. Would take a bullet bfr letting anyone grab my Rol (I don’t advise anyone to do so ok ! – Nothin is more precious than your life) My point is, as a Rolex’s fan, there’s just this sentimental value the watch has. Is like a part of the body. Losing the watch is as painful as losing a pinky finger …so to speak.
        Anyway, hope you got the new Sub already….go for the none date model. Is classic and totally awesome. Won’t go wrong :-) All Rollie fans will agree :-) Stay safe y’all !

        Reply
  23. In the pics of the new submariner the word
    MADE looks bigger than SWISS maybe it’s due
    To how they canter the words but it looks weird. Anybody else see that?

    Reply
    • Yes I see that! But that is the case with all the models. If you analyze carefully though its centered to be exact in height.

      Reply
    • Reason why you see it so it’s because of the extreme close up and the angle the picture was taken. Still I’m surprised that the guys in Rolex did not bother to correct it. After all it is not difficult to do so but now a days marketeers have no respect nor knowledge. Ignore the picture and if you can afford to buy the watch, do so and enjoy it !

      Reply
      • The word MADE is in deed in a larger font that the word SWISS, is not and angle or close-up effect. In order to place a 5 letter word in the same space of a 4 letters word you need to play either with font size or inter-font space. Looks like Rolex decided to use the first option!

        Reply
  24. MrTissot

    I will eventually buy a Rolex Submariner with date, my favorite model. I don’t like the ‘no date’ models.

    Reply
    • Do it, it is absolutely an amazing watch, and better do it before it price jumps another 500 $ US like it just did in June, this watch is just a State of the Art watch.

      Reply
      • MrTissot

        Amazing!! Im back at this post after 2.5 years…

        Wow!! Wow!!

        Time itself and an ever increasing love of watches has absolutely transformed me!
        I believe for the better!

        I actually now prefer the straight out Submariner as opposed to the Submariner Date, so about 1 year ago I bought the current Submariner ref. 114060 and will never look back !!

        Reply
    • Ryanjames

      It doesn’t have a date because it’s an update of the 14060m ( no date) submariner that’s why.

      Reply
    • They didn’t this is replacing the 14060M. The model with the date is 116610.

      Reply
  25. Julio and Jeffrey, make sure to send us a photo of yourselves wearing your favorite watch (or watches). Send the photo as a high-res jpeg file to photo@watchtime.com – and it’ll appear in our FaceTime section on watchtime.com and on our Pinterest site.

    Reply
  26. I have a few but my gmt is my best watch. I have a true -glo on a nato strap with t25, a deep blue with t100 tritium gas tubes, a seiko monster diver watch a couple of solar watches :-)

    Reply
  27. I recently purchased a Rolex GMT II, I also own a Rolex Pres, Omega Seamaster Deville, Fredrique Constant Healy. Looking at purchasing Doxa, Omega Planet ocean or Glashutte for water sport purpose……

    Reply
  28. Lovely watch but then it aught to be for the price. I brought a Rolex Oyster, manual, new in 1972 for £37, which was about a week’s wages then for a fitter. Since then Rolex have been very successful in hyping their brand to the extent where it has become a rich man’s bauble only, what a shame (with Omega going the same way). Thank goodness for Seiko, Oris, Longines etc who can still produce good watches without costing a small fortune. Great magazine by the way and I look forward to every issue here in dear old Blighty. Keep it up!!

    Reply
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