A couple of weeks ago, Rolex introduced the latest incarnation of the iconic Submariner and Submariner Date. While speculation was rife before the unveiling of these new pieces, it’s fair to say that pretty much all of the new pieces were quite well received. Over the last few decades very little has change and even the changes that have been made are more along the lines of evolution and not revolution, and so Rolex have kind of stuck to this winning formula. Rolex introduction last week of its new generation of Oyster Perpetual Submariners, also included Submariner Date that perhaps has become rather collectable over the past 5-years or so: the green bezel Submariner Date (also known as the Kermit).
At Baselworld 2003, Rolex took an unusual step of launching their very first Anniversary model to celebrate 50 years of the Submariner. The reference 16610LV, which sported a bright green bezel and special Maxi-Dial with larger lume plots. Over the years, in typical Rolex fashion, the model underwent several incremental changes throughout its short 7 year production run that made it somewhat of an attractive Submariner to Rolex collectors.
Fast-forward to 2020 and Rolex have introduced the new 41mm Submariner, as well as the new Submariner Date; this version you see here in the images is the new ref. 126610LV, the newest Submariner Date. The entire Submariner range has been revamped, including some new examples in precious metals, most of which include a date function – obviously this model being the exception. As mentioned, Rolex have made a few updates, some of which are quite noticeable but one that would perhaps go unnoticed is the new calibre 3235. That said, everything else is pretty much the same Submariner many have come to know and love.
This new Submariner Date features a green Cerachrom bezel insert, with recessed numerals and diving demarcation in silver. This combination creates a balanced contrast between the steel case and Osyter bracelet, as well as the gloss black dial and Cerachrom bezel insert. The centre case in crafted from a solid block of what Rolex is calling Oystersteel (which has been confirmed is 904L grade steel) and is guaranteed to a depth of 300 metres (1000 feet). The case back has a finely fluted edge that is hermetically screwed down. Completing the signature look and feel of the Submariner is the Triplock winding crown, fitted with a triple waterproofness system that screws down securely against the case and is flanked by protective crown guards.
The new 41mm Submariner Date is equipped with the in-house self-winding calibre 3235 and like all of Rolex movements, is chronometer certified and boast a power reserve of 70 hours. The calibre 3235 makes use of a blue Parachrom hairspring patented and manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive alloy, as well as a Chronergy escapement, which offers greater resistance to magnetic fields, inherently making it more accurate. As you may be well aware by now, all current Rolex movements are COSC certified but Rolex themselves carry out further testing with the movements cased and simulate daily wear, with even stricter tolerances, making sure deviation is no more than +/- 2 seconds per day. However, as I mentioned in the past, it would be interesting to see if Rolex ever develop their own certification as other watch brands have done over the years?
Keeping all this Submariner goodness fixed to your wrist is the Oyster bracelet that is equipped with a Rolex-designed and patented Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. It also features the Rolex Glidelock extension system, designed and patented by the brand. This micro adjustment mechanism comprises a rack located under the clasp cover and a toothed sliding link that locks into the chosen notch.
FLEETING THOUGHTS
A couple of weeks ago, we were afforded the opportunity to get up close and personal with all of new Rolex releases for 2020. It perhaps goes without saying that we naturally gravitated to seeing the new Submariner examples first. Luckily for us, on hand was a previous iteration of the Submariner for comparison and it would appear at first glance as though not much has actually changed. However, looking closer it is only just about visible that what Rolex have in fact done is make the lug width slightly larger by 1mm, which in turn affords for slimmer lugs. The middle section of the case is pretty much the same, that extra 1mm that brings the watch up to 41mm actually comes from the bezel. Why the extra 1mm increase of the bezel? We’re not entirely sure, that said, the new Submariners still look and feel just as good as the previous models. The gentle evolution of Submariner is something that Rolex have been doing for years and these new pieces are testament to Rolex everlasting consistency.
The new 41mm Oystersteel Submariner Date Ref. 126610LV, will retail for £7,650. The new 41mm Oystersteel Submariner Date is also available with an all-black Cerachrom bezel (ref. 126610LN) and will retail for £7,300. For more information on the new Submariner Date, visit rolex.com.
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