Rolex is introducing the new generation of its Oyster Perpetual Submariner and Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date, watches that exemplify the historic links between Rolex and the world of diving. Both timepieces now feature a redesigned, slightly larger 41 mm case whose profile is highlighted by the light reflections from the case sides and lugs, and are also fitted with a redesigned bracelet that is wider and makes the watch look way more balanced on the wrist. On the 18K white gold version of the Submariner Date, the Oyster bracelet includes ceramic inserts inside the links to enhance its flexibility and longevity.
In addition, a concealed attachment system ensures seamless visual continuity between the bracelet and case. True to its aesthetic heritage, the new Submariner in Oystersteel has a black dial and rotatable bezel with matching Cerachrom insert.
Two versions of the Submariner Date, one in Oystersteel and the other in 18K white gold, bring original color combinations, with the dial and Cerachrom insert in different hues. The first watch blends a black dial with a green bezel, while the second proposes a black dial and a blue bezel. The new Rolex Submariner Date with green bezel has already been nicknamed the ‘Cermit’, as its predecessor with the same color combination —the 50th anniversary Rolex Submariner Date— was nicknamed the Kermit.
Even though in the past we’ve already seen an 18K white gold Submariner Date with a blue bezel, that iteration was fitted with a matching blue dial. The new 18K white gold Submariner Date ref. 126619LB sports a black dial instead with a blue cerachrom bezel and it’s already been nicknamed the ‘Blueberry Sub’.
The new-generation Submariner and Submariner Date are equipped respectively with calibre 3230 launched this year and calibre 3235, movements entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. At the forefront of watchmaking technology, these self-winding mechanical movements led to the filing of several patents, and offer fundamental gains in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience, and reliability. Calibres 3230 and 3235 incorporate the Chronergy escapement, patented by Rolex, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic fields.
The movements are fitted with an optimized blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive paramagnetic alloy that makes it up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. The blue Parachrom hairspring is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibres’ regularity in any position. The oscillator is fitted on the Rolex-designed and -patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movements’ shock resistance. Both calibres are equipped with a self-winding module via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to their barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the movements’ power reserve extends to approximately 70 hours.
Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Submariner and Submariner Date are covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. This exclusive designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. These certification tests apply to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness, and self-winding. The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer is of the order of −2 /+2 seconds per day, or more than twice that required of an official chronometer.
The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.
Sticker Price $39,650 USD for 18K white gold Submariner Date Blue Bezel ref. 126619LB aka ‘Blueberry Sub”, $14,300 USD for two-tone Submariner Date ref. 126613LB, $9,550 USD for Submariner Date Green Bezel ref. 126610LV aka ‘Cermit’, $9,150 USD for Submariner Date Black Bezel ref. 126610LN, and $8,100 USD for Submariner No Date ref. 124060. For more info on Rolex click here
