Rolex Divers Watches

1953 – a year of innovation in Divers Watches

The original Rolex divers watch was the Submariner, first appearing in 1953, interestingly the same year as the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. Several decades of improvements through engineering innovation have further refined this must have Swiss timepiece to perfection. Newer models (since 2008) have been certified to 300m (1220ft) water resistancy.  To look great for years they also feature Rolex’s patented Cerachrom bezels – an incredibly tough ceramic substance that should outlast and outshine more traditional materials.

New Models of Rolex Submariner

In 2020 Rolex released a new Submariner range using model codes 1266nn(xx). Naturally, demand for these new models is high and prices for new full set versions can be more than double the official Rolex price. One of those on the “most wanted” lists of many watch collectors is the 126610LV (Submariner Kermit). Featuring an Oystersteel case, black dial and a distinctly deeper green dive bezel. Accordingly, this new green model has already inherited the nickname of the NEW Rolex Kermit.

Power Reserve of 70 hours – Calibre 3230

These new models feature the Rolex Calibre 3230 self-winding mechanical movement (calibre 3235 in the Submariner DATE models). It can be hand wound if left unworn for several days. Following a full wind the calibre 3230 movement should provide accurate (within +/- 2 sec/day) timekeeping for up to 70 hours. Keep it on your wrist and it will run and run – wound by the perpetual rotor. Like all Rolex Oyster models the Submariner has passed the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) tests.

Chromalight Display – illuminating the depths

When the sun goes down, or diving under the waves, you can rely on the dial’s Chromalight display. Another Rolex original innovation providing impressive visibility at depth and in the dark. Simple shapes are used for the our markers – triangles, circles and rectangles. To enable instant reading the broad hour and minute hands eprovide reliable reading – essential when diving underwater.

What to pay for a Rolex Submariner

Expect to pay anything from £5,000 to £30,000 for a pre-owned Rolex Submariner. The massive difference in price can be appointed to several factors including:

• Provenance – the better the proof of authenticity / original ownership to more expensive the watch will be
• Model variety – the Rolex Submariner is available with several case materials. The cheapest being Rolex Oystelsteel – then Oystersteel and Yellow Gold and finally White Gold
• Popularity – there is huge interest at the moment in the Rolex Smurf (blue bezel), the Rolex Hulk (all green) and the Rolex Kermit (green & black). Prices of these models reflect their popularity especially the HULK which has NOT been reproduced in the new line up.
• Rarity – some models are much rarer than others. We have seen models from the 1970’s sell for over £25,000. Standard steel cased models but the harder to find NO DATE version, complete with box, papers and original jeweller’s receipt.
• Do your research – this is a major investment. Research the specific model on websites such as Chrono24.co.uk and Watchfinder.com. Narrow it down to a specific model number and year eg – “Rolex Submariner 116610LN Black”

Going Deeper? Take the Rolex Sea-Dweller

Planning a trip to the deepest parts of the world’s oceans then you’ll want the Rolex Sea-Dweller to accompany you. And that’s what James Cameron the mogul movie director did. He bravely took the Rolex Sea-Dweller to world record depths in his one man Deepsea Challenger submarine.

Rolex Deepsea – 6.8 miles down

Amazingly they descended to a body crushing depth of 6.8 miles. Needless to say, the Rolex survived and a legend was born – the Rolex Deepsea. It’s a stunning watch with a deep and alluring blue to black dial. The original Rolex 116660 Cameron Deepsea and the Sea Dweller Red 126600 are the most popular models. However, all versions are getting hard to find in full set condition with box and papers.

Rolex calibre 3235 – 70 hours Power Reserve

Driving the Rolex Deepsea is the calibre 3235 movement. A new-generation of movement developed and manufactured in-house by Rolex. The calibre 3235 is a self-winding mechanical movement – the forefront of the art of watchmaking. Innovative design – with 14 patents – offering extraordinary levels of precision, 70 hours power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetism (being made of nickel-phosphorus – a material insensitive to magnetic interference.)

What to pay for a Rolex Sea-Dweller

Expect to pay anything from £7,000 to £90,000 for a pre-owned Rolex Sea-Dweller. The wide price differential can be appointed to several factors including:

• Provenance – you will pay more for uneqivocal proof of authenticity / original ownership.
• Model variety – with several case materials – the cheapest Rolex Sea-Dweller features the Rolex Oystelsteel case- then Oystersteel & Yellow Gold and finally the most expensive White Gold
• Rarity – some models are simply rarer than others. The lowest production runs usually attract the highest prices. For example a Rolex Comex Sea-Dweller 1665 could fetch anything around £90,000
• Do your research – get to be an expert on the model you’re looking to purchase. Use websites such as Chrono24.co.uk and Watchfinder.com. Narrow it down to a specific model number and year eg – “Rolex Sea Dweller Deepsea D Blue James Cameron 126660”

More about James Cameron and his legendary dive.

In 1960 Jacques Piccard and US Navy Lieutenant Don Walsh broke records when they reached the bottom of the Challenger Deep part of the Mariana Trench. Their vessel was called the Trieste – a 2 man deepsea “bathyscaphe” submersible. They achieved a maximum depth of 10,911 metres (35,797 ft)

World’s Deepest Solo Dive

In 2012 James Cameron completed an historic solo expedition also diving deep in to the Mariana Trench. His dive rewarded him with a place in the record books – World’s Deepest Solo Dive. He was accompanied (externally – attached to his submersible) by a Rolex Sea-Dweller. Inside his submersible – out of respect for his record breaking Trieste peers – he took a Rolex Deepsea Special watch from 1960.

Official Website (external link) – Rolex Watches