The Men’s Submariner Watch is a Timeless Classic
The men’s submariner watch is a timeless classic, a timepiece that transcends fashion trends and remains a staple in any serious collection. This makes the Submariner Date one of Rolex’s most popular watches available in pre-owned condition.
The design has been tweaked over the years, but not enough to deviate from its core. Shop our inventory of pre-owned Submariner watches, including the best-selling green Hulk model.
The Case
Unlike most other Rolex watches, the Submariner is specifically designed to be worn underwater. As a result, the case is made from high-grade materials like 904L stainless steel and 18k white gold, making it resistant to corrosion.
Luminosity is also important for dive watches since they are meant to be readable in murky water. Historically, radium was the standard luminous material used on Rolex watches. However, this substance was later phased out in favor of tritium for health reasons.
The Rolex Submariner has earned several charming nicknames over the years, including the “Kermit” (a green bezel and dial stainless steel model) and the “Hulk” (a more modern green bezel and dial Super Case). A pre-owned Rolex Submariner watch is a timeless fashion statement that can be worn with jeans and a T-shirt or a suit. Its 40mm stainless steel case is paired with an oyster bracelet and Oysterlock safety clasp for durability. Our selection of pre-owned Rolex Submariner models includes both men’s and women’s options.
The Bracelet
The Rolex Submariner is arguably the most recognized dive watch on the planet. Its practical origins have earned it near-mystical reverence among collectors, and its sleek design makes it a fashion icon that can be worn with anything from jeans and a tee to a perfectly tailored suit.
Today, the submariner is a highly sought after luxury model that is available in a variety of sizes and metals. While the design has evolved from its tool watch roots, the iconic Submariner is still recognizable for its lustrous stainless steel case and Rolex-patented Oyster bracelet.
The 2020 Submariner reimagined the Kermit with a deeper green color and a larger 41mm Super Case, and was also the first to feature the Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert. Browse our inventory of pre-owned Rolex Submariner models to find the perfect one for you.
The Dial
After years of experimenting, Rolex reached an acceptable point of consistency with the Submariner’s design in 1959 with the release of the ref. 5508. Since then. the design has remained relatively stable – even though watch nerds argue endlessly over the minutiae of each reference number (think matte vs glossy rehauts or red versus white 1680s).
The unidirectional rotating bezel is a key functionality for a dive watch, allowing a diver to accurately measure their underwater time and avoid decompression sickness. The bezel’s 60-minute graduations are luminous and the dial features simple shapes (triangles, circles, rectangles) for instant readability under water or in low light.
The most famous colorway for the Submariner is its signature green dial, first introduced in 2010. It has returned for the 2020 model year with a Cerachrom ceramic bezel and a heftier Super Case. Shop a wide selection of new and pre-owned Rolex Submariner watches at Luxury of Watches, guaranteed to be authentic and backed by our five-year warranty.
The Movement
Rolex designed the Submariner to be the ultimate divers’ watch. It features a 60-minute graduation that helps divers monitor dive time and decompression stops. Its rotatable bezel has Chromalight markings that ensure visibility in dim conditions and broad hour markers to prevent confusion underwater. It is also scratchproof and prevents damage from ultraviolet rays and chlorinated water.
Its case is made of 904L stainless steel, a corrosion-resistant alloy. It is fitted with a patented Rolex Glidelock bracelet extension system that allows fine adjustments without tools. Its movement is a self-winding automatic caliber 3135 COSC Superlative Chronometer certified with a 70-hour power reserve.
Though the Submariner was created for scuba divers, its rugged utilitarian design has earned it fans well beyond the world of diving. It is perhaps the most recognizable and emulated sports watch in history. If you’re ready to buy a pre-owned Submariner. check out our inventory of men’s stainless steel models including the ref 16610, the ref 116610LN and the new 41mm version with a Cerachrom bezel.