10 Facts Even Watch Snobs Don't Know About the Rolex Submariner

[@watchfinder]

We know you want more watches…. click here: linktr.ee/watchfinder

[@ronpurvis9037]

I owned a Rolex submariner for 50 years. One thing you didn't mention was staring you right in the face. The submariners sold in Europe in those days, stated meters first and feet second on the face. The ones sold to North America were in feet first, meters second. My watch was about a 1968 or 1969 model, as I purchased it in 1970. What made my watch unusual for the Canadian market, that it was a "meters first" watch. The dial read " 200 m or 660 ft. It had a mat black bezel, not a ceramic one. The dial had no metal rings around the numbers, just faded light dots, that were originally a faint green. Rolex repainted them to the white markers when I sent it to them for a routine cleaning. It also had no date. My model was not a chronograph. The date was only available in the chronograph models. I sold it a few years ago for some stupid reason. I have regretted parting with it ever since. Although it had been through a very rough life with me, it never had a scratch on it. The crystal would scratch, as it was a hexalite type, but I simply polished out any scratches with a metal polish. On the last routine service, Rolex classified it as a vintage watch. Moral of the story, if you have a submariner and are thinking a selling it, place it on your dresser for 6 months. If you still want to sell after that time, do so. I bet you will wear it again before six months has passed and you will be thankful you never sold it. If some gave me that advice, I would have never sold mine.

[@andrewallen9993]

The hexalite crystal on an old Rolex like that of a Vostok Amphibia will not shatter on impact unlike that on a modern Rolex.

[@randyvfromtheperch]

I think you mean to say "...only available on the CHRONOMETER models..." Rolex never used the term chronograph on their watches. The Daytona is a Chronometer Cosmograph. Shame you sold it.

[@chrisreed3929]

It's the only watch I can confidently state that I will never sell. I have never owned any other watch that just feels so right.

[@garyboyle695]

Wish you had mentioned that 904L is not a proprietary steel and that Omega used it before Rolex and that brands like Horage also use it but don't charge a fortune for it.

[@marcd7332]

And?

[@Anon_Anon]

It's weird. As a teen, I hated Rolex so much, especially the ones with cyclops. I thought they looked too "old-fashioned." In my late 20s and early 30s, I still felt that Rolex was boring compared to brands like Omega. However, in my late 30s, I began to adore Rolex. They just make sense. They are nothing fancy, but timeless pieces that will never go out of fashion. You can wear them anywhere and for any occasion. They are practical. Maybe Rolex is just meant for people in my age group. Enough ranting.

[@gman4473]

Agreed I'm 39 and like Rolex very much

[@julienfroidevaux1143]

Even at the prices today ? Back in the day they literally cost a few thousand dollars in today's money . At these prices I could get on board . 10 K for a steel tool watch ?

[@timtim2949]

I agree, with one exception: I definitely still detest the cyclops. It completely throws off the balance of the overall aesthetics.

[@mitchd949]

Yes, I look at it like a tool or instrument, not a piece of jewelry. I wear my sub every day for every activity.

[@julienfroidevaux1143]

@@mitchd949 That's the way it should be .

[@morphyon]

I picture this exact situation to happen at your summer party: *Andrew chatting with random guest* „…And that‘s why Rolex has to be in every video title…“ *random guys’ eyes fixed on Andrew‘s hands* „…hey, my eyes are up here!“

[@dbob3405]

I started my meager watch collection with a stainless steel rolex my wife purchased for me as a graduation present when she was visiting relatives in England in the mid 80’s. I eventually traded up to a gold and stainless submariner with blue dial. I have traded and wheeled and dealed to my final 6 which will likely be my last-3 Pateks, an Audemars Royal Oak Offshore, a Ulysses Nardin Diver and the Rolex Sub. Most of my watches were sports watches because they needed to survive my many fishing trips both offshore and in the bush. The submariner was definitely a watch that could survive these trips. It is not the best of the bunch but it still runs like a workhorse and I am still in love with the look. It is a classic and always will be

[@n.shanga6389]

I would love to hear more about Blancpain's dive watch history.

[@_sr]

Yeah, 36 mm explorer is the original bond watch❤

[@Dooguk]

But....he's a fictional character

[@tudorserban111]

@@Dooguk It was Ian Fleming's real life watch too.

[@Troy211]

Welder here, 904 is a higher grade than 316.

[@RoberttSmithh]

But let’s be real. No one really buys a submariner to dive with

[@vincemarshall9520]

@@RoberttSmithh I take mine off and dive with a cheap Seiko. Tells great time and has an alarm that functions underwater.

[@huguninpearl]

At nkuwan it's not just a bag; it's an art piece. Each design is crafted with unique inspiration and craftsmanship. The exquisite production process reveals not just a bag, but a fashionable feast for the senses.

[@F9RKY]

About time you did a video on the Polar 226570, the last true tool watch from Rolex, no mamby bamby bi metals or shattering ceramic bezels 😊

[@valter_vava74]

The Submariner is also the watch more likely to get you mugged :-D

[@ComicBookVeteran]

Loved it as always! Would love to hear you do the history of the Submariner.

[@miloskosanovic7529]

Interesting that you keep referring to the Submariner while showing the Submariner Date....

[@goldencalf5144]

$10,000? Hah! I bought a Submariner in Bali for $50.

[@donaldmckinney1333]

Well done now try selling it for 13000 ! That would be the clever part

[@hugohernandez3651]

Beautiful watch. Reasonably priced at retail. I got it, but I never fell completely in love with it. On the other hand, my Deepsea will stay in the collection forever.

[@vinaydbst]

Agreed ! I too own the Deepsea SeaDweller and it feels like a Submariner on steroids !

[@panosa963]

Would you know the ratio between date/ no date sold?

[@hughmckendrick3018]

Do more iconic watches along this content line, please.

[@johnsanabria3279]

I enjoy watching your videos(by yourself as well as with Tom ,your sidekick)! How about doing one on the Omega Seamaster Heritage, a nice looking watch?

[@KyleWongCO]

Listening to your narration for so long makes it hard to put a face to the voice, but glad you’re now in front of the camera!

[@mr22guy]

I found it interesting that the sub basically went straight from acrylic to sapphire.

[@josefelixmiguel9700]

Really interesting 👏👏👏👏👏

[@Jesusandbible]

Yes.... what strap did James Bond have ob his Rolex Submariner watch? Any idea?

[@skyworks1621]

It was extremly hard to get, but knowing the history around it and my love for it since beeing young watching 007 I love it.

[@imbatmanbuturnot]

its like B. Cumberbatch talking about the Rolex Sub :)

[@fishrowe420]

I'm wearing my 100 dollar 1953 homage while watching this.... wishing I had an extra half million just laying around.

[@kungen1117]

I would like to hear about yacht master

[@DodyChai]

Feature the Cartier Santos next as not much people knows that it is the first wristwatch made for men.

[@dannysimenauer5745]

And the first sports steel watch!

[@johnrand9799]

Bond's Rolex was Sean Connery's personal watch and the helium escape valve was a Doxa design.

[@johnrand9799]

@danleeds9204 I've heard that version too. Either way, the Submariner was the perfect choice for the first Bond and years later Nick Nolte in "The Deep".

[@danieldunkel4378]

Thanks a mill for the insides. I really liked those facts which I mostly did not know. 👌

[@rayleeaustralia]

Andrew. Did you know the most expensive pizza cost $200 million. IN 2010 Laszlo Hanyecz paid 10,000 Bitcoin for it

[@JochenVogel]

My watchmaker friend Bertram says that the KIF shock-settings Rolex use in their movements aren't really that great. He prefers Incabloc. So, there's a Rolex-fact You didn't mention. ;-)

[@garyboyle695]

Quite a few watch repair channels have said the same thing and they aren't really impressed with Rolex movements.

[@jimmyjay122]

Rolex movements are not as robust and durable as most people think. They are quite average if not slightly below even.

[@TheGrenadier97]

Rolex is full of void claims, or "half-claims". I wouldn't be surprised if their movements actually had some odd inferiorities like this one.

[@tudorserban111]

Rolex 32xx movements also seem to be having some weird low amplitude problems: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqvUmWWhp9SMf9k

[@andrewallen9993]

@@jimmyjay122 They are as reliable and robust as the movements in Vostok Amphibias which means they are incredibly robust. They will need regulating if dropped from a hight but usually won't break.

[@notDonaldFagen]

Earlier ceramic no date Subs are like 7-8k now.

[@skeelo69]

If you have time to review the recent trip to the ISS by US Astronaut Peggy Whitson...and i am talking about the Axiom mission you can clearly see what timepiece is strapped to her left arm....it's an Omega Speedmaster.

[@garyboyle695]

​@@SaintWill70Bit touchy, I wonder why?

[@TheGrenadier97]

It surely improved with time, but it's very indicative and almost comic that in the beginning it failed as an actual dive watch and went on to become an actor's showpiece.

[@deecarter1059]

The Watchfinder KZbin channel was so much better when the videos centred on sumptuous macro video of the watches rather than the presenters.

[@gfxdaddy]

The Watchfinder KZbin channel was so much better when they had actual content and weren’t just fishing for clicks.

[@exvan3571]

Pre-Richemont

[@SlabSweptClean]

Don’t be such a bitch about it

[@thecornerbutchershopbeverl7809]

would love to hear the history and evolution of the Rolex gmt master and master 2

[@peachlandtaxi919]

I know that this shiny ceramic bezel is a big mistake ⌚ (It should be matte like the Tudor bezel)

[@peachlandtaxi919]

@@SaintWill70 100% Just take a look how much effort they make to avoid the the reflections and the shiny bezel in this video.

[@KristjanS-Kristeh]

The omega speedmaster was not the first watch worn on the moon. It was actually the bulova lunar pilot as the omega broke so the astronaut kept it in his pocked instead of on his hand.

[@VicharB]

Somehow I nearly always click like even before I finish watching your videos, even when it is on or about Rolex. :) P.S. I knew 7 of the 10 facts. :p

[@sebastijanvurusic3148]

Could you bring up a source that supports your statement that 904L is softer than 316L? I was also trying to get that information and I started comparing the spec sheets of 316L and 904L of the biggest steel producers around like Baowu, ArcelorMittal, Nippon Steel Corp, revealing that the hardness is +/- the same. Feel free to correct me if im wrong, a scientific source would be much appreciated

[@saymyname218]

The first Submariner that i saw in a movie was "The Deep" staring Nick Nolte who wore one all the way through the film.

[@e36boy]

Makes me wanna buy one especially since Queen Latifah wears one.

[@cybergunstore5905]

Nice video I learned a lot. Are you sure about the figures of « few hundreds to 1200$ today compared to ten times the actual price of today? » If it was 300$ in the 50’s it is maybe for than 4 times the price today?

[@cybergunstore5905]

Yes you are right. I have double checked 🤣

[@redcat9436]

Tritium isn't a paint. It's a gas encapsulated in a glass bead.

[@lx95020]

Now it comes in tubes so it can be used on watches. Back then it was applied like lume is now.

[@heinz-haraldfrentzen1261]

First point about the 904L steel. It also acts as a counterfeiting deterrent in that the cutting equipment normally used for 316L steel will deteriorate considerably faster if you try to use it on 904L steel.

[@robertposteschild2353]

why?

[@riccaregio]

Unless is because of the higher molibdenum content for some reason I don't think so. Is softer than 316 and we use that for all sorts and is commonly machined without any issues

[@garyboyle695]

Not true, it's softer than 316 steel. Weren't you paying attention?

[@robertposteschild2353]

It doesn't. You have no idea what you are talking about.

[@deathbysonar]

I picked up a Cronos V2 Submariner Homage. I love it! I would highly recommend to anyone searching for the next best thing to a Rolex Sub.

[@RoberttSmithh]

Sugess seastar is the best sub homage

[@seang2822]

The inflation number is an odd one.. the reality is government published inflation figures are wrong when applied to most things … how much was a house in the 1950s in most suburbs vs today? Or how much was the average car? Or even average income ?

[@Rainism969]

Submariner and Sea dweller are those watches that I own just to “tick the box” without any love or hate, just nothing, no feeling whatsoever. Unlike JLC, PP or VC, they are full of passion for me.

[@jimmylight4866]

Your a goof.

[@mwiethoff]

904L was first used by Rolex in 1985 🎉

[@phasespilly6106]

I have one from the 90’s I believe

[@cdm765]

Hating Rolex is about as original as loving Rolex. It is an exceptional brand in all ways, so I choose to love it.

[@danielwilliams2467]

Really liked this. Do explorer II next

[@amgaida]

The hands and the voice and the outstanding videography is really what your channel is about. It should stay like that and please don’t show your face into the camera all the time. It destroys what it was before. ☹️

[@RoberttSmithh]

Agreed

[@erik7346]

His voice is just perfect for reviews

[@adriank7344]

Great video, maybe next time Explorer, Omega Seamaster 300m?

[@JosephsCoat]

The price relative to inflation is heartbreaking. If I could get a Sub for $1200 I’d own ten of them 😂

[@BWB31975]

Wow! I've learned a lot about the Submariner in the last couple of years, mostly from this channel, so I was not expecting this video to contain a lot of new information. It was all new! Thanks and great job. P.S. You look just I like thought you would back in the hands-only days.

[@shanephillips8735]

Ring toss! I'm there!

[@istvantoth7431]

Should have started with a huge, healthy slap.

[@weiniesail]

You forgot Nicholas cage in national treasure

[@n8tn808]

Cool! Thanks!!!

[@balzehalze1352]

I miss the hands!

[@GraphicDesignerStephen]

A gorgeous watch, but the price is insane for what you get. I’ll buy an Omega, thank you.

[@ultimaetsolder]

SMP is great for $4k. Nice basket weave bracelet too. Fancy dial. Open case back.

[@GraphicDesignerStephen]

@@SaintWill70 cool story. Who said I was talking about the Seamaster?

[@garyboyle695]

​@@SaintWill70oh look a fan boy. Omega is more than a match for the sub.

[@TheGrenadier97]

The Submariner is a celebrities' piece that failed miserably to the successful Fifty Fathoms and is impossible to get nowadays via rational commercial practices. If the Seamaster is just jewelry, what the Submariner is then?

[@אלכסס-ח5ג]

The sub is a great watch for sure, but its maybe twice the price of the seamaster but its not twice the watch dont be silly .

[@brienchia]

You should give diction classes! 👍

[@tynchytemper9618]

I can almost guarantee that a timex and casio have been into space at least once each. Pretty sure a Seiko has been to the moon?

[@joshs3916]

Knew most facts in this video, didn’t know I was that much of a watch nerd 🤦‍♂️😆

[@jaur8183]

I want to buy Rolex because I love only its logo!! and its limitation for buying. Like buying Hermès bag 😂🤣

[@simonw3872]

Nice photography. As much cheese around the cyclops as a stuffed crust pizza 😊. Why do they do it?

[@ytdavidkwei]

Oh finally. Your face !!! 😅😅😅

[@TheDanielduong]

After watching this video, I kept thinking, nothing convinced me to get a submariner over a Casio G-Shock 5600.

[@rm783]

Thank you for the truth

[@MrRevvvhead]

Rsvp yes please.

[@verynormalman]

Tool watch, it's definitely not. Too shiny. Too fancy. The only tool connection is the man you'll meet at a party, who will talk and talk about how much his watch is worth this week. Forget Rolex. Go to Tudor, for the real experience. It's what Rolex should be making now.

[@BAF605]

You missed the fact that the first watch in space was a Sturmanskie worn by Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, not a Speedmaster

[@danielmelendez9943]

Should feature Sinn U- T-SDR

[@jim2950]

That my blue two toned 37mm Invicta pro diver keeps great time. It should it has a Seiko movement. $49.00

[@johnsanabria3279]

I have 3 Invicta Pro Divers,one being a quartz model. The irony is that the quartz model--an earlier model--actually looks like a Submariner!

[@jim2950]

@@johnsanabria3279

[@jim2950]

This cheap Invicta keeps great time. I have had compliments on the watch. It seems very dependable. For the price I consider it expendable. But it does not act expendable. It is very accurate. So I just add to my collection. I went to an estate sale. I picked up a 1980's Seiko for ten dollars. It is a day date. looks great it is two toned and looks nice The big watch for me this year is the Seiko green Alpininst. My serious watches are Omega watches from 1934 to 1973. I love my vintage omega watches.

[@dannysimenauer5745]

Well done! I loved hearing about the history, including why Rolex used 904L steel!

[@Agent-vj3ns]

Wow. Your last couple sentences explain why vsf can make such stunning 1:1 replicas for less than six hundred dollars. Even the decorated movement is an exact copy of the 3235.

[@richardflaskegaard3760]

Did the submariner make modifications that would meet the US Navy specs? Or was the selection process simply political? And who won the choice of the US Navy?

[@teenoso4069]

The intrinsic value of a Submariner was put at £2,500 when compared to its peers

[@oldboygeorge7688]

The origianl Panerai is still better looking

[@dritzzdarkwood4727]

The other format worked better.

[@lp9280]

The watch inflation is ridiculous... obviously I do not expect to buy Submariner for $1,200... that is if Rolex would even sell me one, but $10,000 price tag is also stupid. I think realistic price for comparable Rolex and Omega should be ~$2,500-4,000... and the rest is just false scarcity the Rolex has created. Omega is overpriced as well, but at least you can buy their watches, but the reason Omega can charge $8,000 is just because Rolex artificially crated false scarcity and this Omega almost looks cheap considering their quality is the same if not even better.

[@rem9011]

Talking about Rolex but not bashing it senselessly...? am I even on watchfinder?

[@markjones1337]

What's with the James Bond Villan jacket? You thinking about an acting career?

[@mikejarrells431]

I always wanted a Rolex Submariner because Sean Connery wore one in a James Bond film. Now I wonder why I want to be James Bond. Am I a narcissist?.

[@andrewallen9993]

1:The strap will break and watch will fall off and get lost if you go wild swimming. The solution to this is replace it with an ugly, hair pulling strap from a Vostok Amphibia, they don't break. 2. They are as waterproof as a Vostok Amphibia as long as you don't open them up yourself. A Vostok Amphibia can be opened and regulated yourself. You will probably need to do this if you require Rolex levels of accuracy. 3. Unlike Vostok Amphibia crystals Rolex crystals are hard to scratch, they do however shatter. Vostok Amphibia crystals scratch and tolerate sharp impacts but don't shatter till about 13 atmospheres of pressure. 4 Rolex submariners are as shockproof as Vostok Amphibias. 5. Rolex submariners are as reliable as Vostok Amphibias. 6. The quality control on Rolex submariners is superb whilst that on Vostok Amphibias is not, good ones are very good bad ones are terrible. 7. You can tell a fake Rolex by placing the watch in a pot of boiling water for ten minutes with a Vostok Amphibia. If only the Vostok is still working after this treatment it isn't a real Rolex. You will need to regulate the Vostok again afterwards, the Rolex you will not. 8. The recommended service interval on a Vostok Amphibia is ten years, a Rolex submariner will last longer before needing a service unless you drop it, the Rolex will still work but will need to be regulated again like the Vostok. 9. The Rolex Submariner is not only a fine piece of jewelry but a superb tool watch, the Vostok is just a superb tool watch. 10. It is extremely unlikely you will be hit over the head with a club , shot or stabbed by a criminal in order for your Vostok Amphibia to be stolen Wearing a Rolex carries a very large risk premium.

[@lx95020]

Poor Blancpain.........no one will ever says a Submariner is a knockoff of the 50-fathoms. I guess it is not who creates an amazing watch, but who makes it better.

[@SheffieldRock]

Next watch: Deepsea, the Supermariner

[@Jasonkenny-]

Is this the first face to camera on this channel? Did I miss something?? Thought I was watching t’other channel…

[@KeepingWatchUK]

Fact 1. Watchfinder charge far too much for a pre-owned one!

[@tudorserban111]

Rolex grey market prices in general seem to be ridiculously high in the UK.

[@007-i6z8v]

I love mine to bits and pieces.I have six different models and all keepers.

[@micaljimenez7381]

People buy rolex because its rolex,its an aspirational brand,the poor rich,or middle class dream of rolex like a social statut..rich guy buy pateck or AP ,very rich buy richard mille or jacob and co,rolex is just like the minimum for entry in jet set illusion...

[@Soloseas]

I don’t understand why the comparison is made with how much this watch should cost with inflation. Early references were true tools watches not luxury watches. Modern references are true luxury watches in the guise of a tool watch.

[@JaxWatchesandEDC]

Nah, it’s an overhyped tool watch. The Rolex Submariner is a $3,000 watch all day long. It’s not like the thing is hand finished like a Grand Seiko.

[@garyboyle695]

​@@SaintWill70BS, typical Rolex fan boy, all you have is your micro adjustment bracelet. The GS kicks Rolex's butt in every other regard. Rolex, built by machines assembled by technicians. GS assembled by watchmakers.

[@garyboyle695]

​@@SaintWill70Get you, you equate price with quality. If Rolex sold its watches for half the price, you wouldn't want one. I've handled both and GS is leagues ahead.

[@robertborg1905]

Is there a huge voice edit that puts it out of sync or am I imganing

[@MrHighbury]

Patiently waiting for mine at the end of the year

[@ralphawd]

Loved this! How about you start a series of those less known facts .. no one does it better than you Andrew

[@Semper_Iratus]

Is it a real rolex?😊

[@euanbegbie]

These are all well known points? Wtf?