Story of an Icon: Rolex Submariner History

In this video, I would like to discuss the full history of the Rolex Submariner, quite possibly the most iconic watch ever made and definitely the most recognisable. Today, I will run right the way through from the 1954 reference 6200 to the current 114060.
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[@threeowlnight3393]

Great history recap of the Rolex Submariner. Thank you for your enormous effort in collecting this data. I have a red letter 1680 that I bought in 1970 in the Virgin Islands for $208 at the time a real bargain. I've worn the watch almost every day since then. Great watch and now I find it is considered a cult classic. All the best!

[@ajsparks87]

I love seeing the bumps and scratches on those old watches. It reminds me of the effortless style and ruggedness of an old Land Rover or Jeep which have infinitely more appeal than a brand new shiny SUV.

[@oscarosullivan4513]

Agreed

[@Mark-sd7fc]

The ultimate submariner video should be a book thank you so much for all the work that went into this!

[@smokesstack]

This is without question the most definitive Rolex Submariner video I have come across on KZbin. Thank you. You certainly put a lot of time and effort. The video is outstanding. You did an excellent job.

[@NoosaHeads]

Thank you. - Extremely informative. I have an early 80s Submariner. It's given sterling service. I've had to replace the bracelet, twice, as it just about wore through. (I didn't think it was even possible to wear out a steel bracelet). Replacement was outrageously expensive. The last time I replaced it, it cost more than the watch's original purchase price. (ie, about £1000 in 1982).

[@ccw1961]

Some thoughts....Very good vlog on this great watch. I own a 14060 and have had it since 1998. It is a tritium dial and now the lume has nearly gone, replaced with a lovely creamy look. I have worn this watch every day, I am a rock climber and was a diver in my spare time. I forget its there. This watch is never taken off, washed daily with fairy liquid and has only been serviced once in all its life. Despite this, it is only + 1-2 per day. Not bad for an old 3000 cal. This said I know why it was also in the Explorer, its a tank of a movement. it is on the original bracelet, which contrary to all the criticism has been superbly comfortable and is wholly appropriate for its role and task and being light makes the watch less hefty than the bulky bling present iteration, which to me has moved so far away from the original purpose and look to now become a pure status symbol. I have never had a single comment on my 14060 despite constant wear...its is effectively invisible unless you are in the know and interested in watches. I think there is a move back to the classic 40 mil size. People are realising that anything over 42 is just daft and unnecessary just my thoughts on what is a seminal piece of horology and a damn good daily beater if you just let it do what it was supposed to do, be worn, every day for everything. Not left in a box like a prized antique. watches kept in boxes or on winders are unhappy watches with movements that don't know if they are coming are going. I love watches and have at times been tempted by the thought of a collection. However, which one to wear??? I would go bonkers. Just get a good watch, save like I did, put it on and forget it. Youll save yourself a fortune in the long run :). NB: I love you videos and your passion. keep it up. Thanks.

[@phmwu7368]

2:05 Not Auguste Piccard but his son Jacques Piccard was the hydronaut using the Trieste batyscaphe ...

[@512bb]

Thank you Armand for your great work on this one ( as usual ) This is the best historical retrospective overview on the Submariner available today !!!!

[@davelee9791]

Probably the best overview of the Submariner I have watched on this platform..thank you for a well presented comprehensive Vlog very much enjoyed it...

[@joa2944]

Thank you very much for the full history review on such an iconic time-piece, Rolex Submariner. The video is very educational and very well delivered (Excellent). Appreciate such a great channel and especially taking the time to put this together.

[@ArmandTheWatchGuy]

+JO A: Thank you very much for the kind words, they are very much appreciated. As you say fair bit of time has to go into these videos though I really do enjoy producing them and providing you all with interesting content.

[@jamesmcnary4939]

You clearly did a ton of research. Very good video! I love the pictures!

[@charlesfield9286]

I always get a little excited when I hear the intro music! Love this channel!

[@natchue]

Thanks for sharing the history and all your effort !! 👍👍

[@yvrclimber]

Thanks Armand. Wonderful video; so much history and information about the Sub. Thank you for your continued commitment to our 'hobby' and these videos.

[@davidberrueco2]

Bravo, I thoroughly enjoied this video. thank you for all the research done.

[@ol6309]

Excellent review sir, it was a very thorough and detailed, well made indeed

[@barryg4760]

Incredibly informative history of the Submariner. Thankyou

[@ftlaud911]

Great video. Very informative. Thank you for putting this together. Just picked up a 114060 and love the symmetrical dial without the cyclops. Took me a long time to decide date or no date. Each are beautiful so there is no wrong choice. Love the channel and subb'd. Got lots of videoa to watch now (pun intended). Thanks again

[@WatchGeek]

"Story of an icon" are some of the most informative and most interesting videos you make, and this one I enjoyed the most so far! Maybe in the future Rolex will go back to thinner lugs, as so many people love the older models because of that

[@marce953]

Great Video, the Sub 114060 is the Submariner evolution from the first one, the true Sub.

[@J.Bradley.]

Bravo! Exactly the quality and precision I've come to expect. Thank you.

[@danieldelorme4021]

I have just stumbled upon your videos and I have been absolutely loving them! Thank you!

[@saulysw]

Fantastic video, full of great details! Well done indeed.

[@Tomatohater64]

Spectacular history of the best watch on this planet.

[@scottsj4625]

Nice history of the Rolex Sub Thank you for making the video.

[@Tomatohater64]

Superb video on a great iconic watch; the depth and accuracy of your research is much appreciated - and somewhat mind boggling.

[@ArmandTheWatchGuy]

+Stephen Pruszenski: Thank you very much for such a kind comment, it truly is appreciated. I feel that there are a lot of histories of watches on the internet but there is definitely a need for in-depth videos and articles in order to show the heritage of these iconic watches.

[@Tomatohater64]

Armand The Watch Guy Much agreed.

[@chrislowe5462]

Great video, very informative, and it must of taken some hard work , studying and working out to put this together, Thanks Armand

[@trinity3422]

Love this video and also love that you have a B&M on your page. They opened me up to the watch world technically, then Omega, but I was fascinated by how long they’d been around, 7th oldest company, and that they’d won awards for time keeping in Switzerland in the early 1900’s.

[@marcuscopley6929]

Really comprehensive history review thanks for sharing

[@kimdywling2461]

Excellent research, Armand!

[@kbbarton1]

Excellent video! I agree with John GT3 - a video on the history of the Rolex GMT-Master would be welcome.

[@exoticcarfactsofficialchan7050]

Well done. Great video about one of my favorite watches. Very informative. Subscribed

[@jameshoward9700]

Having a revisit of some excellent WC/AtWG content... What a superb channel this was and what excellent research. Back in the day when YT watch content was enthusiast driven quality.

[@Scars_House]

Does he not post anymore I noticed the last video was at least 1 year ago

[@gman064]

Great post thanks for work you did.

[@4xoverland]

I have a 16800, bought new in February 1981, without the saffire crystal, and certified to 200m, not 300m as stated here.

[@bigbrotherwatchesdannyboy306]

Awesomeee. How much did you pay for it back then?

[@Supra_Mare_Cultro_Bloke]

@@bigbrotherwatchesdannyboy306 under 300 USD. I guess.

[@bigbrotherwatchesdannyboy306]

@@Supra_Mare_Cultro_Bloke wow super!!! I wish I could get these watches for that price. 😂😂😂😂 I would buy one watch every quarter. 😜

[@Supra_Mare_Cultro_Bloke]

@@bigbrotherwatchesdannyboy306 it was 1981. Roughly same dear in today money. But the available was guaranteed. Plus, Rolex sports wasn't that sought after that time. Everybody that time was with higher taste of ecstatic and wanted dayjust or dd

[@bigbrotherwatchesdannyboy306]

@@Supra_Mare_Cultro_Bloke thank you for this fantastic information! It is so interesting to see how times change. 🙂👍👍

[@andyianniello5607]

Top notch. One of my favorite channels on KZbin or otherwise, period. Always deta

[@andyianniello5607]

Always detailed, informative and entertaining. Thanks Armand.

[@ArmandTheWatchGuy]

+Andy Ianniello: Thank you very much for the kind words, they truly are appreciated.

[@andyianniello5607]

Thank you for the reply and the vids. 😊

[@ginyamaguchi1421]

Excellent video, top class information and well presented.

[@andymcnaughton7745]

Matt Hatter Plus1 superb

[@watchchat]

Great video, watching it again 2 yrs later

[@racebannon2332]

What a terrific educational video!!! Phenomenal Armand.

[@TriforceRich]

Great video! I love the new ceramic model. I'm saving up for the No-Date Ceramic. It's the type of watch I can wear for the rest of my life. Currently enjoying my Speedy though and have a 2500 PO coming in. Should be a great duo to hold me off till the Rolex.

[@Apollonius12]

Another great informative vid, can you do one on the Rolex GMT?

[@jfdomega7938]

+2 Yes please

[@generalexhibition]

Great idea.

[@terryfranks8040]

Yes great video but please do one on the GMT master 2 kind regards terry

[@ArmandTheWatchGuy]

Thank you very much for the kind suggestion, I will most certainly try to produce such a video in the next edition if this series.

[@joa2944]

That would be great. Thanks

[@cedarcanoe]

Great work Armand

[@ArmandTheWatchGuy]

+Cedar Canoe: Thank you very much for the kind words.

[@stevenfernandez4787]

excellent viewing, superb delivery, and if i might say gripping content. i loved it.

[@ArmandTheWatchGuy]

+Steven Fernandez: Thanks very much! That must be the first time my videos have been described as gripping!

[@MrVoayer]

Terrific video ! Up to your usual HIGH standards ! A video that really is a Brief History of Time-pieces, containing a cornucopia of information that not only Submariner aficionados could value and revel in ! Great job !!! Well done !!! My only complain is that you talk a bit too fast for such vast amount of models, numbers, calibres... to sink in properly. However, this is one of those videos that demands and requires several viewing. It really is of such quality and brimming of invaluable information ! Excellent video ! Once again: Great job !!! Well done !!!

[@vincet6730]

Brilliant video. Thank you indeed!

[@tl4238]

Thanks a lot for the great informative story for the Submariner

[@jameslovie2260]

Great vid. Cheers. They certainly are a lovely timepiece, right the way through the years.

[@hubertbrenner4584]

Well done. Excellent, thank you

[@nycjake5324]

Armand, thank you for such an outstanding and very favorable impressive account of the History of the Rolex Submariner. Very well done and I certainly appreciate your sharing it with the general public. For some reasons, Rolex watches did not originally appeal to me. In fact it was only recently when I was compelled to replace my old mechanical self-winding dive watch did I have a change of mind. To my surprise and amazement the quality of Rolex suited me just fine. Had I possessed more knowledge I would have purchased a vintage or at least a five digit model, but I was unable to take the risk because I wanted to avoid being ripped off. At any rate, putting cosmetics aside in my humble opinion the Submariner 114060 is a better timepiece than its predecessors - I am indeed very happy with my Submariner.

[@BaldFoodieGuy]

I do love the sub mariner!!!

[@SM-wi1js]

Another great video, still awaiting my green sub for my collection. I feel 2018 will find the next evolution in this iconic watch with addition of the new movement with 70hr power reserve used in the new Sea Dweller.

[@Ray-ju5zm]

Exelent vid, I learned alot. I own a Submariner myself =)

[@adbraham]

The most comprehensive review I've seen; thanks

[@ArmandTheWatchGuy]

+Adrian B: Thank you very much for the kind words and appreciation.

[@moosestrapco.82]

Nice video Armand ... keep up the good work !

[@jaysikes4256]

This channel is a cut above the rest when it comes to thoroughly researched content, and a non-pretentious presentation. When I watch your channel, I don't feel like I"m being patronised as I do with some other channels.

[@danielheyward8818]

A watch for the ages

[@jackdillon4467]

Great review! I have the 16610 which I purchased in 2003.

[@motorcyclelad]

Very good piece man! I now know exactly which one I want. 14060 in ceramic, post 2007, pre 2012 (don’t like the wider part that meats the band)

[@marc6652]

Thanks a lot for sharing. I've learned a lot and it's make me want to bye one. Old or new ? I don't know...

[@hunter5502000]

Old. I tried both on before I decided to get it. I mean its really up to preference, but the new ones are quite bulky compared to the classic slim submariner.

[@nigeve01]

As always Armand, you are the antidote to Archie...lol Another very enjoyable video. Please keep up the great work. Also, comments about the GMT have a lot of merit :-)

[@jan-yngvehultin7461]

Bravo, great job.

[@davidcoleman2463]

Great video . I have always loved the Rolex submariner . Good clear information . I am looking at my Steinhart Ocean one 39 mm now . Lol . It is as near to a submariner as I will get but I can dream. Lol . Thank you.

[@OmidSoltan]

Thanks a lot for this informative video 👍🏻

[@pjs2409]

Much prefer the rounded shoulders/lugs of the early cases that look like they integrate with the bracelet better than my 'square' 11610LN!

[@ccw1961]

I don't agree with your comments about the 14060. I have had my example from new 1998, and I have to say as a traditional ,if not higher beat movement ,its performance has been constant (+2-3 seconds per day) The movement can best be described as a beautifully engineered and precise movement , unfussy and built on all the previous knowledge gained. It can be argued that all those changes associated with the m series subs was pure marketing for the watches transition from true blue tool watch to a more bling and decorative watch destined to be a desk diver for perhaps those who could afford it In this sense the 14060 for me sits at the summit, between the previous plexi glass military designated pieces with the simple addition of a higher beat movement, triple lock seals and better glass . I had my watch first serviced in 2010 and have just had it serviced again, though I am not convinced it required it This aside a very good recap of the history. Yours; Recreational and desk diver :)

[@calsurflance5598]

This video is text book awesome!

[@brianfuller5868]

Thanks for this videos and let's be glad we have horology videos. The Oyster was a legendary watch and the Sub is Iconic. It still defines the Dive Watch . A great video and thanks for the history. It is a tribute both to Rolex marketing and Rolex quality that the iconic Submariner was a knock-off of an iconic watch.

[@kruijerfoods]

Thank you for this comprehensive video. Good work! I do however miss the changes that were made to the 16610 from '89 until in 2010 its successor the 116610 arrived. When for instance have the SEL been added to the 16610? Keep up the good work!

[@ericl755]

Again I have learned stuffs! Thx 😉

[@timothythomas1626]

I am getting the Steinhart Vintage Red and going to install the red Bezel insert "Red Triangle" . Steinhart sells separately.

[@SFCB1954]

Great review for an all-time favorite.

[@usayacolt]

Great video. All your videos are very well. I have a question. Why is it that everyone calls it the Mercedes hand? I know it looks like the Mercedes logo. But Mercedes I think calls it the North Star? Great videos keep them up.

[@joseph_432]

Hi please provide details of the Tudor at the video intro. How old is it? Thanks.

[@mitchkatz4918]

shock tolerance mentioned -sounded like Shark.its a diving watch yes but what did it mean about shock tolerance?

[@WNRoss]

Very good overview and chronology for the earlier years, but didn't note or highlight, at all, the flat blue laquered "smurf" dial (exactly matching the color of the blue ceramic bezel), displayed for several years in both the TT(Ref 116613LB) & YG(Ref 116618LB) - both of which reverted back to a traditional "sunburst" dial, I believe, in 2013. The "smurf" blue dial still exists in the WG(Ref 116619LB) - having been introduced in 2009.

[@WNRoss]

Correction to my prior post..the WG (Ref 116619) was introduced in 2008, not 2009.

[@Mpayne1472]

16803 was the first mixed metal sub that came before the 16613. No mention of the Sub that gave birth to the Sea Dweller?

[@blackfacebogart]

No love for the MilSub?

[@dereks66]

There is lot of content when it comes to the Rolex Sub. I've never met anyone that didn't like the MilSub...

[@stefanogoldoni5059]

Great video Armand!

[@melody3741]

A small correction, the chronometer certification is a certification, not a rating. You either are or are not chronometer certified. There’s no basically analog data there. If it’s better than -4+6, then it’s chronometer certified. Or rather able to be.

[@saymyname218]

I still love the 1973 Subdate. For me personally, it's the best looking Sub ever.

[@calsurflance5598]

Saw a dark blue bezel and dial 1962 sub made for the Navy recently at my AD. $110,000. I was awesome. I may have soiled myself!😳

[@RogerSartet007]

The 1989 16610 is the one I dig

[@utep007]

Awesome video A++

[@trogpo]

Great historical survey! Thanks so much! I advise you to study the proper use of the words "which" and "that".

[@harryflashman9495]

Armand, my research suggests that the 168000 was produced as early as 1985. Rolex itself places the introduction of 904L SS into the Sub occurring in 1985 (The Rolex Magazine Issue #6). As the 168000 was the first Sub with 904L, it must go back to that year.

[@ArmandTheWatchGuy]

+Darren Welsh: I must admit, I think that you may well be right, however, I am at a bit of a loss with regards to the situation as I know that the 16800 was produced until it was superceded by the 168000 in 1987. Therefore, I can only assume that both were made during the years 1985 to 1987.

[@harryflashman9495]

Armand The Watch Guy If that's the case and I have no reason to doubt you it is interesting that Rolex was producing the two versions concurrently.

[@muirhouseterrace]

I'm new to you and I'm greatly impressed with your knowledge and presentation. It seems to me that originally Rolex went to extreme pains to break scientific boundaries and were very successful but perhaps in more recent times it became obvious that people buying the watch were buying it as jewelry and, quite sensibly, they went down that road providing two-tone, gold and green versions which add nothing to the functionality of the watch but perhaps cause it to turn more heads than the standard version.

[@Mpayne1472]

Green generally denotes an anniversary model

[@kjakan79]

Thanx. Superb vid

[@uzeyourillusion]

Good video and information. I thought the 1166 series came out in 2010 rather than 2009.....?

[@rockinginafreeworld3256]

I have a turn o Graph pre submariner . Unfortunately the bezel is missing.

[@Andrese935]

It's a shame that submariners this days are so bulky, big watches. I would love to see new line to be much smaller and thinner.

[@mitchkatz4918]

I think I will go [put mine on again.did not move my arm as much after a stroke so time was not as timely- lol.

[@watchchat]

From 2009 -2012 116613LB, the dial was gloss, not sunburst, dial is tagged 116618.

[@faisalrahman7]

Great in depth review, must have taken a long while to research. Can you make a video on the Casio G Shock?

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

My Invicta 53 is looking good.

[@markodell2379]

Great video!

[@carolinasmoke5047]

Outstanding to say the least.

[@phmwu7368]

Both Rolex Submariner and Sea Dweller are the only model used in NASA's NEEMO underhabitat research, with the same watches worn on shuttle missions to the ISS ! #MoonwatchUniverse

[@henrychung851]

good job, thank you

[@krystianstepien5835]

For me 16800 is the best looking and the best quality Sub ever. Cons...I think only the clasp.

[@joes9545]

Are you certain that the Submariner Date was released in 1966? According to Rolex (Rolex Magazine Issue #8), they state that the Submariner Date was released in 1969. Other “experts” online state that the 1680 reference was definitely introduced in 1969. This seems to be the general consensus but there is also some debate as to when the Submariner Date was actually released. Just wondering what your source is as I would love to know for certain. Great video BTW, I genuinely enjoyed watching!

[@watchchat]

Bluuuesey, you’re my boy!