WATCHES & STYLE

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner and Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date Conquers Greater Depths

by Anton D. Javier
Photos courtesy of Rolex
07 Oct 2020

A closer look at the new Oyster Perpetual Submariner and Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date from Rolex

From the introduction of the Oyster Perpetual Submariner in 1953, followed by the Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date in 1969, Rolex has shared historic links to the world of diving, all while ensuring reliable timekeeping on land or under the sea.

This year, Rolex proudly reveals a new generation of its Oyster Perpetual Submariner and Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date. While still following the design hallmarks of its predecessors, the new generation feature a slightly larger 41mm case and are fitted on a remodeled bracelet. On the inside, the timepieces are equipped with movements that are at the forefront of watchmaking technology: The Submariner with calibre 3230, unveiled by the brand this year, and the Submariner Date with calibre 3235.

 

(Related read: A timepiece for the top guy)

  • ON THE SURFACE
  • HIDDEN WITHIN

On the Surface

Oyster Perpetual Submariner

By keeping true to its aesthetic heritage, expect a black dial and rotatable bezel with a matching Cerachrom insert on the new Submariner. Meanwhile, a yellow Rolesor version of the Submariner Date, which combines Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold, features a royal blue dial with a rotatable bezel and a blue Cerachrom insert.

Two versions of the Submariner Date – one in Oystersteel and the other in 18 ct white gold – bring distinctive 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 one is fitted with a black dial and a blue bezel.

With their Oyster case, the Submariner and Submariner Date are guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 300 meters (1,000 feet), in addition to providing optimum protection for the watch’s movement.

As for legibility, the dial of the Submariner and Submariner Date is designed to be clean and unambiguous. The hour and minute hands, clearly differentiated in size and shape, as well as the hour markers in simple geometric forms (triangles, circles, and rectangles) allow for instant and reliable reading, which prevents the risk of confusion when underwater.

Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date
  • ON THE SURFACE
  • HIDDEN WITHIN

Hidden Within

The Submariner and Submariner date come equipped with the calibre 3230 and calibre 3235 respectively. These self-winding mechanical movements, developed and manufactured by Rolex, offer fundamental gains in terms of precision, power reserve, as well as resistance to shocks and magnetic fields.

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 insensitive to magnetic fields as well. The movements are fitted with an optimized blue Parachrom hairspring, which is also 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.

Both calibres are equipped with a self-winding module via a Perpetual rotor. And thanks to their barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the movements’ power reserve extends to approximately 70 hours.

Finally, the Submariner and Submariner Date carry the Superlative Chronometer certification, which will ensure the wearer excellent performance on the wrist.


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