The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner is a line of watches manufactured by Rolex,designed for diving and known for their resistance to water.Copied by other watch makers,the Rolex Submariner,not a Rolex Submariner replica watch,is recognised as a classic,and one of the most widely recognized luxury products in the world.

The 6204 and 6205 models

The Submariner model went into production in 1953, and was showcased at the Basel watch fair in 1954. The assigned case reference number of this first Submariner was either 6204 or 6205.It is unclear which model came first and, in any event, the two Rolex Submariner watches are nearly identical.Some 6204 models have the Submariner logo printed below the center pinion, while others have the logo blacked out.Few if any of the 6205 watches bear the name “Submariner” on the dial, a major distinction with modern Submariners.It is believed that there were unexpected trademark issues connected with the name “Submariner” at the time the 6204 and 6205 were released which account for the inconsistent use of the Submariner mark on these early Submariners.

The 6200 model

In 1954, Rolex also produced a small number of ref. 6200 Submariners. This was the first Submariner (although not the first Rolex) to make use of the Mercedes hand set ( a feature of all subsequent Submariners). The 6200 also featured an oversized winding crown (compared with the 6204 and 6205 models).

The 5512 and 5513 models

The next wave of Submariners, the 5512 (chronometer version) and 5513 (non-chronometer) marked a significant change in the appearance of the popular Rolex design.”Shoulders” were added to the crown side of the case to provide protection for the winding/setting mechanism.In addition, the 5512 and 5513 were both fitted with the oversized crown, which became a standard feature of the Rolex Submariner line thereafter.

1680 model

A final important change came with the introduction of the 1680 model in the late 1960s.The 1680 was the first Submariner to be equipped with a date complication, marking the completion of the transition of the Submariner line from specialist tool watch to mass market fashion accessory.

the modern Submariner of today bears a very strong resemblance to the 5512 or 5513 of the early 1960s, and is an unmistakable descendant of the very first Submariners introduced more than fifty years ago. In 2003, Rolex celebrated the Submariner’s 50th anniversary by launching the Rolex Submariner anniversary edition (16610 LV). Its distinguishing features were the green bezel and Maxi dial.