Since 1953, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner has been one of the most recognisable and coveted timepieces in the Rolex family of watches. These watches are known to be the quintessential watch for divers because of its waterproofness and resistance to corrosion features that enhance their reliability and functionality.
Every collection launched proves to be one better than the last. This year the Oyster Perpetual Submariner and Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date, professional divers’ watches had its big reveal to the world recently.
The first visible thing you would notice is that it has gone from 40mm to 41mm and are fitted on the remodelled bracelet that hugs the wrist comfortably. The Oyster bracelet on these new versions is equipped with a Rolex-designed and -patented Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening.
It also features the Rolex Glidelock extension system, designed and patented by the brand. This particularly inventive mechanism comprises a rack located under the clasp cover and a toothed sliding link that locks into the chosen notch. The Rolex Glidelock on the Oyster bracelet has 10 notches of approximately 2mm, allowing the length of the bracelet to be adjusted easily, and without tools, up to some 20mm. The brand has thoughtfully developed this extension system specifically for its divers’ watches so that they can be worn comfortably over a diving suit by adjusting the length of the bracelet without any need for tools.
Oyster Perpetual Submariner, 41mm, Oystersteel
The heartbeat of the watch
All movements are developed and manufactured in-house by Rolex and the new-generation Submariner and Submariner Date are equipped respectively with calibre 3230 – launched this year – and calibre 3235.
Technically speaking: the 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 also insensitive to magnetic fields.
The movements are fitted with an optimised blue Parachrom hairspring that comes equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibres’ regularity in any position. The oscillator is fitted on the Rolex-designed and -patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movements’ shock resistance.
Both calibres are self-winding module via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to their barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the movements’ power reserve extends to approximately 70 hours.
Aesthetically pleasing to the eye
The new Submariner in Oystersteel comes in a handsome black dial with a rotatable bezel and matching Cerachrom insert. Cerachrom is a highly durable and virtually scratchproof ceramic material that Rolex has been using on its watches. There is also a yellow Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold) of the Submariner Date that harmoniously matches the royal blue dial with a rotatable bezel and a blue Cerachrom insert.
Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date, 41mm, yellow Rolesor
Rolex only uses the best when it comes to materials and we should at this point mention Oystersteel which is a steel alloy specific to the brand. This gives the watches that extra resistance to corrosion and when polished it gives off a beautiful sheen, hence a favourite among divers.
There are two versions of the Submariner Date, one in Oystersteel and the other in 18 ct white gold, bringing original colour combinations to the forefront, with the dial and Cerachrom insert in different hues. The bold black dial finds its perfect colour partner in the form of a green bezel, the second combination, also in a perfect colour combination is the black dial and blue bezel. The choice is yours especially when it comes to finding the right design for the right occasion.
(Top) Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date, 41mm, 18 ct white gold; (bottom) Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date, 41mm, Oystersteel
Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Submariner and Submariner Date carry the Superlative Chronometer certification. This assures customers that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria.
The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolised by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and comes with an international five-year guarantee.
Visit Kee Hing Hung to discover the Rolex 2020 new watches
