Is The Rolex Submariner the Greatest Watch of All Time?

A Discussion and Retrospective around the Rolex Submariner. The reputation that the Submariner has garnered over the last 70 years cannot be understated. At this point in time it is the most recognisable watch in the world, belonging to the most recognisable watch brand in the world. But how has this watch influenced the sports watch genre? And how has the Submariner influenced how the watch world is perceived today? Whether we like it or not, it is one of the most influential pieces of design but also one of the most influential watches that has changed the entire landscape.

#rolex #submariner #rolexsubmariner

Intro 0:00
On The Wrist 1:31
Why is the Submariner Great? 1:58
Rolex Submariner Evolution 2:55
Repetition of References, Repetition of Design 4:59
The Reputation & Status was Earned 5:38
The Submariner Design Influence 7:23
An Inspired Watch 8:16
Conclusion 9:22

All Images are Sourced from either Press Release Photos or Public Listings.
Below are a list of the common sources that are used in no particular order:

Bob’s Watches | Revolution Watch | HQ Milton | Hodinkee | Monochrome Watches | Jomashop | Analog Shift | Bulang and Sons | Robb Report | Watchfinder | WatchBox | Phillips Watches | Christies | Timekeepers Club | Fratello Watches | Bexsonn | Worn and Wound | A Collected Man | Oracle Time | Time + Tide Watches

[ID-Guy]

There is going to be some discourse around the topic but we can’t deny how influential the Submariner has been in the landscape of Sports Watches and how the modern watch is seen today. Would there be another watch you’d substitute into this category?
(I’m thinking Datejust and Speedmaster will be up there) ;)

[dillcarver]

I bought a Submariner, 16800 in 1984 as a dive tool watch when serving in the military (tax-free overseas). I wore it as my only watch for two decades through thick and thin before selling it in 2005 for four times what I'd originally paid for it (after my wife discovered what it was worth). I regret selling it every day of my life since. I've never been able to replace it. Today, for the past four years I've worn a Tudor Pelagos every day and it has been brilliant... but not quite a Sub. I will attain another Submariner 16800 once the mortgage is done and the kids are all self-sufficient. I will take it to my grave, I will be buried with it.

[D]

My wife bought my Submariner in 2009 shortly before my first combat deployment to Afghanistan. My Sub accompanied me on five more deployments to Asia and the Middle East and at on least 30 static line parachute jumps. Today, years after my 30 year military career ended, it is still my daily wear.

[CharlieHustle]

This is why I chose this as my “one and done” watch, years ago. Every time I get an itch for another watch, I just look down at my wrist. It’s a family member.

[floydmorrison]

As a musician, to me, the Submariner is eerily analogous to the Fender Stratocaster. Introduced bizarrely at the same time ('53 & '54), they are both so technologically groundbreaking, globally recognizable, and influential, that their shadow still looms just as large as it did when they were first introduced. The fact that these 70 year old designs are STILL being copied in one form another today speaks for itself. I love the Fifty Fathoms, but it's aesthetic design footprint is nowhere nearl as monumental as the Submariners. Great video! IDGuy will own a Sub one day...Facts LOL

[cecaju]

My dad bought a 5513 on layaway in 1968. He paid $20 a month for a year. He gave that watch to me in 1988 for my birthday. I still wear it regularly and it still keeps great time. I plan to give it to my son one day. After all these years, I still find myself staring at it, admiring the matte black dial, creamy geometric tritium lume plots and patina matching Mercedes hands. It’s an amazing watch that gets better looking with age.

[calsurflance]

Few things in life are perfect and built to be used for a lifetime . I lusted after a Submariner from the first time I saw one. I tried on many, but real life priorities went first. I looked at other brands but none had the combination of heritage, engineering, toughness and elegance. Then 35 years after first seeing one, on my anniversary, one appeared out of the vault at my local AD. My wife looked at me and said “ there you are, you’ve waited long enough”.
We are retired but still love the ocean. We both surf, and I do a little sport diving so the watch definitely gets wet.
Our son is a U.S. Navy Rescue Swimmer, and someday my Rolex Submariner will be his. ( He has already earned it).
Was it worth the wait? Absolutely!
Excellent video!

[creightonsmith]

I first saw the sub in the Rolex shop in Zurich 1962 and never forgot it. I didn't need James Bond or Steve McQueen to convince me this was a truly iconic timepiece. In 1972 I was looking for a new watch and my first stop was the local Rolex store in Palo Alto, Ca. They just happen to have a 1966 Submariner, 5512, 4 line, chronograph that a guy was unable to make the final payments on. I wound up paying $150. for the watch and it has been my daily wear watch ever since. To me the design is right up there with the Mercedes Gullwing and P-51 Mustang, no other watch has ever come close.

[davem.]

In 1982, my sisters boyfriend was a U.S. Marine Security Guard working at an American Embassy overseas. He dropped by the house and I noticed a gorgeous new watch on his wrist. I asked hime what it was. "Rolex Submariner! State of the art, " he enthusiastically exclaimed. I wanted one for decades and finally in 2019, purchased the Submariner model 114060. Iconic and the perfect "one watch" collection watch. There can only be one.

[galaga]

The Rolex Submariner and the Omega Speedmaster are the two greatest watches ever made.

[kaina]

The Sub is the watch I've always wanted since I started owning watches. I finally bought a Sub at 52 years old. It is even better than I expected. I had a chance to buy a GMT, but I am sticking with the Sub.

[rickyromano]

Too me it is the most versatile watch ever made. There is a reason why it was the original bond watch. It goes from being tough and rugged to classy and elegant with ease. It is one of the only true tool watches that can be worn with a suit or even a black tie. Between it's accuracy, durability, finishing and slim 12m case it is a watch that looks great and fits any occasion. If I could only have one watch in my collection, while it may not be the best expression of my unique style, it would be hard to not pick the black bezel sub.

[VermillionDawn]

I also bought an 14060M two-liner while serving in the military and stuck with me through my time in naval intelligence. It's been through the cold arctic to heat waves in the desert, and kept me company in many a lonely night in a windowless bunker. I'm retired from the service now. Last year I finally got it serviced in a little mom-and-pop watch shop in Sapporo (I kept all the bumps and dings) and now it runs an incredible -0.4 seconds per day. What a watch.

[BostonRoger]

My wife is due to give birth to my first son any day now. I’m looking to buy a sub as a daily wearer in the hopes that I can give it to my son as a graduation gift or wedding gift when the time comes. This is a very emotional purchase for me and I can’t wait.

[Podcastage]

Another fantastic video. I love your approach to covering watches by discussing the history and design elements and the importance of the decisions made. Keep up the amazing work man.

[modernworldiscrap]

My 7928 followed me for 2 tours in Nam... Today I still wear it!

[CokeWithIceAndLemon]

This post is very well written, i admire your channel.

[Thomas-vqpb]

Thanks for the video! Perfect timing I think contributed to the legendary status of the Rolex Sub:
- The Fifties and Sixties saw the rise in popularity for adventures and discoveries: Everest, Space, and Oceans fascinated the greater public
- Rolex was not yet perceived as a “luxury” brand, but as a watch brand for life, because of its robustness and quality.
- The Sub was the ultimate combination of the above. It became the best symbol for an entire generation keen to be part of this world of adventure and discoveries.
- The fact it was built for professionals and used by the very best of them gave the Sub a credibility second to none.

The rest is history…..

[LuisCruz-oczw]

I had many watches over the years, however I've sold all of them due to financial reasons but kept My Submariner. The Rolex Submariner is the only watch that gives me confidence and motivation and a reminder of the things I've accomplished and more to come. Definitely for me the best watch I've ever owned .

[watchchat]

Great post! Rolex is the GOAT…so I do have a little animosity towards the availability situation today but you can’t deny the value it brings if you can get it for retail price. I’m a working man, middle class, I knew about Patek and VC back then but those watches for the rich guys, not me. Rolex was the bar of excellence for my budget and that was a stretch lol. I had to save for it, it was to mark a milestone in my life. I never looked at the brand as a status symbol. I was first exposed to the brand by my gramp’s two-tone DJ he purchased overseas while in the military. Also there was this neighbor that used to talk about the good old days, when he was a strapping young college football player and they were gifted a Rolex for winning the Cotton Bowl (back in the 60’s if my memory serves me correctly).

In 2013, I bought a 10 year old 16610 for $4800. I got it serviced once and enjoyed it for 10 years. I sold it today for $7350 to Bob’s Watches. When I purchased it, resale was never something I thought about. But what I noticed, in those 10 years as I started the addicting hobby, I would compare how the new watch differed in finish and wearability to the sub. Rolex spoiled me to expect their level of finish. There’s a lot to be said bout that. That watch is now 20 years old and it still beats a lot of new watches’ finish. I never had an issue with the clasp rattle, I liked it but it was part of the character. I’ll roast a modern watch with a crappy clasp/bracelet lol.

I appreciate craftsmanship so I have other watch brands in my box but they each scratch a different itch. I think it is silly how some people get so polarized about the hobby.