October 24, 2019 - Authored By: Dale E. Malick
So, if you could have one watch, what would it be?
For many people, it is either the Rolex GMT Master II Batman or Pepsi, Rolex Paul Newman Daytona, or maybe the Rolex Submariner?
Since its appearance in the first James Bond movie Dr. No (reference number 6538) and then subsequently in the movie GoldFinger, the Rolex Submariner has been one of the most iconic sports watches of its time. As we know, in the movie GoldFinger, 007 wore his Submariner on a NATO strap rather than the usual Oyster bracelet. Nevertheless, it made a lasting impression. Was it “Shocking ...Positively Shocking”?
Throughout its tenure, the Submariner, for the most part, kept it’s same original iconic design; other than the introduction of the Cyclops lens date window in the year 1966 with reference number 1680.
The Rolex Submariner No Date, reference number 14060M (Y Serial Number) has a 40mm stainless steel case and lug to lug it is 47.5mm. It is powered by the Rolex caliber 3000 self-winding mechanical movement and has a power reserve of roughly 48 hours.
The Submariner is a very versatile watch. First, it can accommodate several different wrist sizes. Anywhere from 6.5” to 8” inches.
Next, since it has a moderator case thickness of 12mm, it can easily slide underneath a dress cuff, which makes it the perfect watch to wear from the boardroom to the gym. Just like Bond did, from a wetsuit to a tuxedo. I have always had the school of thought that a watch can be worn in any type of attire; depending on the individual and more importantly, the individual’s attitude. If it was good enough for Bond, it's definitely good enough for me.
I tried to figure out what I dislike about the Rolex Submariner. Truth be told, when I first purchased the watch, I thought it was too big for my 6.75” wrist. Although after wearing it on a daily basis, I have grown to love it. It looks great with a short sleeve shirt, but even better with a long sleeve shirt or a black leather jacket.
From my perspective it is one of the most versatile watches ever made. What's not to like!
The symmetrical dial layout is covered by a scratch proof sapphire crystal and is complemented by a black finish with two-line text, Mercedes hands, luminous hour markers and the lack of a date window at the 3 o'clock position, further accentuates it's clean and simple, yet refined style and design. Beauty is symmetry!
The unidirectional bezel has 120 clicks and is music to the ears. Along with a triplock screw-down crown, the Submariner is water resistant up to 300 meters (1,000 feet). Plenty of depth for any water sport enthusiast.
It's tapered shoulders sport a 20mm band width and it is accompanied by one of the nicest bracelets ever donned. In my opinion, the Oyster bracelet is only second to Audemars Piguet Royal Oak’s bracelet. When looking across a room, the Oyster bracelet definitely sets itself apart from any watch bracelet. It truly has an iconic and noticeable presence.
Over the past five years, and more importantly over the last two years, the Submariner has increased in value anywhere from 25 to 35%; depending on the watch’s condition as well as box and papers.
If you want a watch that will truly stand the test of time, then buy a Rolex sport watch. You will never lose money and there is always a huge available secondary market.
So, to me, the answer is simple. If I could only own one watch, it is definitely the Rolex Submariner. Now, is the Rolex Submariner a 10? For me, the only thing that is truly a 10 is Bo Derek or a Victoria's Secret model. That being said, the Rolex Submariner No Date is undoubtedly a 9.5.
Article Written By: Dale E. Malick Founder & CEO of Watch2Wear
