Submariner Differences over the years ..

[Bazil]

My first Rolex - i’m down on ‘the list’ for a TT Sub blue dial (bluesy) this is about as good as it gets for me and the look is completely what I’m after.
Very new to Rolex I’d appreciate to gain peoples knowledge on the subtle differences that have occurred over the years with each model.
I did read about the 1999 version Swiss Only that the dial will patina to purple that sounds pretty incredible to me …
I’d after knowledge along the lines of the differences in bezels , subtle tweaks that have been made , colouration on the dials all that Jazz please so I can gain an understanding of maybe what year I’d like to go for the most ..
I appreciate your help on this matter folks ..

[burnthesehills]

Not an expert but the modern Submariners (2010 on) have larger “super cases”, “maxi dials”, larger glidelock clasps, and ceramic “cerachrom” bezel inserts.

So basically the Sub has gotten bigger over the years in just about every way possible. Not a bad thing necessarily. The ceramic bezel was a huge improvement IMO. The Sub has longer power reserve.

I am sure you can find a wealth of history on this watch online, going back to the origins. Too much to reference here.

The vintage Submariners definitely have their own appeal as well.

SUBMARINER TIMELINE
1953 – Rolex introduces the Submariner dive watch.
1959 – Case increases to 40mm and crown-guards are added.
1967 – Switch from gilt to matte dials.
1969 – Rolex introduces the Submariner Date; first gold Submariner.
1979 – First sapphire crystal on a Submariner watch.
1984 – Switch from matte to gloss dials with white gold markers; first two-tone Submariner.
1988 – Switch form 316L to 904L stainless steel for the Submariner
2003 – First Submariner with a green bezel (ref. 16610LV)
2010 – Cerachrom bezel and Super Case design introduced.
2020 – Case increases to 41mm and lugs get redesigned.

[Sandpit]

Originally Posted by burnthesehills

Not an expert but the modern Submariners (2010 on) have larger “super cases”, “maxi dials”, larger glidelock clasps, and ceramic “cerachrom” bezel inserts.

So basically the Sub has gotten bigger over the years in just about every way possible. Not a bad thing necessarily. The ceramic bezel was a huge improvement IMO. The Sub has longer power reserve.

I am sure you can find a wealth of history on this watch online, going back to the origins. Too much to reference here.

The vintage Submariners definitely have their own appeal as well.

SUBMARINER TIMELINE
1953 – Rolex introduces the Submariner dive watch.
1959 – Case increases to 40mm and crown-guards are added.
1967 – Switch from gilt to matte dials.
1969 – Rolex introduces the Submariner Date; first gold Submariner.
1979 – First sapphire crystal on a Submariner watch.
1984 – Switch from matte to gloss dials with white gold markers; first two-tone Submariner.
1988 – Switch form 316L to 904L stainless steel for the Submariner
2003 – First Submariner with a green bezel (ref. 16610LV)
2010 – Cerachrom bezel and Super Case design introduced.
2020 – Case increases to 41mm and lugs get redesigned.

Few more bits to add;

2000 - 16610 changed from hollow end links to solid end links
Also 1999 / 2000, tritium was no longer used and superluminova replaced it.

At some point in time cases in the Sub Date no longer had lug holes. Also the 14060 became 14060M.

Late 2000s (2007/2008) there was the introduction of the ‘4 line’ 14060 with the rehaut engraving. The Sub Date also had a couple of years with the rehaut engraving from around 2008 until it was discontinued in 2010 when the super case sub was introduced.

The 14060 continued through to 2012 when the 114060 was introduced.

[Time Out]

When the submariner jumped to 6 digit reference the watch became drastically better, IMHO.

[gnardex]

Originally Posted by Time Out

When the submariner jumped to 6 digit reference the watch became drastically better, IMHO.

In some sense yes and in some other no.
Concerning the dial and the ceramic bazel you are absolutely right!
But as far as the shape is conserned... well
in my opinion the perfect sub is the 126610.
The first 6 digit (the 116610) had a strange "squared" shape of the case,
and the bracelet too narrow in comparison with that large case, and I did not like it.
Now the proportions of the 126610 are more similar to the old 16610.

Apart from the dial, the 126610 is much more similar to the 16610 than to the predecessor 116610.
Look at this famous advertisement of the 16610. Doesn't have great proportions?
The shape (case and bracelet) is very very similar to the 126610.

[Mendota]

This has some of the best information you'll ever find regarding the evolution of the sub from the very first prototypes all the way up to the 16610 era, ending with a shot of one of the first 6200 references sitting side by side with a modern ceramic 114060. If you like vintage Porsche, they also throw in some evolution shots of those, as well. Rolex Passion Report is like an encyclopedia for all things Rolex. These guys are some of the most prolific vintage collectors in the world. Their summer get togethers for wine and Rolex are the stuff of legend. They will literally have millions of dollars worth of rare and exceptional vintage pieces all lying out on tables so they can all admire each other's collections and talk watches.

https://rolexpassionmarket.com/the-c...lectors-guide/

[brandrea]

Crown and Calibre also has a decent amount of information for the 5 digits to current.

https://youtu.be/DnalC9GMB5g

[ThatOtherGuy7]

Solid bracelet links came with the 6 digits I believe. That added a more substantial feel to the watch.

[dazooom]

Hodinkee has a GREAT video about the changes in the Sub over the years. It doesn't really get into the blue dial version much, but I think you'll still enjoy it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RsIAPBCCWQ