Sub vs Explorer - Pressure vs Altitude

[BB83]

Heading up to the mountains for a vacation, and planning to wear my vintage Sub. While I'm sure my Sub can handle the altitude, it got me thinking: the Sub is designed to withstand pressures under the sea, while the Explorer is designed for high altitudes. What design differences are there between the two watches for these different purposes? To what extent do the functional designs overlap (i.e., a design feature for withstanding pressure also works for altitude)?

I should probably post this in the Tech section, but not sure how many read that, and you vintage people are my crowd anyway! Pic of my 5512 below to justify posting in the vintage forum.

[Tools]

I don't think that the Explorer is really designed for high altitudes. Although they used the Everest climb as marketing to demonstrate adventure, I think that they meant that it was suitable for any adventure..

They did offer light (low viscosity) weight oils for use in cold climates. Pressure at altitude diminishes though, so you wouldn't need as robust a watch as Rolex makes with their Oyster cases. Pressure under water increases considerably and can crush a normal watch easily..

Did you know that the watch used for their early "crushed oyster" advertisements for water depth was an Explorer ?? even though it's a Sub advertisement..

[BB83]

Thanks! Good information!

[conrail]

Awesome ad! Crushed!