The essence of the Submariner-

[rkb]

As a child I was fascinated with all things diving and when I was 14 I earned my scuba certification. Early in the beginning of my love affair with inner space is when I became aware of the iconic Rolex Submariner. That was many years ago and first impressions are often permanent.

Over the years the watch has evolved in appearance and to a lesser degree function. To some this change is very subtle, to those like me the change has been dramatic. When a thread was started earlier this week regarding "new" changes for the Submariner at Basal this year I let out a low groan. Grant me a moment to explain-

For me, and perhaps this is because of the hours I spent as a youngster staring at Rolex ads, but the 1680 model IS and ALWAYS will be THE Sub. It is a matter of nostalgia as well as an appreciation of the artistic composition of the dial. Look at the two pictures, one a vintage red and the other, an example of the current model. Sure the red writing is great, but three other aspects make me smile. One, notice the rounded numerals. Especially of interest is how the sixes and nines are not completed, rather they are left open just enough to make a strong stylistic impact. As a rule I prefer a watch without a date feature as to me they have more artistic balance. In this case the impact of the chosen font is as much artistic as functional.

Also the acrylic crystal adds to the rounded appearance of the watch, to me this gives balance to the sharp edges of the case. With the domed crystal rising above the bezel it gives the impression that the watch is curving around the wrist.

Finally, note the indicies on the Red Sub. Without being set in white gold they appear larger. For me this gives the dial a no nonsense feel that suggests the watch is ready for anything.

Please don't get me wrong, I love the current model. In fact my dad has a K series Sub Date and I frequently boost it from him when he's not looking. It is simply that the 1680 is watch that I fell in love with all those years ago and is the one I still desire, it is my grail and nothing new will quench that thirst.


ps thanks to Tools, I thieved your image from your vintage Sub thread..

[Mr Sandman]

The 5513 sub is my grail watch.

[f16570]

Eloquently written, brought a tear to my eye!

[Dan Pierce]

Great write up Russell. Although mine is a Tudor Sub I'm amazed how different it wears compared to my GMT. The Sub has a attitude all it's own.
dP

[Lion]

Heck, I like the Submariner and any of them will do!!!

[KJacques]

I was reminded of the essence of the submariner while reading the current Randy Wayne White novel, Black Widow, the other day. The protaganist, Doc Ford, a former government operative and assassin relies on his 20+ year old beat up no date submariner during a mission. He also notices that a 70+ year old former british operative he's involved with also wears one. These older watches seemed to be less "jewelry-like" and more tool oriented. Throughout the novels there seems to be a strong, trusted bond with these watches that has nothing to do with the current high profile exclusive image of wearing a "Rolex". It reminds me of the images of Sean Connery as Bond wearing the old sub through those early adventures. It had the feeling that the watch was his by choice, not a government issue watch as they became later in the series via the seiko or Omega watches.