At Baselworld 2008, Rolex unveiled the new generation Rolex Submariner Date watch in yellow and white gold versions.

The quintessential divers’ watch, the Rolex Submariner has expanded its horizons far beyond the element of its birth in 1953, while denying nothing of its aquatic origins. Waterproof to a depth of 100, 200, then 300 metres as it successively evolved since its launch over 50 years ago, the Submariner has always symbolized Rolex’s supremacy in waterproofness.

In 2008, a new version of the Submariner Date watch, with a subtly redesigned case, has been perpetuating the legend.

The 40mm diameter case in 18 ct gold is graced with a new, unidirectional rotatable bezel equipped with a 120-notch anti-reverse click system and fitted with a black or blue Cerachrom insert according to the version. Cerachrom is an extremely hard, corrosion resistant, practically scratchproof ceramic, whose colour is not affected by ultraviolet rays.

To inscribe numerals on this hard material, Rolex further developed and patented a unique process. The numerals  and graduations are carved before the ceramic hardens; the Cerachrom disc is then covered with either yellow gold or platinum, and polished until only the precious metal in the numerals and graduations remains, permanently.

Beating inside this watch, the Calibre 3135 mechanical self-winding movement is equipped with a Perpetual rotor and Parachrom hairspring. Parachrom is a material 10 times more resistant to shocks and is insensitive to magnetic fields. Like every Rolex movement, the Submariner Date’s movement is certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).

The Yellow Gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date (reference 116618LN) features a black dial and black Cerachrom bezel-insert.

The White Gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date (reference 116619LB) features blue dial and blue Cerachrom bezel-insert.

This new-generation Rolex Submariner Date offers exceptional underwater legibility thanks to hour markers and hands coated with luminescent Chromalight.

Both models come with Oyster steel bracelets made of 18 yellow or white gold. The Oyster bracelet of new Submariner Date is fitted with the Rolex Glidelock clasp. Designed, developed and patented by Rolex, this extension system allows the bracelet to be lengthened – without the need for tools – by approximately 20 mm in increments of 2 mm, for the watch to be worn over a diving suit up to 3 mm thick.

Technical details

Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date

Versions
Reference 116618LN-0001: 18K Yellow Gold Case with black Cerachrom bezel-insert, Black Dial and 18K Yellow Gold Oyster Bracelet
Reference 116619LB-0001: 18K White Gold Case with blue Cerachrom bezel-insert, Blue Dial and 18K White Gold Oyster Bracelet

Movement
Calibre 3135
Self-winding: Perpetual rotor
Power reserve: 48 hours
Date: Instantaneous change
Oscillator Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 beats/hour), Parachrom hairspring with a Breguet overcoil
Chronometer: COSC certification

Case
Diameter: 40 mm
Materials: 18 ct yellow or white gold
Unidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel with Cerachrom insert, shoulders to protect the crown
Waterproofness: 300 m (1,000 ft)
Winding crown: Triplock
Crystal: Sapphire, Cyclops lens with anti-reflective coating

Bracelet
Oyster with Rolex Glidelock clasp

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