![]() The model that superseded it was the Submariner ref. In 1990, Rolex finally got around to replacing the long-running Submariner reference 5513, a reference that started life in 1962 and one that spawned the MilSub, as well as acting as the testbed for the Helium Escape Valve, later to go on to find a permanent home on the Sea-Dweller. Therefore, perhaps the best all-around solution is a Rolex Submariner with many of the latest technologies and innovations but wrapped up in a body that is still steeped in golden age nostalgia.Ī Closer Look at the Rolex Submariner 14060 Added to that is the fact a vintage anything is usually more fragile than its present-day counterpart. The rotating bezel didn’t become unidirectional until the beginning of the 1980s, and of course, the performance of modern calibers will almost always outdo those from yesteryear. Tough sapphire crystals, for example, did not replace the former plexiglass until the end of the 1970s. Additionally, although Rolex slimmed down the lugs with the introduction of the current 41mm generation, the Submariner is still a decidedly modern watch and it is significantly larger than the older aluminum bezel references.Ĭonversely, the models from the first quarter-century or so of the Submariner’s existence are missing several features that make later references easier to live with day-to-day. The brand’s patented Cerachrom bezel, while virtually impervious to daily wear and tear, will never develop the unique patina many collectors look for in vintage models. The larger 41mm case and Maxi dial of the current lineup are not to everyone’s taste, nor are the chunky Super Case models from the previous generation – the thicker lugs, crown guards, and enlarged indexes represent Rolex’s compromise for those desperate for the Submariner to grow beyond its time-honored 40mm dimensions. However, both modern and classic have their drawbacks. No one could argue that the contemporary Rolex Submariner is a beautifully impressive timepiece. Similarly, no one can deny that the vintage examples of the world’s favorite dive watch are the epitome of understated, purpose-built cool. And among these models that toe the line between vintage and modern, the Rolex Submariner reference 14060 is easily one of the standout fan-favorites. However, the drawback here is that vintage watches can often be less durable than their modern counterparts, and so many collectors seek out a model that offers much of the same retro appeal without giving up contemporary conveniences. As a result of this, older Submariner models and certainly the various vintage references have all seen an enormous resurgence in popularity due to the fact that they offer unique traits that are grounded in Rolex’s rich history and that you simply will not find on any modern watches. Since electronic dive computers have entirely replaced mechanical watches in actual scuba diving applications, today’s owners of dive watches have more freedom to choose their timepieces based on a myriad of other factors outside how well they perform underwater. ![]() However, sitting somewhere at the crossroads of vintage and modern in the Rolex Submariner reference 14060 and for many collectors, this model is known as “the last of the best.”Īlthough it was originally designed specifically for scuba divers, the Submariner has transcended its tool watch origins and it can now be spotted on the wrists of countless individuals all over the world, many of whom do not dive at all. Some collectors prefer modern watches for the improved performance they offer, while others prefer vintage models due to the fact that they are closer to the original vision of the watch. The evolution of the Submariner has been incremental, but the current-production model is a dramatically different watch than the version that first debuted in the 1950s. It is often said that the Rolex Submariner is the blueprint of the modern dive watch, and the model has managed to remain in continuous production over the years, evolving from year to year as better materials and technologies become available. Launched in 1953 as one of the world’s very first dive watches, the Rolex Submariner is a true legend within the world of horology and easily one of the most famous watches ever created. ![]()
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