News: Is The New 124060 The Best Rolex Submariner Yet?
Do you know how many versions of the Rolex Submariner have been made since the watch’s official introduction in 1953? Well, an educated guess would say a lot. So, with the news that in 2020 Rolex released another; should you care?
The short answer is yes, yes you should. Although it may just look like a sprinkle of colour here and a discontinue there—RIP the “Hulk”—this year’s release is actually the biggest change for the Submariner since the introduction of the ceramic bezel and its facelift all the way back in 2009.
The Rolex Submariner was officially introduced to the world in 1953
So, what has actually changed? Starting from the outside, the new Submariner has an ever-so-slightly bigger case, 41mm vs the old models 40. On paper this change may not seem much, but it actually results in the dial being slightly larger, increasing legibility. Despite its increase in size, the new watch actually wears slightly smaller than its predecessor. This is thanks to some thinning of the lugs and a decrease in the size of the crown guard.
The bracelet is still an Oyster. Although there were rumours that a Jubilee could replace it on some models this year, we are glad it didn’t. The more substantial steel links and the addition of the Glidelock—which allows you to expand the bracelet without the use of a tool—mean the Submariner is still a watch that can handle anything you throw at it.
The Rolex Glidelock also features on the Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller
Moving on to the movement and here we get to the biggest changes with the new Submariner. Changes that actually make a difference to the owner. Firstly, we have the 70-hour power reserve—almost a whole day longer than the previous models 48—and secondly, the introduction of the Chronergy escapement. Coupled together, the new movement lasts longer and is more reliable—you won’t have to service it as much either thanks to the reduced friction and anti-magnetism of the components.
Increased legibility and a longer lasting, more reliable movement—while the 2020 Rolex Submariner may not seem to have changed much, the changes it does bring are more than welcomed. Available now in a new variety of colours and materials—including a new version of the black dial, green bezel’d “Kermit”—the Rolex Submariner has never been more sought after.
The 2020 Rolex Submariner range starts at £6,450
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