Rolex Submariner Watches Get New Cases And A Movement Upgrade
We knew it was coming. We didn’t know what it was exactly, but we knew the Sub was going to get a little bit of attention this year. We’d heard some pretty crazy theories thrown around (with the blue/blue Submariner renders doing the rounds on social media last week and whipping everyone into a frenzy), but the reality is in line with what we expected. A new movement. Slight revisions to the lugs. This generation’s “Kermit” (which should clearly be known as the “Green Lantern”). But a couple of updates have caused a stir. Let’s dig into those briefly here…
Reworking the lugs was a good idea. No, it was necessary. The boxy Maxi-case lugs were an absolute shower, as Terry-Thomas would say. I am a little sad to see that it resulted in a case swollen to 41mm (is this measurement the new key to the universe, or something?) and a wider bracelet (was 21mm really necessary), but from pictures alone, I can say with a good degree of confidence that the lug updates are to the model’s benefit.
All in all, there are eight new additions to the Rolex Submariner line. We have one no-date version with a black dial and black bezel (€7,350) that will become the new core/entry-level piece. It’s also probably my favorite (as the slimmer lugs really take center stage here in absence of the cyclops). A reasonable price and a slightly more elegant silhouette (at least off the wrist) make this one a nice addition to the collection.
The magnificent seven
So what else is new? Rolex has released seven (yes, seven) new date Submariner models. I think everyone expected to see reference 126610LN, which is made from Oystersteel and fitted with a black dial and bezel for €8,650, and reference 126610LV, which is the “Green Lantern” model I mentioned in the opening paragraph also made from Oystersteel but retailing for a grabbing €9,050, which the brand knows it can command even before waiting lists start to assemble.
Then we move into the flashier territory. There are two Rolesor references: references 126613LN and 126613LB. Both blend 18-karat yellow gold with Oystersteel to great effect. The former reference has a black dial and bezel, the latter has a smurf-toned blue instead. Both retail for €13,450. Given the desirability of Oystersteel Rolexes in general, I often find myself pleasantly surprised at the price of Rolesor models. 4.5k more than the Green Lantern for a bit of gold? That sounds reasonable to me.
Next up are the full yellow gold Submariner references 126618LN and 126618LB. Again, we have a black or blue version and both share a €34,800 retail price. Finally, the most handsome of the bunch is the new, official “Blueberry” model, otherwise known as reference 126619LB. This solid white gold beauty sports a blue bezel and a black dial for the heady cost of €37,400. But it is a charmer, that’s for sure. And that’s coming from someone that never understood the Batman fascination at all…
Under the hood
The no-date Submariner uses the same movement as the new Oyster Perpetual range (read about that model and movement here). that’s the 3230. Here, in the date versions, we have calibre 3235. It has the same specs as the 3230 (4Hz operating frequency, a boosted 70-hour power reserve, 31 jewels, automatic winding, an anti-magnetic Parachrom hairspring, a micro-adjusted balance wheel, and −2 /+2 seconds per day accuracy) but it adds an instantaneous date complication too. That iconic date is, of course, visible through the equally iconic cyclops magnifier.
The big talking Submariner points, though? The case changes and the wider bracelet. What do you, the Fratelli, think about these upgrades? Let us know your thoughts and feelings below, and whether or not you plan on chasing down one of these rare beasts yourself. Learn more about Rolex here.
