Written by S. Siers

Since its launch in 1953, the Rolex Submariner has come to symbolize affluence and luxury on a global scale. While it’s true the Submariner is aesthetically pleasing with its elegant case and beautiful dial design presented in an array of flawless metallic hues, it’s also a marvel of horological engineering. Appearing in several James Bond films, the Submariner continues to attract hordes of followers with its unique amalgamation of good looks and functionality.

A GLANCE AT THE SUBMARINERS FEATURES

Extreme Conditions: Built to withstand pressure at depths of 1,000 feet, today’s Submariner remains quintessentially the diver’s watch of choice.

Hermetically Sealed: Sure, other watches boast impenetrable cases, but do their engineers use a torque equal to 5 Newton metres to seal the caseback? 

Innovative Clasp: The Submariner’s patented Guidelock Clasp enables on-the-fly bracelet adjustments in steps of 2mm – the epitome of comfort.

Cutting Edge Bezels: Unidirectional rotation ensures supreme accuracy for diving safety, and uniquely tinted ceramic bezels that never corrode, scratch or fade no matter how you might punish them.

BOND AND THE SUBMARINER

As the auction date approaches for the James Bond Rolex 5513 Submariner, it becomes clear the power iconic film actors have over tech trends. With every appearance upon the wrist of the latest 007, the Submariner climbs yet another rung on the desirability ladder leading to movie immortality. In tribute to the Submariner and to the James Bond franchise, we thought our readers might like to revisit some of the Submariners upon which 007 has relied over the years.

Dr. No, 1962: Accompanied by the usual bevy of Bond beauties, Sean Connery’s bond investigates the sabotage of U.S. space program rocket launches. To keep time, he wore the sporty Submariner 6538.

From Russia with Love, 1963: Once more, Connery wears the Submariner 6538 as he struggles to keep a decoding machine known as the Lektor out of SPECTRE’s hands. Connery wore the same Submariner in at least one other Bond film before handing the 007 reins over to other actors.

Live and Let Die, 1973: Roger Moore steps in to stop Mr. Big from flooding American homes with heroin. Bond’s Submariner 5513—the very one being auctioned off in a few days—underwent a few modifications for the mission, including the addition of a bullet-deflecting magnet and a spinning bezel that doubles as a saw. This watch also appeared in Moore’s next Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun.  

The Living Daylights (1987) and License to Kill (1989): The Timothy Dalton Bond era ushered in a sleek and updated Submariner, believed to be model number 16800 or 168000.  This was the first 007 to use a Submariner with the date function as Dalton battles weapons trafficking (The Living Daylights) and seeks unsanctioned revenge for Felix Leiter’s mutilation and the murder of Leiter’s wife (License to Kill).

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