Rolex Submariner

In truth the very first Submariners were nothing more than the 6202 Turn-o-graph with a different dial and crown. Early Submariners (models 6204 and 6205) introduced in 1953/54 have almost nothing in common with the current Submariners and appear almost dainty to the eyes attuned to watches such as Panerai and the current Sea Dweller.

Despite the acclaim that greeted these new watches they were not on sale for very long. In 1956, the 6205 was replaced with not one but two models. The 6536 used a similar case to earlier models but was approximately 10% bigger in all dimensions.

Like its predecessors, it was waterproof to 100m and used the newly introduced 1030 movement. The other new model, the 6200, retained the bubbleback style movement of the previous models, but had a much deeper and stronger case and was waterproof to 200m.

The 6200 was produced for just a year before being replaced by an almost identical watch now also powered by the 1030. This was the 6538, which became famous when seen on the wrist of Sean Connery in the first James Bond Film “Dr No” in 1962. Collectors subsequently named it the James Bond Submariner.