Rolex formally launched the Submariner in 1953, but it was experimenting with waterproof watches decades earlier
There’s always one watch release each year that gets collectors all hot and bothered, and that release usually comes from Rolex. Not one to disappoint, for 2020 the watchmaker has launched the new generation of its Oyster Perpetual Submariner and Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date, which are two of the coolest divers’ watch collections the world has ever seen (even the King, Elvis Presley, was spotted wearing one).
The Submariner and Submariner Date's origins are inextricably linked to the visionary spirit of Hans Wilsdorf, Rolex's founder. Here, we reflect on the history of one of the watchmaker's best-known collections.
See also: Exclusive: Your First Look At The New Rolex Submariner And Submariner Date
1922
Rolex launches the Submarine, which marked the first step in Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf’s efforts to create a completely sealed watch case.
1926
The Oyster case is patented. Hans Wilsdorf called the watch “Oyster” because, “like an oyster, it can remain an unlimited time underwater without detriment to its parts”.