rolex submariner ha la ghiera girevole unidirezionale | Orologio Rolex Submariner: La Storia del Modello Iconico per

The Rolex Submariner, a name synonymous with luxury, adventure, and unparalleled craftsmanship, has cemented its place as an icon in the world of horology. While its elegant design, robust construction, and unwavering accuracy contribute to its enduring appeal, one feature in particular stands out as both practical and emblematic of the Submariner's diving heritage: the unidirectional rotating bezel. The ghiera girevole unidirezionale, as it's known in Italian, is more than just a cosmetic detail; it's a vital tool for divers and a key element in the Submariner's functionality. This article delves into the history, functionality, and significance of the Submariner's unidirectional rotating bezel, exploring its evolution and its role in establishing the Submariner as the quintessential diving watch.

Orologio Rolex Submariner: La Storia del Modello Iconico per… Divers and Beyondrolex submariner ha la ghiera girevole unidirezionale

The Submariner's story began in 1953, a time when scuba diving was gaining popularity as both a sport and a profession. Recognizing the need for a reliable and accurate timepiece for underwater use, Rolex introduced the Submariner, reference 6204. This groundbreaking watch was water-resistant to 100 meters (330 feet) and featured a rotating bezel that allowed divers to track elapsed time underwater. This initial bezel was bidirectional, meaning it could rotate both clockwise and counterclockwise.

However, the bidirectional bezel presented a potential safety hazard. If accidentally moved counterclockwise during a dive, it would indicate that less time had elapsed than was actually the case, potentially leading a diver to miscalculate their remaining air supply. This realization led to the crucial innovation of the unidirectional rotating bezel, a feature that would become a defining characteristic of the Submariner.

La Lunetta Girevole Unidirezionale del Submariner: Safety First

The unidirectional rotating bezel of the Submariner distinguishes itself with its knurled edge, ensuring a firm grip even when wearing gloves or underwater. The rotation occurs in one direction only: counterclockwise. This is the critical safety feature that sets it apart. The purpose of this unidirectional rotation is to ensure that any accidental movement of the bezel during a dive can only result in an overestimation of the elapsed time.

Let's illustrate this with an example. Imagine a diver sets the bezel to align the zero marker with the minute hand at the start of their dive. They plan to spend 30 minutes underwater. If the bezel is accidentally nudged during the dive, a unidirectional bezel can only move counterclockwise. This would cause the diver to believe they have been underwater for longer than they actually have. While inconvenient, this error is far less dangerous than believing they have more time remaining than they actually do, which could lead to running out of air.

Come Si Usa la Ghiera del Submariner? A Practical Guide

Using the Submariner's unidirectional rotating bezel is straightforward:

1. Preparation: Before entering the water (or starting any timed activity), locate the luminous pip (usually a triangle or dot) at the zero marker on the bezel. This is your reference point.

2. Setting the Bezel: Rotate the bezel counterclockwise until the luminous pip aligns with the current position of the minute hand. This marks the start time.

3. Tracking Elapsed Time: As time passes, the minute hand will move. By observing the position of the minute hand relative to the bezel's markings, you can easily track the elapsed time. The numbers on the bezel correspond to minutes.

4. Calculating Remaining Time (Especially important for divers): If you know how long you can stay underwater based on your air supply, you can set the bezel to show your maximum dive time. For example, if you have enough air for 40 minutes, align the luminous pip with the minute hand at the start of the dive. As the minute hand moves, you can see how much time remains by observing its position relative to the "40" mark on the bezel.

The bezel markings are typically graduated in one-minute increments for the first 15 or 20 minutes, and then in five-minute increments for the remainder of the bezel. This allows for precise tracking of shorter intervals, which is particularly important for decompression stops during a dive.

Orologio Rolex Submariner in Acciaio Oystersteel: Materials and Construction

The Submariner's bezel is not just a functional tool; it's also a testament to Rolex's commitment to quality and durability. The bezel insert, the component that contains the markings, is made of Cerachrom, a highly scratch-resistant ceramic material developed and patented by Rolex. Cerachrom is virtually impervious to scratches, corrosion, and fading, ensuring that the bezel remains legible and aesthetically pleasing for years to come.

The Cerachrom bezel is molded with recessed numerals and graduations, which are then coated with platinum or gold using a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) process. This ensures that the markings are highly visible and resistant to wear. The knurled edge of the bezel is meticulously crafted to provide a secure and comfortable grip, even when wearing gloves or underwater.

The choice of Oystersteel for the Submariner's case and bracelet further contributes to its robustness and longevity. Oystersteel is a specially developed type of 904L stainless steel known for its exceptional resistance to corrosion and its ability to retain its luster even after prolonged use.