rolex submariner date spessore | Rolex Submariner 40mm

The Rolex Submariner is more than just a watch; it’s a legend. Born in the 1950s, evolving from the Turn-O-Graph model, the Submariner quickly established itself as the quintessential dive watch, setting the standard for reliability, legibility, and robust design. While countless variations and refinements have been introduced over the decades, the core principles of the Submariner remain true: a highly functional tool for underwater exploration, seamlessly integrated with a timeless aesthetic that transcends trends. The term "Spessore," meaning "thickness" in Italian, often surfaces in discussions about vintage Rolex Submariners, particularly concerning the profile and construction of specific components, adding another layer of appreciation to the watch's rich history. This article will delve into the multifaceted world of the Rolex Submariner Date, exploring its dimensions, models, historical context, and the nuances that make it a horological icon.

The Genesis of a Legend: From Turn-O-Graph to Submariner

Before the Submariner, there was the Rolex Turn-O-Graph, introduced in 1953. This model featured a rotating bezel, a practical feature for timing events, making it popular among professionals like doctors and engineers. The Turn-O-Graph served as a crucial stepping stone in Rolex's development of a dedicated dive watch. Recognizing the growing popularity of recreational diving and the need for a reliable timepiece for underwater exploration, Rolex embarked on a journey to create the Submariner.

The Submariner, launched officially in 1954, was a revolutionary timepiece for its time. It boasted a water resistance of 100 meters (330 feet), a rotating bezel calibrated for timing dives, and a highly legible dial designed for optimal visibility in low-light conditions. This early Submariner, Ref. 6204, laid the foundation for all subsequent models, establishing the key design elements that would define the Submariner for generations to come.

The Rolex Submariner Date: Adding a Practical Complication

While the original Submariner was a time-only watch, the introduction of the date complication significantly expanded its appeal. The Rolex Submariner Date brought added functionality to the already robust and reliable Submariner platform. The addition of a date window at 3 o'clock, magnified by the iconic Cyclops lens, made the watch even more practical for everyday wear.

The Submariner Date wasn't simply a Submariner with a date window slapped on. Rolex meticulously integrated the date function, ensuring it didn't compromise the watch's overall aesthetics or functionality. The date mechanism was carefully engineered to be robust and reliable, maintaining the Submariner's reputation for accuracy and durability.

Exploring the Dimensions: A Closer Look at Size and Proportions

The Rolex Submariner, particularly the 40mm models, has achieved near-perfect proportions, contributing significantly to its enduring popularity. Let's delve into the key dimensions that define the Submariner's presence on the wrist:

* Diameter: For decades, the standard Submariner (including the Date version) maintained a 40mm case diameter. This size offered a balanced combination of wrist presence and wearability, appealing to a wide range of wrist sizes. In 2020, Rolex introduced a slightly larger 41mm Submariner, marking a subtle but significant evolution in the model's size.

* Thickness (Spessore): The thickness of the Submariner is a crucial factor in its overall feel and wearability. The "Spessore," as mentioned earlier, refers to the overall thickness of the watch, but it can also be used to describe the thickness of specific components, such as the case itself or the bezel. Vintage Submariners often exhibit subtle variations in case thickness due to manufacturing processes and polishing over time. The 40mm Submariners typically ranged between 12.5mm and 13mm in thickness, while the newer 41mm models are slightly thicker. This thickness contributes to the watch's robust feel and its water resistance capabilities.

* Lug-to-Lug: The lug-to-lug distance, the measurement between the tips of the lugs, is another critical dimension that influences how the watch sits on the wrist. The 40mm Submariners typically had a lug-to-lug distance of around 47.5mm to 48mm. The 41mm models have a slightly longer lug-to-lug distance, contributing to their increased wrist presence.

* Lug Width: The lug width, the distance between the lugs where the bracelet or strap attaches, is a standard 20mm for both the 40mm and 41mm Submariners. This standard lug width allows for a wide range of aftermarket straps and bracelets, giving owners the freedom to personalize their watches.

* Date Window Size: The size of the date window and the magnification of the Cyclops lens have been subjects of discussion among Submariner enthusiasts. The date window is designed to be easily legible, and the Cyclops lens magnifies the date by 2.5 times, making it instantly readable. While the overall design has remained consistent, subtle variations in the Cyclops lens and date window size can be observed across different Submariner Date models.

Model Years and Variations: A Timeline of Evolution