The Rolex Submariner may not have been the very first diving watch introduced but it certainly has grown to become the most popular luxury diver out there. Introduced in 1953 as a stainless steel time-only watch with a waterproof case, a rotating timing bezel in black, and plenty of luminescence on the black dial, the Submariner now comes in plenty of different versions. Despite the variations, the common characteristics of current-production Submariner watches include 40mm cases water-resistant to 300 meters, unidirectional ceramic bezels marked to 60 minutes, three-link Oyster bracelets with extension systems, dials with luminous hands and hour markers, and automatic movements inside. Read our guide to discover popular Rolex Submariner models from the brand’s current collection.

Rolex currently offers two main types of the Submariner: the Submariner and the Submariner Date. The Submariner 114060 is commonly referred to as the “no-date Submariner” since it does not have a date window. The 114060 is a popular Submariner model not only because it is essentially the contemporary version of the original Submariner watch from 1953 but also because it’s the least expensive Sub available in Rolex’s current catalog. The Submariner ref. 114060 features a stainless steel case topped with a black Cerachrom (Rolex’s proprietary ceramic alloy that is both scratch and fade resistant) bezel. Modern dive watches are typically fitted with bezels that only rotate in one direction to avoid underestimating immersion times. The black dial of the Sub 114060 is home to Rolex’s famous Mercedes-style hands and circular/rectangular/triangular hour markers. Rolex uses a long-lasting luminous material called Chromalight on the hands and indexes, which glows blue in the dark. Protecting the face of the watch is a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal while the back of the watch has a solid steel caseback.

The most popular current Submariner Date models are the stainless steel versions that carry the reference number 116610. This steel Sub comes in two different colorways; the Submariner Date 116610LN with a black Cerachrom bezel and black dial and the Submariner Date 116610LV with a green Cerachrom bezel and green dial. Due to its bright green style, the Submariner 116610LV is often called the Rolex “Hulk” and it has become an immensely sought-after reference in recent years.

Regardless of the color, both steel Rolex Subs have white gold Mercedes-style hands and hour markers on the dial, filled with Chromalight for optimal legibility in the dark. There’s also the date window (with the accompanying Cyclops on the sapphire crystal above it), which jumps to the next day at midnight. Furthermore, like all modern Submariner models, the Oyster bracelets of the ref. 116610 watches are fitted with the patented Glidelock system that allows divers to lengthen the band to an additional 20mm in 2mm increments.

Rolesor is the name Rolex uses to describe watches that combine stainless steel and gold and the two-tone timepieces can be found across most Rolex collections including the Submariner. The two-tone Submariner Date 116613 features a stainless steel case with yellow gold accents and a stainless steel Oyster bracelet with yellow gold center links.

The Rolesor Submariner also comes in two color options; the Submariner 116613LN includes a black Cerachrom bezel and black dial while the Submariner 116613LB has a blue bezel and dial combo. The Submariner 116613LB is sometimes nicknamed the Rolex “Bluesy.” To match the yellow gold accents on the case and bracelet, the dial of the two-tone Submariner date includes yellow gold Mercedes-style hands and hour markers and the bezel includes yellow gold-filled numerals and markings.

Finally, for fans of full gold diving watches, there’s the Submariner 116618. While undoubtedly ultra-lavish thanks to its precious metal construction, the Submariner Date ref. 116618 is still a top-performing dive watch with the same 300-meter water depth rating, highly luminous dial, unidirectional rotating bezel, and extendable Oyster bracelet found across all modern Submariner models.

Similar to the two-tone Submariner, the yellow gold version is also available in either black or blue and furnished with yellow gold details on the dial and markings on the bezel. The Submariner 116618LN sports a black bezel and dial while the 116618LB has a blue bezel and dial.

From its debut as a straightforward tool watch for scuba divers to its current status as the ultimate luxury sports watch, the Rolex Submariner is without a doubt one of the most popular watch models in the market today. From watch collectors to celebrities coveting it, the appeal of the Sub is one that is hard to beat.

Find out more about Rolex Submariner collection here.