The Difference Between the Rolex Oyster & the Submariner

Year of Release

• The first difference between the Rolex Oyster and the Oyster Perpetual Submariner is the year that they were first released. The Oyster was released in 1926 as the world's first waterproof and dust-proof wristwatch. In 1931, the Oyster featured a Perpetual rotor, a self-winding mechanism which is the origin of modern automatic watches, and hence the name, Oyster Perpetual. The Oyster Perpetual Submariner was released nearly 30 years later in 1953 and was the first watch guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 330 feet.

Bracelet Type

• The Oyster Perpetual and the Oyster Perpetual Submariner both have an Oyster Bracelet, which is identifiable by the broad, polished center links between narrower, brushed-finished links. However, the difference is that the Oyster Perpetual has an Oyster clasp and the Oyster Perpetual Submariner has a patented Glidelock clasp. The Glidelock clasp lets you extend the bracelet in increments up to about 0.8 inches. The purpose of this type of clasp is to allow divers to have a secure and comfortable fit over diving suits.

Comparable Features

• Unlike the Oyster Perpetual watches that are now made to be waterproof up to 330 feet, the Oyster Perpetual Submariner watches are designed to resist extreme conditions such as withstanding the pressure at a depth of 1,000 feet. This is made possible by its Triplock winding crown, which is a patented feature that screws onto the case. Rolex describes the crown as closing, "as tightly and securely as a submarine's hatch." Additionally, the Oyster Perpetual Submariner has a bezel with numerals and graduations, which provide divers with an accurate indication of diving time, with a Cerachrom disc. This hard, ceramic material makes the watch less susceptible to the deteriorating effects of sunlight, chlorinated water and scratches.

Models

• At the time of publication, Rolex has 10 different Oyster Perpetual models and six Oyster Perpetual Submariner models. The Oyster Perpetual models differ in size, material, bezel style and dial. Sizes for the Oyster Perpetual are either 26, 31 or 34 mm; are made of steel or steel and white gold; have a domed or fluted bezel; and have a silver-, black-, blue- or pink-colored dial which may be set with diamonds or have a date feature. On the other hand, the Oyster Perpetual Submariner are all 40 mm in size; are made of steel, steel and yellow gold, yellow gold or white gold; all have a rotatable, black Cerachrom disc; and have a black-, green- or blue-colored dial.