IMAGE: ROLEX

Following two consecutive years of introducing new editions of the GMT-Master II at Baselworld, Rolex has finally decided to update its Oyster Perpetual Submariner, and you wouldn’t want to miss out on this new model which was unveiled to the public earlier today. At first glance, you might think it looks exactly the same as the versions for the past 8 years (the last significant ‘uplift’ for the Submariner happened back in 2012), but there are slight tweaks which Rolex has executed to perfection.

IMAGE: ROLEX

01 – It’s bigger. The Oyster Perpetual Submariner now comes in an all-new 41 mm size, featuring a revised Oyster bracelet that’s slightly wider with a broader centre link. Previous sizes came in the 39 mm and 40 mm range, which makes this the biggest Submariner ever created at Rolex. But if you love your watches to be any bigger, you might want to skip the Sub completely and consider going for the Sea-Dweller that starts from 43 mm, but that’s another topic for another day.

02 – The subtle increase in size (up about a millimetre) also results in a slight change in terms of proportions around the bezel and dial. However, the case sides and lugs are now slimmer, making it sit comfortably on the wrists of both men and women. That’s good news if you’ve always liked the idea of wearing couple watches, especially if both of you are fans of Rolex.

03 – The watch is powered by a new calibre 3230 movement, which makes it a true powerhouse for the everyday. Which also means the power reserve is now extended to 70 hours (as opposed to the 48 hours offered in the previous reference), and the new calibre incorporates the Chronergy escapement (patented by Rolex) that combines high energy efficiency with stellar dependability.

04 – The entire Submariner line-up is refreshed with this new size, including the ones with a date display and the versions in precious metals like full white gold. Some of the familiar combinations make a return this year, such as the Kermit (black dial, green bezel), along with the Blueberry (black dial, blue bezel), with the latter being the exclusive design that was reserved for special orders of the GMT models in the 1970s.

05 – They start at SGD10,880 for the no-date Submariner, before going up to SGD12,290 for the Submariner Date, which is all-in-all a great price when you factor in the updated size and movement. The Submariner Date ‘Kermit’ comes in a tad higher at SGD12,850, while the Submariner Date versions in Oystersteel/Yellow Gold are priced at SGD19,190 each, available in options like Black and Royal Blue. As for those who prefer the pieces in full 18K gold, there’s the Submariner Date (SGD49,640) in yellow gold (both Black and Royal Blue), along with the exclusive Submariner Date ‘Blueberry’ (SGD53,310) that comes in polished white gold.

For more information, please visit ROLEX.com

IMAGES: ROLEX