Rolex Submariner, emblematic and sporty, or Rolex Datejust classic and economical; which watch suits you best?
In this article, we will discuss the features and attributes of both models to guide you in choosing a watch that best suits your style.
Summary of Datejust and Submariner
The Rolex Datejust is, according to the Rolex website, the classic Rolex model par excellence. Timeless and immediately recognizable by all lovers of fine watchmaking, this model is composed of a bezel from 26 to 41 mm and an alternation of gold and steel characteristics. Elegance and legibility are the watchwords for this model designed for business people. It is available in many materials from steel to platinum.
The Submariner, on the other hand, is a sportier model. Launched in 1953, it is the reference for diver's watches with its water resistance guaranteed at a depth of 100m. However, the Rolex Submariner is not only intended for the seabed: versatile and sporty, this watch has been adopted by many celebrities.
Which Rolex for which type of person
The Datejust is reserved for people who are looking for a simple and clean style on themselves and who are not looking to impress with a flamboyant style. Lovers of fine and elegant design will find themselves in the lines of this model. This watch is best worn with a suit or an elegant and casual evening dress and is ideal for executives, style icons, and anyone who values subtlety and versatility. You can find style inspiration from legendary tennis player Roger Federer, musician Jay-Z or actor Brad Pitt.
The Submariner, diving watch
The Submariner is of course designed for divers but also for sportsmen with its robust design. Its more sophisticated appearance makes it a more striking model than the Datejust and is adapted to the great outdoors, it gives a nice sporty accent to golf clothes. This model is designed for people who want to display a sporty style and assert their personality. Stars such as American football player Russell Wilson, musician Slash, or actor Tom Hardy have adopted the Submariner's sporty style.
Features of both models
Simple, elegant and classic, the Rolex Datejust is perfectly designed to be worn by almost everyone. Created in 1845, it was the first model to feature a date display as well as quick date mechanisms. It is still one of the most popular luxury watch models in the world today. Unlike the Submariner, the Datejust does not have a rotating bezel or a minute marked for diving, with the exception of a few special editions of the watch. However, due to its lack of sports functions, the Datejust remains water-resistant. The first Rolex Datejust watch models incorporate a Calibre 710 movement but have been upgraded to Calibre 730 in more recent models. Starting in 2016, Datejust includes the Calibre 3235 movement, the oldest and most popular Rolex movement. The Datejust is a certified self-winding chronometer that, together with the 3235 movement, offers a power reserve of 70 hours.
Created in 1953, the Submariner was the first diver's watch model with a capacity of 100 meters, a historical reference in diving watches that has been constantly refined. Be on the lookout for the two versions of the Rolex Submariner, the Rolex Submariner Date and the Rolex Submariner without date, as there will be a price difference. You will find movements of caliber 3135 or 3130 exclusively made by Rolex and renowned for their quality and reliability. Both versions are certified Chronometer to the highest degree, in accordance with the requirements of the COSC (Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute) and their rigorous standards. The Rolex Submariner has a rotating bezel, which is engraved in 60-minute graduations to allow the diver to monitor his time underwater and decompression stops, thus ensuring his safety. The bezel has been available in a variety of colours over the years, with black being considered the classic, and each colour is made of hard, corrosion-resistant ceramic for unalterable wear and fade resistance. The case and bracelet are available in stainless steel, yellow gold, white gold, or a combination of metals to complement the classic look.
Conclusion
Investing in a Rolex, whatever the model, is always a good investment, especially since the brand tends to increase in value over time. Finding a pre-owned Rolex model is a smart way to enter the luxury watch market. Investment, however, is not the main reason to buy a Rolex Submariner or Datejust; you should wear what you like and what suits your style.
After reading this article, you can choose the Submariner or Datejust with the confidence that you will wear it proudly for years to come and even pass it on to the next generation.
Do you have doubts about the authenticity of a watch or would you like to have your investment certified? The Watch Certificate™ is for you. This certificate issued by a professional watchmaker attests to more than 40 points of control, is validated by an independent expert in order to guarantee the authenticity of your fine watch purchases.
To learn more about rolex, we have written an article on the different Rolex Daytona models
