the Rolex Sam Mariner is arguably the most recognizable watch of all time transcending the category altogether to become a mainstream luxury icon with 70 years of History the question then becomes does the modern Rolex Submariner live up to both its Heritage and the incredible hype confronting the collection in 2023 in this video we take a closer look at the 12661 LV while in addition to that talking about the broader modern sub collection in general let's jump in [Music] so two helpful articles before we jump into this video one will be our best Rolex watches for
collectors really this is a deep dive on some of the key pillars Within rolex's catalog looking at some of their history different reference numbers and key considerations if you are looking to buy one or are interested in learning a bit more also in addition to this we have a comprehensive article looking at the storied history of the Submariner we'll touch on some of it here but we go into even more detail in how that collection was able to really create the now status that it currently holds and developing Rolex for what it is as a
brand today check out a link to both of those in the description down below now for the purposes of this video we'll be focusing on a modern 12661 LV sometimes referred to as the Starbucks or the latest generation of the Kermit Submariner date and while the history of the Submariner model family dating back to 19 1953 is perhaps some of the best known in the world of watchmaking rolex's propensity for blending striking shades of green with the establish submarin format is more of a recent development it all started in 2003 marking the 50-year anniversary of
the model when Rolex unveiled the 16610 LV pairing a black dial with a green aluminum bezel insert quickly becoming a collector favorite and being given the nickname Kermit and was only on the market for a quick 7 years years to follow up as an indirect replacement in 2010 Rolex launched the Hulk the 116610 LV which paired a new green sakon bezel with the submariners first ever green dial in 2020 the Hulk made its heroic exit leaving room for a re-released and updated model that evoked the Kermit with a green cchrome bezel black dial and rolex's
new 3235 caliber with 70 hours of power Reserve all housed within a 41 mm Sub Mariner format so we're using this Starbucks model as it's come to be known as our reference in this video which I find is more of a fun take on one of the purest designs in watchmaking history now zeroing in on what has made the Submariner the phenomenon that it represents in 20123 let's start with fit like a number of icons that have survived decades on the market the Submariner has made a few subtle but important changes to its sizing well
it started out measuring at 37 mm wide when it was first introduced in 19 53 the sub quickly made the jump to a then gigantic 40 mm in 1959 cementing a dimension set that would remain largely unchanged for decades to follow in the mid 2000s Rolex made a subtle change in Direction with the introduction of their super case which bolstered up the lugs and created the roll out for the now collection standard for the ceramic bezel insert creating just subtle changes in wear in 2020 Rolex made another rare and largely unexpected fit adjustment incre ining
the Submariner diameter to 41 mm for the very first time while also making some refinements to the lug shape with both of these changes being embodied by the Starbucks sub that we have on hand now the latest generation sub actually measures somewhere around 40 1.2 mm across at the central case and then 41 mm at the bezel 12 mm thick and a relatively short 47.6 mm lug tip to Lug tip and just around 50 mm when factoring in that end link to end link measurement the modern Sub Mariner is a bit larger in some areas
compared to its predecessor yet it still manages to offer an overall wearing experience that I would call close too ideal for a mass Market luxury product a situation that is only improved by one of the best bracelets as well on the market now set between 21 mm lugs which is an important distinction compared to the previous editions 20 mm lug spacing the modern Rolex Oyster bracelet is almost as important to the world of watch design as the watch itself inspiring countless Brands and adop in a similar three-link format that now almost feels like the de
facto watch bracelet design on top of looking the part the modern oyster is also frankly fantastic offering solid end links links that are screw adjusted and the oyster clasp that is frankly one of the best in the game complete with the Glide lock system that allows for a massive 2 cm of micro adjustment and 2 mm increments and while the clasp is long at almost 46 mm its length is put to work and offering exceptional range of adjustment now bracelets historically are an area where Rolex was perhaps showing a in their armor given the crown
leaned into Hollow end links and folded clasp for much longer than many other luxury Brands and watch makers in the segment only making the change to solad mil bracelet components in the early 2000s now despite coming later when it comes to this idea when Rolex finally did go salad they took the task to heart and produced something that is class leading another area of substantial change throughout the course of the submariners history is the case architecture with the modern version looking like a different was compared to the original versions released seven decades ago of course
it's identifiable with that rotating elapse time bezel but the original Submariner didn't have crown guards with that protective Innovation coming in 1959 along with the jump to 40 mm since then most of the updates have been relatively subtle with changes to the crown guard shape and minor changes to Contours of the lugs including the aformentioned and polarizing super case now today the sub offers prominent Crown guards flanking a large 6.8 mm screww down Crown utilizing the Brand's trip lock design the bezel is another area of more recent Innovation today equipped with a sakom insert that
first Saw Service in Rolex models dating back in 2005 with the GMT Master 2 family in the case of this Starbucks model the indices on the bezel are coated with platinum as this is definitely still a luxury watch for the DI hard vintage Rolex Enthusiast these changes to the case as well as the use of ceramic are points of contention but one would argue changes like these are necessary to remain up to-date in the modern watchmaking landscape all of which are aligning with the rapidly burining sub segments of Rolex buyers that just want a watch
that is less understated and to remind other people that yeah they are wearing a Rolex set just within the confines of the bezel we have the flat sapphire crystal equipped with rolex's Cyclops magnifier and then coated on the underside with anti-reflective material in turn the crystal allows for an unimpeded view of what is perhaps history's most iconic dial design so like the rest of the design of the Submariner the dial in the DNA from the original is still here but the dial is another area where a feeling of modern Flare have just made an indelible
Mark with a number of touches that carry the watch farther from its story diving roots with a glossy black Central surface white gold surrounds for the indices a heaping helping of dial Tex and an engraved reot the modern Som Mariner dial is no doubt a great example of a modern luxury sports watch the classic Mercedes hands of old are there the established geometric indices are there the legibility is undoubtedly there along with the printed Crown at 12 and its other appearance at the bottom of the dial sitting between the Swiss made text chroma light is
indeed excellent as despite its departure from the tool watch Roots elements of its utility such as this still remain with much of the industry being quick to adopt longer power reserves Rolex took its time in doing so unveiling the 3235 in 2015 before introducing the caliber to the Submariner family as recently as 2020 when the model family made the jump 241 mm as is so often the case with Rolex the caliber is hidden behind a sterile Clos case back but still offers a full Suite of modern Innovations and conveniences in keeping with this watch's luxury
positioning in the $10,000 price point with a power reserve of 70 hours still coming by way of 4 Herz or 28,000 vibration per hour frequency and a single barrel the 3235 is equipped with rolex's chronergy escapement which recuts the escapement wheel teeth Hollows out it's Cor body to reduce the weight and shrinks the pallets of the anchor compared to a conventional Swiss lever to deliver what Rolex says is 15% increase in efficiency to the escapement energy distribution the escapement in tandem with the paracon balance spring is also going to alleviate magnetic interference and in the
case of rolex's movements they are not known for their ability to strike awe in their finishing but rather simply running reliably with solid technical standards accuracy and testing standards are also at the core of what Rolex does with this caliber being certified on its own by CC before receiving additional Rolex adjustment and testing to lead to a final quoted standard of minus 2 to plus2 seconds per day when fully cased up so now some closing thoughts on the Rolex Submariner date both on the one 12 6610 LV as well as just the broader concept that
is the modern Submariner range now let's just be clear say what you want about Rolex but at retail pricing Rolex produces some of the best watches on the planet and perhaps they won't resonate with everyone but given the strangle hold on the industry at the moment and being the largest they have ever been it's safe to say that many are down with what Rolex is putting down in my opinion there is no luxury watch that is as recognizable as a Rolex a mariner it is an icon it wears well in a variety of risks QC
is as good as any Mass Market luxury good the finishing on the case is exceptional the bracelet is class leading the movements I have always found to be extremely dependable and the design is is says you're going to come across so is there honestly any bad well in some ways the biggest cons of this watch come from its own success for those that do have Rolex fatigue part of the reason I feel it is created for something like the Submariner is that you don't simply just see the sub when you're looking at Rolex but even
when you're looking at more attainable Brands mro Brands and even other luxury Brands the Submariner is embedded to varying degrees within so many designs in our modern watch landscape and for some that can be exhausting causing this watch to lose its charm in the process in addition we also of course know the hype associated with the brand which I don't feel the need to get into any further as I've had plenty of time to do that in the past and have done so but what I want to close on with this is this point is
the RO Submariner at retail prices one of the best watches you can buy I think the answer is simply a resounding yes however I would argue that the Rolex Submariner in front of you now is not the same watch as it was years ago it looks similar enough it wears similar enough but the core ethos behind the product has shifted to rolex's current approach of being a leading luxury producer of watches I don't necessarily think this is all good or bad as consumers are ultimately needing to make up their own mind on where they stand
on this reality a reality that in turn doesn't change the fact that this watch belongs in the pantheon of luxury watch making but all right guys that's my take looking at the current generation Rolex Submariner and just some of my thoughts interested to hear your take I know this is a watch that no surprises I mean most people of course know about this watch as well as any uh but what is your take on the modern Rolex Submariner collection in general leave some comments down below also if you enjoyed the video please give it a
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