Finally, our wait is over! Rolex just released their new updated models for 2020. With no Baselworld this year, most Rolex experts thought we’d be waiting until 2021 to see all the new goods. Especially since manufacturing temporarily experienced a shutdown due to the pandemic.
Fortunately, Rolex came through and we’re sorting through all the new release details! This year’s release includes updates on the Submariner and Submariner Date, Datejust, Oyster Perpetual and Sky-Dweller models.
Take a look at the long-awaited new Rolex Submariner 2020 release!
A Brief Submariner History
The Submariner is perhaps the most recognizable Rolex watch ever produced. Every Rolex watch collection usually begins with the revered Sub.
Rolex fans love to nickname Submariners, often with a name relating to dial color. There’s the Rolex Submariner “Hulk” with its green dial and bezel, the Rolex “Smurf” featuring a blue dial and bezel, or the Rolex “Kermit,” with a black dial and green bezel.
Rolex revealed the original Submariner at the Swiss Watch fair in 1954. It was designed for hard core scuba divers, with a water resistance up to 200 meters. Later, the Submariner Date was released in the late 1960’s.
The Submariner has seen plenty of upgrades over the years. Nevertheless, the charm, function, and iconic style remain.
New Rolex Submariner 2020 Release Details
There are seven new Submariner and Submariner Date releases this year, including an updated “Kermit.” The regular Sub is pretty straightforward. It features a stainless steel case, black dial, and black bezel.
On the other hand, the seven Submariner Date models feature several different metal and color combos.
They may all appear a bit different, but they have the following upgrades in common:
Case
The redesigned case size increased from 40mm to 41mm. It’s not only bigger, but the watch face is highlighted by light reflections from the case sides.
It’s bigger in diameter, but also feels slimmer at the same time. That’s because the proportions have been updated and shapes are different.
There’s no more “super case.” The lugs of the new Submariner Date 41mm are now slimmer and more tapered.
Other subtle case updates include:
- 21mm lug width
- more angled crown guards
Bracelet
The Submariner bracelet is still the classic 3-link Oyster, but with slight updates. It features an additional millimetre in width on the whole length – 21mm now between the lugs.
The Oysterlock folding safety clasp and the Rolex Glidelock extension system hasn’t changed. Each bracelet is still the bracelet can be extended by 20mm, in increments of 2mm.
Movement
Both the Submariner and Submariner Date received upgraded movements this year.
The Submariner is fitted with a caliber 3230, while on the other hand Submariner Dates have the 3235 movement. Similarly, these movements are both first time components of the Submariner line. They offer 70-hour power reserves compared to 48 hours in previous movements.
Dial
There are just a few small dial updates to mention. A tiny Rolex crown logo has been added between “Swiss” and “Made” below the six-o’clock marker. It’s easily overlooked, but worth noting.
Also for the Submariner Dates, the minute hand is now longer and the hour hand is a tiny bit wider.
The Rolex Submariner 2020 release includes updated color combinations on the Dates as well. We finally have a ‘Smurf’ 2.0!
- black dial with blue bezel
- black dial with green bezel
Final Thoughts on the New Rolex Submariner 2020 Release
In summary, it’s nice to see a few updates on the Submariner. The Submariner was last updated in 2012, with the introduction of the ref. 114060.
We like that there’s nothing too over the top. Just slightly modified, yet classic versions of the Subs we’ve all grown to love.
We expect there to be long wait lists for some of the new Subs, so make an appointment ASAP and stop by our sales room for all the details.
Want more Rolex news? We’ll be reviewing the other Rolex releases later. Keep an eye out for new blog posts coming soon!
Technical Specs for the Rolex Submariner (Ref. 124060)
MODEL CASE
Oystersteel
DIAMETER
41 mm
MATERIAL
18K yellow gold
BEZEL
• 60-minute graduated monobloc
• Cerachrom insert in a black ceramic; moulded, recessed graduations and numbersls
• Unidirectional rotatable
WATER-RESISTANCE
300m (approximately 1,000 feet)
MOVEMENT
Mechanical movement with bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor
CALIBRE
3230
BRACELET
• Oyster, solid links
• Rolex Glidelock extension system (approx. 20 mm in increments of approx. 2 mm)
CLASP
Folding safety clasp
DIAL
Black lacquer
POWER RESERVE
Approximately 70 hours
Are you interested in purchasing a Rolex watch? Give us a call or fill out our contact form. Check out our Facebook page for box openings and watch reviews by our in-house watch expert Sergio Nuncio!
You can keep up with Jonathan’s on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and even follow our personal Instagram accounts below:
