submariner - Leo Hamel

Are you looking for a watch that can withstand any type of environment, performs exceptionally well, and offers a classic, sophisticated look? If so, the Rolex Submariner could be the next watch to add to your collection. A legendary diver’s watch, the Rolex Submariner perfectly combines all of these desirable features with its aesthetic appeal and robust, functional design. Launched in 1953, the Rolex Submariner was an instant hit due to its unprecedented underwater performance and technologically advanced perpetual movement. Today, one of the more sought-after models is the Rolex Submariner Rolesor.

What is a Rolesor?

Rolesor means “two-tone,” simply put, there is a meeting of two metals on a single watch. The Rolex Submariner Rolesor juxtaposes stainless steel and yellow gold. The unification of these contrasting color creates a beautiful radiance and balanced harmony.

Submariner Features

Considered the archetype of the dive watches, the Rolex Submariner Rolesor features many innovative qualities. Equally at home underwater, at a casual outing, or a formal event, the Submariner sets new standards for style, comfort, and durability.

One of the key functionalities of this two-tone Rolex Submariner is the rotatable bezel. Manufactured by Rolex, the corrosion-resistant ceramic bezel is engraved with 60-minute graduations to allow divers to accurately monitor time and decompression stops. The bezel is also carefully designed with maximum performance in mind – the knurled edge offers an excellent grip underwater and on land.

Oyster Case & Bracelet

The Oyster case itself is one of Rolex’s renowned innovations. The Submariner’s Oyster case is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 1,000 feet and provides ultimate protection for the watch’s cutting-edge perpetual movement from water, dust, pressure, and shocks. Named after the sea creature, the case ensures watertight security like an actual oyster.

The crystal is made of synthetic sapphire, which is nearly scratchproof. Along with the oyster case, the Rolex Submariner Rolesor also features an Oyster bracelet. The bracelet is outfitted with an Oysterlock clasp. The clasp prevents accidental opening and utilizes a Glidelock feature, which allows adjustments of the bracelet size without any tools.

Triplock Winding Crown

Developed by Rolex, the Triplock winding crown is a triple waterproof system designed specifically for diving watches. The system is made of ten different elements and has four positions. When in the first position, the winding crown screws down into the Oyster case as tightly as a submarine’s hatch. The second position allows for manual winding of the watch, the third position changes the date, and the fourth position sets the time.

Luminescence

Another captivating feature of the Rolex Submariner Rolesor is the luminescence. The dial markers and hands are coated with Chromalight which allows for visibility in the darkest of environments. The luminosity will glow uniformly for up to eight hours. Whether you’re swimming in the depths of the sea or casually strolling the streets at night, the easy legibility of the dial makes the Submariner an excellent addition for any occasion.

Black or Blue Rolex Submariner

While the Submariner can be purchased in numerous metals and colors, the two-tone Rolex Submariner is only offered in a combination of 904L steel and 18k yellow gold. Adding to its attraction, the Rolesor timepiece can be adorned with a black dial and bezel or a blue dial and bezel. Which color combination is your favorite?

View our selection of expertly reconditioned, pre-owned Rolex Submariner wristwatches online or visit our jewelry and watch store on San Diego Avenue to find your next timeless treasure. If you need your Rolex Submariner fixed or refurbished to look like new again, click here to see our article on Rolex-factory trained watchmakers that we have to help you with your Rolex repairs in San Diego.

Rugged, long-lasting, reliable, and accurate – all these adjectives describe the two most coveted Rolex sport watches. We’re talking about the Rolex Submariner and the Rolex Explorer II. When it comes to deciding which Rolex to purchase, you have some thinking to do. Both are signature Rolex watches but display different Rolex trademarked features.

Read on for a breakdown of differences between the Rolex Submariner and the Rolex Explorer II. After reading this, we hope you will be able to make an informed choice about your next Rolex purchase.

Basic Differences

To begin with, the names of the two watches show us the first and most important difference. The Submariner is primarily a dive watch and used for underwater activities in general. By contrast, the Explorer II is used for outdoor activities that don’t involve water, such as climbing. This difference determined the choice of features for one watch compared to the other.

Although both are used for outdoor activities, the Submariner is seen by some as more rugged. This model is typically worn with more casual outfits, whereas the Explorer II has a more classic look. The Submariner doesn’t sit as comfortably under a shirt cuff as the Explorer II does, so the Explorer II is more comfortable when worn with a suit.

The Explorer II is made of 904L steel, which is an extremely durable superalloy. Rolex is one of the few watchmakers who use it for their watches. The Submariner is crafted from a variety of metals, including 904L steel, a combination of steel & yellow gold, solid yellow gold, and solid white gold.

Case

Case size is one reason why some people find that the Rolex Submariner appears more rugged than the Explorer II. The Submariner has a super case of 40mm diameter compared to the Explorer II case with a 39mm diameter.

However, the 1mm difference in diameter alone cannot possibly account for the perceived difference in size. It may be the larger bracelet lugs on the Submariner that make it appear much bigger. Larger lugs create the illusion of greater size without affecting the diameter of the watchcase.

Bezel

Another reason the Submariner appears even larger than it is compared to the Explorer II is its more pronounced bezel. The Submariner’s bezel is one of the key features of this watch. Its one-directional rotating bezel with graduations enables divers to time their dives. It only turns one way so that a mistake can’t be made to accidentally shorten the decompression time. The newest model has an insert made of Cerachrom ceramic, which is virtually un-scratchable. What’s more – the bezel doesn’t change color from exposure to UV-rays.

By contrast, the Explorer II has 24-hour graduations carved into the bezel and a 24-hour hand. Because of this, human explorers can differentiate between night and day in extreme conditions. Although stainless steel isn’t as scratch-resistant as ceramic, it’s malleable, so it would bend rather than crack under pressure.

Bracelet and Clasp

The Submariner and Explorer II have the same 20mm wide Oyster bracelet. The Oyster has a satin finish on the outside links and high polish on the inside links. The Submariner has a Rolex Glidelock clasp, which allows for up to 20mm of extension. This feature comes in very handy when divers can quickly adjust the bracelet to fit their watches over their wetsuits.

The Explorer II has an Easylink comfort extension link that allows for 5mm of extra room for gloves, etc. Both models feature the Rolex Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents the clasp from being pulled open accidentally, potentially resulting in loss of the watch in the ocean or down a mountainside.

Movement

As mentioned at the beginning of the article, both watches are extremely precise, owing to their superlative chronometer movements. The official superlative chronometer certification means that the watches have passed hours of stringent tests to prove they live up to Rolex standards of accuracy and dependability.

On both watches, a solid non-see-through case back (typical of Rolex watches) houses the watch mechanism. The Submariner uses a 3135 movement for the Date model and 3130 for the Non-Date. However, the Explorer II has a 3187 movement.

Other Features

As expected, the Rolex Submariner is water-resistant. Owing to the triple-seal Triplock winding crown, it has water-resistance up to 1,000 feet. With the Rolex Explorer II, however, shock-resistance is more important than water-resistance. Because of this, the Rolex Explorer II has newly improved shock-resistant features consisting of a Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers.

As for the dial, the Submariner features luminous hour markers and hands crafted from 18k white gold that glow in the dark. A compound called Chromalight has been used on Rolex dials since 2008, and glows blue.

Prior to 2008, a compound called Super Luminova that glowed green was used on Rolex dials. With glowing markers, hour hand and second hand, the wearer can tell time clearly at night or in low-light capacity, such as underwater while diving. The markers can stay lit for as long as 8 hours! The Explorer II also features luminous hour markers and numerals, hour hand, second hand, and 24-hour hand.

Leo Hamel’s has been buying and selling pre-owned Rolex watches for 43 years! We know them inside and out and can easily spot fakes versus genuine Rolex. We seek out the best pre-owned Rolex watches and thoroughly recondition them to look and run like new and add a 2-year warranty.

You can save hundreds to thousands of dollars by purchasing a certified reconditioned pre-owned Rolex as compared to a new one. No one but you will know that you didn’t buy it new and pay full price. Our stunning collection of pre-owned Rolex watches changes daily! You simply must come to our store to see the current selection and snap up the very best deals. Come see us and choose your next pre-owned Rolex Submariner or Explorer II!