Today we will be introducing luxury watch parts: dial variations - Submariner edition .
When it comes to luxury watch dials, black is the standard, but depending on the model, there are numerous variations in color, material, design, etc. There is a wide variety of dials, from simple ones to those decorated with jewels, and there may be some dials that you don't even know exist.
So, over several posts, I would like to introduce the dials of the wide variety of Rolex models, including the Submariner, GMT Master, Yachtmaster, Daytona, Datejust, and Day Date, focusing on color, material, and design, along with their representative models. This is the first time I will be introducing the Submariner , so please enjoy until the end.
①Black Dial
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/vintage_rolex/submariner-316107/
This classic dial has many variations depending on the year of production, such as mirror or matte texture, and whether the index has a rim. Those with different specifications depending on the manufacturer, such as [Singer], [Stern], and [Lemmich], and those with double names with [Tiffany & Co.] and the French diving company [Comex], are particularly rare and highly valued. There are also dials with browning (tropical) due to aging, and so-called "spider dials" with cracks that look like cracks, making them very deep dials.
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/vintage_rolex/submariner-331921/
2. Blue dial (sunray)
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/vintage_rolex/submariner-473/
Nicknamed the "Blue Sub," the highly popular dial features a beautiful sunburst pattern that radiates out from the center. Even though it's the same "blue," there are different colors depending on the year of manufacture, such as deep colors, slightly brighter tones, and ones that have changed to violet over time. It is one of the most popular dials for the Submariner.
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/submariner/submariner-329038/
➂ Blue dial (matte)
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/submariner/submariner-date-283833/
This dial, with its somewhat chic and subdued atmosphere, was first used in a solid model equipped with a Cerachrom bezel in 2008. It was also used in the "Ref. 116613LB" and "Ref. 116613GLB" in 2009, but was changed to a sunburst blue dial around 2014. It is not included in the current model lineup, and due to the small number of units produced, it is quietly attracting attention.
*Source: https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-116613-lot-293-160?browse_all=1&page=1&q=116613
➃Grey dial (3P sapphire & 8P diamond)
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/submariner/submariner-date-269704/
This model, with 3P sapphire and 8P diamonds on the index of the gray dial, is only available in the solid gold and combination models of the 5-digit "Submariner". The addition of sapphires and diamonds to the sunburst gray dial gives it a luxurious impression, and it is one of the dials that is rare and has a loyal fan base.
*Source: https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5320198
⑤ Champagne dial (3P sapphire & 8P diamond)
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/submariner/submariner-280156/
This model, which features 3P sapphires and 8P diamonds on the index of the champagne dial, is only available in the solid gold and combination models of the 5-digit Submariner. The addition of sapphires and diamonds to the glittering sunburst champagne dial creates a beautiful contrast with the bezel color.
*Source: https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-5395158
⑥Green Dial
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/submariner/submariner-date-300004/
The green dial, which is the corporate color of Rolex, is only available on the Ref. 116610LV. The combination of the beautiful sunburst dial and the green Cerachrom bezel is a unique design, and it remains very popular even after it has been discontinued.
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/submariner/submariner-date-300004/
⑦Black dial (8P diamond)
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/submariner/submariner-date-291025/
This model, with 8P diamonds set on the index of the black dial, was first used in the solid model "Ref.116618GLN" in 2008, and was also used in the combination model "Ref.116613GLN" in 2009. The classic combination of black, gold and diamonds makes this a watch with a great impact .
*Source: https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2016/important-watches-hk0671/lot.2062.html
⑧ Blue dial (8P diamond)
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/submariner/submariner-date-230489/
This model, with 8P diamonds on the index of the matte blue dial, was first used in the solid model "Ref. 116618GLB" in 2008, and was also used in the combination model "Ref. 116613GLB" in 2009. It is a "Submariner" that combines freshness and luxury, which is not available in the current model lineup .
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/submariner/submariner-306205/
⑨ Lapis lazuli dial
*Source: https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6199963
This dial, which uses natural lapis lazuli, is a rare one that is rarely seen in the secondary market . It is said to be a dial that is only available on the five-digit "Submariner" solid gold and combination models, and has a lighter color than the usual blue dial, giving it a unique atmosphere. It is extremely rare to see it offered at overseas auctions, making it one of the rarest pieces .
・"Submariner" "Ref. 16618G"
*Source: https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080119/5?fromSearch=16618&searchPage=1
10. Onyx Dial
*Source: https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080222/947?fromSearch=rolex%20onyx&searchPage=1
This dial, which uses the natural stone onyx, is a rare dial that, like lapis lazuli, is rarely seen on the secondary market. This dial is also said to be only available on the five-digit "Submariner" solid gold and combination models, and is an extremely rare piece that has only been offered a handful of times at the world's three major auctions.
・"Submariner" "Ref. 16618"
*Source: https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6259878
⑪ Pavé Dial
*Source: https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080219/283?fromSearch=116659SABR&searchPage=1
This is a Submariner that is also known as the "secret model" that uses pavé diamonds, and the dial is covered with pavé diamonds, making it a design that can only be described as gorgeous. There are models with blue indexes that evoke the ocean, and models with green, the corporate color, and other models, which are extremely rare pieces that are rarely sold on the secondary market.
・Submariner "Ref. 116649EMBR"
*Source: https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6177288
summary
What do you think.
I think you can see that there are various "dials" available, from orthodox dials to secret models. In particular, there are many attractive black dials that have aged over the years, and they are extremely deep and will surely tickle a man's fancy. Why not take this opportunity to pay attention to the "dial" when choosing a watch?
If you're unsure of which model to choose, or are having trouble deciding, please feel free to contact us at our store, where we have knowledgeable staff on hand to give you accurate advice based on design, functionality, budget, and more.
Once again, we hope this article helps you find your favorite luxury watch.
see you!