1991 Rolex Submariner A Defining Year in Watch History

The Rolex Submariner: 1991 Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner is a legendary dive watch that has become an icon of style and functionality. Its history is intertwined with the evolution of diving technology, and its enduring popularity speaks volumes about its enduring design and engineering excellence.

Origins and Significance

The Submariner’s origins can be traced back to the 1950s, a time when underwater exploration was gaining momentum. In 1953, Rolex introduced the world’s first waterproof wristwatch, the “Rolex Oyster Perpetual,” which was capable of withstanding depths of up to 100 meters. This pioneering creation laid the foundation for the Submariner, which was officially launched in 1954. The Submariner was designed to be a true tool watch for professional divers, offering a robust and reliable timekeeping solution in extreme underwater environments. It revolutionized the diving watch market, establishing a new standard for performance and reliability.

Key Features and Innovations

The Submariner’s groundbreaking features contributed to its enduring legacy.

Oyster Case: The Submariner’s signature Oyster case, with its iconic fluted bezel and screw-down crown, provided exceptional water resistance. The case’s construction, featuring a monobloc middle case and a screw-down case back, ensured that the watch could withstand the pressures of deep-sea diving.
Rotating Bezel: The Submariner’s rotating bezel, with its graduated markings, allowed divers to track their dive time accurately. The unidirectional rotation prevented accidental adjustments, ensuring the safety of divers.
Triple-Lock Crown: The Submariner’s triple-lock crown system, with its three sealing systems, ensured that the watch remained watertight even under extreme pressure. This innovative design effectively sealed the crown against water ingress, safeguarding the watch’s internal mechanisms.
Self-winding Movement: The Submariner was equipped with a self-winding movement, which eliminated the need for manual winding. The movement was powered by the natural motion of the wearer’s wrist, ensuring that the watch remained accurate and reliable even during extended underwater dives.

Evolution of the Submariner

Over the years, the Submariner has undergone a series of design refinements and material upgrades.

Early Models: The first Submariners featured a 36mm case and a black dial with luminous hour markers. The watch was available in both steel and gold versions.
Larger Case Size: In the 1960s, Rolex increased the case size of the Submariner to 40mm, providing a more substantial and comfortable fit for divers.
Ceramic Bezel: In the 2000s, Rolex introduced a ceramic bezel on the Submariner, which offered enhanced scratch resistance and durability. The ceramic bezel also featured a distinctive black color that remained resistant to fading and discoloration.
Maxi Dial: In 2010, Rolex introduced the “Maxi Dial” on the Submariner, which featured larger hour markers and hands for improved legibility. The Maxi Dial enhanced the watch’s readability, particularly in low-light conditions.

The 1991 Rolex Submariner

The year 1991 marked a significant moment in the history of the Rolex Submariner, a time when the iconic dive watch underwent subtle but important changes. These modifications, while not immediately apparent, have made the 1991 Submariner a highly sought-after timepiece among collectors today.

Model Numbers and Variations

The 1991 Rolex Submariner was available in two primary model numbers, each representing a distinct variation:

16610: This model, the standard Submariner, featured a 40mm Oyster case, a black or blue dial, and a unidirectional rotating bezel with a black ceramic insert.
16613: This model, the Submariner Date, added a date window at the 3 o’clock position and incorporated a two-tone design, featuring a combination of stainless steel and 18k yellow gold.

Notable Features and Specifications

The 1991 Submariner, both the 16610 and 16613, shared several key features:

Case Size: The 40mm Oyster case, known for its robust construction and water resistance, remained a defining characteristic of the Submariner.
Movement: The 16610 was powered by the automatic Caliber 3135, a highly reliable movement known for its accuracy and durability. The 16613 incorporated the Caliber 3135 with the addition of a date function.
Dial Variations: The 1991 Submariner was available with both black and blue dials, each featuring distinctive hour markers and hands. The black dial models typically featured white gold hour markers and hands, while the blue dial models often featured white gold or luminescent hour markers and hands.
Bezel: The unidirectional rotating bezel, designed for timing dives, featured a black ceramic insert with white Arabic numerals and markers.

Comparison to Predecessors and Successors

The 1991 Submariner represented a continuation of the design language established by its predecessors, while also incorporating subtle improvements:

Predecessors: Compared to earlier Submariner models, the 1991 version featured a more refined case design, with smoother lines and a more polished finish. The introduction of the ceramic bezel insert in the 16610 marked a significant advancement in durability and scratch resistance.
Successors: The 1991 Submariner was followed by a series of updates and refinements, including the introduction of the Cerachrom bezel in 2005 and the 41mm case size in 2010. The 1991 models remain highly sought-after by collectors, particularly those who appreciate the classic aesthetic and robust construction of the pre-Cerachrom era.

The 1991 Rolex Submariner

The 1991 Rolex Submariner, a timepiece that embodies the essence of classic diving watch design, has garnered considerable attention from collectors and enthusiasts alike. Its enduring popularity and timeless aesthetics have contributed to its strong market value and collectible status.

Market Value and Collectibility

The market value of a 1991 Rolex Submariner is influenced by several factors, including its condition, provenance, and accompanying accessories. A pristine example with original box and papers can command a premium price, while watches with signs of wear or missing documentation may fetch lower values.

The desirability of a 1991 Submariner is further enhanced by its rarity. Certain variations, such as those with specific dial configurations or limited-edition releases, are highly sought after by collectors.

Here are some key factors that influence the value of a vintage Rolex Submariner:

Condition: The overall condition of the watch is paramount. A pristine example with minimal signs of wear will command a higher price than one with visible scratches, dents, or other imperfections.
Provenance: The history and ownership of the watch can also impact its value. A watch with a documented provenance, such as a known celebrity owner or a piece that has been featured in publications, can fetch a significant premium.
Box and Papers: The presence of original box and papers is highly desirable. These documents provide authenticity and add to the watch’s value.
Dial Variations: Different dial configurations, such as those with specific colors, fonts, or markers, can influence the value of a 1991 Submariner. For example, a “Maxi Dial” with larger hour markers is highly sought after by collectors.
Limited Editions: Limited-edition releases, such as the “Red Submariner” or the “Paul Newman Daytona,” are highly collectible and can command substantial prices.

Notable sales and auction records provide a glimpse into the collectible status of the 1991 Submariner. In recent years, examples in exceptional condition have fetched prices exceeding $20,000. A 1991 Rolex Submariner with a “Maxi Dial” and original box and papers sold for over $25,000 at a prominent auction house, showcasing the strong demand for desirable variations.

The 1991 Rolex Submariner

The 1991 Rolex Submariner, a timeless classic, embodies the brand’s dedication to precision engineering and enduring design. It’s a watch that effortlessly blends functionality with elegance, capturing the spirit of adventure and sophistication.

Design and Aesthetics

The 1991 Submariner’s design is a testament to Rolex’s commitment to creating iconic timepieces that stand the test of time. Its aesthetic appeal stems from a harmonious blend of form and function, resulting in a watch that is both visually striking and remarkably practical.

The case of the 1991 Submariner is crafted from high-grade stainless steel, known for its durability and resistance to corrosion. The case shape is a classic round design, with a distinctive 40mm diameter that strikes a perfect balance between presence and wearability. The iconic Oyster case, a hallmark of Rolex, is renowned for its water-resistance and robust construction.

The bezel, a defining feature of the Submariner, is a unidirectional rotating bezel with a black, polished ceramic insert. This bezel is crucial for divers, allowing them to accurately track their dive time. The engraved markings on the bezel, filled with luminescent material, provide excellent visibility even in low-light conditions.

The hands of the 1991 Submariner are designed for optimal readability. The hour and minute hands are broad and filled with luminescent material, ensuring clear visibility in any environment. The seconds hand is a slender, red hand, providing a stark contrast against the black dial.

The dial of the 1991 Submariner is a minimalist masterpiece. The black dial, with its distinctive white Arabic numerals and markers, provides excellent contrast, making it easy to read the time at a glance. The iconic Rolex crown logo at 12 o’clock and the “Submariner” inscription at 6 o’clock add to the watch’s distinctive character.

The 1991 Submariner is available in various dial colors, including black, blue, and white. The black dial is the most classic and widely sought-after option, while the blue and white dials offer a more vibrant and contemporary aesthetic.

The use of materials and finishes in the 1991 Submariner further enhances its visual appeal. The stainless steel case is polished to a high sheen, creating a luxurious and reflective surface. The bezel insert is crafted from scratch-resistant ceramic, ensuring its long-lasting beauty. The hands and markers are coated with a luminescent material that glows in the dark, providing excellent readability in low-light conditions.

The 1991 Rolex Submariner

The 1991 Rolex Submariner is a legendary timepiece renowned for its robust construction, exceptional performance, and enduring appeal. Its functionality and performance characteristics make it a coveted choice for divers, adventurers, and watch enthusiasts alike.

Technical Specifications and Performance

The 1991 Submariner boasts impressive technical specifications that contribute to its exceptional performance.

Water Resistance: The 1991 Submariner features a water resistance rating of 300 meters (1,000 feet), making it suitable for professional diving. This depth rating is achieved through a combination of a robust case construction, a screw-down crown, and a sapphire crystal glass.
Accuracy: Rolex is known for its meticulous attention to detail and precision timekeeping. The 1991 Submariner is powered by a self-winding mechanical movement that offers an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day. This remarkable precision ensures that the watch maintains accurate timekeeping even under demanding conditions.
Power Reserve: The 1991 Submariner has a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. This means that the watch can run for two full days without being wound. The self-winding mechanism, powered by the wearer’s wrist movements, ensures that the watch is constantly wound and ready for use.

Movement, 1991 rolex submariner

The 1991 Submariner is powered by the Rolex Caliber 3000 movement, a robust and reliable self-winding mechanical movement.

Reliability: The Caliber 3000 is known for its exceptional reliability and durability. It is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials and features a robust design that can withstand the rigors of diving and everyday wear.
Features: The Caliber 3000 movement features a date complication, which is displayed in a window at the 3 o’clock position. It also incorporates a Paraflex shock absorber system to protect the movement from impacts and vibrations.

Suitability for Diving and Other Activities

The 1991 Submariner is designed to excel in demanding environments, particularly diving.

Durability: The watch’s robust construction, including its stainless steel case, sapphire crystal glass, and screw-down crown, ensures its durability and resistance to impacts, scratches, and corrosion.
Functionality: The 1991 Submariner’s functionality is evident in its unidirectional rotating bezel, which allows divers to track their dive time accurately. The luminous hour markers and hands ensure readability in low-light conditions.

1991 rolex submariner – Explore the different advantages of rolex blue dial that can change the way you view this issue.