[3] The Rolex Submariner is considered "a classic among wristwatches",[1] manufactured by one of the world's most widely recognized luxury brands.

Trademark irregularities notwithstanding, both the 6204 and 6205 are designated Submariner models in Rolex product literature.

1030), including a chronometer version in some 6536 models (designated 6536/1), the now-familiar Mercedes hands, and the Submariner logo and depth rating printed on the dial.

[15][16] The next wave of Submariners, the 5512 (chronometer version) and 5513 (non-chronometer), marked a significant change in the appearance of the popular Rolex design.

A final important change came with the introduction of the 1680 model in the late 1960s: the 1680 was the first Submariner to be equipped with a date function,[17] marking the completion of the transition of the Submariner line from specialist no-frills utilitarian tool watch for scuba divers to mass market fashion accessory.

While many professional and military divers used—and continue to use—Submariners in the most demanding underwater environments, by the late 1960s, the watch had undeniably become a mass-market product as well.

Throughout the next 40 years, the Submariner was updated with improved water resistance, new movements, and numerous small cosmetic changes.

[18] In 2003, Rolex celebrated the Submariner's 50th anniversary by launching the Rolex Submariner-Date anniversary edition (16610 LV), with distinguishing features such as the green bezel and Maxi dial; its production ended in 2010 with the final watches being issued with the new "random" serial number.

It featured heavier lugs and crown guards, a Cerachrom ceramic bezel, and a quick-adjust function "Glidelock" clasp.

It replaced the 14060M, with the newer "Super Case" with wider lug end shoulders, enlarged crown guards, enlarged "Chromalight" hour markers and broader hands for increased visibility, ceramic bezel inlay, blue Parachrom hairspring and bracelet with solely solid links featuring ceramic axle sleeves to prevent premature wear or bracelet stretch and a "Glidelock" extension system allowing for up to 20.0 mm (0.79 in) of total adjustment in 2.0 mm (0.079 in) increments without the use of any tools.

[26][27] From 1970 onwards, the French diving company COMEX received a special version of Rolex Submariner 5513 featuring a helium release valve for their saturation divers.

[28][29] This version of the Submariner was based on the Sea Dweller designed for the needs of professional divers working at great depths and not the other way around as often claimed.

While the luxury watch market has experienced significant growth and volatility, precise figures for annual Rolex production have yet to be discovered.

[32] In late 2022 Rolex introduced the Deepsea Challenge, a commercial full ocean depth capable watch featuring a 50 mm titanium alloy case.

[35] The DeepSea Challenge features a 50 mm case that guarantees a depth of 11,000 metres (36,000 ft)..[36][37] The Rolex Submariner has appeared in a number of James Bond movies.

)[citation needed] George Lazenby wore a reference 5513 with an oyster bracelet in parts of On Her Majesty's Secret Service;[40] Roger Moore wore reference 5513 with a 7206 riveted bracelet in his first two Bond movies, Live and Let Die and The Man with the Golden Gun.