The Submariner has undoubtedly been a key model in the brand’s portfolio since its first release in 1957. The actual Submariner differs a lot from what it was at the beginning. Watch enthusiasts heatedly debate which version is more valuable from the technical and design points of view. If speaking about the date window specifically, it was absent in the first models and appeared only after almost a decade from the first Submariner. Once the date window was integrated, the Submariner line began to be even more sought-after by seasoned watch enthusiasts. Nowadays, this item is a treasured piece for collectors and a remarkable watch for those who prefer replica versions.
The Submariner Date is currently available in a wide array of colors and configurations. Many watch lovers are still confused when choosing between a modern and a vintage Submariner Date. Hence, we would like to break the topic down, bringing to the spotlight their differences and particularities.
Vintage version of the Rolex Submariner Date 1680
To better understand the specifications of a replica Submariner 1680, it would be appropriate to begin with the particularities of the genuine model. So, the Date model’s first appearance took place in 1976, almost 20 years after the first Submariner model. The watch came in a 40mm case, all made of stainless steel. The watch’s main features were the rotating timing bezel, the time w/ running seconds, and the date, respectively. As for the bezel, it was bidirectional and this feature never changed. Another specific feature drawing the attention of the public was the 200 meters of water resistance. Due to this particularity, the model quickly gained popularity among Rolex fans and the audience that had nothing to deal with this brand until that moment. So, international divers or people passionate about water sports immediately resonated with this watch.
Modern Version of the Submariner Date 126610LN
The model version comes with slight changes in dimensions, featuring a 41mm case. The first release of this line was presented in 2020. Similar to its vintage homolog, the modern Submariner version is made of 904L stainless steel. So, you can be sure that the model provides highly reliable durability and resistance. As for the basic features, the watch shares the same time w/ running seconds, date window integration, as well a rotating bezel. But, unlike the vintage item, the modern bezel is unidirectional and features a black Cerachrom insert (the vintage model comes with an Aluminium insert on the bezel).
The crystal of the modern Submariner is also different from the vintage one. While the initial Submariner featured an acrylic crystal, the modern version comes with the traditional sapphire. Both versions use Cyclops’ lens.
Another determinant difference of the modern version is the water resistance aspect. The modern line comes with an astonishing 300 meters of waterproofness, making the watch far more attractive for professional divers and water sports practitioners. As for the wristlet, both modern and vintage collections feature the brand’s specific oyster bracelet.
Case Specifications of the Vintage and Modern Rolex Submariner Date
So, as you can conclude from the above-described chapter, the most remarkable difference between the vintage and the modern watch versions is the case. As a matter of fact, watch experts have detected some additional dissimilarities between the two versions, apart from the 1 mm dimension difference. Observing the timepieces attentively, they have concluded that the modern version comes with thicker crown guards and lugs.
Looking from another perspective, some watch fans might be confused by the term “Oystersteel” when looking for additional information about the modern Submariner. They might think that the Oystersteel is somehow more resistant and durable than the stainless steel specific for the vintage line. At this point, you should know that there is no substantial difference between the 2 terms and they are, in fact, synonymous. The “Oystersteel” is the same 904L stainless steel, only that it is made within the brand’s own in-house foundry.
On top of case specifications, there is a clear difference between the watches’ crystals. You will notice that the veteran model comes with an acrylic crystal. On the other hand, the contemporary version features a sapphire one, promising a higher resistance against scratches.
Bezel Specifications of the Vintage and Modern Rolex Submariner Date
Similar to their original models, replica versions of vintage and modern Submariner are different in their rotations. While vintage replicas feature bidirectional bezels, modern replicas usually come moving counterclockwise only. Replica manufacturers reproduce the bezels according to the authentic models and use aluminum and Cerachrom materials as well. The Cerachrom material is usually used for the modern Submariner lines, while the aluminum is specific for the vintage models.
At this point, you need to know that NOT all replica manufacturers reproduce the replica timepieces identically to their genuine examples. It all depends on their craftsmanship, price, and country of manufacturing. But, if you want a qualitative replica watch, we advise you to look for replica timepieces that follow the original concept and rely on the same materials. Whenever you opt for qualitative replicas that feature the same qualitative materials as the original items, you will get long-lasting wearability and resistance to scratches and circumstantial damage.
Dial Specifications of the Vintage and Modern Rolex Submariner Date
Both dials of the contemporary and veteran Submariner Date versions come in black and display geometric luminous hour markers. However, you will observe that the index dimensions and the dial patterns of both versions are different from each other. The vintage version features a matte pattern. In contrast, the modern option comes with a glossy dial surface, accompanied by slightly larger indexes. As for the replica versions, it is possible to come across vintage models featuring “Submariner” naming on the dial. By contrast, the modern line replaces the naming with the brand logo below the 6 o’clock hour marker. The replacement comes because of the larger indexes that would not look aesthetically attractive if preserving the naming, as it would look pretty overburdened.
Summing up
As far as you can conclude, the differences are not so critical between both models. Therefore, whichever you opt for, any of them provide a great look and resistant wearability due to the high-quality materials used. As for their replica versions, we strongly recommend you look for those that imitate exactly their authentic models. Sometimes, it is better to pay a little higher price but have a high-quality product. Replicas that are evidently different from the specifications that we’ve mentioned above might be different not only in their aspect but in their quality as well. In such a context, we advise you to take a look at our replica Rolex watches from AAAReplica online store. Our main prerogative is to deliver you a long-lasting timepiece in terms of functionality. In addition, we aim at offering an impeccable aesthetic look, strongly resembling the authentic Submariner models.