| Rolex Datejust 'Thunderbird' (model 1625) : The | | | | temperatures, as well as the wear and tear of |
| Datejust models were introduced with a coin | | | | expeditions. Rolex launched the Submariner (model |
| edge bezel, which later were replaced by a new | | | | 6204) at the Basel Fair in 1954 although it is |
| fluted bezel along with a larger crown. In the | | | | believed that it was actually released in late 1953 |
| mid-50's, Rolex introduced the Datejust (model | | | | and was based on the Rolex Explorer. On the |
| 6605) with the cyclops, or the magnifying bubble | | | | contrary, the name "Submariner" was not officially |
| that is placed over the date on the watch's | | | | patented until around 1960. When introduced, the |
| crystal. In 1956, Rolex released a Datejust model | | | | Submariner was powered by the A296 |
| called the "Thunderbird" (model 1625). This watch | | | | movement but was then replaced with the 1030 |
| featured a Turn-O-Graph gold Bezel. | | | | movement and Mercedes hands, which is more |
| Originally, Rolex offered the Datejust in 18kt | | | | elongated than the modern day version. In 1955, |
| yellow gold and after seeing much success, they | | | | model 6538 replaced 6204, and the 6205 by 6536 |
| were offered in stainless steel, white gold, or | | | | respectively. Model 6536 then became 6536/1, |
| platinum. By1962 the two-tone Datejust models | | | | featuring a chronometer version of the 1030 |
| were in circulation. Also around this time, the | | | | movement. New Submariner models featured a |
| Datejusts were offered with an option of a | | | | new scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and an |
| Jubilee bracelet, an Oyster bracelet, or a leather | | | | upgraded depth rating of 1,000 feet. |
| strap. | | | | Case Size: (All models): 40 mm |
| Additionally, Rolex replaced the original four-digit | | | | Lug Size: (All models): 20 mm |
| case reference number with a five digit number. | | | | |
| Around this time, Rolex also introduced the | | | | Cosmograph Daytona (model 6239) : Rolex were |
| Oyster date which is very similar to the Datejust, | | | | forerunners in developing the Oyster and |
| the only difference being 2mm smaller. By then, | | | | Perpetual. Thus, Rolex was not well known for |
| the Datejust offered the "midsize" which is 80% | | | | pioneering chronographs. However the success of |
| the size of the original. | | | | the Cosmograph impelled Rolex to be in the |
| Case Size: Mens: 36 mm, Midsize: 31 mm, Ladies: | | | | position of being the ultimate "sportsman's" watch. |
| 26/29 mm | | | | These watches soon adopted the name |
| Lug Size: Mens: 20 mm, Midsize: 17 mm, Ladies: 13 | | | | "Daytona" after being sought out by some of the |
| mm | | | | biggest names in auto racing in one of the biggest |
| | | | racing communities of Daytona Beach, Florida. In |
| Submariner (model 6204) : Rolex underwent | | | | the beginning, the Daytona's were available in two |
| stringent experiments, testing the Submariner | | | | dials, either in black with silver registers or cream |
| prototype in deep waters to a depth of 3,150 | | | | white with black registers. Soon, these dials |
| meters (10,336 ft). The watch withstood the | | | | adopted the name "Paul Newman" after he was |
| hardest tests, having survived sub-zero | | | | seen wearing it in the movie "Winning". |