#TBT First Rolex Submariner, Day-Date and Explorer Models

If you find the videos below a bit short, you can take a look at the original watches in the photo above. These are arguably three of the most popular Rolex models, save the Daytona and GMT, so it is interesting to see a vintage version in working condition, even if just for a few seconds.

Happy birthday, “Rolex President”: one of the first Rolex Day-Dates, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Still kicking and ticking, this 18 ct yellow gold model features a coin-edge fluted bezel, alpha hands, bevelled applied indices and the famed President bracelet that contributed to the watch's nickname. #Rolex #DayDate #TBT

A video posted by ROLEX (@rolex) on Jul 21, 2016 at 8:45am PDT

The yellow gold Day-Date above looks like the original from 1956. Click here for more information on the first gold Day-Date, known as the 'Presidents' Watch.'.

This is a pretty sharp watch. A Submariner with a special spin. Customized in 1973, it features a unique rope-cutting, villain-escape function. #Rolex #Submariner #TBT

A video posted by ROLEX (@rolex) on Aug 25, 2016 at 8:00am PDT

The Submariner above from 1973 looks like the Reference 5513 used in the James Bond film 'Live and Let Die.'

One of the first models of the Rolex Explorer, launched in the wake of the first successful ascent of dthe world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, in 1953. Its clean aesthetics, based on a steel Oyster case and highly legible display, have withstood the test of time. #Rolex #Explorer #TBT

A video posted by ROLEX (@rolex) on Nov 3, 2016 at 9:00am PDT

Finally, the Rolex Explorer was released in 1953 and has not changed much since its debut. To find out when all of your favorite Rolex models were released, check out the Historical Timeline on this blog or visit rolex.com.

>>BACK TO HISTORY