Rolex Submariner User Guide: Tutorial

Few watches carry the legacy and functional credibility of the Rolex Submariner. Introduced in 1953, the Submariner quickly became the benchmark for professional dive watches and one of the most recognizable luxury timepieces ever produced.

While many collectors wear the Rolex Submariner as a daily luxury watch, it was originally designed as a precision underwater tool. Its unidirectional rotating bezel, robust Oyster case, and luminous dial allow divers to read and track elapsed time safely underwater.

Today, the model exists in multiple variations, including the classic No Date and Submariner Date. 

Regardless of the reference, the core functionality remains the same across every model. 

This guide will explain exactly how to operate, maintain, and get the most from your Rolex Submariner.

Sell Your Rolex Submariner

How to Use the Submariner Bezel

The bi-directional rotating bezel is the defining functional feature of the Submariner. It allows the wearer to measure elapsed time while diving, or doing any other day-to-day task.

The bezel rotates only counterclockwise. This safety mechanism ensures that if the bezel is accidentally moved by the wearer, it will only shorten the measured dive time rather than extend it, preventing dangerous miscalculations underwater.

How to use it

1. Rotate the bezel so that the luminous triangle aligns with the current minute hand.
2. As time passes, the minute hand will move away from the triangle
3. Count the bezel numerals to indicate how many minutes have elapsed.

How to Set the Time

The Submariner, like all Rolex models, uses a screw-down crown to set time. This is also the mechanism that maintains water resistance for the watch, but ONLY when fully tightened.

Steps to set the time

1. Unscrew the crown by turning it counterclockwise until it pops free.
2. Pull the crown gently to the desired time-setting position.
3. Rotate the crown clockwise to adjust the hands or date.
4. Push the crown back in and screw it down clockwise until tight.

There are two to three positions that the crown can be set at:

• Screw Down Position (position 0)

  • Position 0 is the starting position of your Rolex, where the crown is tightly screwed down and the watch is sealed for diving. You will always start and end here when you set your watch. 

• Manual winding (position 1)

  • You will unscrew your watch counterclock wise to release it from position 0, this brings to position 1. On all Submariner models, this is where you will wind the watch and you will not need to pull the crown out at this stage. Turning the crown clockwise will wind the mainspring and add juice to the watch’s power reserve, which will keep the watch running anywhere from 48 to 70 hours depending on your model. 

• Setting the date (position 2)

  • If you have a quickset Submariner Date model, gently pulling the crown out once to position 2. This will allow you to change the date window by turning the crown clockwise. 
  • Note: It is advised that you avoid changing the date between 8pm to 4am, as this is the time that the calendar gears are engaged. It is therefore best to set the date when the hour hands are in the lower half of the dial. 
  • If your Date model is non-quickset, you will have to cycle through 24 hours to change the date window! Simply keep turning the crown clockwise to set your desired time or date. Once you are done, you will need to screw the crown back down counterclockwise.
  • For No Date models, this position will set the time. Simply rotate the crown clockwise to adjust the hands to your current time. This is the last position for this model, and now you will need to screw down the crown back to position 0.

• Setting the time (position 3)

  • For Submariner Date models, pulling the crown out a third time will bring you to position 3. This is when the seconds hand will stop, and you can now set your watch to your current time by rotating the crown clockwise!
  • Once you are done, you can screw the crown securely into position 0, and expect your Date Submariner to run flawlessly for around 70 hours!

Once you are done setting your Submariner, it is always important to screw the crown down completely to maintain water resistance.

Example above shows a Rolex Submariner 126610.

How to Maintain a Rolex Submariner

Proper maintenance ensures that your watch will perform reliably for decades.

Regular servicing

Rolex recommends servicing approximately every 5-10 years, depending on usage. Vintage watches or watches that are exposed to salt water regularly should be served more closely to the 5-6 year mark. 

A full service includes movement disassembly, lubrication, gasket replacement, and water resistance testing.

Water resistance checks

If the watch is frequently used in water, annual pressure testing is recommended.

Cleaning

The watch can be cleaned with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Always ensure the crown is fully screwed down before cleaning. And be sure to rinse your Submariner after exposing it to salt water!

Example above shows a Rolex Submariner 124060. 

When Does My Rolex Submariner Need a Service

You should have your Rolex Submariner fully serviced every 5 to 10 years. If you often expose your watch to salt water or harsh conditions, it is likely you will need to service it closer to 5 to 6 years.

Even if you are not diving with your watch, servicing your watch is important to check lubrication of important inner mechanisms and maintain the accuracy of your watch. 
It is also recommended that you have your Submariner’s water resistance checked annually. The watchmarker will put your watch through pressure tests that will make sure your watch is safe to continue submerging in water.

Though your watch is waterproof, should water enter the inner mechanisms and cause rust or corrosion of the movement, this could severely damage and even destroy your Rolex. It is important to catch any issues early!

Read more on how to service a Rolex. 

Selling Tips for Rolex Submariner Owners

The Submariner remains one of the most liquid watches in the secondary market. These are important thing to note when thinking about selling your Rolex:

Keep the full set

Original box, papers, and accessories significantly increase resale value.

Maintain condition

Avoid polishing unless performed by professionals. Over-polishing can reduce collector appeal.

Know your reference

Different references carry different market values. For example, early aluminum bezel models often attract strong collector demand.

Sell to reputable dealers

Professional dealers typically offer fast transactions, authentication security, and immediate payment.

Where to Buy a Rolex

Most people would prefer to buy Rolex watches straight at retail, but there are many hoops to jump through and waitlists to get on before you’ll likely be offered a Submariner model by your authorized dealer.

You can bypass this song and dance by simply buying your Submariner on the grey market.

There are multiple options when looking to buy a Rolex Submariner. You can of course purchase a Rolex from a private seller, but that comes with many risks. Marketplaces also have similar risks, but we ultimately recommend that you buy from trusted dealers like us at WatchGuys.

Where to Sell a Rolex

If you are looking to sell your Rolex Submariner, we are here to help you out! Simply send in images of your watch to here, or text photos of your watch to (213)-414-1525, and we will send you a quote!