The raison d’être of the Rolex Submariner is without a doubt rooted in the exploration of the oceanic depth: it was devised first and foremost as a professional timepiece and simultaneously marketed to the public too, following the rise of scuba diving as a recreational activity in the 1950s.

With that in mind, it is easy to understand the intellectual irony of the present timepiece. In only half a century, what was once considered a professional timepiece has transcended this original vocation, and turned into one of the most recognized, appreciated, and iconic timepieces made by any brand.

The fact that Rolex decided to take this utilitarian tool watch and beset it with gems indicates how much the market for the Submariner has evolved. Interestingly, among the professional line of Rolex timepieces, only the GMT, the Daytona and the Submariner - arguably the most recognizable models made by the brand – have ever been bedecked in such a bedazzling fashion.

Beyond being a true testament to the evolution of the Submariner, the timepiece is aesthetically simply superb: the blue sapphires and white diamonds perfectly complementing each other and offer remarkable legibility, a rare trait in a gem-set piece. The final layer of appeal for the collector is given by the impossible rarity of this model: Rolex highly restricted the output of gem-set pieces in recent years, making the few specimens that leave the manufacture as some of the most fiercely sought-after watches currently in production.

To add an amusing touch, the present example was purchased during the carefree summer of 2019, in the seaside town of Portofino on the Italian Riviera. A more appropriate watch for Portofino in the summer would be hard to countenance, and the present watch is well-preserved and accompanied by all its original accessories.