Submarine Questions of the Week - 2/11/2012

Background
During my submarine service at the height of the Cold War, it had not been unusual for U.S. Navy submarine wardrooms to include at least 2 owners of Rolex Submariner watches who wore them. It was certainly rare, but not unheard of to have an enlisted man on board who sported one as well, although usually not a chief in those days of the draft. None of those on subs was a fake Rolex, either.

Rolex SA is a Swiss watchmaking manufacturer of high-quality, luxury wristwatches. Among the company's innovations were the first waterproof wristwatch, the Rolex Oyster, in 1923.

The Submariner, introduced in 1953, was the first watch to be water resistant up to 100 metres (330 feet). It was later strengthened by its patented triple-seal Triplock winding crown, making it capable of withstanding depths of up to 300 metres (1,000 feet). Rolex

None of the wardroom (or enlisted) wearers of Rolex Submariners was actually a navy diver, however.

QUESTIONs of the WEEK (5):

1) What are some reasons other than superior depth performance for submarine officers to wear Rolex Submariners?

2) Though not yet qualified submariners, a few females are members of a few submarine wardrooms. Rolex manufactures watches for ladies. Is there a Rolex Ladies Submariner watch at this time?

3) According to Rolex, "The Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea is the ultimate reference chosen by professional divers in oceans around the world." A custom version of this model is now available from a specialty company. What is the name of the specialty company.

4) The specialty outfit per 3) above has updated Rolex's original in all-black (shown below), with an adjustable nylon strap and branded face. What is the price of this customized Rolex watch?

5) What other feature sets the customized Rolex apart?


ANSWERS: Wednesday 15 FEB 2011

Submarines are always silent and strange.