The Rolex Submariner, a legend in the world of horology, underwent a significant transformation in 2020 with the introduction of the 41mm model. This slight increase in size from the previous 40mm iteration sparked considerable discussion among enthusiasts, with much of the conversation revolving around the implications of the altered dimensions. While the overall size change is relatively subtle, even a millimeter can affect the watch's feel on the wrist and its overall aesthetic. One of the key aspects of this change that has generated interest is the case thickness. This article delves deep into the specifics of the Rolex Submariner 41mm case thickness, comparing it to its predecessors and examining its impact on the watch's design and wearability.
Understanding the 41mm Submariner's Dimensions: A Detailed Look
The 41mm Submariner isn't simply a scaled-up version of its 40mm counterpart. Rolex meticulously redesigned the case to accommodate the larger movement and maintain the iconic Submariner profile. While the exact measurements haven't been officially released by Rolex in a comprehensive spec sheet, various measurements have emerged from independent sources and detailed examinations of the watch itself. These measurements, while not always perfectly consistent across different sources, paint a clear picture of the dimensional changes.
One of the most discussed measurements is the case flank thickness. This refers to the thickness of the watch case excluding the crystal and the caseback. Reports consistently point towards a case flank thickness of approximately 5.00mm for the 41mm Submariner. This is a slight increase compared to the 40mm models, contributing to the overall impression of a slightly larger and more substantial watch. However, the overall perceived thickness might not solely depend on the case flank thickness alone. The design of the lugs, the crystal height, and the caseback profile all play a crucial role in the overall thickness of the watch.
Comparing the 41mm to its Predecessors: A Historical Perspective
To fully appreciate the 41mm Submariner's case thickness, it's essential to compare it to its predecessors. The iconic 40mm Submariner, particularly the reference 116610LN and the 116610LV ("Hulk"), served as the benchmark for many years. While precise case flank thickness measurements for these models are not consistently available from official Rolex sources, estimations and measurements from watch enthusiasts suggest a slightly thinner case flank for the 40mm models. This difference, although potentially only a fraction of a millimeter, contributes to the perceived change in the 41mm model.
The subtle increase in thickness in the 41mm Submariner is not merely a matter of aesthetics. It's directly linked to the updated movement within. The new calibre 3230, replacing the calibre 3135 in the 40mm models, is slightly larger and thicker, necessitating the adjusted case dimensions. This larger movement also contributes to improved performance and power reserve, justifying the slight increase in size and thickness.
Rolex Case Size Chart and Submariner Specific Dimensions
current url:https://kobpcn.e968c.com/bag/rolex-submariner-41mm-case-thickness-47427