A Close Look At The Rolex Submariner Date Desk Clock Ref. 909010LN
Not too long ago, Rolex added a surprise Submariner Date desk clock to its collection. If you are familiar with the brand’s accessories, you know that a variety of cufflinks are available to match your Rolex timepiece. But with the introduction of the new Rolex Submariner Date desk clock, the ultimate accessory is now an oversized version of the brand’s iconic dive watch. But there is more to the story than just the look of this timepiece. We had the opportunity to learn more about the new Rolex Submariner Date desk clock ref. 909010LN.
You wouldn’t know what hides underneath the lid of the signature green Rolex box if you took a quick look at it. But as soon as you pick up the box, the weight will tell you that there is not a regular watch inside. Once you open it, you are greeted by the large 80mm Submariner design. It’s hard not to crack a smile once you see the oversized face of the world’s most famous dive watch. The Rolex designers made sure to translate the design into clock form while maintaining the watch’s proportions. As a result, the Submariner Date desk clock immediately feels familiar, with all the signature elements.
A desk clock with the Rolex Submariner design
That feeling continues when you realize that the desk clock features a glossy black dial with applied indexes filled with the brand’s proprietary Chromalight luminescent material. Just like on the regular Sub, the material lights up bright blue in the dark, which could be helpful if you plan on working long hours. Additionally, you will see the date window with the brand’s signature Cyclops. You will also notice that there is significantly less text on the dial. The upper part features the Rolex logo and coronet, while the lower half features the Submariner name and the “Swiss Made” text straddling the smaller coronet at 6 o’clock.
As you can see, the rehaut features the Rolex branding motif, while the Cerachrom bezel insert contains the engraved diving scale in white. To address a question that I’m sure will arise, no, the bezel does not rotate, but I’ll explain why in a bit. Finishing the look in familiar style are the three hands that indicate the hours, minutes, and seconds. What stands out immediately is how well the proportions are maintained, solidifying the idea that you are looking at a giant Rolex Submariner.
The design of the desk clock is clever and fun
While the design will instantly give you that Submariner feel, the true fun starts when you take the desk clock out of the box. Two things stand out right away. First, the heft of this desk clock is substantial. It’s made of 316L stainless steel instead of Rolex’s usual 904L stainless steel. While the latter is slightly denser and therefore heavier, you can imagine that an 80mm desk clock made of stainless steel is quite heavy. Second, once you take the desk clock out of the box, you will see the two-part hemispherical case in all its glory.
The clock is meant to sit on a little circular pedestal on your desk. As a result, you can twist and turn the watch to position the clock at your preferred angle. The proportions of the pedestal are perfect, making it easy to rotate the clock. This is an important detail, as it will allow you to move the hefty clock with minimal effort.
The execution is impressive for a clock of this size
As mentioned, the bezel is fixed. You will find out why rather quickly. If you turn the front part of the case until it can’t go further, you will be able to pull it outward. Performing that motion just once will reveal the incredible quality of this desk clock. It all feels heavy and incredibly well machined. Once you pull out the front part, you will see that Rolex used a bayonet lock to keep the two parts together.
A look at the inside of the “case back” shows that three spring-loaded ball bearings move within three milled-out channels until they softly click into place. Not only is this proof of the incredible quality, but it’s also such a satisfying maneuver to feel every time. It’s the type of build quality you would expect from a Rolex watch, but feeling it in this size is a different sensation.
The Rolex caliber 8335 that powers the Submariner Date desk clock
Once you have pulled out the front of the desk clock, you will see the large module holding the caliber that powers the clock and the controls that operate it. As you can see engraved on the back, the desk clock is powered by the ana-digi quartz caliber 8335. The movement has 30 jewels and features a secular calendar. Before we delve into the details, take a look at the polished chamfer and the Côtes de Genève. Additionally, the engravings and screws demonstrate that the brand did not cut any corners in the creation of this desk clock.
A large Rolex crown with a long crown tube controls the caliber. Unfortunately, the Submariner clock that we had in was not sold yet and therefore not “activated.” The Rolex dealer will activate it for the buyer upon completion of the sale. Once it is activated, pulling out the crown will turn on the small LCD screen. The digital display shows the current date, month, and year. To the right and left of the display is a corrector. These two buttons allow you to adjust the different functions of this secular calendar clock.
Operating the Rolex Submariner Date desk clock
Diving a bit deeper (pun intended) into the secular calendar, it has the same functions as a perpetual calendar. However, unlike a perpetual calendar, it doesn’t require manual correction every 100 years until 2400. Therefore, aside from adjusting it after a battery change, you will not have to correct the date after the shorter months for as long as you live. If necessary, the caliber also allows you to reverse the date by turning the hands counterclockwise. So if you ever make the mistake of turning the hands past midnight, there is no need to get stressed.
Unfortunately, we were unable to witness the caliber in action. However, we know that the seconds hand doesn’t tick like it would in a traditional quartz movement. Instead, it sweeps faster with little stutters to indicate that it’s not a mechanical caliber. Additionally, every day at midnight, the date changes to the next one with a soft but satisfying click.
This is further proof of the incredible detail and attention that Rolex invested in this project. The production quality of this Rolex Submariner Date desk clock ref. 909010LN is truly impressive. This clock can be yours for €10,320, which is nearly as much as a Submariner Date ref. 126610LN. But once you have witnessed it up close, you’ll understand that this desk clock is a very serious accessory. I would even go so far as to say this is more than a mere accessory. It’s a proper timepiece that lights up any workplace in style!
