Rolex Submariner 'If You Shipped Out...'

1966 Rolex Submariner 'If You Shipped Out...' 

It’s tough to argue with the no-nonsense aesthetic and stark copywriting of these late 1960s Rolex advertisements — especially those for the Submariner, GMT-Master, and Explorer. The Skate, the Shark, and the Nautilus mentioned in this particular ad were submarines of the U.S. Navy, the Nautilus being particularly notable as the world’s first operational nuclear-powered sub, commissioned in 1952. In 1958, the Nautilus accomplished another first when it completed a submerged transit of the North Pole under the command of Eugene “Dennis” Wilkinson.

The Rolex Submariner was of course designed as a SCUBA diver’s watch, though it’s precisely the qualities that make it appropriate for underwater use that also make it perfect for military  service. Besides the beautifully composed photograph of the reference 5513 Submariner on the officer’s wrist, the advertising copy is also notable: “...beneath its unlovely stainless steel exterior…it’s actually a full 26-jewel chronometer.” Leave it to a company completely assured of the appeal of its watches — and, it’s important to note, one that at that time was more interested in building a utility product than a luxury product — to refer to one of them as ugly. (For the record, we think the copywriter was wrong, but we understand his or her point!)

You may fixate on the watch in this great photo, which is clearly a Submariner reference 5512 with its four lines of text faint, but visible. But another accessory to notice is the officer’s ring. What’s important is its inclusion in this example of ad — and within the framing. Often the ring is cut off due to the ad being printed off-center. (Or worse, concealed if the ad is not framed properly.) That’s why this ad is framed “floating” style, to make sure this important accessory is shown proudly — just like how it’s typically worn.

About our collaboration with Ad Patina

We're thrilled to be collaborating once again with our longtime friend Nick at Ad Patina to bring you a selection of the most-popular and hard to find original vintage magazine advertisements curated specifically for Analog:Shift!

Scouring the world for forgotten marketing treasures, Ad Patina's raison de être very much mimics our own - to hunt down these wonderful bits of history, preserve and restore them as needed, and share them with an enthusiastic community.

These documents of horological and advertising history have entered the collecting conversation as the ultimate accompanying accessory to go along with hobbies and passions. They have found themselves framed in homes and offices around the world. 

Every one of these wonderful pieces is a genuine, vintage advertisement that has been professionally framed to ensure years of enjoyment to come - no reprints or reproductions here!

Much like a traditional piece of art - a painting or photograph - an original advertisement can be appreciated for its design as well as for its power to evoke nostalgia. Something vintage enthusiasts know all about!

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.