The Rolex Submariner, introduced in 1953, is the standard among diving watches, and the first watch to withstand depths of 300 meters (1,000 feet).
The waterproof winding Triplex crown with interior O ring makes it a triple waterproof system.
The Submariner was designed for corrosion resistance and is a highly durable diving watch.
Our Rolex Submariner review will discuss three different references or iterations—the 116610, 114060, and the 16610, as well as answer some frequently asked reader questions about the Submariner.
Submariner watches have progressed through several different movements since its debut at the 1964 Basel Swiss Watch Fair.
The current models are reference 114060 (no-date Submariner), which uses caliber 3135, and 116060 (date), which uses caliber 3130.
Both movements feature Rolex’s proprietary Parachrom hairspring.
The Date model includes a cyclops magnifier at 3 o’clock position on the sapphire crystal to magnify the date displayed on the black dial.
The cyclops design is a trademark company feature that people find interesting.
Some horology enthusiasts prefer the cleaner look of the no-date, cyclops-free 114060, which is about $1,500 less than the 116060.
Others prefer the added functionality of the date display.
The Rolex Submariner Review on 116610 Model
The Rolex Submariner dive watch reference 116610 was the latest in over 20 previous references or models in the Submariner line, almost all of which Rolex discontinued when the 116610 debuted in 2010. The Rolex 116610 case is composed of corrosion-resistant, highly polished 904L Oyster steel. The 116610 has a 40mm case with a larger winding crown and wider lugs than previous models.
However, the bezel is among the most distinguishing features of reference 116610. The black, 60-minute bezel insert material changed from aluminum to ceramic (brand named Cerachrom). The 116610 ceramic bezel also has four click springs, making adjustments easier. The edges of it allow for a secure grip.
The circle indicator on the ceramic bezel’s zero marker, along with the hands and time markers, are Chromalight illuminated for easy viewing and unambiguous reading in an underwater environment. The 60-minute platinum-coated numbers and graduations enable divers to measure dive times up to 60 minutes visually.
The black bezel is complemented by the 116610’s visually striking black Maxi dial design. The hour markers are composed of Chromalight with 18k gold surrounds. The hands are 18k white gold with Chromalight accents. The minute hand comes emblazoned with the iconic Mercedes symbol. A white gold encircled Chromalight marker on the stop second hand makes for easy viewing in low light conditions.
The 116610 Maxi dial design has larger hands and time indicators, and the Chromalight illumination color is blue, not green. The caliber 3135 movements include a date complication, with the date displayed at the 3 o’clock position and magnified by the cyclops on the sapphire crystal.
The 116610 with calibre 3135 is self-winding, COSC-certified, with a magnetic, temperature, and shock-resistant Parachrom hairspring, precise to -2/+2 seconds per day. The 116610 with the 3135 movements are highly reliable.
New colors and precious metals were introduced gradually to the Submariner, making it more fascinating to people. Rolex introduced the blue dial and bezel in 1969, and in 2003 the Rolex “Hulk” made its debut. Nicknames, like the Hulk Rolex and Kermit, are the parlance of Rolex enthusiasts.
- Case diameter: 40mm
- Water resistance: 300 meters or 1,000 feet
- Movement: caliber 3135
- Movement features: date, time, minute, and second hands, self-winding
- Bezel type: black, unidirectional rotating 60-minute dive with Ceracrom insert
- Bracelet type: Oyster bracelet with Oysterlock clasp and Glidelock extension
- Dial: black, blue, or green with luminous markings
The Rolex Submariner 114060
The Rolex Submariner 114060 is the direct descendant of the reference 6204 from 1953. For 13 years, until the release of reference 1160, the Submariner had a time-only display. Most of the current Submariner offerings include a date complication (116610), but the price is more than $1,500 greater than the 114060's price.
The smooth, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal is uninterrupted by the cyclops, giving the 114060 the same clean lines of the original 6204. Otherwise, the 114060 has all the up-to-date features and design touches as the 116610.
The bezel utilizes the same high quality, scratch-resistant Cerachrom ceramic finish and platinum-coated markings as its date counterpart. The black 114060 Maxi dial has a solid clock face with no date window and the same large size, highly visible markings as the date version.
The 114060 is powered by the Rolex self-winding caliber 3130 movements, identical to the caliber 3135 but without the date complication. The calibre 3130 movement is the first no-date Submariner with a COSC certification and is accurate to -2/+2 seconds per day.
According to a Submariner watch review, it has evolved from the original utilitarian dive watch it was designed to be. The newest editions are available in a variety of matching dial and bezel colors and in different metal compositions. People will love it as it perfectly fits any wrist.
However, Rolex has retained the spirit of the original Submariner design in the seemingly simple reference 114060.
- Case diameter: 40mm
- Water resistance: 300 meters or 1,000 feet
- Movement: caliber 3130
- Movement features: hour, minute, and second hands, self-winding
- Bezel type: unidirectional rotating 60-minute dive with Ceracrom insert
- Bracelet type: Oyster bracelet with Oysterlock clasp and Glidelock extension
- Dial: black, blue, or green with luminous markers
The Rolex Submariner 16610
The Rolex Submariner reference 16610 is the generation of Submariner steel dive watch before the most recent versions. The black 16610 had a long life from 1988 to 2010 and is a popular watch choice among horology enthusiasts seeking a used Rolex classic.
The 16610 inherited the updates from its two predecessors: the sapphire crystal, lime-colored tritium, a matte dial, increased waterproofing depth to 300m, and moving to 904L Oyster steel that looks good on the wrist. Oyster steel, produced in Rolex’s foundry, is now used on all Rolex watches.
The Submariner 16610 was also the first in the line to sport the new 3135 movements with a date complication. Consider that the caliber 3135 is still in use today in Rolex’s current line of Submariners.
- Case diameter: 40mm
- Water resistance: 300 meters or 1,000 feet
- Movement: caliber 3135
- Movement features: date, time, minute, and second hands, self-winding
- Bezel type: unidirectional rotating 60-minute dive bezel with an aluminum insert
- Bracelet type: Oyster with Oysterlock clasp
- Dial: black or blue with luminous markings
Rolex Submariner 116610 vs. 114060 vs. 16610
If you line them up, what are the differences between the references 16610, 114060, and 16610?
For starters, the bezel changed significantly. The scratch-resistant Cerachrom bezel on reference 16610 and 114060 is much more durable than its aluminum predecessor. The 16610 bezel only had a single click-spring, making movements and seating difficult. The 116610 and 114060 have four click-springs, improving bezel marker alignment and smoothness of rotation.
The later Submariner references—116610 and 114060—both have increased luminosity. They achieved this using the bright blue Chromalight, replacing the green glowing tritium of the 16610. Also, while both older and newer references have 40mm cases, the 116610 and 114060 appear larger due to having more prominent lugs and a crown guard.
One of the other starker contrasts between the older and newer references is the Maxi dial. The larger dial of the 116610 and 114060 has proportionately larger markers compared to the 16610. This difference has raised some debate among horology enthusiasts, and it may be a deciding factor for you in your deliberations.
The 16610 also has a significantly lesser price than its newer counterparts. While the exterior may not have the latest updates, the caliber 3135 watch mechanism is the same offered on the 116610. The 16610 retains the style, elegance, and value as the vintage date Submariners. Effectively, it comes down to personal preference as to which Submariner reference appeals most to you.
How to Tell if a Rolex Submariner is Real
Owning a Rolex is a status symbol for people and has generated high demand—especially for famous and iconic models like the Submariner. Many imitations exist, and they have lower price tags. The quality of fakes improved over the years, so much so they can fool people, even experienced watch sellers.
Here is a brief list of things to watch out for and how to identify a genuine Rolex Submariner.
Work with a Known Seller
If you’re going to invest in the best Rolex watches like a Submariner model, it’s best to work with a reputable seller you can trust, such as Amazon. Even then, it’s best to come prepared, so you know you’re walking away with a genuine Submariner watch. Also, most reputable sellers offer a brand authenticity guarantee to their watches.
Online Venues
Platforms like eBay and Craigslist don’t vet their sellers’ products, so it’s easy for counterfeiters to push reproductions onto unsuspecting buyers. Also, with online venue transactions, it’s hard to follow up or demand recourse if you’re not satisfied with the watch. You should order on this site instead.
How to Spot a Reproduction
- The serial and model number stamping should be clean and readable.
- Dial details like the signature Rolex crown and hour markers should always be present. If anything’s missing, it is likely a fake.
- Movement. Authentic Rolex movements have “Rolex” engraved on it and cleanly finished mechanical parts. People must open the watch to see these details.
- Dial details are crisp and perfectly aligned on genuine Rolex. Any flaws, smudges, misspellings, or misalignments are signs of a fake.
- Cyclops magnification size should be 2.5 times, so if the date on your tool watch is not sufficiently large in size, or the cyclops and the date on the dial are misaligned, you may have an imitation.
- Water resistance. A genuine Submariner can pass a water resistance and pressure test. However, this is not something to verify on your own, since you could potentially ruin the watch and would be unable to return it. Consult a horology professional if you think you may have a fake.
- Weight. A genuine Rolex Submariner weighs 5.5 ounces or 155g. If your watch doesn’t feel hefty enough on your wrist, then weigh it to check.
- Clear case back. Genuine Rolex cases are Oyster steel throughout.
- Case back engravings. Genuine Rolex cases are finished smooth with no engravings.
- Micro-etched crystal. Starting in 2002, Rolex began etching a tiny crown on the crystal at the 6 o’clock position. You may need a magnifying glass and a good light to see it.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Your most pressing questions answered.
Is a Rolex Submariner a Good Investment?
Despite variations and different iterations over the years, the price for luxury Rolex watches generally trends upwards even when luxury watch price development as a whole is lagging. The Submariner appreciates as an investment and continues to enjoy annual increases in value and price. The cache of the Rolex name, along with the Submariner’s place in history, makes it a highly sought-after watch.
Is the Rolex Submariner Discontinued?
The references 116610 and 114060 are still in production but did not receive any new updates this year.
Is a Rolex Worth the Money?
Opinions are all over the map as to whether a luxury watch is a good investment. Still, one point that horology enthusiasts seem to agree on is that any watch model of the Rolex brand consistently increases in value and price. There are rare collector versions of specific models of watches, like the Paul Newman or the Freccione, but even the humble stainless-steel Submariner retains its value over time.
Why is the Rolex Submariner So Popular?
The Submariner was the first commercial diving watch available and featured in the famous Jacques Cousteau documentary The Silent World worn by Cousteau himself. Bond also wore it in the early James Bond films. Since that time, the Submariner design has become so famous that it has been copied and duplicated many times.
How to Wind a Rolex Submariner?
The Submariner watches are self-winding (perpetual), but if you wish to wind your Rolex manually do the following after removing it from your wrist:
- Unscrew the winding crown by turning it counterclockwise, releasing it to position one.
- Turn the unscrewed winding crown clockwise 30 to 40 times.
- Screw the winding crown back into the case to position to maintain your watch’s water-resistance.
How Much Does a Rolex Submariner Weigh?
The Submariner watches weigh between 135 and 155 grams (about 5.5 ounces).
Why Buy a Rolex Submariner?
Based on the reviews, the Rolex Submariner is among the more affordable of the Rolex models depending on vintage and movement complications. A Rolex Sub is generally a sound investment since the price is worth it, and it's a symbol of style and success. Finding a good price on the secondary market is not difficult but requires some research.
Wrap Up
The classic Submariner, new or vintage, represents one of the most popular lines for the brand.
Based on this review, Horology enthusiasts can generally expect their investment to retain its value over time.
If you want to own a piece of history, a Rolex Submariner is an exceptional choice.