Rolex Submariner Date Reference 16610 Review

February 5th, 2020

The Rolex Submariner is ideally the most famous diver’s watch ever made. Since its debut in 1954, the Submariner has been the watch against which all other models are compared. 

Indeed, it is the model that has become the most recognisable, trusted as well as most emulated and counterfeited in the watch industry. 

If you own a Rolex Submariner, make sure you verify the authenticity of your Rolex watch. 

However, the design of the Submariner was so successful that Rolex didn’t alter its external aesthetics for the next 50years. 

It is only with the release of the current Submariner ref. 116610 in 2010 that the brand beefed up the classic profile. 

Nonetheless, its earlier iteration, the reference 16610 is regarded as the best Submariner by many Rolex lovers. 

Introduced in 1989, the Rolex Submariner ref 16610 is a well-loved example of an ideal everyday tool watch. However, it is also stylish enough to suit any occasion. 

The Rolex Submariner 16610: Dials

Since many years, no Submariners are utilised actually for its original purpose. 

However, Rolex designed the reference 16610 to at least appear like a diver timepiece. 

• Eventually, the manufacturer fitted the model with a black gloss dial with white hands and indexes. 
• Rolex introduced the gloss dials in the middle of 1980s replacing the previous matte version.

From 1989 to 2010, the brand used four different kinds of luminescent materials. 

• Tritium was used until 1998, and such dials are marked “Swiss T<25” or “T Swiss T” below the 6 o’clock index.
• Between 1998 and 2000, a photoluminescent radiation-free paint Luminova was used.
• And the dials with Luminova are carved with the term “SWISS”. 

However, Rolex made another shift in the luminous material between 2000 to 2008.

• This time the brand used SuperLuminova material, and the text on the dial is marked “SWISS MADE”.

Finally, Rolex made use of its mixture known as Chromalight from 2008. This lume glows blue instead of green, and these dials read “SWISS MADE”. 

The Rolex Submariner 16610: Metals And Bezels

From the Submariner ref. 16800, Rolex replaced the 316L metal with the patented 904L steel that is still used today. 

Although stainless steel is a great choice for a diver watch, it is yet prone to the effects of corrosion.

• While the 904L steel contains nickel, copper, molybdenum, and chromium, it is much harder and more resistant to damages. 
• Moreover, this unique steel has a unique lustre that offers the Rolex watches a distinctive look. 
• The 904L stainless steel has been an enormous success for Rolex, pioneering much in the innovation of dive watches. 

The Rolex Submariner 16610 features a unidirectional bezel. Interestingly, Rolex brought this bezel in 1983. 

• However, the bezel comes with a 60-minute scale and hash marks from 1 to 15. 
• More significantly, the bezel on the ref. 16610 has an aluminium insert.
• It is ideally the last model to feature it before Rolex introduced the Cerachrom. 

The Rolex Submariner 16610: Movements

The Rolex Submariner reference 16610 is powered by the iconic Calibre 3135. It is typically considered as one of the best mechanical movements ever produced.

However, Rolex made many upgrades to the movement during the production period of this model. 

• The brand replaced the original Nivarox hairspring with Rolex’s patented Parachrom hairspring in 2000. 
• The Parachrom is made of zirconium and niobium, making it entirely antimagnetic and about 10times more impermeable to shocks and temperature variations.

However, the spring’s oxide coating was thickened after five years to refine the stability. It is known as the Blue Parachrom hairspring. 

The Rolex Submariner 16610: Bracelets

The Submariner 16610 is fitted with the ever-present 3-link Oyster bracelet, offering a robust and elegant look. 

• The bracelet is made from the more robust 904L steel. However, from 2000 Rolex offered solid links to the bracelet.
• In 1996, the Oysterlock safety clasp received the Easylink system.
• This enabled the bracelet to get extended up to 5mm with no use of tools. 

However, Rolex didn’t include the Glidelock double extension system in the reference model that later replaced the ref.16610. 

The case of the Submariner 16610 featured lug holes until 2003. The small holes on the lugs’ sides offer a more tool-like, and less refined appearance. 

However, these features are among some of the little details that today’s collectors cherish. 

Undoubtedly, the Rolex Submariner is today the most admired sports watch. From Robert Redford to Steve McQueen, it has been a watch of choice for everyone. 

And the Submariner reference 16610 is a real classic that remains one of the most affordable and also, coveted models on the second hand market. 

For those who are willing to sell Rolex submariner watches for the best price in London, call the trusted Rolex watch buyers at The Luxury Hut on 0207 242 5411 for an immediate appraisal. 

Or fill up this online form now and receive a competitive quote. 

You can rest assured you will get the best price possible when selling your pre-owned Rolex watch to The Luxury Hut, be it is a Rolex Submariner or any other Rolex model. 

More Resources:

• Review: Rolex Yacht-Master Two-Tone 116621 With Brown Dial
• Review: The Innovative Rolex Milgauss vs the Classic Rolex Submariner