Join us today as we take a closer look at one of the most beloved editions of the Submariner: Ref. 16610. Shop our entire collection: [ Ссылка ]

Do you love the Submariner 16610? Learn more about this iconic dive watch, including its history, features, and upgrades through the years: [ Ссылка ]

The Submariner diver’s watch is a pillar of the Rolex catalog, coming to market in the 1950s and continuing production to this day. Part of its enduring appeal is the Submariner’s tough exterior, which has since evolved to offer waterproofness up to 300 meters/1,000 feet. While it was developed as a professional diver’s watch, the Submariner has since earned a place in the hearts of collectors of all professions and lifestyles.

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The Submariner also boasts a design set that is somewhat similar today as it was when it came to market so many decades ago. That includes a 60-minute diver’s bezel and a dial topped with a luminous display.

The bezel has since evolved to operate unidirectionally, allowing it only to count down. This design offers the wearer a much safer reading, especially while timing decompression stops and other diving times while far below the ocean’s surface.

While Cerachrom inserts are the new norm on modern editions of the Submariner, reference 16610 keeps it classic with a durable aluminum insert.

Other notable upgrades include greater water resistance of up to 300 meters/1,000 feet, the transition from an acrylic crystal to scratch-resistant sapphire, and improved luminous material on the dial.

Depending on the year produced, reference 16610 utilizes either Tritium, Luminova, or Superluminova. The current luminous material, Chromalight, didn’t make an appearance on the stainless steel Submariner until ref. 16610 was discontinued and replaced with ref. 116610.

Early editions of the Submariner did not feature a date mechanism on the dial. It was developed as an underwater tool watch, after all, so a date mechanism wasn’t a necessary amenity. However, as popularity for the Submariner grew among collectors other than avid divers, Rolex saw the benefit of adding a date display on the dial, and it has remained a fixture of the series since the 1960s.

The First Modern Submariner

Reference 16610 hit the market in the 1980s, ushering in a new era of “modern” Submariner watches. In addition to utilizing the safer uni-directional 60-minute diver’s bezel, a date mechanism on the dial, and a sapphire crystal, reference 16610 also boasts luminous plots trimmed in white gold, giving it a noticeably more luxurious and contemporary aesthetic than older-model Subs.

At the heart of reference 16610 beats the cal. 3135, a self-winding movement that oscillates at a rate of 28,800 bph. This movement also boasts a 48-hour power reserve. Rolex continued to equip their watches with this powerhouse movement for decades, finally replacing it within the Submariner series in 2020 with the up-and-coming calibre 3235.

For decades, the Submariner remained 40mm in diameter, including reference 16610. Although the series received a new “Super Case” alongside the 6-digit series, it remained 40mm until the Submariner 41 was introduced in 2020. Modern watch tastes favor larger wristwatches. However, loyal Rolex fans continue to seek the Submariner 16610 for its classic, pre-Super Case size and weight.

Over the past several decades, Rolex has introduced both two-tone and all-gold editions of the Submariner. However, the all-steel series remains one of the most sought-after, with purists often turning to the cult favorite reference 16610.

16610 Price

As of the filming on this video, the Submariner 16610 resells for around $9k - $10k, depending on the feature set and condition of the watch. It was discontinued in 2010, making the secondary market the only option for anyone who wishes to add the coveted 16610 Sub to their watch box. Because reference 16610 is no longer in production and demand for all-steel Rolex sports watches continues to rise, we only expect its value to climb.

The James Bond Connection

Agent 007 himself wore a stainless steel Submariner on his wrist for decades. While a vintage 4-digit dateless Sub was more prominently represented in the franchise, reference 16610 also appeared in 1989’s License to Kill during Timothy Dalton’s final portrayal of Bond.

With many A-list celebrities and James Bond listed as famous 16610 Submariner wearers, it’s no wonder why this edition of the iconic professional diver’s watch is so widely sought-after.

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