Rolex 16610 Review - A Complete Guide to the Rolex Date Submariner | Bob's Watches
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 11 сен 2024
- 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: www.bobswatche...
Do you love the Submariner 16610? Learn more about this iconic dive watch, including its history, features, and upgrades through the years: www.bobswatche...
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.
Shop pre-owned Rolex Submariner watches: www.bobswatche...
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.
Drink each time he says 16610
If I took a sip of beer each time he said it I’d probably still need my stomach pumped. 😂
Great comment 😂😂😂😂
Wasted
Bought one in 2008 and it never left my wrist since but only once in 2020 for servicing. Great watch.
I hate for one for my bday. I’m nervous to wear it to work, in the shower or ocean/pool
You’re saying go for it
Great summary review of the all time favorite in my collection. Mine is a 2004 reference and has been on the wrist consistently ever since. The new ceramic bezel is nice, but the maxicase does nothing for me. The 16610 is a timeless classic and last of the old school Subs.
I bought my 16610LN in 1997 at the AD and still love it more than all my other watches.
Legend, Icon, timeless.
Just had my 2008 16610 overhauled by RSC for the first time. 16yrs it’s been dead nuts reliable and crazy accurate. Power reserve was dropping off however so I knew it finally needed a full Rolex service. Now it’s like new all over again but I told them not to replace the bezel insert which only shows very minor wear marks.
Love your videos. They are always informative and entertaining. I have a client who after he made some money bought a submarinar that was the same year as his birth. After my brother passed away, I realized his submarinar was made the same year as my son was born. Fortunately, I now have it and wear it every day with the plan to give it to my son at some point. I suspect I need to get one from my birth year at some point. It’s always fun to have one to hunt for and then finally find it. Keep up the great work.
Thank you very much! Liked, subscribed and shared. My absolute favorite RUclips channel by far.
I love love my 16610 M series no hole.
The most ideal size and heft.
Great vid guys, I’ll be calling you this week to buy mine!
Why isn’t the thumbnail a 16610?
Bought mine new in 91, been on my wrist ever since, was young and dumb when I bought it, but after flooding 2 Heuer's with all the diving I was doing I got a Submariner. Smart enough even back then to save the box and all the paperwork it came with. Love my Submariner 16610.
Just a heads up, lead image on thumbnail appears to be an 116610LN
True
I have one from 2007 and love it
16610 is the best looking Rolex ever made. An icon. Nice video too. But why do you have an ugly fat lugs / fat crown guard version on the video's cover photo?
I got my 16610 new in 04 wear it daily. only one service needed so far. Love it!
Cool bro, you are truly fortunate to own this legend ...great review....
i've always wanted one
bought my 16610 in May 95. Paid $3200. W series serial number. If I knew then what I know now, I would have bought 2 more and stuffed them into a safety deposit box in a bank. I was flush with cash from a year's deployment and looking to replace my Tudor Submariner. Nothing wrong with that watch except that it didn't say Rolex. It has been my daily watch since and have had it serviced 2x. I agree completely about the band. Seems downright flimsy. Dare I say cheap. I've damaged the clasp so that it barely holds so I replaced the band with a very high quality gray silicone band. Which I love. The first service was in early 2000s, and then again in 2017 when I dropped the watch, shattering the crystal at the 6 o'clock position. When I took it to the authorized dealer, they said it would need servicing in addition to crystal replacement. Crystal shards had gotten into the movement, etc. I forgot to tell the Rolex folks DO NOT polish the outside of the case and band - leave all the nicks and dings that characterize the watch. When I got the watch back, unbeknownst to me, Rolex also replaced the original tritium face. I was told they had to because in Germany, where I live, tritium is not eco friendly and all that BS. The customer service rep proudly showed me my nice shiny watch and I almost cried. It looked brand new and had none of the character it took over 20 yrs to accumulate. The only other downside is that mine seems to run especially fast. Not sure what officially constitutes "fast," but gains about 10 seconds per week. However, I think I am over the love affair with having a Submariner, and I love the new Explorer II Polar (226570). Am contemplating a switch.
Do these go up in value?
Yup. Great minds, they think alike. My JEDI friend Travis brokered the deal & it is the reason why I am wearing my 16610, even as I type. After we closed on the deal & I had it on my wrist, mine alone & nobody else's, I went to my watch dude in Eugene, OR. I needed to source a few very important parts: the "O" link & another were needed so my Oyster Bracelet, the 93250, fit & folded correctly. I took a hit as I spent ~$1,000 on a solid, new Oyster 93250 bracelet. There's only one way to do a correct job the proper way. I ALSO dropped about ~$150 USD on the ephemera that comes with a 16610 of my c. 2000s era Submariner, factory fresh: the requisite green box, the pamphlet w/ instructions, the travel pouch, etc. As for now? Although I'm looking for a watchbox to keep my timepieces together & accounted for, at the ready on a table in my dressing room, I rest easy at night knowing that EVERY one of my watches, vintage pieces & contemporary alike, has their box, should the need arise to put them snugly away in their correct, as-manufactured homes. Bottom line: this is my first Rolex, & I couldn't be more giddy if I were a schoolgirl about to pass a note. It won't be my last, & you can bet that it's with me to stay. A part of the family now.
Lovely watch I have one in my small Rolex collection
Nice vid bro well done, wearing mine right now 🙌
transfered the $ to my bank, picking up mine tomorrow! so f'ng excited
Sorry, what is the reference number again?
My go-to watch too😍
Guys, you know better than that. The picture is the 116610.
How much cabbage did you drop? 5500 6k cabbage money 💰 🥬?
Dont be affraid to buy a used 16610. I purchased mine knowing the mainspring was bad and the stem needed attention. My repairs cost roughly $500 and was well worth it. Personally I have found my Omegas are more robust than my only Rolex.
My next purchase will be the 3235 movement.
Kiddo you’re too 💨 fast
The 16610’s date window doesn’t look right.
I wish I could trade guns and dogecoin for a sub no date...
Uncomfortably FAST-RANTING, reading a script memorized or projected, mechanically monotonously speedtalking. That is too much. HAVE TO MUTE YOU. There, better.
Maybe don't read off of a computer screen when making these videos? Takes away from the authenticity. Anyone can stand in front of a camera and read off a screen. Disliked.