Description
Rolex Submariner is the archetype of the diver’s watch. It is not just a robust professional instrument, but also a very functional and fashionable design. Initially, created to serve as a diving timepiece, over the years the Submariner has evolved into a very stylish and popular luxury model, preferred by countless watches enthusiasts all over the globe.
The modern and sturdy Oyster case, the elegant dial with highly visible luminescent hour markers, the amazing 300 meters water resistance, graduated rotatable Cerachrom bezel and the comfortable solid Oster steel band are just a few of its highlights. This iconic watch has many aesthetic and functional qualities, every single one of them representing the result of decades of research and development work. Nowadays, the Rolex Submariner is the ultimate symbol for performance and success.
First introduced in 1953, the Submariner’s core design hasn’t changed that much. Rolex has mostly been concerned with bringing qualitative improvements both in terms of form and utility. The latest generation of Submariner features numerous improvements that make the watch even more precise, durable and stylish.
The dial respects the classic layout. The black matte surface is enhanced by over-sized Chromalight hour markers, silver hands coated with the same luminescent material and a sleek date window at 3 o’clock magnified by a 2.5X Cyclops lens. The Chromalight innovation is designed to offer maximum visibility even in the darkest places. This special lume has a distinctive blue glow that usually lasts for about 8 hours- two times more than the usual luminescent materials. Around the outside of the dial there is a classy unidirectional rotatable Cerachrom bezel that has 60-minutes gradations. The bezel is made from scratch resistant Cerachrom insert in ceramic and comes with numerals and graduations coated in platinum.
The subtle 904L stainless steel Oyster case measures 40 mm in diameter and it features the distinctive Rolex oyster architecture. It is composed of a monobloc middle case, a triple-lock screw down winding crown and a solid stainless steel screw down case back.
The watch is powered by an impressive 3135 Calibre which is a very precise self-winding mechanical movement produced exclusively by Rolex. Just like all Rolex Perpetual mechanisms, the 3135 Calibre has been certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute for its high precision and extreme durability. This very reliable movement includes a Parachrom hairspring that offers better resistance to temperature and shocks changes.
The flat three piece links Oyster bracelet is the ideal combination of function and form, technology and design, created to be extremely comfortable and robust. The band comes with a folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Rolex Glidelock extension system. The special safety clasp prevents it from opening accidentally while the Glidelock allows you to adjust the length of the bracelet without using special tools.
The Rolex Submariner does not need any presentations. It is an iconic timepiece that is well-known for its abilities of diving at depths of 300 meters, impressive precision and flawless design. It is a gorgeous watch that has a unique horological charm.
Lous – :
What do you think about the new Submariner? I have recently bought myself 116610LN. There are a couple of very visible aesthetic difference that for me made this watch more appealing than the older versions, but there are many people who consider the classic one as being better and more representative for the iconic diver’s watch. What do you think?
Thomas – :
I am not an expert in watches, but I am a huge fan of the Sub. I currently own two. One is the newer model you were mentioning earlier and the other is the 16610. The older version was given to me as a gift from my father when I graduated and the second one I purchased recently after seeing it on a business partner’s wrist.
When next to each other, the difference is striking. Even though Rolex is famous for the subtle upgrades brought to its watches, this model has been improved massively. The first thing you notice is the maxi case. The larger hour markers and hands coated with blue lume accentuate the sportiness of the Sub and give it a more modern appeal.
Another thing that is impossible to miss is the wider lugs which epitomize the watch’s masculine personality. Ceramic bezel not only has a dramatic shine, but it is also considerably more resistant to scratches, corrosion and light discoloration. And finally, the bracelet. The dull solid end links, the Glidelock system and Easylock feature were the missing pieces for completing this legendary watch.
Louis – :
Even though I do not have the classic Sub, I like the new one for all the reasons you have mentioned before. Regardless of the appeal a vintage timepiece has on collectors and enthusiasts you simply can not help yourself from appreciating Rolex for the aesthetic and technical improvements it brought to its best selling model, the Submariner.
Thomas – :
Exactly 😉
B.T. Thompson – :
Great review…thanks! I am looking forward to getting my new Sub even more now.
Addie – :
I have noticed that Rolex has upgraded its classic Submariner. The newer version is identified by the ref. no 116610ln. There are a few changes that I really do not know that much about, but the most discussed thing about this watch is the new Cerachrom bezel. From what I have read it is a sort of Ceramic, but more resistant. Can someone please explain why is this material better and what does it do?
Alex – :
It is a special colored Ceramic which is obtained by heating the solid bloc of Ceramic at 870°- 900° C. The name was patented by Rolex in 2005 and comes from the English term “ceramic” and the Greek word “chrom” which means “color”. This material is resistant to scratches, corrosion and its color is unaffected by ultraviolet rays. To make it even more special, Rolex has diamond polished its surface and coated the 24-hour graduations with a thin layer of platinum.