One of the most iconic dive watches ever made is getting its time to shine brighter than ever. Join us as we do an in-depth and though Rolex Submariner Date review.
The Rolex Submariner is not the first diver watch ever made and surely not the last. However, it is the one that popularized dive watches for the non-professional. The Submariner started a trend and popularized the iconic look of a dive watch and watched it become what it is today. Let’s dive right in then, shall we?
Rolex Submariner Date 116610LN Review
The Submariner has steadily evolved over many years. As new horological technologies emerged, many patented by Rolex, the Submariner only got better, more accurate and more reliable. One thing that stayed the same is the iconic look of the Submariner. While over time watches have been designed larger, the Submariner, which started as a 36mm watch in 1955, over time it grew and now stands at a larger yet conservative size of 40mm that it is today.
It wasn’t until 1966 that the Submariner Date was added to the long line of Submariners that have graced the wrists of those fortunate enough to have one. Complete with the Cyclops lens which magnified the date display, the Submariner collection now offered a new feature which became one of the most recognizable symbols of a Rolex watch.
DIAL
The stainless-steel hands of the Rolex Submariner date is filled with luminescent material as well allowing for maximum visibility in low-light conditions. The Cyclops lens sits on top of the date window at the three o’clock position magnifying the date.
The black dial features applied luminescent hour markers featuring polished steel rims and a printed seconds track can be found on the perimeter. The hour markers use a combination of different shapes: index hour markers are used for the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions. All other hour markers aside from the triangle hour marker at the 12 o’clock position using a round shape.
MOVEMENT
After many mechanical calibers graced the cases of the Submariner over the years, the 116610LN is now powered by the in-house Rolex 3135 Automatic movement. Why had Rolex chosen this self-winding caliber for the Submariner?
The 31 jewel 3135 movement uses the guardian of time oscillator which consists of a balance wheel and Rolex’s patented Parachrom magnetic resistant hairspring. A spring that outperforms traditional hairsprings ten-to-one even in the event of it undergoing shock.
In addition to the remarkable oscillator, it is a Swiss-made chronometer which underwent many tests by COSC. Aside from the fact that the 3135 is a COSC certified caliber, it, like all mechanical Replica Rolex watches, received further adjustments once it was returned to the Rolex manufacture after receiving its prestigious mechanical pedigree at COSC.
These in-house adjustments bring the accuracy up to -2/+2 seconds per day precision and this is over twice as accurate as a certified COSC chronometer. Hence the printing of the words SuperlativeChronometer on the dial.
CASE
The 40mm case is made of 904L steel and is 13mm thick. It’s a nice size for everyday use and not as thick as the Rolex Sea-Dweller or Deepsea watch The front of the case and lugs use a satin/brushed finish with polished bevels and edges and crown guards. The crown is also polished and uses a patented Triplock locking system ensuring that the crown screws-down to the oyster case. This, along with the screwed-down solid steel case back locks the crown and tightens the case with the same security as a submarine hatch allowing for an up to 1000ft / 300m water resistance rating.
BEZEL
The 116610LN features a bezel that rotates in a single direction and is made of polished steel with a grippy ribbed edge. The bezel has a black Cerachom bezel insert. This ceramic bezel is highly resistant to the color fading that is associated with exposure to ultraviolet rays. This material is also very scratch-resistant and is great at avoiding corrosion. The bezel features a luminous dot at the start position and matte silver-toned numbers and graduated indices.
BRACELET
The Submariner 116610LN is equipped with an Oyster bracelet that is made of 904L Oystersteel and uses Rolex’s Glidelock extension system that allows you to easily make adjustments to the bracelet’s size. This contraption allows for up to 20 millimeters of total adjustment in 2mm increments. All without the use of any tools.
The steel bracelet has a nice brushed finish with polished edges and is fastened with a folding safety clasp with a safety latch and is designed for maximum comfort and long-term use.
