The Rolex Submariner 16610, produced from 1988 to 2010, holds a special place in the hearts of watch enthusiasts. This iconic dive watch, a successor to the revered 5513, represents a significant chapter in Rolex's history, offering a blend of robust functionality, timeless design, and enduring value. While variations exist within the 16610 lineage, the core characteristics remain consistent, making it a highly sought-after collectible and a reliable daily wearer. This article delves deep into the specifics of the Rolex Submariner 16610, exploring its technical specifications, variations, pricing trends, and overall appeal.
Rolex Submariner 16610 Specs:
The Rolex Submariner 16610 boasts a 40mm stainless steel Oyster case, water-resistant to 300 meters (1000 feet). This robust construction, a hallmark of Rolex, ensures durability in even the most challenging underwater environments. The unidirectional rotating bezel, crucial for safe diving, is crafted from scratch-resistant ceramic (later models) or aluminum (earlier models), featuring luminous markers for easy readability in low-light conditions. The dial, typically black, features luminous hour markers and hands, ensuring excellent legibility underwater.
At the heart of the 16610 beats the caliber 3135, an automatic self-winding movement renowned for its precision and reliability. This in-house movement offers a power reserve of approximately 48 hours, a testament to Rolex's commitment to horological excellence. The movement is protected by a specially designed shock-absorbing system, further enhancing its robustness. The date window, positioned at 3 o'clock, is magnified by a Cyclops lens, a characteristic feature of the Submariner Date models. The bracelet is typically the Oyster bracelet, known for its comfort and strength, featuring solid links and a secure Oysterlock clasp with a Glidelock extension system for easy adjustment.
Variations Among Rolex Submariner Date 16610 Models:
The variations among Rolex Submariner Date 16610 models are, as mentioned, relatively minor but significant to collectors. The most substantial changes throughout its production run concern the luminous material and the bezel insert material.
* Luminous Material: Early 16610 models utilized tritium as the luminous material. Tritium, however, is radioactive, albeit with low-level emissions. Later models transitioned to a non-radioactive luminescent material, primarily Luminova, resulting in a slightly different glow characteristic. This shift marks a significant distinction between early and later production runs. The change in luminous material is arguably the most important factor in determining the value and desirability of a specific 16610.
* Bezel Insert Material: Early models featured aluminum bezel inserts, which are prone to fading and scratching over time. Later models incorporated ceramic bezel inserts, offering superior scratch resistance and color retention. The transition to ceramic bezels is another key differentiator among 16610 models.
* Serial Numbers: The serial number on the watch case can be used to determine the approximate year of manufacture. This allows collectors to pinpoint the specific features and materials used in a particular watch. Rolex's serial number system evolved over the years, providing a chronological record of production.
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