The Rolex Submariner 116610 came to market in 2010 and is the brand’s most recent stainless steel dive watch. While it offers many notable upgrades – more on that later – the most desirable is the ceramic bezel insert.
Patented by Rolex as “Cerachrom”, the bezel insert features platinum graduations and ceramic material and is highly resistant to scratches, corrosion, and fading. Even when exposed to sun and salt water, the ceramic insert will maintain a rich, even hue for many years. 904L Oystersteel produced in-house and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal further enhance the toughness of the case and bracelet for professional use, more specifically diving.
The Rolex Submariner still runs on a the calibre 3135 self-winding movement and now offers an in-house Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. This feature debuted in 2000 and provides ten times more shock resistance than 5-digit Submariner references. The modern calibre 3135 with increased shock resistance is one of the brand’s most reliable movements.
Aesthetically, the Rolex Submariner 116610 also received many obvious upgrades, including the addition of a modern maxi dial with larger hour markers and wider hands. The luminous material used on the dial is the brand’s upgraded Chromalight, which is set into white gold and is designed to offer a distinct blue glow for up to 8 continuous hours. The improved luminous material coupled with a larger display on the dial makes for a legible reading while in the ocean.
At 40mm, the case maintains a traditional Submariner measurement but wears slightly bigger on the wrist. This is due to the broader lugs are broader, and the larger crown guards with a more squared-off aesthetic like a few earlier Submariner models. Dubbed the “Super Case”, the new-style Oyster maintains a comfortable yet contemporary hold that wears easily under a formal dress sleeve or over a wetsuit. The case is also waterproof up to 300 meters or 1,000 feet, a depth rating that is credited to a solid screw-down case back and a Triplock crown that both screw into a Monobloc middle case. This process hermetically seals the case and protects it from the immense pressures experienced at such depths
Solid center links, solid end links, and a new-style Oysterlock clasp on the upgraded bracelet counter the weight of the robust Oyster case for a supremely comfortable hold. A Glidelock sliding extension system is built into the clasp itself and can be adjusted up to 20mm without the use of tools to accommodate a wetsuit or the fluctuation of the wrist throughout the day.
The Rolex Submariner is also available in two-tone, white gold, and yellow gold options as well as different dial and bezel colors. However, the stainless steel and black dial and bezel ref. 116610 remains one of the most desirable for its iconic appeal and low supply. Getting your hands on one may be harder than anticipated, due to the limited supply. You may not even have access to it unless you’ve made plenty of other purchases with your local Authorized Dealer.
Fortunately, there is a way to bypass the Authorized Dealer. Merchants like Bob’s Watches carry these models and makes it available to your non-VIP Rolex customers.
