The Classic Rolex Submariner 16610

For many, the purchase of a Rolex symbolizes the "I made it" moment in one's life, often acquired to celebrate successes or achievements! Today, we take a closer look at Rolex's once super-popular model in the Submariner line, specifically reference 16610, which boasted an impressive production span of 21 years and stands as the longest-produced reference in the historic range of watches.

The Story of 16610 The Submariner reference 16610 was introduced in 1989, replacing its short-lived predecessor, the 16800. To the untrained eye, the 16610 and 16800 are quite challenging to distinguish from each other, as they share the same proportions and overall appearance. However, the 16610 introduced a newer movement and a different steel alloy for the case and bracelet.

Source: Wixon Jewelers 

In production for 21 years, the 16610 underwent continuous fine-tuning and perfection until the end of its lifespan, resulting in many variations of the model. Some notable changes include the replacement of Tritium lume with LumiNova in 1998 due to Tritium's radioactive properties. In 2000, the Submariner was equipped with a Parachrom (para-krom) spring, significantly enhancing the watches' shock resistance. Additionally, LumiNova was replaced with Super-LumiNova, and the bracelet was fitted with solid end links, increasing its robustness. Finally, around 2003, the Submariner lost its lug holes on the sides of the watch, marking one of the last major changes.

In 2010, the 16610 was discontinued and replaced by reference 116610. The new model truly reinforced the watch by adding a ceramic bezel, a thicker block-shaped "super case," a "maxi dial" with larger indices and hands, and brighter lume. While these changes were welcomed by many, the Submariner became a much larger emotional investment, making it challenging for some to wear. The 116610 was succeeded in 2020 by the 126610, which features a larger 41mm case and, for the first time in 31 years, a new movement.

 The Case and Bracelet of 16610 is the first Submariner to incorporate Rolex's Oystersteel, and at the risk of getting overly technical, Oystersteel resembles conventional stainless steel but possesses superior corrosion-resistant properties and the ability to be polished to a more refined finish. Although the average eye may not recognize the material upgrade, there is a sense of comfort in knowing that it is built to last!

The case of the 16610 is the epitome of a "vintage" aesthetic Submariner, making this watch more versatile than its newer counterparts. Through the use of slimmer and shorter lugs and its aluminum insert, this watch has proportions that suit almost any wrist.

Moving on to the bracelet, it wears super comfortably and robustly on the wrist. While it's often said that Rolex makes some of the best bracelets, it took experiencing it to fully agree. At the turn of the millennium, the use of solid end links emerged. This feature does a great job of securing the bracelet to the watch while eliminating the annoying rattle present in the hollow end link bracelet.

Lastly, there's the clasp... while it's comfortable and visually appealing, it's also the biggest disappointment on the watch. The clasp feels slightly cheaper than the rest of the watch, as it's stamped steel rather than milled, giving it a thinner and less substantial feel than the current Rolex clasp. Moreover, the clasp is feature-poor, lacking a quick micro-adjustment function, which would be handy on hot summer days when the wrist swells.

Overall, the 16610 case and bracelet are very nicely executed and will surely withstand a lifetime or two!

Source: Bernard Watch. Here are the two clasps. The bottom one shows the clasp from a 16610, which incorporates diver extension links, whereas in the newer clasp on the 116610, there is a built-in smart adjustable clasp,  called easy link, where you can add or remove up to 1.5 links inside the clasp, making it easy to wear the watch year-round and can be adjusted very precisely to fit your wrist.

The 16610 features the standard Submariner black dial with the 4-line text above the 6 o'clock marker and the famous Rolex Coronet below the 12 o'clock marker. The pre-maxi dial on the 16610 has smaller hands and hour markers compared to the newer models, giving the dial a simple yet elegant feel. The markers are outlined in white gold, giving them a beautiful gleam when the light hits the watch just right, a perfect contrast to the Super-LumiNova-filled indices that glow green in the dark The dial is crisp, clean, and iconic 

Source: Piezas Del Tiempo - On the left we see the 116610LN with the newer blue lume, and on the right we see the 16610LN with the older generation lume which was green.