Rolex Submariner Date 16610 - Specifications, Prices and Owners' Reviews

What can be said that is really original about the Submariner. A legendary model for many of us. New Rich Roro for others. What is certain is that this watch does not leave you indifferent. For my 40th birthday, I had a Reverso in mind but it was too much of a duplication with my IWC Portofino which I will talk about another day. I was not necessarily a big fan of Rolex but working in reliability/durability, I had a good opinion of the quality of their products. And the Submariner was a natural choice. But it would be a Vintage because I was not a big fan of the latest productions that I found too massive. And once on the wrist, this watch immediately won me over. At Rolex, there are no excessive complications. It is sober, timeless, robust and reliable. The 16610 that I have, from 1990, with tritium indices, is probably the right compromise between original design, quality of the 3135 mechanism and modernity with its sapphire crystal. It is the last of the best Submariners for many fans before the 6 digits, the engraved flanges and the thickened horns. Small downside on the bracelet that I always found a little "cheap" at the buckle level. A good alternative is to wear it on a Nato strap. In any case, if there were only one left in my "small collection", it would certainly be this one.

I have had this watch since 2006. It has never disappointed me. It is reliable, robust and timeless. Its precision is of the order of one to two seconds per day. In my opinion, finer and more elegant than recent models, this watch will accompany me for many more years. The only downside is that I find that it is a watch that we see a lot (too much). This takes away a little of its interest.

Too common, too "social success", too "Séguéla". All these clichés of the Submariner had reached me and decided that there was no point in buying one. There are still a few pretty, reliable and less expensive 300 m divers on the market. And then at the time, about 4 years ago, I was looking for a BLANCPAIN Léman in white gold with a blue dial.......We're starting from a long way back......Really nothing to do with it! How can you want a gold dress watch, very rare in blue, and buy a rather common sports diver? Simply by chance. I was walking around a big city with my wife when I saw a shop specializing in old ROLEX watches. "Just a quick look, my dear". Given my wife's face, the look had better be quick. I go in and I see several Submariners among others. And there, there was one that stood out from the crowd. At first glance, it looked like all the other 16610s present (which my wife did not fail to point out to me!), but its condition was exceptional. The watch dated from 1998 but had hardly been worn, never polished, no patina. In mint condition. And there, I saw myself going back in time 25/30 years, to the time when preconceived ideas about the Submariner had no hold on me. I remembered that I liked its adventurous side, the concept of an indestructible watch that makes this watch THE watch of a lifetime. But hey, when I saw the price, my wife quickly brought me back down to earth. So, I promised her to abandon the BLANCPAIN project, and she gave in. Otherwise, it is a 16610 from 1998 (last tritium) entirely original, with all the papers, boxes and goodies possible. For the specs, I will not come back to it; everything has already been said. The finish is really very neat. The precision of the movement is exceptional: 0 to + 1 s/day on 5 positions, and this for 4 years. It is the most precise watch in my collection. And no, it is not big. A diameter of 40 mm and a contained thickness make it a completely classic watch on the wrist. To conclude, I have not regretted this purchase at any time, and so you should never say Never!!