Brand
Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 16610LN
Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 16610LN changed the game when introducing the Submariner in 1953. The model helped meet the demand for dive watches, which were growing in popularity thanks to the sport becoming more widespread. However, the Submariner became equally attractive outside the diving community among those who were looking for a sporty fashion accessory. Over the years, the Submariner has continued to straddle this line of function, form, and fashion. It's been put to the test by countless explorers, while also being seen on the wrists of celebrities around the world.
Since the Submariner's inception, Rolex has consistently upgraded and updated it with the latest technology, all while staying true to its original design. One of the first updates came in the late 1960s, when the brand added a date display to the dial. By the mid-1970s, the Submariner models began showing many of the attributes we see today, like the transition of the Submariner text on the dial from red to white, the addition of sapphire crystal in place of acrylic, a new case design that increased the model's water resistance to 300 meters, and an upgraded movement offering quick-set date functionality.
Rolex has developed a complex system of reference numbers over the years, with five-digit references, like the model we have here, being produced between the 1980s and the new millennium. The original ref. 16610 debuted in 1987 and was notable for its aluminum bezel insert, which would be replaced by ceramic in the next iteration. In addition, this iteration marked the shift from tritium to LumiNova and drilled to non-drilled lugs. The watch would go on to be produced for over two decades.
As it was offered from 1987 up into the 21st Century, the ref. 16610 Submariner spans the switch at the Crown from tritium luminous material to LumiNova. Earlier examples will patina as though they are a vintage watch while later, after roughly 1997, the numerals, hour markers, and hands will remain stark white.
This particular ref. 16610LN is a LumiNova example in excellent pre-owned condition, meaning there are very light signs of wear. There are some blemishes on the dial near the six o'clock position and around the black bezel insert, particularly near the "10" marker. The case and bracelet have been professionally refinished and have some light scratches that comes with being lived with. The case is crisply marked with the reference number and serial number, "A987XXX," between the lugs. The clasp is marked "AB2" corresponding to a February of 2000 production month. The serial number and papers date the watch to 2000. During our quality control check, any necessary adjustments are made to ensure the watch is functioning as intended.
The dial, crown, case, movement, and bracelet are all signed by Rolex. In addition, this watch comes with the original papers dated 6/16/2000, matching the serial number on the watch.
In 1905, a watchmaker named Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law Alfred Davis set up shop as Wilsdorf and Davis in London. In 1908, this company would officially register the name Rolex, and by 1915, they had relocated the brand to Switzerland, where the headquarters remain to this day. Rolex has notched countless firsts in watchmaking, such as the chronometer-certified wristwatch and the first cased wristwatch with water resistance up to 100 meters. The brand also became a ubiquitous force in our culture on the wrist of countless celebrities and as the official timekeeper of numerous sporting events.
