Rolex Submariner 14060M (2007): the modern-classic no-date diver

Overview

The 14060M sits at a sweet spot in the Submariner lineage: the purity of the no-date layout, classic proportions, aluminium bezel, and drilled-case heritage on earlier examples—yet with the mechanical and material improvements that brought the model into the 21st century. For collectors who want the look and wearability of the five-digit era, with the robustness of Rolex’s updated calibre and a sapphire crystal, a 14060M from this period is hard to beat.

Where the 14060M fits in the family tree

Rolex launched the 14060M as an evolution of the 14060, retaining the 40 mm Oystersteel case, 20 mm lugs and 300 m water resistance, but upgrading the movement to the calibre 3130. The “M” literally stands for “Modified”, signalling the change under the bonnet rather than a cosmetic overhaul. It kept the no-date dial (so no cyclops), the classic aluminium bezel insert with an applied luminous pearl at 12, and the time-only functionality that many consider the Submariner in its most distilled form. The bracelet remained the flip-lock 93150 with dive extension—lightweight on wrist, easy to size, and perfectly matched to the case geometry of the era.

What makes a 2000s example appealing

This period balances vintage cues and modern practicality. You still get the slimmer lugs and older-style clasp that make five-digit Subs wear flatter and lighter than later maxi-case models, along with a gloss black dial and white-gold surrounds to the hour markers for better longevity. Super-LumiNova replaces earlier luminous compounds, giving a clean, neutral night glow without the ageing variability of tritium. Inside, the 3130 brings a larger balance bridge and revised architecture for stability and serviceability—one of the key reasons these watches feel so solid in daily use.

2007 specifics at a glance

Examples from this year typically fall into the late Z-serial and early M-serial range. Most will show the classic “two-line” dial—simply “SUBMARINER” and “1000ft=300m”—indicating the non-COSC version of the 14060M. Around the tail end of this period and into the following year, Rolex began phasing in the chronometer-certified variant with four lines of text (“Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified”). Transitional pieces exist, so you’ll see some overlap in the market. Inner rehaut engraving (the repeating “ROLEX” text around the inside of the case) also starts appearing around this time on some watches, again with crossover depending on batch and delivery. In short: two-line dials are common here; four-line and engraved-rehaut watches start to appear but are not the norm for the bulk of the year.

Case, bezel and crystal

The Oyster case remains 40 mm across with a thickness that sits comfortably under a cuff. By this time, the vast majority of cases no longer have drilled lug holes, giving a cleaner profile on the flanks. The bezel is the classic, coin-edge, 60-minute unidirectional unit with an anodised aluminium insert—matte-to-satin under harsh light and prone to picking up the light scuffs that many enthusiasts actually enjoy as honest wear. The luminous pearl at 12 is protected by a small metal surround and sits slightly proud. Up top is a flat sapphire crystal, free of anti-reflective coatings, which contributes to the dial’s rich, glossy contrast. Water resistance remains rated to 300 m, managed by the 7 mm Triplock crown and screw-down caseback.

The dial language: two-line vs four-line

One of the most discussed details on these watches is the dial text. The two-line (non-COSC) layout has a minimalist appeal and underscores the purist spirit of the no-date Submariner. The four-line (COSC-certified) layout adds “Officially Certified” language above six. Preference is personal: some value the cleaner look of the former; others prefer the technical brag of the latter. For this year, two-line dials dominate, and that often becomes a buying criterion for collectors seeking the last of the non-chronometer no-date Subs. Both dial types are glossy black with applied white-gold surrounds and Super-LumiNova luminous compound for consistent, white-to-green glow.

Movement: Rolex calibre 3130

The 3130 is a workhorse. It’s an automatic, 28,800 vph movement with a free-sprung balance and Microstella regulation, full balance bridge for shock resistance, and a bi-directional winding rotor. It omits a date mechanism entirely, reducing parts and potential points of failure, which is part of the charm and dependability of the model. The architecture is designed for long-term serviceability: robust jewels, a simple gear train layout, and plenty of parts commonality with sibling calibres. Accuracy, even in non-COSC guise, is typically excellent when properly regulated. Many watchmakers remark on the movement’s stability across positions and its ability to hold regulation over long intervals. Power reserve is around 48 hours—enough to leave it off on Friday night and find it still running Sunday morning if you’re not overly sedentary.

Bracelet and clasp

The 93150 Oyster bracelet defines the wearing experience. It’s lighter and more flexible than the solid-link bracelets on later ceramic Subs, with hollow end links (501B) and a stamped flip-lock clasp. On wrist, that translates to a watch that settles low and doesn’t “top-heavy” the way some modern divers can. Micro-adjust holes on the clasp make it easy to dial in a fit, and the dive extension remains a genuinely useful feature. Collectors often check for correct reference stamps, matching clasp codes for period, and minimal stretch. Light rattle is normal and, to many, part of the charm. If you prefer a NATO or rubber option, the 20 mm lug width means plentiful, easy strap changes.

Lume and legibility

With Super-LumiNova on the hour plots, hands, and bezel pearl, the watch glows reliably after exposure to light and doesn’t age in the unpredictable way of tritium. Daylight legibility is excellent thanks to the stark contrast of glossy black dial, polished surrounds, and matte-finished Mercedes hands. The lack of a date window gives perfect symmetry; the minute track is precise and crisp, aiding timing on the dive bezel. Under harsh lighting, the aluminium insert’s slightly different sheen compared to the gloss dial creates a subtle layered look that many associate with the era.

Wearability and ergonomics

This is a true 40 mm that wears smaller than the number suggests. Slim lugs, gentle case flank curvature, and end-links that articulate immediately from the case create a balanced footprint around the wrist. Thickness is modest, so it moves under sleeves without snagging. The crown guards are elegant and not overly bulbous, making hand-winding and time-setting straightforward even for larger fingers. The overall feel is of a tool watch—purposeful and unfussy—but with enough refinement to suit office wear, especially on the bracelet.

Collecting themes for this year

Enthusiasts often hunt within this period for three different reasons. First, the two-line dial presents the last chapter of the non-COSC no-date Submariner, a configuration with a strong following. Second, transitional details (like early rehaut engraving or dial/font minutiae) add interest without straying into obscure micro-variants. Third, condition-focused collectors can still find honest, lightly worn pieces that haven’t been over-polished, given the model’s relatively recent age. When you evaluate a watch from this year, look for a strong case profile with crisp chamfers, a bezel that rotates with defined clicks, a glossy dial free from lifting or speckling, and hands that match the dial’s luminous tone. Correct bracelet and period-appropriate clasp code are a plus.

Servicing and parts considerations

Parts availability for the 3130 remains excellent among authorised channels and competent independents. When inspecting a watch, ask for the service history: a recent, documented overhaul by a reputable watchmaker is valuable. Original aluminium inserts are increasingly cherished; a replacement is not a deal-breaker for a daily wearer, but a tidy, original insert with an intact pearl helps value. Polishing is a personal preference; many collectors now prefer cases that remain unpolished with honest hairlines, showing the correct thickness and geometry of crown guards and lugs. Pressure-testing after any service is sensible to confirm the integrity of gaskets and crown system, especially if the watch will see water.

How it compares to later ceramic Subs

Compared to the later 114060 and current references with ceramic bezels and solid-link bracelets, this watch is lighter, more svelte, and more traditional in aesthetic. You trade the scratch-resistance of ceramic and the on-the-fly micro-adjustment of Glidelock for the charm of aluminium, the utility of pin-based micro-adjust holes, and the classic case lines. Many owners of modern Subs still keep or acquire a 14060M as a complementary piece: one for contemporary robustness, one for the heritage feel.

Daily life with a 14060M

As a daily wearer, it excels. The time-only layout simplifies quick reads. The bezel is handy for everything from timing parking meters to coffee brews. The watch shrugs off knocks, and the case shape means fewer accidental scuffs on doorframes than chunkier modern divers. On the bracelet, it suits suits; on a NATO, it’s weekend-ready; on rubber, it’s a capable swim companion. The no-date also means one less setting step if you rotate in and out of other watches—just wind, set the time, and go.

Buying advice checklist

• Dial: Confirm two-line vs four-line based on your preference; both are correct for the broader transition period, with two-line examples being most common here. Check for clean printing, matching luminous tone between plots and hands, and the correct “SWISS MADE” signature at six. • Case: Assess thickness at the lugs and crown guards; soft edges suggest heavier polishing. By this time, most cases lack lug holes; if present on a watch from this year, scrutinise the rest for consistency. • Bezel: Look for smooth, positive action and correct insert fonts and pearl style for the era. Light scuffs are normal; a pristine insert may indicate replacement. • Bracelet: Ensure a 93150 with 501B end links, appropriate clasp code for period, and minimal stretch. The extension should deploy and stow crisply. • Movement: Listen for a smooth rotor, check the crown threads feel crisp, and, ideally, obtain timegrapher results. A service receipt within the last few years is a bonus. • Papers and accessories: Box and papers help, but the real value is in originality and condition. Provenance matters most when prices between examples are close.

Why collectors keep coming back to this reference

It’s the balance. The watch looks “right” in photos and even better on wrist. It offers the archetypal Submariner experience without the visual weight of later models, and it’s modern enough to be worry-free. The markets have noticed: interest has steadily shifted from purely vintage four-digit pieces to these late five-digit references as people want something they can use hard and keep long-term. Among those, the no-date 14060M remains uniquely appealing because it embodies the Submariner idea in its simplest form: time, water resistance, and a rotating bezel.

Final thoughts

If you want a Submariner that feels timeless, wears comfortably every day, and still gives you the tactile charm of the five-digit era, a 14060M from this period is a standout choice. You get the purity of a no-date dial, the reliability of the 3130, and the aesthetics that made the Submariner an icon in the first place—without drifting into bulk or complication. Choose a clean example with the dial text you prefer, verify the bracelet and case geometry, and you’ll have a watch that does everything a Submariner should, with the understated confidence that keeps people loyal to this reference year after year.

• Case in excellent condition, little to no wear visible, extremely sharp lugs.
• Bracelet in excellent condition, little to no stretch / wear visible. 
•  Both unpolished.

Dial and hands are flawless.