Rolex Submariner 16610 40mm 2000

Rolex Submariner 16610: A Modern Classic in the Submariner Line

Introduction

First introduced in the early 1950s, it quickly became a benchmark for underwater reliability and durability. By the time the reference 16610 entered the catalogue, Rolex had decades of incremental improvements behind it. This reference carried forward the lineage of the Submariner while introducing technical updates that reflected changing standards in the watch industry. Measuring 40mm, it bridged the gap between the vintage Submariners of earlier decades and the more modern interpretations that followed.

The Origins of the Submariner

The Submariner story began in 1953 with the reference 6204, unveiled at the Basel Fair. This was Rolex’s answer to the growing interest in underwater exploration and commercial diving. The watch featured a rotating bezel to track elapsed time, luminous markers for visibility in low light, and a waterproof Oyster case. These core elements set the blueprint that the Submariner has adhered to for over seventy years.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Rolex refined the Submariner design through a series of references. The 6205 and 6538 followed, each improving water resistance and movement reliability. The 5512 and 5513, introduced in the early 1960s, became some of the longest-running Submariner models. With crown guards, chronometer certification (on the 5512), and the use of tritium lume, these references solidified the Submariner as a tool for both professional and recreational divers.

Transition to the Modern Era

The introduction of the reference 1680 in the late 1960s marked a major shift. This was the first Submariner to feature a date complication, with the addition of the magnifying Cyclops lens on the crystal. While purists debated the need for a date on a dive watch, the popularity of the model proved that Rolex had tapped into a broader audience who valued daily practicality as much as underwater functionality.

The 16800 and 168000 references of the late 1970s and 1980s brought further changes. These included a sapphire crystal, improved water resistance to 300 metres, and the introduction of the quickset date function. These were critical steps in moving the Submariner into a new era of robustness and convenience.

Arrival of the 16610

Introduced in the late 1980s, the 16610 replaced the 168000 and carried the Submariner through nearly two decades of production. It retained the 40mm case, sapphire crystal, and 300-metre depth rating but introduced the calibre 3135 movement. This movement featured a full balance bridge, larger balance wheel, and an improved winding system, enhancing both durability and accuracy.

The 16610 also came fitted with a unidirectional bezel, a key safety feature for diving. Earlier bidirectional bezels carried the risk of accidental movement that could overestimate remaining dive time, but the unidirectional mechanism ensured timing could only be shortened, not lengthened.

Case and Bracelet

The stainless steel Oyster case measured 40mm, striking a balance between presence and wearability. The proportions were slim compared to the later “Super Case” Submariners, making it versatile both as a dive tool and a daily watch. The case construction adhered to Rolex’s established formula of a screw-down crown with Triplock system and a solid caseback.

The bracelet paired with the 16610 was the Oyster 93150 in earlier years, later transitioning to the 93250. These featured solid outer links with hollow centre links initially, followed by upgrades to solid end links. The flip-lock clasp with diver’s extension allowed for secure fitment over wetsuits, while remaining practical for everyday wear.

Dial and Lume Evolution

The dials of the 16610 underwent subtle changes during its production run. Early models featured tritium lume, marked “Swiss-T<25” at the base of the dial. By the late 1990s, Rolex transitioned to Luminova, which provided non-radioactive luminescence. Eventually, Super-Luminova became standard, offering stronger and longer-lasting glow in dark conditions.

These transitions make it possible to identify periods within the 16610’s lifespan. Tritium examples developed patina over time, often turning creamy or yellow, giving them vintage appeal. Luminova and Super-Luminova dials, on the other hand, typically remain white and stable, reflecting the modern look Rolex was moving towards.

Bezel and Insert

The bezel insert of the 16610 was made of anodised aluminium, with white numerals against a black background. Unlike the ceramic inserts of later models, these aluminium inserts were prone to fading, scratches, and wear. For many, this adds character, as inserts can fade to grey or blue tones depending on exposure to sunlight and seawater. The bezel itself featured serrated edges for grip and was unidirectional with 120 clicks, providing precise and secure timing intervals.

Movement: Calibre 3135

At the heart of the 16610 was the Rolex calibre 3135. Introduced in 1988, this automatic movement became the brand’s workhorse for decades. It operated at 28,800 vibrations per hour, featured 31 jewels, and incorporated a quickset date function. The movement was chronometer-certified, meeting COSC standards for accuracy.

Durability was a central focus of the 3135, with components such as the full balance bridge and a free-sprung balance ensuring stability against shocks. The movement also introduced a larger balance wheel, improving precision. It remained in production for over 30 years, a testament to its reliability and functionality.

Wearing the 16610

The Submariner 16610 wore comfortably on the wrist thanks to its slim case profile and 40mm size. The proportions remained faithful to earlier Submariners, making it suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes. Its versatility extended beyond diving, as it was equally at home in casual or professional settings. The Oyster bracelet, with its brushed finish and secure clasp, contributed to a balanced and practical fit.

The Submariner in Popular Culture

Throughout its life, the Submariner line has appeared in films, on the wrists of military divers, and in countless advertisements. The 16610 itself carried forward this legacy, becoming a recognisable watch across the world. While earlier Submariners were associated with James Bond films of the 1960s and 1970s, the 16610 era solidified the watch’s role as an everyday companion for a wider audience, bridging professional use and lifestyle appeal.

Evolution Beyond the 16610

The 16610 remained in production until 2010, when it was replaced by the reference 116610. This successor introduced a Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert, solid centre links in the bracelet, and the broader “Super Case” design with thicker lugs and crown guards. These updates modernised the Submariner but also made the 16610 the last of the slimmer, traditionally proportioned Submariners with an aluminium bezel insert.

The Submariner Lineage in Retrospect

Looking back, the Submariner’s evolution reflects the gradual improvement of tool watches over decades. Each reference introduced practical enhancements while retaining the DNA established in 1953. The 16610 occupies a distinctive place in this lineage. It combined modern features like the sapphire crystal and calibre 3135 movement with design cues and proportions that still echoed the classic models of the 1960s and 1970s.

Technical Specifications of the 16610

• Case: 40mm stainless steel Oyster case with Triplock crown
• Crystal: Sapphire with Cyclops lens over date
• Water resistance: 300 metres
• Bezel: Unidirectional rotating bezel with aluminium insert
• Movement: Automatic calibre 3135, 31 jewels, 28,800 vph, COSC certified
• Bracelet: Oyster 93150/93250 with flip-lock clasp and diver’s extension
• Lume: Tritium, Luminova, or Super-Luminova depending on production period

Historical Significance of the Submariner

The Submariner as a line is arguably the most influential dive watch ever made. Its introduction coincided with the rise of scuba diving as both a professional activity and a recreational pursuit. From the 1950s onwards, Rolex positioned the Submariner as a tool watch, tested by divers, militaries, and explorers. Over time, as dive computers began to replace mechanical watches for underwater use, the Submariner’s role shifted. It became as much a versatile wristwatch for daily life as it was a backup instrument for diving.

The Submariner has been in continuous production for over seven decades. Few watches can claim that kind of unbroken lineage. Its design consistency, combined with steady technical improvements, has made it a reference point for the entire category of dive watches. The 16610 sits in the middle of this history, carrying the line from the vintage era into the 21st century.

Why the 16610 Stands Out in the Submariner Timeline

The 16610 represented stability and refinement rather than radical change. By the time it was released, Rolex had already established the formula for the modern Submariner: 40mm Oyster case, sapphire crystal, 300m depth rating, and automatic movement. The updates it introduced were evolutionary, not revolutionary.

It was also one of the longest-running Submariner references, remaining in production for over two decades. This longevity ensured it became a familiar sight and a reliable choice for those seeking a durable dive watch. It is also the last Submariner reference to use an aluminium bezel insert, a detail that gives it a connection to earlier models and sets it apart from its ceramic-bezel successors.

Final Thoughts

The Rolex Submariner 16610 represents a crucial chapter in the evolution of the Submariner line. It combined proven design with the calibre 3135 movement and modern materials, yet retained the proportions and aluminium bezel that tied it to its predecessors. Produced for over two decades, it became one of the most recognisable watches of its era and a bridge between the vintage and modern Submariners

• Case in good condition, hairlines visible around the case.
• Case has been polished
• Bracelet in great condition, light hairlines visible.

  Dial and hands are flawless.