One of the most iconic dive watches ever built is getting its time to shine brighter than ever. Join us as we do an in-depth and detailed Rolex Submariner Date review.
The Rolex Submariner is not the first diver watch ever made and surely not the last. However, it is the one that promoted dive watches for the non-professional. The Submariner started a trend and promoted the iconic look of a dive watch and watched it become what it is today. Let’s dive right in then, shall we?
Rolex Submariner Date Review
The Submariner has steadily evolved over many years. As new horological technologies emerged, many patented by Rolex, the Submariner only got better, more precise and more reliable. One thing that stayed the same is the classic look of the Submariner. While over time watches have been designed bigger, the Submariner, which started as a 36mm watch in 1955, over time grew and now stands at a larger yet traditional size of 40mm that it is today.
It wasn’t until 1966 that the Submariner Date was added to the long line of Submariners that have to beautify the wrists of those fortunate enough to have one. Complete with the Cyclops lens which magnified the date display, the Submariner collection now offered a new feature that became one of the most recognizable symbols of a Rolex watch.
DIAL
The stainless-steel hands of the Rolex Submariner date are filled with fluorescent material as well allowing for maximum visualness in low-light conditions. The Cyclops lens sits on top of the date window at the three o’clock position enhancing the date.
The black dial features applied fluorescent hour markers featuring polished steel rims and a printed seconds track can be found on the perimeter. The hour markers use a sequence of different shapes: index hour markers are used for the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions. All other hour markers separately from the triangle hour marker at the 12 o’clock position using a round shape.
MOVEMENT
After many mechanical calibres graced the cases of the Submariner over many years, the 116610LN is powered now by the in-house Rolex 3135 Automatic action. Why had Rolex chosen this self-winding calibre for the Submariner?
The 31 jewel 3135 movement uses the timekeeper oscillator which consists of a balance wheel and Rolex’s patented Parachrom magnetic resistant hairspring. A spring that outperforms classic hairsprings ten-to-one even in the event of it undergoing shock.
In addition to the unique oscillator, it is a Swiss-made chronometer that has undergone many tests by COSC. Away from the fact that the 3135 is a COSC certified calibre, it, like all mechanical Rolex watches, received more improvement once it was restored to the Rolex product after taking its prestigious mechanical pedigree at COSC.
These in-house improvements bring accuracy up to -2/+2 seconds per day precision and this is over twice as accurate as a certified COSC chronometer. Thus the printing of the words Superlative Chronometer on the dial.
CASE
The 40mm case is made of 904L steel and is 13mm wide. It's a nice size for everyday use and not as wide as the Rolex Sea-Dweller or Deepsea watch. The front of the case and lugs use a satin/brushed finish with polished bevels and edges and crown guards. The crown is also refined and uses a patented Triplock locking system assuring that the crown screws-down to the oyster case. This, along with the screwed-down solid steel case back locks the crown and tightens the case with the same security as a submarine device allowing for an up to 1000ft / 300m water resistance rating.
BEZEL
The 116610LN features a bezel that rotates in one direction and is made of refined steel with a grippy ribbed edge. The bezel has a black Cerachom bezel tucked in. This ceramic bezel is highly resistant to the colour fading that is combined with exposure to ultraviolet rays. This material is also very scratch-resistant and is great to avoid corrosion. The bezel features a vivid dot at the start position and matte silver-toned numbers and graduated indices.
BRACELET
The Submariner 116610LN is equipped with an Oyster bracelet that is made of 904L Oystersteel and uses Rolex’s Glidelock extension system that allows you to easily make improvements to the bracelet’s size. This contraption allows for up to 20 millimetres of total adjustment in 2mm increments. All without applying any tools.
The steel bracelet has a nice brushed finish with refined edges and is fastened with a folding safety clasp with a safety latch and is designed for maximum comfort and long-term use.