Pre-owned Rolex Submariner 16610 guide
Production details of the Submariner 16610
The Rolex Submariner 16610 has been produced between late 1986 and 2010 (possible serial numbers from 9 290 000 to V 999 999). The Rolex Submariner Ref. 16610 is equipped with the Rolex movement with automatic mechanics, the calibre 3135, 31 jewels with quick date change.
The production of the 16610 also marked the introduction of the calibre 3135, still used for the Submariner Date 116610. This model is declined in 18K gold under the reference 16618 and also in Gold/Steel under the reference 16613.
Rolex Submariner 16610 40mm
The main characteristics of the Rolex Submariner 16610
Its differences, or advances, compared to its ancestors the Rolex Submariner 1680 or the Rolex Submariner 16800, are:
- the Oyster case now in steel 904L
- the bracelet with the "Flip Lock" clasp
- a screwable "Trip Lock" crown
- a sapphire crystal
- the famous Solid End Links (SEL), i.e. the end links of solid bracelets, introduced around 2000, randomly and then serially.
- a new movement: the Rolex caliber 3135
- the water resistance of this professional diver's watch is maintained at 300m (1000ft).
Five types of dials for the Submariner 16610:
-Mark I dial: from 1989 to 1998 inscription SWISS-T< 25 at 6 o'clock. (possible serial numbers from 9 290 000 to U xxx xxx)
-Mark II dial: from 1998 to 1999 SWISS inscription at 6 o'clock (possible serial numbers from U 000 001 to A 999 999)
-Mark III dial: from 2000 to 2006 SWISS MADE inscription at 6 o'clock (possible serial numbers from A 000 001 to Z 999 999) Appearance in 2003 of the 16610T, end of the pierced between-horns.
-Mark IV dial : from 2006 to 2008 inscription SWISS MADE at 6 o'clock (possible serial numbers from Z 000 001 to V 999 999) but the 1000 and the 300 have now their zeros completely round and no longer ovalized. Appearance of the engraved top in 2007.
-Mark V dial: from 2008 to 2009 inscription SWISS MADE at 6 o'clock (possible serial numbers from M 000 001 to V 999 999) inscription Oyster Perpetual Date with more space between the words than before.
Rolex Submariner 16610 dial types
Two types of bracelets :
- Oyster bracelet ref.93150 (possible serial numbers from 9 290 000 to Y 999 999 )
- New Oyster SEL bracelet ref.93250 introduction from 2000 to 2003 (serial numbers possible from P 000 001)
Our opinion:
The Rolex Submariner 16610 saw its production stopped in 2010 and was replaced by the 116610 which is radically different from the previous Submariner by the shape of its case and its shiny ceramic bezel.
It is thus the last of a "line" with this Oyster case, finally benefiting from a SEL bracelet and still having the pierced lugs, so important to Sub lovers, allowing an easy strap change.
It is probably the most accomplished of the Rolex Submariner, bringing important technical improvements and keeping aspects essential to its charm, such as its bezel which does not have the brilliance of ceramics but rather tends to skate.
Prefer models with solid end links (SEL).
Value of a pre-owned Rolex Submariner 16610
On the second-hand market in 2020, it is necessary to count approximately $8,000 including all taxes for a second-hand Rolex Submariner 16610 in good condition but without box and without papers, the authenticity of these watches being easily verifiable, this last point is not so important for this model
For a watch with its original case and papers, count 10% more, that is to say approximately $8,800 including all taxes.
Its rating will not stop climbing, in 2020 the Rolex Submariner 16610 has an average value of $8,500, or 39% more than in 2014. It is an excellent investment, in addition to being a magnificent watch.
And finally, if like us you love rare vintage Rolex, don't miss our daily selection of vintage and second-hand Rolexes. There are some real rarities out there! Here's our daily list of interesting pre-owned Rolex available on the web.
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