Everyday divers’ watch from Rolex
The Submariner is a quintessential divers watch produced by Rolex. The Submariner model represents a historic turning point in diving watches. When the Submariner was released in 1953, it was the first divers watch that had a waterproofness to 100 metres. This combined with the breakthrough Rolex had with its revolutionary Oyster bracelet design in 1926 represented the two significant turning points in the diving watch history.
Rolex had created the Submariner with a specific goal in mind, to be used for underwater exploration and diving. Not only had Rolex met this goal, they also paved the way for how diving watches should be made. When the Submariner was released, it was given to many deep-sea professionals to be worn and tested during their diving exploration missions. Dimitri Rebikoff (a well-known French Engineer recognised for his work involved in underwater photography) loved the watch so much that he stated “it not only held its own when tested in extreme diving conditions but also proved itself to be a vital equipment to a diver’s arsenal”.
Over the years, the Submariner has become a modern icon in Rolex’s professional collection. The Submariner is so popular that it can be found on the wrists of people from many different professions. This particular model is also known as the ‘Hulk’ due to its beautiful green sunburst dial and bezel.
The dial is not just a standard green finish either. The sunburst dial has different shades of green from light to bright green depending on how the light reflects from the dial. While the green may not be everyone’s cup of tea, you can’t deny the instant attraction the green dial creates to the wearer. The Hulk is definitely an eye catching piece in the Rolex collection.
The rest of the dial on the Submariner Date 116610LV is representative of Rolex’s iconic features. Rolex’s circular hour markers are made from 18ct gold to prevent tarnishing. The 12 o’clock marker being the large inverted triangle is also present in this model. Also Rolex’s standard three-pointed hour hand along with the Cyclops date window is present as well to make the Submariner a well-rounded timepiece.
As with all Submariner models currently available, the Submariner date 116610LV has the unidirectional rotatable bezel as well. This bezel is one of the key features in the Submariner design. The Cerachrom bezel is manufactured from a hard corrosion resistant ceramic that makes it scratch-proof. The bezel is also unaffected by ultraviolet rays and chlorinated water, which essentially means that the colour on the bezel will remain intact in any condition.
Another key feature in the bezel is the knurled edges. This feature is designed by Rolex with the purpose of providing outstanding grip when trying to set the dive time. The knurled edges becomes very useful when the wearer rotates the bezel underwater.
To increase the legibility of the watch in dimly lit areas or when deep underwater, the bezel has a luminescent capsule on the zero marker (where the triangle is on the 12 o’clock position with the bezel reset). This luminescent capsule termed “Chromalight” by Rolex is a great innovation to help improve visibility on the watch for divers.
The Submariner Date 116610LV is powered by a caliber 3135 self-winding mechanical movement that is designed and manufactured fully in-house by Rolex. Caliber 3135 has a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The water resistance of the watch has also been increased by a substantial amount from the original Submariner design, from 100 meters to 300 meters’ waterproof. The Submariner bracelet can withstand any type of pressure thanks to its 3-piece link set up and the folding Oyster lock safety clasp. The clasp also comes equipped with the quick extension (glide lock extension system as Rolex calls it) which gives the wearer the flexibility to adjust the bracelet length to suit the occasion.
How does the Rolex Submariner wear?
As briefly touched on earlier, the practicality of this watch is not just limited to pro-divers. Due to its robust and reliable construction with a 40mm casing, this watch can be worn occasionally or daily. On a 7 inch wrist, submariner fits nicely with the lugs sitting just on the edge of the wrist. With a thickness of approximately 13mm, watch is not big enough to be noticeable by the wearer and with the use of Rolex glidelock system, watch clasp can be quickly adjusted to changing enviornement without using any tools. Also the brushed oystersteel bracelet compliment the green dial well enough to keep the focus on the beautiful green dial. All these factors considered submariner gives the flexibility to wear it in the office, beach and even for a formal events quite comfortably .
Rolex Submariner has three variants that comes in Oystersteel, green dial with date (reference 116610LV), Black dial with date ( Reference 116610LN) and Black dial with no date (Reference 114060). Two variants that come in combination of Oystersteel and yellow gold and two variants for each of the precious metals ( yellow gold and white gold).
As this watch is so popular, chances of walking into an AD and picking up the watch is extremely unlikely. However, you can get the AD to add your name to the waitlist.
Rolex Submariner Date 116610LV Specification:
- Case diameter : 40mm
- Case Material : Oystersteel
- Bezel : Unidirectional scratch-resistant cerachrom insert in ceramic , numerals and graduations coated in platinum
- Crystal : Scratch-resistance Sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date
- Water Resistance : 300m/1000 feet
- Movement : Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding 3135 movement.
- Precision : -2/+2 sec/day after casing
- Power Reserve : Approximately 48 hours
- Bracelet : Oystersteel bracelet. Folding oysterlock safety clasp with Rolex glidelock extension system
