Rolex Submariner Date 126610LN - Review & Buying Guide
You'll encounter an extensive array of adjectives when reading about the popular Rolex model, Submariner, and they usually are always preceded by the word 'most'. For example, it can be described as the most ‘influential’, most 'iconic', most 'recognisable', most 'important' sports watch, most 'outstanding' dive watch, etc. And guess what? All of it is true!
To add to this hype, Rolex launched an updated and refreshed version of the Submariner Date 41 with some design tweaks at Watches and Wonders 2020. For a brief moment, the watch community that embraces the exquisite Submariner truly celebrated.
This latest version of one of the most iconic watches of all time deserves to be addressed. But we'll start our journey with a brief overview of this significant Rolex creation and a look back at its remarkable history.
Brief History Of The Rolex Submariner
If it's ever possible for one watch to represent the entire industry, that watch would be the 'Rolex Submariner'. Throughout its long and eventful life, the Rolex Submariner has become an essential milestone for any serious watch collection, whether in its modern iteration or one of its many hyper-popular vintage examples.
The watch's origin dates back to 1953, and it seems that Rolex had big plans for its beloved Submariner right from the beginning.
In 1954, Rolex introduced the first Submariner model to the public at the famous Baselworld trade show with Reference 6204. This was the first watch to be water-resistant up to 100m and soon became the most popular luxury sports watch. The dial (honeycomb or glossy gilt) was jet black, decorated with the same mix of batons and dots for hour markers, and an inverted triangle at 12 o'clock filled with plenty of lume. It had straight gold hands and not the Mercedes style that is present these days.
However, one minor and unavoidable drawback was the bezel. As Blancpain held the patent for the unidirectional bezel, Rolex had to use bidirectional bezels for the Submariner until the 1980s. The unidirectional bezel ensured that in case the bezel was accidentally removed underwater, it would display an extended time for the duration spent underwater, helping divers avoid the risks associated with decompression sickness.
However, Rolex was not lacking in any way. In fact, the Swiss Maison did own the rights to an arguably more important innovation—the one that the brand developed specifically for the 'Submariner'.
A specialised winding crown system was implemented as part of the Oyster case design in the mid-1920s. This crown featured a gasket that screwed into a tube within the watch case, offering excellent protection against moisture and debris that could interfere with the movement.
However, for the new purpose-built model, it was obvious that the case was going to be beefed up. The outcome was the Twinlock crown, which employed two sets of O-rings to create dual watertight seals within the winding stem assembly. This innovation allowed the Rolex Submariner to become the first dive watch offering up to 100 metres of water resistance.
The 'Modern' Rolex Submariner
Many changes and developments were offered to the Submariner through the years, and Rolex still offers its 'date' and 'no date' versions. Today, the Rolex Submariner offers water resistance of up to 300 metres and has transcended the role of a mere tool to become one of the best sports watches ever!
The most recent versions of the Rolex Submariner are the Ref. 16610 (1989-2010), featuring an aluminium bezel; the Ref. 116610 (2010-2020), featuring a Cerachrom bezel and a Super case, and the latest 41mm date version with a Cerachrom bezel, the Reference. 126610LN.
Although these three models appear very similar, they are usually the top choices when choosing a stainless steel Rolex Submariner.
Key defining characteristics of the Submariner:
- A highly robust stainless steel body
- Rotating 60-minute timing black bezel to help divers track how long they've spent underwater
- Highly luminous black dial to ensure readability in dark conditions
- Functional & comfortable stainless steel Oyster bracelet
- Remarkable water resistance
The iconic Submariner's appeal spans generations, genders, and continents, and the latest Submariner Date, Ref. 126610LN makes things even more interesting.
Join us as we dive deep into its details.
Our Initial Thoughts
A lot was said when the Rolex Submariner 126610LN was out. Very recently, we got a chance to try it out and here's what The Luxury Hut has to say about it.
Let's start by addressing the changes made to the Submariner 126610LN:
- The upsizing from 40mm to 41mm
- Lugs are slimmed down
- Bracelet widened from 20mm to 21mm
- Crown guards dialled back a notch
- Increased power reserve from 48 hours to 70 hours
- Introduction of a little crown between the 'Swiss' and 'Made' text below 6 o'clock
The Rolex Submariner 126610LN's quality is second to none at this price. It is one of the greatest sports watches you can buy today. From a design perspective, Rolex has done an outstanding job. This modern Submariner is best characterised as solid and impactful. It is a fine example of construction, machining and finishing. Actually, it is so sharp and shiny that it almost looks awkward on an imperfect human wrist.
Operating this Submariner, from the crown to the bezel and the bracelet, is quite silky smooth and tight. In fact, the entire watch feels like a solid chunk of steel built to last until the end of time while making a fashionable statement.
Review: Rolex Submariner Date Reference 126610LN
Key Specifications:
- Model: Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 126610LN
- Case Size: 41mm
- Material: Oystersteel
- Bezel: Unidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert bezel in black ceramic
- Dial: Black
- Bracelet: Stainless steel Oyster
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Movement: Automatic, Calibre 3235
- Power Reserve: 70 hours (approximately)
- Water Resistance: 300 metres
CASE
No one does a steel sports watch better than the Crown brand and the use of 904L Oystersteel ensures tight tolerances, beautiful surfaces, a fine polish, and exceptional corrosion resistance.
Embracing the current trends, Rolex updated the case from 40mm to 41mm, providing a more prominent presence on the wrist. Despite this size increase, the model features a robust monobloc case, a screw-down case back, and a screw-down crown for superior water resistance.
But the thing is, a change of only a single millimetre seems negligible when you are re-proportionating a watch design.
Also, this latest Submariner didn't actually grow by a full millimetre at all. There's just a mere rounding difference as the case went up from 40.2mm to 40.5mm. Whatever it is, this new size with a thickness of 12.3mm offers a more modern and substantial wrist presence.
With the lugs now slimmed down, the watch is almost identical to the old Submariner with wider lugs. The crown guards are reprofiled, too. In contrast to the previous generation featuring 'Maxi dials' and 'Super Cases,' this model actually harks back to vintage Submariners.
BEZEL
The unidirectional rotating bezel is equipped with a Cerachrom insert made from high-tech ceramic, which ensures resistance to fading and scratches. The bezel has 60-minute graduations coated in platinum, enhancing durability and legibility.
The bezel's knurled edge is carefully designed to offer excellent grip under water, even when you wear gloves.
The fact that the Submariner 126610LN has a super shiny bezel slightly pushes us over the edge. We'd love to see a matte ceramic alternative, which would aesthetically bring the watch back from luxury to tool watch status. We are just impossible to please, aren't we?
DIAL
The dial looks the same, even though they are technically new dials, as Rolex likes to call them. One easy way to recognise the new Sub is by the little crown between the 'Swiss' and 'Made' text below the 6 o'clock location. This subtle change highlights the watch's updated design while retaining its classic appeal.
The black dial adorns 18ct white gold hands and markers filled with Chromalight, providing excellent readability in low-light conditions with long-lasting blue luminescence. Moreover, it includes a date complication, visible through a window at 3 o'clock. This instant date change feature is especially helpful for those who require both the time and date at a quick glance.
BRACELET
The Submariner 126610LN fits a stainless steel Oyster bracelet, featuring broader links and a more refined fit than its predecessor. It has now been widened from 20mm to 21mm. The bracelet combines brushed outer links with polished centre links, creating a sophisticated and versatile look.
It comes with the Oysterlock safety clasp, ensuring a secure fit, and the Glidelock extension system, allowing for 2mm to 20mm adjustment. This versatility makes the watch perfect for wearing over a diving suit and for everyday wear.
MOVEMENT
At the heart of the Submariner Ref. 126610LN is the new-generation self-winding mechanical movement, the Calibre 3235, an automatic movement introduced in 2020. The new movement is equipped with Rolex's patented Chronergy escapement, which enhances energy efficiency and reliability. It also increases its tolerances to -2/+2 seconds per day.
This in-house Rolex Calibre 3235 is slightly more accurate and stable than the 3135 of the old-generation watches. Thus, you can keep the watch on a table over the weekend, and it will be perfectly ready for Monday.
Just to remind you, this new, updated movement is in-house 'Rolex Superlative Chronometer' certified.
The Calibre 3235 offers a terrific power reserve of 70 hours, which is a stark improvement over the previous generation. It also includes Rolex's blue Parachrom hairspring, which ensures enhanced resistance to magnetic fields and shocks, which in turn ensures precise timekeeping under various conditions.
Another commendable characteristic is its robust water resistance. With a water resistance of 300 metres, this modern Submariner satisfies the sport and diving requirements of over 99% of the wearers. The Triplock winding crown and the watch's solid Oystersteel construction elevate the watch's overall durability and performance.
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
Priced at £9000, the Submariner 126610LN is a terrific buy. However, increasing demand results in waiting lists, keeping the pre-owned Submariner 126610LN prices slightly above retail. But there's a perk to it.
If you check out the famous Rolex Submariner price increase history, you'll know that it's a good investment, too! This is one of the key reasons collectors and buyers are keen on purchasing one.
We aren't exaggerating when we say you can easily sell your Rolex watch for more than its retail value in the future.
Finishing Words
You might argue that these subtle updates or changes are game-changing. But, to us, it is more of an evolution than a revolution. Even though so much has changed, it still somehow looks the same. Now, Rolex doesn't seem to care about how this might frustrate some segment of its potential clientele, so we are not suggesting this update was a subtle move to avoid backlash, but it certainly aligns with the trend.
After all, why apply major changes to something already too hot in demand in its current shape? According to us, Rolex simply added the minimally required updates so as to remain at par. Isn't that quite proactive within the Rolex community?
Whatever it is, The Rolex Submariner 126610LN has received widespread acclaim for its elegant design and technical advancements since its release in 2020. Collectors, enthusiasts, buyers and everyone else appreciate the latest Submariner's blend of durability, functionality and timeless aesthetics.
So, all in all, if you want a classic, recognisable, conservative, and most popular luxury diver's watch, the Rolex black-on-black Submariner Date 126610LN is the very best bet!
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