THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 16610
YEAR: 1997
BOX/PAPERS: YES/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

The reference 16610 occupies an interesting space in the Rolex Submariner lineage. On one hand, it is probably the most recognisable member of the Submariner family (until the recent modern Rolex boom). Produced for over two decades, from 1987/88 to 2010, coinciding with some of the most exciting years of economic growth, the 16610 arguably marked the transition of the Submariner from a practical tool watch to a status symbol.

During this time, the model saw numerous dial and case variations—tritium, Luminova, Super-LumiNova dials; drilled lug cases; no-hole cases—the list goes on. However, fast-forward to today, the 16610 has fallen into somewhat of an obscurity, perhaps a victim of the sheer volume available on the market, and the fact that most examples look very similar despite the incremental changes.

The example we have here, however, is nothing short of outstanding. Dating to 1997, the tritium lume on the markers and hands has aged to a rich, creamy hue, something relative rare for 16610s. The case has been lightly polished before but remains full. The original full-link “Z”-coded clasp (1997) shows minimal stretch. There are minor scratches on the bezel. 

The movement came to us in perfect health, running at +4 s/day, with an amplitude of 280° and a beat error of 0.3 ms. It comes with its original boxes, wallet, translation papers, and anchor. 

The creamy colours make such a difference on these 16610s: a beautiful example of a neo-vintage icon.