Rolex Submariner Date 116610LN

Rolex produced the Submariner Date ref. 116610 from 2010 to 2020. The watch was the direct successor to the ref. 16610 and is the first Submariner to feature a ceramic bezel made of Rolex's proprietary Cerachrom.

In addition to the new ceramic bezel, the manufacturer gave the 116610 a number of other updates, including an overhaul of its Oyster case. While the watch kept its previous diameter of 40 mm, it was given significantly larger lugs, a wider bezel, and a bigger crown protector. The reworked look earned the new case the nickname Maxi Case. Like its predecessor, the new model is water-resistant to 300 m (30 bar, 984 ft) and – as you would expect from Rolex – the case and bracelet are made of Rolex's especially corrosion-resistant 904L stainless steel, a.k.a. Oystersteel.

The dial also got a makeover. The introduction of the 116610 coincided with Rolex's use of the luminous material Chromalight, which has a blueish glow. Chromalight clearly distinguishes the watch's palette from that of previous models, which featured green-glowing Super-LumiNova. The dial itself is a Maxi Dial with extra-large indices for optimal legibility.

The 116610's bracelet was likewise modified. For starters, the watch's clasp was changed to solid stainless steel. Rolex also equipped the clasp with the manufacturer's Glidelock system, which allows the wearer to adjust the bracelet length by up to 20 mm.

The reference 116610LV (LV = Lunette Verte, i.e., green bezel) is technically identical to the ref. 116610LN (LN = Lunette Noire, black bezel). However, with its green dial and bezel, the visual differences are striking, and fans of the watch have given it the nickname “Hulk.” This edition is particularly popular among investors and collectors. Overall, financial performance has been outstanding for both 116610 variants.

All Submariner Dates are powered by the same chronometer-certified Rolex in-house caliber 3135, which also powered the 16610.

The Rolex Submariner Date 116610 introduced a number of minor but significant modifications that make it appear much more present on the wrist than its predecessor; this, despite the fact that the watch's diameter is the same as that of the 16610. That being said, Rolex is cautious about extensively changing the look of its models, so the 116610 is still very much recognizable as a Submariner.

This is especially true of the dial, which remained essentially unchanged from the previous model; only the larger indices and hands on the Maxi Dial give away its status as a modern Submariner.

The Submariner Date 116610's Oyster bracelet is also notable. Just like the bracelets on later editions of the 16610, the new bracelet features solid end links, which offer a perfect fit between the lugs and bracelet. The Glidelock clasp also comes with a mechanism introduced in 2010 that allows the wearer to gradually adjust the bracelet length in 2-mm increments up to 20 mm without any tools. This is ideal for hot summer days, when many people's wrists expand in the heat.

The Rolex Submariner Date 116610 is fitted with the certified chronometer in-house caliber 3135, the same caliber that powered its predecessor, the 16610. The movement features Rolex's patented blue Parachrom hairspring, which is especially resistant to shocks, magnetic fields, and temperature fluctuations. The movement features a robust copper alloy (Glucydur) balance wheel that oscillates at 28,800 vph, and a 50-hour power reserve. The 3135 displays the date at 3 o'clock, and the sapphire crystal is equipped with a date magnifier.

Rolex sports watches have been hugely popular for decades. Along with the No Date, the Submariner Date is often considered to be the archetypal diving watch. Demand is therefore high, even on the secondary market.

Between December 2020 and December 2022, prices for the 116610LN in mint condition rose from around 12,700 USD to approximately 15,000 USD. The price peaked at approximately 17,300 USD in April 2022.

During the same time period, the 116610LV “Hulk” increased in value from roughly 19,000 USD to about 25,500 USD. In April 2022, this model demanded an investment of nearly 35,000 USD.

Despite interim consolidation, the overall performance of both models has been very positive.