เปรียบเทียบ Rolex Submariner 116610 vs 16610 (EN)

The 16610 model of Submariner Date was discontinued in favor of the 116610 model Submariner Date, which is often referred to by its most notable feature as the ceramic bezel Submariner.

ROLEX 116610 SUB BEZEL DOT

This is the most exciting and visually accessible difference between the two models. The ceramic bezel (officially Cerachrom) insert is certainly interesting as a material. It is for most purposes scratch-proof unlike the 16610 aluminum inserts.

ROLEX 116610 ASSEMBLY

I say ‘for most purposes’ because if you hit it hard enough against the right material, you probably could scratch ceramic, but you’d be more likely to shatter it. Now, if you did shatter it, it would likely be very expensive to replace compared with the aluminum bezel insert which can be replaced for about $200. I have yet to see or hear of a broken ceramic bezel, but we have seen a considerable number of aluminum inserts that have needed to be replaced within a few years, so I think the ceramic is a true advantage for most owners.

A SCRATCHED 16610 BEZEL INSERT

What I do not see pointed out frequently is the improvement in the actual mechanism of the bezel.

In the 16610, a single click-spring controlled the bezel’s rotation and it could become stuck or rotate freely. It was also difficult to seat the bezel accurately, the bezel might be a frustrating half tick off of true centered after being replaced during service.

The 116610 uses four click-springs set into the case. This results in a perfect alignment of the bezel markers and a consistently smooth and solid turn.

LUME

The next most noticeable feature is the luminous which has an obvious size difference (so-called Maxi dial) and a less obvious color difference in that it glows bluish-green in the dark instead of green.

Rolex terms the blue luminous as “Chromalight”, although we suspect that it is the same SuperLuminova material that Rolex has been using for years, just with an alternate color. The particular color of blue-green is one that the dark adjusted eye is most sensitive to. So whether or not it is objectively brighter, your eyes are more sensitive to that wavelength and you will perceive it as brighter.

LUMINOUS COMPARE

SUB C BLUE LUME

CASE SIZE

Ostensibly the 16610 Submariner and the 116610 Submariner measure the same 40mm width. However, the 116610 will appear larger on the wrist than 40mm and many who would think a 40mm case too small, find the 116610 to be a good fit.

There are two major reasons for this. The first reason is the crown guard, which is nearly twice as wide on the new model. This gives the impression of a wider case.

ROLEX 16610 & ROLEX 116610

The second reason is the lugs. The lugs are nearly twice as wide on the 116610 meaning the case tapers down much less. So instead of measuring 24mm at the base of the lugs, the measurement is 27mm.]

ROLEX 16610 & ROLEX 116610 LUG TO LUG

BRACELET AND BUCKLE

The links of the new Submariner date are entirely solid. This is difficult to see without removing a link, so we’ve done that in the photo below.

OYSTER LINK COMPARISON

This gives the overall bracelet a little extra weight but likely removes the issue of bracelet stretch that has been all too common on Rolex bracelets prior to this.

ROLEX GLIDELOCK CLASP

The Glidelock clasp is a truly noticeable and great improvement. Not only does it give a greater degree of precision when micro-adjusting for fit, it also makes it easier for owners (as opposed to jewelers) to perform the task of adjusting the bracelet themselves. If you live somewhere hot like we do, you’ll notice your wrist swells in the summer, so an easy micro-adjustment is a godsend.

ROLEX SUBMARINER BUCKLE COMPARISON

Overall, the new 116610 model presents a series of strong, clear improvements over the earlier 16610 model while remaining visually true to the classic form.

We try our best to always have a selection of Rolex 16610 and Rolex 116610 Submariners in stock, however they are great sellers and tough to hold on to. If we don’t have the steel models, we always have some two-tone and solid gold Rolex Subs listed.

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