Good evening everyone.
The Submariner is one of the most popular Rolex watches, competing for first and second place. It has a long history, dating back 70 years since its birth in 1953. It has undergone many model changes and minor changes, and has evolved into the latest model currently on sale, but I don't think many people know the differences between each model.
So this time, we'll be doing a thorough comparison of the Rolex Submariner going back three generations, including the current model ( Ref. 126610LN , Ref. 116610LN , Ref. 16610 ). If you want a Submariner but can't decide which model to buy, or if you want to know the history of the Submariner, this is a must-read, so be sure to read until the end.
First, let's introduce the three Submariner models we will be comparing this time: Ref.16610 , Ref.116610LN , and Ref.126610LN .
| Case diameter | 40mm | Bezel | aluminum |
| Dial | black | Luminous | Tritium or Luminova |
| material | SS | bracelet | SS |
| Waterproof | 300m | Drive system | Automatic |
| Cal | 3135 | Power reserve | Approximately 48 hours |
The long-selling model "Ref. 16610" was manufactured from around 1988 to around 2010. Various minor changes were made to the case and luminous material.
| Case diameter | 40mm | Bezel | ceramic |
| Dial | black | Luminous | Chromalight |
| material | SS | bracelet | SS |
| Waterproof | 300m | Drive system | Automatic |
| Cal | 3135 | Power reserve | Approximately 48 hours |
The "Ref. 116610LN" was manufactured from 2010 to 2020. The specifications have not changed much from the previous generation, but there have been major changes to the exterior, such as the bezel and bracelet.
| Case diameter | 41mm | Bezel | ceramic |
| Dial | black | Luminous | Chromalight |
| material | SS | bracelet | SS |
| Waterproof | 300m | Drive system | Automatic |
| Cal | 3235 | Power reserve | Approximately 70 hours |
The current Submariner "Ref. 126610LN" was released in 2020. The case size and movement have been changed, and many small changes have been made.
Spec comparison between "Ref.16610" and "Ref.116610LN"
Let's start by comparing the "Ref.16610" and "Ref.116610LN".
The main specifications are as follows:
| 40mm | Case diameter | 40mm |
| aluminum | Bezel | ceramic |
| black | Dial | black |
| Tritium or Luminova | Luminous | Chromalight |
| SS | material | SS |
| SS | bracelet | SS |
| 300m | Waterproof | 300m |
| Automatic | Drive system | Automatic |
| 3135 | Cal | 3135 |
| 48 hours | Power reserve | 48 hours |
❶【 Case 】
The case size is the same as the 40mm , but the Ref.116610LN looks slightly larger. The reason is that the Ref.16610 has narrow lug width and crown guard width, while the Ref.116610LN has both made wider. Also, the Ref.16610 before the F number has a side hole in the lug part to pass the spring bar that fastens the belt to the main body, while the Ref.116610LN has no side hole at all.
❷【 Bezel 】
While the Ref.16610 is equipped with an aluminum bezel, the Ref.116610LN is equipped with a ceramic bezel, which is said to be more scratch-resistant and less prone to fading. This change gives it a more glossy finish and a more luxurious look. Incidentally, this is the second time the ceramic bezel has been used on a stainless steel model, following the GMT Master Ref.116710LN .
❸【 Dial 】
[Dial] The Ref.116610LN has a larger index than the Ref.16610 , and the hands are also thicker, making the watch look larger. The luminous paint has been changed from the blue-green "LumiNova" to the light blue "Chromalight", and the luminous time is about twice as long. Incidentally, the luminous paint on the older Ref.16610 is "tritium", and the ones that have turned cream are very popular with vintage Rolex fans.❹【 Belts and buckles 】
Both watches use a three-row Oyster bracelet and look the same, but there is actually a difference in their construction. The Ref.16610 has a hollow center of the three-row strap, while the Ref.116610LN is not. Therefore, the former is lighter when worn, while the latter is less likely to stretch the bracelet, giving each its own advantages.
The buckle on the "Ref. 116610LN" uses a glidelock clasp with an extension function, making it easy to adjust the size.
Spec comparison between "Ref.116610LN" and "Ref.126610LN"
Next, let's compare " Ref.116610LN " and " Ref.126610LN ".
The main specifications are as follows:
| 40mm | Case diameter | 41mm |
| ceramic | Bezel | ceramic |
| black | Dial | black |
| Chromalight | Luminous | Chromalight |
| SS | material | SS |
| SS | bracelet | SS |
| 300m | Waterproof | 300m |
| Automatic | Drive system | Automatic |
| 3135 | Cal | 3235 |
| 48 hours | Power reserve | 70 hours |
The video shows a comparison of the actual devices, so please take a look at it.
⇩⇩Click here for a video comparing the "Ref.116610LN" and "Ref.126610LN" models⇩⇩
❶【 Case 】
The " Ref.116610LN " is 40mm. The new " Ref.126610LN " is 41mm in size, but it's not just bigger; the lugs are thinner and thinner. The lugs of the " Ref.116610LN " are straight. The " Ref.126610LN " is shaped, giving it a stylish look that doesn't make the case look larger.
❷【 Movement 】
The "Cal.3135" is a caliber that has been in use for 27 years since its introduction and is considered a masterpiece among Rolex movements. The " Cal.3235" , which evolved from the " Cal.3135" , is made with approximately 90 % newly made parts and has been granted 14 new patents. The biggest change is that the power reserve has been significantly extended to approximately 70 hours compared to the previous model's approximately 48 hours. In addition, both shock resistance and magnetic resistance have been improved, and there is no longer a "period during which the date cannot be changed".
What is the date change prohibition period?
This is a characteristic of the mechanism that occurs when the gears move the date disc, and displaying the date during this time period could put stress on the parts, which may result in damage.
❸【 Belts and buckles 】
The lugs of the " Ref.126610LN " have been narrowed and the bracelet width has increased by 1 mm . The buckle has also been made thicker, adding stability when worn. In addition, the number of links on the 12 o'clock side of the belt has been reduced by one, making the size adjustment range slightly narrower, but since a total of five links can be removed, this is unlikely to affect most people.
❹【 Dial 】
The hands of the new " Ref.126610LN " are thicker and larger than those of the " Ref.116610LN ". Similarly, the font of the " ROLEX " brand name at the 12 o'clock position has been changed to give a slight feeling of thickness and width.
In addition, the new model has a crown mark between the " SWISS MADE " markings at the 6 o'clock position. At first glance, it is difficult to tell the difference between the two, but it is easy to tell the difference by the presence or absence of this mark.
summary
What did you think.
By comparing them in this way, you can get a good idea of how the Submariner has evolved over the years.
Not only the current model " Ref. 126610LN " which is packed with Rolex's latest technology, but the older models " Ref. 116610LN " and " Ref. 16610 " each have their own unique charms, so why not try out your favorite "Submariner"?