ROLEX SUBMARINER DATE

The history of this Rolex Submariner Date

This steel Rolex Submariner Date is part of the range of diving watches that the brand introduced in 1954, at a time when scuba diving was becoming popular beyond military and scientific circles. The date display was not introduced on this model until 1969, with the reference 1680 and its Cyclops lens set into the crystal. The Submariner Date 16610 took over in the late 1980s and was fitted with the calibre 3135, launched in 1988, which would power the model until the next generation. It remained in the catalogue until 2010, when it was succeeded by a generation featuring a ceramic bezel and wider lugs. This generation was thus the last to retain the aluminium bezel insert and the slender lugs of the 40 mm case, remaining faithful to the model’s historic proportions.

Case, calibre and bracelet of this Submariner Date

The 40 mm Oyster case in 904L steel is water-resistant to 300 metres, with a screw-down caseback and a screw-down crown protected by two shoulders. The unidirectional rotating bezel features a black aluminium insert graduated to 60 minutes, with a luminescent marker at 12 o’clock. Beneath the sapphire crystal, which features a Cyclops lens above the date window at 3 o’clock, the black lacquered dial features round hour markers, baton hour markers and a triangle at 12 o’clock treated with Super-LumiNova, as well as Mercedes-style hands. The self-winding Calibre 3135 beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour, has 31 jewels and offers a power reserve of 48 hours. Certified as a chronometer by the COSC, it features a quick-set date and a stop-seconds mechanism for precise time-setting. The brushed steel Oyster bracelet fastens with an Oysterlock folding clasp fitted with a diving extension, allowing the watch to be worn over a wetsuit.

Why this Rolex watch

A Submariner Date from this generation serves a specific purpose: that of a chronometer-certified diving watch with carefully proportioned dimensions. With its 40 mm case and slender lugs, it slips easily under a cuff. The aluminium bezel insert – which was replaced by ceramic in 2010 – is one of the details sought after by enthusiasts of this model. Its movement, produced for over 30 years, benefits from a Rolex service network that knows every component inside out. Finally, this example, sold in Switzerland in 2005, comes with all its accessories, which document its history since it was first purchased.

Contents and condition

This Submariner Date is supplied as a full set with a green Rolex presentation box, its outer box, a green Rolex card holder and its original warranty, which also serves as an official chronometer certificate, issued in September 2005 by Bucherer in Basel. The watch has just been polished, which has restored the case and bracelet to sharp edges and an even brushed finish. The sapphire crystal was not affected by this process. Any remaining signs of wear are minor and have no impact on the overall appearance or functionality.

Warranty and delivery

The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this watch, which is covered by a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and collection in-store, or fully secure international delivery.