I bought my 16610 at Goldfinger’s in St. Bart’s in 2000 and it is probably the only watch next to my late fathers 1957 Omega Seamaster that I will never part with. It never looks old and it remains one of my favourite watches to this day, great to see someone review this watch with understanding.
That is a great two watch collection no matter what the rest of the watch box looks like. To me I think you have one of the best looking subs ever made, enjoy it -Mark
Here’s a tweak. I’m the original owner of a 16610 from ‘98 that is a transitional, “tritinova,” dial. It has the T for tritium at the bottom, but actually had luminova applied to it originally at the factory. It was done as Rolex transitioned to using luminova but still had the T dials in inventory. It also has the flat 4 as well. I love the quirkiness of this watch.
LOL, sounds like someone in the Rolex factory missed something, that kind of things has happened throughout Rolex's history due to the mid model transitions they do. Going to be hard to fine someone else with your same watch, which I think is awesome -Mark
I kind of wish y'all had gotten more into the dial variations. A Swiss Only 16610 is one of my favorite watches ever and I would've liked hearing more about it
The is the Luminova version from 1998-1999, became Swiss Made when they started making SuperLuminova, I agree is is a nice dial, very clean with less text -Mark
I received a Kermit for my second wedding anniversary back in 2010. My wife knew nothing about watches other than I wanted a Submariner. The jeweler gave a good deal ($7K) because he couldn't get rid of it, seemed nobody liked the green bezel. I loved it at first sight. Thanks for this video, great info!
It's hard to imagine that just 10 years ago almost no one wanted those watches. and you could even get a discount on pieces like that. Same thing with Daytona's. Wish i knew back then. 😄 but hey, maybe we say the same thing ten years from now.
Mine is 1990 16610 spent £1500 on service new dial,glass,clasp,crown and full service and polish just feels great to have 30year old sub in mint condition
Super interesting video and yes there are some subtle variations within the iconic 16610 Submariner series. I've been the proud owner of my 16610 steel Sub since July 2002. It has the drilled case lugs, but also 904L SELs on its original 93250 bracelet with DT3 markings, which indicate the bracelet was manufactured in March 2002. A simply magnificent watch and I still prefer it's more elegant proportions to the newer versions and rather bling bling ceramic bezels - although certainly an outstanding watch. Mine has been all over the world with me. After its recent full Rolex service it still manages to look like it did the day I collected it from the AD, with only a new crown and bezel insert replaced in almost 20 years. It's still the jewel in my collection, that also include a pair of new Tudor BB58s in black/gilt and navy blue ( I just love them), Omega Seamaster 300 and several other pieces. Rolex last a lifetime and deserve their lofty status IMHO.
Got a pristine 1999 Swiss only, I’m the 2nd owner, the original owner kept it in a safe most of its life. Has full set and was serviced in 2020 before I owned it. My favorite in my collection.
Great video. After owning two ceramic submariners I set my sights on a 16610. I picked up a 2002 model, solid end links, lug holes, luminova dial....a great watch and the sub for me!
Hello I recently bought a pre owned Rolex submariner y series and am afraid numbers are not matching is there any way I can communicate with someone on your staff ? I paid $8500 from I believed to be a reputable watch master in Northern VA and want to make sure I have not been swindled . It’s 2003 y series submariner with no holes in the lugs however when I searched the y series between 2000-2004 are supposed to have holes in the lugs however. I also don’t have any code or reference number on end links . Another note the clasp reads 93250 MA9 which is meant for a 2005 bracelet . Please help !
I bought a 2008 16610 on advice from a friend and his advice was spot on - a great watch and just two years off the end of production - i'm not a great fan of the flimsy bracelet catch, preferring the newer fliplock with half link, but overall 9/10, cheers, Chas T
I’m always quick to dismiss subs because we seem them all the time. Nice watch, but seemingly everyone has one. But then when somebody starts talking about variations and such, I realize it’s a 16610 I want.
I would argue this is more like saying did you know for only 5 years Coca-Cola made this version of this one bottle that had this but not that. It is the small things, but everything in the watch world is about the small things (pun intended) -Mark
I bought my 2010 16610 years ago. I preferred the non maxi case and no holes lugs. I even passed many maxi case offerings for mine. Many years and two services later, its still one of my favorites.
I own a mint 16610 v serial from 2010. For me it hits the absolute sweet spot with the 'modern' engraved rehaut but not the ugly maxi case with ceramic bezel.
Also have a mint V serial. Still looks like new. Agreed that it hits the absolute sweet spot of modern usability with slightly older looks. The last of the best imo
When I think about Rolex, the first thing that comes to mind is the 16610 Submariner. It's the quintessential Rolex. Sure, DateJust too... but that's more like a 80's icon. 16610 is absolutely timeless and absolutely perfect. The new version of Submariner is a mighty watch but it doesn't have the same attraction to me. It doesn't have the same "spiky" crown guards and quite the same slender look. Hey, it's like the Porsche guys... everyone wants the old air cooled and they're already more expensive and more desirable than the new ones because the new ones are bulkier, bigger and less iconic. Cheers, great video.
I got the 16610 from my birth year 1994, it has everything I love. Holes case, tritium so hopefully it’ll patina, slim case and aluminum bezel, glossy dial, white gold hands and hour markers, hollow center links so the bracelet is light as can be. Truly one of my favorite watches ever.
I recently purchased a mint conditioned 1999 Swiss only 16610. I've always loved the look of the SS submariner and it's year is fitting as it's my sons birth year and he will inherit the watch from me.
What's not to like about any stainless steel, black dial Submariner. I like them all . Bought my very first in 1968 , a 1153 that I still love and occasionally wear still . Also own a maxi-case 116610LN that I like a lot . Just picked up a 124060 and absolutely love that one as well . In my dive watch collection , I'd say my subs are definitely my very favs.
@@CrownandCaliber I've collected subs since my very first , a 5513 , so I look at them all as being different. So.e people see a Submariner as basically the same watch from the 5513 to the 124060 . To me , they're totally different. And then being ask to compare my new nodate to my maxi-date is hard. 2 different watches , but I like them both . Especially those 2 , as the case designs are so different. I guess, when it comes down to it , the 124060 might speak to me a bit more for personal reasons. I bought my 5513 in 1968 at the main PX in Da Nang, South Vietnam. I was on my first tour( deployment) as a young special operations operator and everyone in my platoon bought one . Being a nodate model , the 124060 just reminds me of my 5513 . It's funny, but nobody has ever ask me that question before, but l will tell you that first watch started me on watch collecting and I've been hooked ever since. Please excuse my rambling answer to your question but wanted to explain a bit .
Bought my 16610 when finished flight school in 1996 because I couldn’t afford the extra $300 for the GMT Pepsi I really wanted. It’s in the top 3 favorites of my collection. Maybe when I retire I’ll get myself that GMT Pepsi.
After owning 14060m and SD4K, I decided my perfect Rolex diver would be a 16610. I wanted either the very first or the very last. Super happy to say I found a random serial near mint full set. Everybody raves about the no-date's, but there's something about the Sub with date that just looks so cool. Symmetry be damned!
1996 tritium Sub had since new...no hint of marker patina yet. Only one service. The tritium was never luminous enough to actually tell time at night unless your eyes had completely adjusted. Now it's still barely luminous but not enough to tell time in the dark. In low light, the white gold of the hands and markers along with the marker paint reflect and contrast enough to tell time. I dive this watch to 100+ feet because the bezel is always reliable and if bumped it goes in the conservative direction, showing that you've had more bottom time. I always know at a glance how long I've been in the water. The next service will continue to keep everything original. If I need a watch for timekeeping at night I'll get a tritium capsule watch, use my Luminova Seiko or my Casio solar. Pro tip: Don't strap the watch around your wet suit...the suit compresses during descent and you can lose the watch. Keep it on your skin and roll back the wet suit cuff.
I had a 1990's 16610. I now wear a 2016 16613... the ceramic bezel, the links, and the design is just better in the new design. I may go back to get a 16610 made after 2015... I doubt I'll go back to the old design.
The newer watches have some good things going on, especially the scratch resistant ceramic. I think the great thing is with so many little changes you can choose the one that speaks to you. Hope you enjoy yours for decades to come -Mark
@@CrownandCaliber Well I have to say - my 16613 I got from you guys... because you know... there aren't any new ones available... lol :) And honestly... I was a bit worried. But the second I put that watch to my ear... I knew it was genuine without even opening it (which I did have done at an AD to confirm its authenticity.) So you guys are top drawer. If I'm not buying from an AD - I'm buying from you guys.
Is non-tritium lume really that new? I could swear I had a watch as a kid in the 70s with lume that I had to charge under a lamp, and thought it was so cool.
so technically it was first used in the six digit reference 168000, but this was a transition model that only existed from 1988-1989 between the 16800 and the 16610. it was an identical model to the 16800 but with 904L steel instead of the 316L. The 16610 continued with 904L. Rolex first used 904L in 1985 with the Sea-Dweller and was in use in all watches by 2003. -Mark
I bought my 16610 at Goldfinger’s in St. Bart’s in 2000 and it is probably the only watch next to my late fathers 1957 Omega Seamaster that I will never part with.
It never looks old and it remains one of my favourite watches to this day, great to see someone review this watch with understanding.
That is a great two watch collection no matter what the rest of the watch box looks like. To me I think you have one of the best looking subs ever made, enjoy it -Mark
Here’s a tweak. I’m the original owner of a 16610 from ‘98 that is a transitional, “tritinova,” dial. It has the T for tritium at the bottom, but actually had luminova applied to it originally at the factory. It was done as Rolex transitioned to using luminova but still had the T dials in inventory. It also has the flat 4 as well. I love the quirkiness of this watch.
LOL, sounds like someone in the Rolex factory missed something, that kind of things has happened throughout Rolex's history due to the mid model transitions they do. Going to be hard to fine someone else with your same watch, which I think is awesome -Mark
Im wondering is there any flat four sub LN? You serious?
Does the watch feature Swiss -T < 25 ?
I kind of wish y'all had gotten more into the dial variations. A Swiss Only 16610 is one of my favorite watches ever and I would've liked hearing more about it
The is the Luminova version from 1998-1999, became Swiss Made when they started making SuperLuminova, I agree is is a nice dial, very clean with less text -Mark
I have a 16610 from the year 2000 and you just made me appreciate it so much more!
I received a Kermit for my second wedding anniversary back in 2010. My wife knew nothing about watches other than I wanted a Submariner. The jeweler gave a good deal ($7K) because he couldn't get rid of it, seemed nobody liked the green bezel. I loved it at first sight. Thanks for this video, great info!
Ok so your wife is a keeper and has a good eye, the Kermit is the first watch I fell in love with. I hope you enjoy it for decades to come -Mark
It's hard to imagine that just 10 years ago almost no one wanted those watches. and you could even get a discount on pieces like that. Same thing with Daytona's. Wish i knew back then. 😄 but hey, maybe we say the same thing ten years from now.
Fantastic episode!
Top man Mark!! Very cool... like a magician you turned the least hidden gem into a hidden gem!! Very well considered and delivered as well mate 🥃🥃
As always thank you, and cheers -Mark
Mine is 1990 16610 spent £1500 on service new dial,glass,clasp,crown and full service and polish just feels great to have 30year old sub in mint condition
Enjoyed this very much.
I don't know that this gem was ever really hidden but it is a cool watch. Thanks for keeping this series going.
its the only series going
Super interesting video and yes there are some subtle variations within the iconic 16610 Submariner series. I've been the proud owner of my 16610 steel Sub since July 2002. It has the drilled case lugs, but also 904L SELs on its original 93250 bracelet with DT3 markings, which indicate the bracelet was manufactured in March 2002. A simply magnificent watch and I still prefer it's more elegant proportions to the newer versions and rather bling bling ceramic bezels - although certainly an outstanding watch.
Mine has been all over the world with me. After its recent full Rolex service it still manages to look like it did the day I collected it from the AD, with only a new crown and bezel insert replaced in almost 20 years. It's still the jewel in my collection, that also include a pair of new Tudor BB58s in black/gilt and navy blue ( I just love them), Omega Seamaster 300 and several other pieces. Rolex last a lifetime and deserve their lofty status IMHO.
Great video.
awesome video, thank you Mark!
Got a pristine 1999 Swiss only, I’m the 2nd owner, the original owner kept it in a safe most of its life. Has full set and was serviced in 2020 before I owned it. My favorite in my collection.
Great video. After owning two ceramic submariners I set my sights on a 16610. I picked up a 2002 model, solid end links, lug holes, luminova dial....a great watch and the sub for me!
Good choice, enjoy it and add your own scratches to it -Mark
Super-LumiNova Indices, no?
I have a late 2001 model with solid end links and drilled lugs. Love it!
Hello I recently bought a pre owned Rolex submariner y series and am afraid numbers are not matching is there any way I can communicate with someone on your staff ? I paid $8500 from I believed to be a reputable watch master in Northern VA and want to make sure I have not been swindled . It’s 2003 y series submariner with no holes in the lugs however when I searched the y series between 2000-2004 are supposed to have holes in the lugs however. I also don’t have any code or reference number on end links . Another note the clasp reads 93250 MA9 which is meant for a 2005 bracelet .
Please help !
Awesome series
I bought a 16610 new in '97, love it more than the new ones.
This is my favorite video, I watch this video at least once a week, I own 16610 from 2000
I chose a 16610 for my personal collection and never plan to sell it. It is a fantastic piece.
Hard to replace a classic like that (and I don't think Rolex has done better since) -Mark
I bought a 2008 16610 on advice from a friend and his advice was spot on - a great watch and just two years off the end of production - i'm not a great fan of the flimsy bracelet catch, preferring the newer fliplock with half link, but overall 9/10, cheers, Chas T
Another fun video. Thanks.
I’m always quick to dismiss subs because we seem them all the time. Nice watch, but seemingly everyone has one. But then when somebody starts talking about variations and such, I realize it’s a 16610 I want.
Saying the Rolex Submariner 16610 is a hidden gem is like saying do you know that Coca-Cola has a Diet Coke? Yes, they sell it everywhere.
Yeah it’s not really a hidden gem. I consider the green dial milgauss a hidden gem.
I would argue this is more like saying did you know for only 5 years Coca-Cola made this version of this one bottle that had this but not that. It is the small things, but everything in the watch world is about the small things (pun intended) -Mark
What is the beat rate on this models movement?
16610 from 2000 is my daily watch. Love it. Also, thanks for the info!!
Get one from 1994 fully original with box.
One of the best for me !!
Great video.
Thanks
I bought my 2010 16610 years ago. I preferred the non maxi case and no holes lugs. I even passed many maxi case offerings for mine. Many years and two services later, its still one of my favorites.
Don't listen to the haters. Do you!!
I bought this watch in 1988 and wore it daily for 20 years. Came on some hard times in 2008 and sold it - and I've missed it every day since.
I own a mint 16610 v serial from 2010. For me it hits the absolute sweet spot with the 'modern' engraved rehaut but not the ugly maxi case with ceramic bezel.
Want to sell it?
@@own3d4u No 😊
I agree the case on the 16610 is perfect, especially with most of the modern comforts -Mark
Also have a mint V serial. Still looks like new. Agreed that it hits the absolute sweet spot of modern usability with slightly older looks. The last of the best imo
You sure it’s a 2010? Got mine same year but with random serial which is the last run of the 16610.
Love this!!
When I think about Rolex, the first thing that comes to mind is the 16610 Submariner. It's the quintessential Rolex. Sure, DateJust too... but that's more like a 80's icon. 16610 is absolutely timeless and absolutely perfect. The new version of Submariner is a mighty watch but it doesn't have the same attraction to me. It doesn't have the same "spiky" crown guards and quite the same slender look. Hey, it's like the Porsche guys... everyone wants the old air cooled and they're already more expensive and more desirable than the new ones because the new ones are bulkier, bigger and less iconic. Cheers, great video.
That cyclops loop ruins the dial aesthetic.
I just don't understand how the most recognizable and iconic diver watch ever made can be a "hidden gem". LOL.
I got the 16610 from my birth year 1994, it has everything I love. Holes case, tritium so hopefully it’ll patina, slim case and aluminum bezel, glossy dial, white gold hands and hour markers, hollow center links so the bracelet is light as can be. Truly one of my favorite watches ever.
I’m looking to do the same as my 30th birthday is coming up. What was the market like when you bought yours?
I recently purchased a mint conditioned 1999 Swiss only 16610. I've always loved the look of the SS submariner and it's year is fitting as it's my sons birth year and he will inherit the watch from me.
I like the Subs without date. I prefer the 14060 swiss t
I can respect a no-date sub, I know that date window is disliked by many -Mark
Because of this video I went out and just got a 11610. You’re just right! Thank you!
I guess you’ve got a 16610 instead of a 11610 😊
16610 is just the best Rolex to buy. I just had to put new oyster bracelet 97200 on it, because the old one was stretched like old hookers vag 😂
I bought a 1992 16610 yesterday. 🎉🎉🎉
Love the Submariner, the style is timeless and my favorite Rolex.
What's your opinion on Alexander Shorokhoff?
What's not to like about any stainless steel, black dial Submariner. I like them all . Bought my very first in 1968 , a 1153 that I still love and occasionally wear still . Also own a maxi-case 116610LN that I like a lot . Just picked up a 124060 and absolutely love that one as well . In my dive watch collection , I'd say my subs are definitely my very favs.
5513* I think you mean. Thát would be my favorite
@@Armoer ya , I thought I texted 5513 until I read what I texted . By then it was to late . LOL
My question to you is 116610 or 124060, with the minor changes between them does one speak to you more than the other? -Mark
@@CrownandCaliber I've collected subs since my very first , a 5513 , so I look at them all as being different. So.e people see a Submariner as basically the same watch from the 5513 to the 124060 . To me , they're totally different. And then being ask to compare my new nodate to my maxi-date is hard. 2 different watches , but I like them both . Especially those 2 , as the case designs are so different. I guess, when it comes down to it , the 124060 might speak to me a bit more for personal reasons. I bought my 5513 in 1968 at the main PX in Da Nang, South Vietnam. I was on my first tour( deployment) as a young special operations operator and everyone in my platoon bought one . Being a nodate model , the 124060 just reminds me of my 5513 . It's funny, but nobody has ever ask me that question before, but l will tell you that first watch started me on watch collecting and I've been hooked ever since. Please excuse my rambling answer to your question but wanted to explain a bit .
I specifically looked for a SEL bracelet because of security but mainly the gaps where it meets the case with a hollow end link was a deal breaker.
Bought my 16610 when finished flight school in 1996 because I couldn’t afford the extra $300 for the GMT Pepsi I really wanted.
It’s in the top 3 favorites of my collection. Maybe when I retire I’ll get myself that GMT Pepsi.
I sold my entire collection (5 watches) 2 yrs ago and bought a 16610t and haven’t looked back or taken it off lol. Game ended.
I love the 16610 swiss only
I bought a16610 26 years ago it’s now part of my small (4) Rolex collection
After owning 14060m and SD4K, I decided my perfect Rolex diver would be a 16610. I wanted either the very first or the very last. Super happy to say I found a random serial near mint full set. Everybody raves about the no-date's, but there's something about the Sub with date that just looks so cool. Symmetry be damned!
Neat.
I have the 91 model with tritium and holes case. The best for me
This is my daily wear watch. I have a 2001 example with holes and solid end links.
1996 tritium Sub had since new...no hint of marker patina yet. Only one service. The tritium was never luminous enough to actually tell time at night unless your eyes had completely adjusted. Now it's still barely luminous but not enough to tell time in the dark. In low light, the white gold of the hands and markers along with the marker paint reflect and contrast enough to tell time. I dive this watch to 100+ feet because the bezel is always reliable and if bumped it goes in the conservative direction, showing that you've had more bottom time. I always know at a glance how long I've been in the water. The next service will continue to keep everything original. If I need a watch for timekeeping at night I'll get a tritium capsule watch, use my Luminova Seiko or my Casio solar. Pro tip: Don't strap the watch around your wet suit...the suit compresses during descent and you can lose the watch. Keep it on your skin and roll back the wet suit cuff.
I had a 1990's 16610. I now wear a 2016 16613... the ceramic bezel, the links, and the design is just better in the new design.
I may go back to get a 16610 made after 2015... I doubt I'll go back to the old design.
The newer watches have some good things going on, especially the scratch resistant ceramic. I think the great thing is with so many little changes you can choose the one that speaks to you. Hope you enjoy yours for decades to come -Mark
@@CrownandCaliber Well I have to say - my 16613 I got from you guys... because you know... there aren't any new ones available... lol :)
And honestly... I was a bit worried. But the second I put that watch to my ear... I knew it was genuine without even opening it (which I did have done at an AD to confirm its authenticity.)
So you guys are top drawer. If I'm not buying from an AD - I'm buying from you guys.
A 16610 made after 2015 does not exist. That one has ref 116610
The Rolex Sub is a beautiful watch and meanwhile a cult object.
Hmm, mine is a genuine 1982 Submariner but it also has ‘Swiss made’ on the bottom of the dial
What is the difference between the 16610 and the 16610T?
The 16610T is when they removed the lug holes, which also means it was made after 2003 -Mark
Is non-tritium lume really that new? I could swear I had a watch as a kid in the 70s with lume that I had to charge under a lamp, and thought it was so cool.
Feel weird that it is that new but yeah 1998 Luminova comes around and we can finally stop using tritium -Mark
Do 16610 with T-Swiss (tritium) dials lose value due to loss of luminosity?
#grail
I don’t think this is a hidden gem, it is the most counterfeited watch
Unfortunately I have a 14060M…. I feel bad guys…. Can someone spot me one of yours!!! Please!!!
Where you been man?
OMEGA GLOBEMASTER ANNUAL CALENDAR. Hidden gem?
An ugly one though
I like the Globemaster, especially the pie-pan dials, will keep this one in mind, thank you -Mark
16610T is my choice.
There is NOT a LESS hidden gem.... (I'm looking forward to the case being made, because, yes, absurd on it's face.)
is $10,800 a fair price for a 16610 M series box/paper and 2021 October service 95% mint condition?
Yes 👌
Yep . I've seen them go for considerably more.
Be very very careful if you are buying online.
@@tomnewham1269 yeah probably polished through and through
Hidden gems are everywhere? Aren’t they supposed to be nowhere since they are hidden?
Hidden in plain sight would be my argument -Mark
I dont think 16610 using 904L steel. They started using it in 6 digit ref
so technically it was first used in the six digit reference 168000, but this was a transition model that only existed from 1988-1989 between the 16800 and the 16610. it was an identical model to the 16800 but with 904L steel instead of the 316L. The 16610 continued with 904L. Rolex first used 904L in 1985 with the Sea-Dweller and was in use in all watches by 2003. -Mark
@@CrownandCaliber yes, i just checked. You are right.. some 16610 series have 904L steel.
@@danielharyanto6713 get your facts straight
I’ve got a AAA
🥃🎅
how to leave a perfect comment with just 2 emojis, well done -Mark
@@CrownandCaliber Simple and to the point.✌🏽
definitely not hidden.
The most plain ugly Joe blow watch that has a high resell value.Go figure.😒
Great episode!