The Timeless Steady Seller

Since the opening of the VIVER showroom, We have prepared over 100 different Rolex models. Among them, We paid special attention to showcasing the history of Rolex at a glance. Although there are still many models we have yet to acquire, We will continue to strive to provide you with an even better experience.

The Evolution of the Submariner Date Black

Now, Let me give you a quiz.
These are three models with nearly 20 years between their production years. Can you spot the differences at a glance?

For most people, It is not easy to distinguish the differences at a glance. Why did we want to bring together models that do not show much difference?

As you can see, Rolex rarely changes its design. They always take the best from the past and introduce new models with new technology or subtle details.

For example, The Submariner Date as we know it today had already completed most of its current design in the 1960s. Only the movement's performance was gradually improved and materials and sizes were slightly changed to reach the current Submariner.

The Submariner Black is always a popular model among Rolex's professional watches and is produced in large quantities.

Among them, Let us take a closer look at the changes of the third generation, Which is relatively easy to find and is expected to increase in value. (Yes, These are the three models from the first photo.)

Loved for 20 Years, 16610LN

The first model I would like to introduce is Ref. 16610LN.
Produced from 1989 to 2010, This is the model that comes to mind first for many watch enthusiasts when they think of the Submariner.

This was the first model to use the legendary Rolex movement Cal. 3135, Replacing the previous Cal. 3035 movement.

Featuring an aluminum bezel and a lightweight 135g body, Even though it has been 12 years since production ended, It is still a watch that Submariner lovers want to experience at least once.

During its relatively long 20-year production period, There were several minor changes.

Change in lug holes / ⓒ bernardwatch

Crown mark / ⓒ fratellowatches

In 2003, The lug holes disappeared and the 'crown' mark began to appear on the glass,

Rolex engraving / ⓒ bernardwatch

and in 2007, The 'ROLEX' engraving, Which is now applied to all watches currently sold, Began to appear. Models with this Rolex engraving have shown remarkable price increases in the secondary market. A few years ago, You could find a well-maintained 16610LN for 5 to 6 million KRW, But now the price is around 12 to 14 million KRW. As time goes by, The number of clean 16610LN pieces will decrease and the demand will not disappear, I cautiously predict.

The Submariner Ref. 16610LN, Which left a strong impression of the Submariner Black for many people, Is a watch that every Rolex user would want to experience at least once.

Submariner Date 16610LN

40mm, Black, Oyster

The Star of the Boom, 116610LN

When the new Submariner was released in 2010, The market response was truly overwhelming.

The world's most beloved diver's watch.
The icon of Rolex, The Submariner, Was finally released with a ceramic bezel.

This was first applied to the gold (Ref. 116618) and Rolesor (Ref. 116613) models, So it was an anticipated event that many people were waiting for.

The size remained at 40mm, So there was no change in diameter, But the case became slightly thicker, Visibility improved, And the Glide-Lock function was added, Allowing the size to be adjusted without any special tools.

It was also equipped with the legendary Cal. 3135 movement. Why was the 116610LN model even more welcomed? Because the demand for the steel Submariner has always been overwhelmingly higher than for the gold models.

This trend continues to this day. Sports watches made of steel are less expensive (more accessible) than gold models and hold their value well, So they are always popular. The Submariner Black is the representative model among them.

Although it was available at official stores from the beginning, Its popularity was truly incredible.

Most customers visiting Rolex boutiques had to register on a waiting list and wait about a year to actually receive the watch.

Its reputation grew so much that after the waiting list was abolished in late 2010, So many customers rushed in that the front glass of a Rolex store was broken.
(News article at the time: Click here)

Submariner Date 116610LN

40mm, Black, Oyster

Considering that the open-run culture was not as common as it is now, It was truly a surprising phenomenon.

Four to five years ago, You could buy a clean piece for about 7 to 8 million KRW, But now the price is around 13 to 15 million KRW, And if it comes with the newly updated warranty card from 2020, You will have to pay even more.

The 116610LN, Which was a modern reinterpretation and opened a successful new chapter, Was discontinued in 2020 and replaced by the 126610LN.

Just like the previous model, It is still easy to find in the secondary market, But as it is now discontinued, It will become more difficult to obtain over time.

A Change of 1mm, 126610LN

The Submariner Ref. 126610LN was released in 2020, During the uncertain atmosphere at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When it was first announced at Baselworld, Users all reacted by saying, "What has changed?" However, Once it arrived at official stores, That question was answered.

According to Rolex's official announcement, The main changes were a slightly increased size from 40mm to 41mm and the introduction of the Cal. 3235 with a 70-hour power reserve.

Although not mentioned in the announcement, The slightly thinner lugs and wider bracelet and clasp provided excellent overall balance and received positive feedback from users.

The current retail price is 12.9 million KRW, And the secondary market price is around 16 to 18 million KRW.

Submariner Date 126610LN

41mm, Black, Oyster

Rolex, Whose Design Changes Only Little by Little
Why Is That?

Lastly, Are you not curious? Why does Rolex insist on maintaining its design so stubbornly?

First, A design that firmly establishes a standard increases the model's recognition. If you think about it, All luxury brands adhere to this strategy. For example, Hermès Birkin bags and Chanel's classic caviar bags instantly bring images to mind. Rolex also continues to refine the same design, Perhaps instilling the equation of diver's watch = Submariner in consumers' minds.

Second, Rolex does not design for the sake of design. In other words, Rolex focuses on the fundamental elements required for function. As a result, Rolex has become the standard for diver's watches. Many other watch brands have produced diver's watches, But there are hardly any that have not been influenced by Rolex's design.

I am already curious to see what small but powerful changes will come to the Submariner in the future :)