{"id":421,"date":"2013-11-21T10:30:38","date_gmt":"2013-11-21T16:30:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bernardwatch.com\/blog\/?p=421"},"modified":"2016-12-15T12:39:00","modified_gmt":"2016-12-15T18:39:00","slug":"rolex-submariner-116610-vs-16610-comparison","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bernardwatch.com\/blog\/rolex-submariner-116610-vs-16610-comparison\/","title":{"rendered":"Rolex Submariner 116610 vs 16610 Comparison"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

So when discussing features, we should start with the bezel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\"Rolex<\/a>
Rolex 116610 Sub Bezel Dot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Rolex<\/a>
Rolex 116610 Assembly<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
A scratched 16610 bezel insert<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What I do not see pointed out frequently is the improvement in the actual mechanism of the bezel.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

LUME<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
\n
\"steel-sub-compare<\/a>
Luminous Compare<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"steel-sub-compare<\/a>
Sub C Blue Lume<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

CASE SIZE<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Rolex<\/a>
Rolex 16610 & Rolex 116610<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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.<\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\"Rolex<\/a>
Rolex 16610 & Rolex 116610 lug to lug<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

BRACELET AND BUCKLE<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Oyster<\/a>
Oyster Link Comparison<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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.<\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\"Rolex<\/a>
Rolex Glidelock Clasp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Rolex<\/a>
Rolex Submariner Buckle Comparison<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

We try our best to always have a selection of Rolex 16610<\/a> and Rolex 116610<\/a> 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<\/a> listed.<\/p>\n

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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. So when discussing features, we should start with the bezel. This is the most exciting and visually accessible difference between the two models. The… Continue reading Rolex Submariner 116610 vs 16610 Comparison<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":483,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[4,42],"class_list":["post-421","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-watch-comparisons","tag-rolex","tag-submariner","entry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.bernardwatch.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Steel-Sub-Comparisson-1.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":32,"url":"https:\/\/www.bernardwatch.com\/blog\/things-you-should-know-when-buying-a-submariner\/","url_meta":{"origin":421,"position":0},"title":"Things You Should Know When Buying A Rolex Submariner 16610","date":"September 6, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Stainless Steel Submariners often look very similar and you might have a hard time telling them apart at first glance. Here are what we consider the key features when deciding on a Submariner Date (model 16610) with aluminum bezel: The Solid End Link or SEL bracelet. You can find this\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Watch Knowledge"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bernardwatch.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/rehaut.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":562,"url":"https:\/\/www.bernardwatch.com\/blog\/which-watch-is-better-a-submariner-or-a-seamaster\/","url_meta":{"origin":421,"position":1},"title":"Which Watch Is Better? A Submariner or a Seamaster? Late 90s to Early 2000s Edition","date":"April 22, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"I am frequently asked \"Which watch is better, an Omega Seamaster or a Rolex Submariner?\" and the answer is difficult and complex unless the inquirer is very clear about which models of the two watches they are comparing and what they want to get out of the watch. The first\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Watch Comparisons"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bernardwatch.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/submariner-vs-seamaster-header3.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":37,"url":"https:\/\/www.bernardwatch.com\/blog\/omega-is-gunning-for-rolex\/","url_meta":{"origin":421,"position":2},"title":"Omega is Gunning For Rolex","date":"August 13, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Omega has been stepping up their game every year. \u00a0Their current incarnation of the \u00a0Seamaster Planet Ocean boasts a ceramic bezel and the reliable Omega 8500 Co-Axial caliber. \u00a0The Rolex Submariner still offers one of the best values for a rugged, yet sophisticated Swiss watch. View the conversation on Facebook","rel":"","context":"In "Watch Comparisons"","img":{"alt_text":"Rolex 116610 vs 232.30.46.21.01.001","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bernardwatch.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/08\/comparison1-888x1024.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":216,"url":"https:\/\/www.bernardwatch.com\/blog\/rolex-serti-dials\/","url_meta":{"origin":421,"position":3},"title":"Rolex Serti Dials","date":"August 31, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"When people refer to a Rolex with a Serti dial, most often they are referring to a Submariner 16613 with a champagne or slate dial set with 8 round diamonds and 3 sapphire markers. 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