Baselworld 2010: New Rolex Submariners

A day before Basel 2010, Rolex released a press kit of it new models.

Rolex Submariner Ref. 116610. The new stainless steel Submariner has arrived as expected, with the super case, maxi dial, glidelock clasp and the ceramic bezel. The center links on the bracelet are not polished, so the tool watch is still a tool watch. I am not a fan of the super case and maxi dial, but hey I have small wrists. Many will miss the aluminum bezel. In the end, the icon had to evolved, and it has without offending its followers. In the Rolex will sell a million of this things.


Rolex Submariner Ref. 116610LV. We did not realize the green Submariner LV was so popular, but it must be since Rolex has released a new one at Basel 2010. A ceramic green bezel and green dial, differentiate from the 116610. This early, some have called the new green hideous. I have never been fond of Kermit, the Submariner LV, but the new LV has a more matte "understated" green bezel which we think we like better than the old one. The dial is shiny. I am not sure how well the two work together. Best to reserve judgment until I see one in the flesh, but for now, I think I like the new Kermit more than the old.


Diamond studded Subs. If you want diamond hour markers (at the 1-2-4-5-7-8-10-11 o'clock positions) with your gold or bi-metal Subs, Rolex now offers this as an option. To each his own.

Specifications. REFERENCE: 116610 / 116610 LV

Case

Diameter: 40 mm
Material: 904L steel
Bezel: unidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated
with green Cerachrom insert, platinum graduations
Winding crown: Triplock
Crystal: Sapphire crystal with Cyclops lens
Waterproofness: 300 m

Movement

Calibre: 3135 COSC-certified chronometer with date display
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 beats/hour)
Parachrom hairspring with Breguet overcoil
Power reserve: 48 hours

Bracelet

Material: 904L steel
Type: Oyster
Clasp: Rolex Glidelock


July 12, 2010 update: The new stainless steel ceramic Submariner hit the market.


About Rolex. Rolex SA is a Swiss manufacturer of wristwatches and accessories founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis. Rolex is the largest single luxury watch brand by far, producing over 2000 watches per day. Rolex is the best known and most sought after watch brand in the world.