Presented for private sale: the legendary Rolex Submariner.
The Submariner has been named by experts for decades as the most desirable men’s watch of all time, and the best dive watch ever produced.
No other watch model, nor any other watch, has been a source of inspiration as often for other watch designs.
The Submariner towers over brand and genre-related preferences like no other watch. In the 1950s, it was developed as a divers’ watch, and in terms of price, was originally conceived as an entry-level piece into the Rolex world.
While its design is both iconic and beautiful, this watch is also a Swiss-designed precision tool. It was the first watch in history to break the 100-meter water resistance barrier.
Praised for its functionality, durability and accuracy, the watch was soon adopted by the British Royal Navy and then, the British Military. As its capabilities developed – it would soon achieve water resistance to an astounding 300 meters-it became a lynch pin of the rapidly developing deep water exploration and recreational water sports and related industries.
As its reputation grew, it became a highly sought after timepiece for military officers, diplomats, spies, explorers, sportsman, entrepreneurs and celebrities.
The list of the individuals who enjoy and depend on Submariners is legion, but it includes political leaders like Lyndon Johnson, Dwight Eisenhower, Fidel Castro, George Herbert Walker Bush, and Barack Obama. Musicians like Eric Clapton, BB King, Keith Richards and John Mayer. Actors like Robert De Niro, Harrison Ford, George Clooney, Matt Damon, Paul Newman, Robert Redford and Steve McQueen. Sportsmen like David Beckham, and Roger Federer. And legends like Wild Bill Donovan and Chuck Yeager.
Now, the watch sets the standard for that rare combination of design, durability, precision, functionality, luxury and prestige.
Today, Submariners in excellent condition are so popular some buyers wait months for delivery. An average of 246,000 people per month Googled last year for “Rolex Submariner”. The “Sub” is not only listed ubiquitously as the most iconic of all watches but is also the most popular premium watch model in the world.
It has also been consistently ranked number one as the most consistently successful watch investment of all time, appreciating in value throughout its 60-year history.
The model you see before you is the Rolex Submariner Series 116610, introduced in 1988 and produced until 2010.
This series is recognized as one of the most significant models in the Submariner series, blending classic aesthetics with modern innovations.
This was the Submariner that bridged the past to the present, incorporating everything Rolex had learned from over 40 years of intense research and development.
Notably, it was among the first to feature 904L stainless steel, known for its superior corrosion resistance, particularly against saltwater, marking Rolex’s dedication to durability.
This model was also one of the first to use a sapphire crystal, replacing the previous acrylic versions, enhancing scratch resistance and refining its look. ‘
Equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel for diver safety and powered by the precise Calibre 3135 movement, the 116610 is esteemed among collectors for its fusion of traditional Submariner elements with these advancements, cementing its status for both historical importance and functional longevity.
About this Rolex Submariner
This Submariner is privately owned.
Its sale includes the watch’s original carton, presentation box, certification booklet, instruction pamphlet and its original, unused polishing cloth.There is slight discoloration on the top of the presentation box carton. The presentation box itself is missing a small, metal Rolex signet on its lid. Replacements for these items are available on-line, but it was deemed better to keep the materials original.
This Rolex Submariner is a superb chromometer. It has been cared for with meticulous attention to maintenance and service. Service has been provided by Rolex, through its authorized and certified representatives, at factory-recommended intervals.
When one’s Submariner is serviced by Rolex, the watch is completely dismantled, and its components are ultrasonically cleaned. Each individual component is closely examined and those that no longer meet Rolex's functional and aesthetic specifications, including specialized gaskets, are replaced with genuine Rolex parts.
This Submariner’s last service was in February 2022. It is not due for its next service until 2027.
The watch is mechanically perfect in all respects. It keeps time within a few seconds each day, well within manufacture’s parameters (-4 to +6 seconds a day). The bezel works flawlessly.
The sapphire crystal has no scratches and is in excellent condition, as is the face, body and bracelet of the watch. There are no gouges or stains.
As with any watch in use, there are buffable micro-scratches.
There is a division among watch experts, dealers and connoisseurs about whether to polish a watch or allow it to establish a natural patina over time. This watch has typical minute, fine scratches on a few areas of the watch and bracelet, reflecting normal wear from daily use.
However, this watch has not been subjected to intense conditions like scuba diving, boating, surfing or other activities sufficient to damage the watch’s surfaces or mechanism. Other, less valuable watches have been used to engage in these activities in its stead.
This superb example of a Rolex Submariner is offered at the market price of $12,125.64, which is calculated at five percent below the average market price for Series 116610 Submariner in excellent condition (which includes carton, box, certification booklet with proper serial number and bracelet number).
This Submariner is being sold as is, with no returns.
Watch Specifications
Style Number: 116610
Serial number: G328291
Bracelet Number: 97200
Dial: Black Index