My Thoughts on the Rolex Submariner 16610 4K

There are my thoughts on the Rolex Submariner reference 16610 I've had for 16 years. You might call this a long-term review.

[@TheVincent2345]

I’ve owned several Submariners and Submariner Dates. I currently own the 126610LN, am absolutely in love with it wear it every single day. My biggest regret would be selling my 16610LN. I say this because the 16610 is the reason I fell in love with Submariner Dates. It’s only the most classic wristwatch in my opinion, in history in itself.

[@unclejonga]

Do not sell! You have an absolute classic with a ton of memories to boot. You’ll regret it.

[@jeremybrooks9334]

9

[@hebrewhammer8571]

I have the 16610 pre 2003 with the holes in bezel for lugs. Love it

[@Heater-lk7fc]

i have the the 16610 and the 16613 bluesy.. wore the bluesy 14 years straight.. never had an issue.. these are awesome!!

[@ThruMyLens100]

I have the 16613 as well. Love it. Pictures on my Instagram.

[@meteor1237]

Own a Sub 16800 vintage serviced twice. Dove with it in 1987 in Grand Cayman. Great watch wife gave me on 10th anniversary. It's a great piece and can't believe it's worth now. Super watch!

[@markmazur3157]

I really enjoyed your video. So “thank you”. I have a 1998 16610 with tritium lume. Just love it. Mark Australia

[@ThruMyLens100]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@user-tk7km1sr7e]

Mine is from 1998. The tritium is developing a nice patina, never sell it.

[@1000lightyrs]

I got seriously into luxury watches in 2010, and have been lucky to own literally hundreds since then. I was also lucky enough to have some nice Rolex's when they were more attainable before the mega hype set in. Three of them were divers, first a 14060m random serial, then a 116600 so called SD4K. I didn't bond with either of these and ended up reselling them at very nice profits (by luck only, not by intent). My third, and I consider my final Rolex diver was (is) a 16610 random serial. The look, the feel, I instantly bonded with this one! Have owned it for over a year and love it more and more all the time. I'm actually constantly surprised by how luxurious and fancy it looks, despite being a no holds bared tool diver. I guess that's why the Sub became so famous and desired (?). BTW, thanks for the video, from a fellow 1970 kid 🙂

[@ThruMyLens100]

Great story and thanks for sharing! Really appreciate the kind words.

[@mitchd949]

I have a 2007 Z s/n 16610. It's truly a perfect watch for a man. Like you said, it goes with anything! Wear it to surf/swim at the beach, wear it to the office M-F, wear it with a tuxedo on NYE. What other item does a man own that is so versatile?

[@ChrisMarshall1978007]

I’ve owned a few of those over the years and love that model ! It’s the best of the modern day submariners before ceramic . I own a vintage 16800 sub which is very similar to this model. Thank you for the review

[@ThruMyLens100]

Yours is the transitional model correct? Thank you for the kind words!

[@ThruMyLens100]

I checked out your channel - very nice! Gave you a sub!

[@ChrisMarshall1978007]

@@ThruMyLens100 thank You 🙏

[@jeffreywee2895]

Absolutely gorgeous piece and it is a future classic 👍💪

[@mboydatlanta1]

Love my 16610. Purchased new in 2005.

[@Watchlovehistory]

Old is gold👌

[@elwynll]

I picked up a 16610 (2008 M serial with engraved rehaut) last month but am having trouble loving it. I was tossing between 16610 vs 116610LN and opted for the 5 digit, for many reasons such as the smaller profile (i have smaller wrists 6.5inch~ ). However the bracelet, clasp are huge improvements on the newer references and although the 16610 bracelet is light I still have issues with the fitment especially with the fixed links on the 6 o'clock side, not to mention its very flimsy design in comparison to the new 6 digit subs. I think I also prefer the maxi dial and prefer it to the 5 digit. I agree the supercase lugs are too fat but am not sure if I'll end up trading the 5 digit for 6 digit.. Help me love the 16610 !

[@ThruMyLens100]

I don’t know that I can help you love the 16610. I can point out a couple of things.. In October I got a 126610LN. Yes the clasp on the 16610 is slimier, but it’s far less prone to show wear. I’ll also state that the bezel on the newer watch is much easier to spin, and for more susceptible to be knocked off center during casual wear. I’ll be posting my review here in a couple of weeks of the newer model.

[@elwynll]

@@ThruMyLens100Thanks for your response. I still have the 16610 and am still undecided. I would be keen to see your review and comparison between the 16610 and 126610LN. I tried on the 12 and found the clasp noticeably chunkier, hence why if I went 6 digit I would possibly opt for the 11 reference despite the fatter lugs (I like the 20mm taper vs the 21mm bracelet). Thanks!

[@rgrewal3d]

@l I have been looking for a 2008 16610 sub. I am close to pulling the trigger on a 2005, so If you do want to move on from yours, let me know. It will go to a great home or should I say great wrist. Cheers.

[@WH-hi5ew]

@@elwynll You might have sold the 16610 already... but isnt the simple answer to take of the bracket and just replace with an alternative strap? Silicone for example. If the watch fits better on your 6.5 inch wrist then just change the bracelet surely.

[@jayden5718]

I actually have a 16610ln (2008 M serial, no rehaut) and a 116610ln and I wear the 16610 99% of the time. I only wear the 116610ln when I can wear something “shiny”. Also the newer bezel is super annoying and spins by my sleeves

[@7birdies221]

I agree with you. I have a 116610 LN and a 16710 and I wear the 16710 all the time because I love the size. I’m looking at trading the 116610 for a pre-maxi case sub. I do like all the new features in the 116610 so I hope Rolex does a new/old version sub without the maxi case.

[@lettuce1305]

As much as I like the 6 digit references and I admit the 6 digit feels more refined and luxurious, you just can't beat the comfort, size, and charm of the 5 digit references. I also find the 5 digit references go well with leather straps too unlike the 6 digit which can look kinda awkward on leather straps.

[@sc1]

Great to hear a long term review. I also have the 11610, since 2005.

[@the_shadow_realm5110]

Sounds like this bad boy never needed a service at all!! I'll never polish/buff my Submariner. My plan is to beat it within an inch of his existence.

[@ShadowJ20]

Did you get the new Sub yet?

[@ThruMyLens100]

Not yet. I was just in my AD Friday as the Tudor Black Bay Chronograph I've been waiting six months for FINALLY came in (review coming SOON!). He indicates it's looking for like 1st quarter next year.

[@ShadowJ20]

@@ThruMyLens100 Another question, I am planning on getting a 5 digit sub. You mentioned in your video that you sent your Rolex to service. Do you know if Rolex will replace the Bezel Ring? Not the black insert but the metal.

[@ThruMyLens100]

@@ShadowJ20 - they can, yes.

[@singflorent]

You have a big wrist, I think the 126610 will suit u more

[@Matt-uq3in]

The submariners is pure class with out the cyclops wort just my opinion.🔥👌

[@bolshevikproductions]

The 2006 16610 had no hole case , I have that model

[@ThruMyLens100]

As I clearly stated, mine is an F serial production model which would have made it manufactured in 2003. I said I acquired it in 2006. F serial models had lugs with holes.

[@bolshevikproductions]

@@ThruMyLens100 it’s 16610 like mine. But bought mine from AD in Jamaica in 2006. Hate the fat boy version

[@bolshevikproductions]

@@ThruMyLens100 The fat case boy didn’t follow your watch. The no hole case did

[@ThruMyLens100]

@@bolshevikproductions - check your paperwork. It should show you serial which will begin with a letter of the alphabet. That letter is how you can determine when the watch was actually manufactured which may have been earlier than 2006.

[@bolshevikproductions]

@@ThruMyLens100 of course I purchased it new in 2006. While on holiday in Jamaica

[@ListenToPowerViolence]

Don't sell it. This is a historical reference and you have decades of memories with it.

[@ThruMyLens100]

Already did. I’m not sentimental.

[@ListenToPowerViolence]

@@ThruMyLens100 I hope you got more than 22K.

[@Zestypanda]

@@ListenToPowerViolence Haaa he probably got about $7k

[@dominicfarrello3860]

pre ceramic the best great watch

[@ThruMyLens100]

In another 10 years, they’ll be saying the same thing about the ceramic models when something else replaces them. Love my new 126610.

[@Heater-lk7fc]

126610 not 216610

[@ThruMyLens100]

I may have misspoken in the video. I’m on the waitlist for the new one. 😋

[@bolshevikproductions]

Have a 2006 sub -date. No holes case

[@ThruMyLens100]

If yours was manufactured in 2006 and then it’s a Z Serial. Mine is an F serial manufactured in 2003.

[@bolshevikproductions]

@@ThruMyLens100 you never gave a date of your sub. Just that you’ve had it 16 years/ 2006

[@ThruMyLens100]

@@bolshevikproductions - incorrect. I clearly stated that it is an F serial production model.

[@greatchalla3799]

I like the 16600….Sea Dweller over the Sub.

[@JimMc-o2p]

I have a AAA

[@kcw9313]

I love my 2010 random, but let’s be clear. Black does not go well with everything. It clashes with anything blue. Navy blue. Light blue. Brown and earth tones a little sketch as well.

[@frankdaneluzzi3503]

Don't you mean 316L steel. 904L came alot later.

[@ThruMyLens100]

No, actually the 16610 does use 904L in its construction.

[@frankdaneluzzi3503]

@@ThruMyLens100 I stand corrected.

[@rafaeloliva6425]

The super case and maxi dial Submariner is a much more rugged and masculine wearing watch, than any 5 digit reference. Wanting a dive / sports watch to be more "elegant" is an oxymoron! After all the Submariner is a purpose built sports watch! Subjectively, I can respect someone's preference for the thinner lugs on the 41mm Subnariner. I'll grant you that. However, the Ceramic Submariner variants are head and shoulders above any 5 digit reference, by any measurable metrix full stip. The 6 digit reference corrects the inherent flaws of the 5 digit reference models. Gone is the hideous stamped clasp, hollow link braclet stretch and scratch prone aluminum bezel. The 116610ln also has the last and latest improvements to the venerable caliber 3135 movement.

[@ThruMyLens100]

@@rafaeloliva6425 - you obviously own and are defending the 116610. It will be remembered as “the one that no one liked.” I now own the 126610 which takes everything good about both the 16610 and 116610 in the combines the best qualities of each. I suggest you watch my review of the 126610.

[@rafaeloliva6425]

@@ThruMyLens100 Your opinion is just that. You have an overvalued view of yourself if you think you know or speak for everyone. And no thanks, I don't to view some sangtimous Arse's review.

[@ThruMyLens100]

@@rafaeloliva6425 - LOL! Look, if you like the 116610, more power to you. But the fact remains that the super case 116610 is polarizing to say the least. Which is why they were redesigned. Sorry to bruise your ego little snowflake.