The Rolex Submariner 16610, particularly the later 16610T variant, holds a special place in the hearts of watch enthusiasts. This article delves into the value proposition of the 16610T, examining its evolution, key features, and the factors that contribute to its fluctuating market price. We'll explore various aspects, including its price history, variations like the blue bezel, the best years of production, detailed specifications, and finally, the significant changes introduced with the transition to the 16610T.
Rolex Submariner 16610 Specs: Understanding the Foundation
Before focusing on the 16610T, let's establish a baseline understanding of the 16610. This reference, introduced in 1988, represented a significant iteration in the Submariner lineage. It featured a 40mm stainless steel case, a unidirectional rotating bezel, and the iconic Oyster bracelet. Crucially, early examples of the 16610 utilized tritium lume, a radioactive substance that provided a distinctive, creamy-colored glow in low-light conditions. This is a key differentiator when comparing it to later models. The movement was typically the calibre 3135, a highly reliable and robust automatic movement known for its accuracy and longevity. The dial featured the classic Submariner design, often with "Swiss T < 25" indicating the presence of tritium. This model also featured the characteristic hollowed-out lugs (lugholes) for ease of strap changes.
Rolex Model 16610 Release Year and the Evolution to the 16610T
The Rolex 16610 enjoyed a long production run, spanning several years. Pinpointing the exact start and end dates is difficult due to Rolex's gradual transitions between references. However, it's generally accepted that production began in 1988 and continued until its eventual replacement. The transition to the 16610T marked a subtle but significant shift in the Submariner’s design and specifications. This change wasn't a sudden overhaul but rather a series of incremental updates.
The Key Differences: 16610 vs. 16610T
The "T" in 16610T signifies a key change: the transition from tritium lume to SuperLuminova. This was a significant alteration, driven by safety and environmental concerns. Tritium, while providing excellent luminosity, is radioactive. SuperLuminova, a non-radioactive luminescent material, offered a safer alternative while maintaining good visibility in darkness. The change in lume is arguably the most significant visual difference between the two references, with SuperLuminova offering a slightly brighter, whiter glow compared to the creamy, aged glow of tritium.
Other notable changes accompanying the shift to SuperLuminova included:
* "Swiss T < 25" removed: The dial markings indicating the presence of tritium were removed, replaced simply by "Swiss Made."
* Solid End Links (SELs): The 16610T incorporated solid end links on the Oyster bracelet, improving the overall aesthetic integration and feel of the bracelet. The previous hollow end links were a point of contention for some collectors.
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