Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV – Full Evaluate, Specs & Value

Some watches want no introduction anymore, having gained a cult standing through the years. The Submariner is the watch that after defined these watches what this standing was… This Rolex dive watch is, definitely, one of many 5 most emblematic fashions ever created by the Swiss watch trade, a watch that has change into excess of a timing gadget, and with a recognition that goes means past the small membership of watch lovers – one thing that additionally explains why it generally may be uncared for by hardcore watch followers. The Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV, launched as a part of the 2020 assortment replace, is a watch that we’ve already checked out right here, on MONOCHROME. However we had the chance to have an instance as a long-term loaner, which gave us the chance to actually discover this monument of watchmaking in full element. 

Preliminary notice: Earlier than we dive into the small print (I do know, it was a simple one…), permit me a remark. I do know that contemplating the present state of affairs relating to costs and availability, something associated to Rolex has change into a sizzling subject, which can generate feedback. It’s even more true with this watch, probably the most sought-after and hard-to-get watches within the model’s portfolio. We’re absolutely conscious of this case and if we by some means blame it, we are able to’t neglect it both. Nevertheless, for the sake of this evaluation, I’m asking you to depart these issues apart for some time, as I did, by simply wanting on the Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV as a watch, as a manufactured product, so I can have a reasonably goal take a look at it.

Fast recap

It’s not the place to re-do your entire historical past of the Rolex Submariner. And should you’re on this, we’ve performed a fairly in depth 4-part story on the Submariner already – half 1 Early References, half 2 the 55xx Collection, half 3 the 5-digit evolution, half 4 the fashionable ceramic fashions.

Extra necessary is the earlier technology, the primary 6-digit collection. Initially launched in 2008 with the yellow gold 116618LN and 116618LB, in addition to the white gold 116619LB, the chrome steel Submariner Date variations (116610LN and 116610LV) appeared in 2010. The evolution from the 5-digit collection to those new 6-digit variations is kind of noticeable, not solely as a result of new shapes and proportions (Maxi-Dial and Tremendous-Case) but in addition attributable to the usage of new supplies, such because the Cerachrom bezel. The 6-digit collection was a transfer into modernity and in direction of a extra luxurious really feel. It additionally answered the demand for bigger watches, with out truly being bigger than earlier than. It’s all a matter of shapes and proportions that nearly enlarged the watch, turning into extra “fats” than earlier than.

Above: 116610LN (2010-2020 – left) and 126610LV (since 2020 – proper)

Along with the basic black-on-black metal mannequin (which was inevitable for this watch), Rolex additionally launched a green-on-green model of the Submariner Date, the so-called “Hulk” reference 116610LV – the predecessor to the watch we’ll evaluation at the moment. The 11661x collection was admittedly an amazing watch, with an extended record of arguments and a powerful high quality, however one which additionally aged a bit after its 10-year lifespan. Principally, the Tremendous-Case felt barely outdated and to not everybody’s style. The unique look of the Submariner, a dive watch that all the time had a sure magnificence and slenderness, was a bit misplaced. The 2020 evolution, which has been unfold over your entire Submariner assortment – date and no date, metal or treasured metals – by some means corrects this whereas protecting alive all the good attributes of the earlier technology. An evolution that’s by some means comparable with that of the Porsche 911.

The Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV

As we’ve defined over our earlier articles in regards to the new technology of Rolex Submariner, the evolution of 2020 isn’t a revolution. The fundamentals are nonetheless the identical and the replace is all about refined touches, in addition to new mechanics. But, nothing is shared between the 11661x technology and the present 12661x fashions. Typical of Rolex, the watch will appear to be equivalent from a distance, but a skilled eye will shortly spot the variations between what the Submariner was once previously and what it’s now. Delicate evolutions (in truth, in all probability greatest to name it an improve) is essential within the success of this mannequin.

Case and proportions

That is in all probability the place many of the modifications are to be observed. Whereas the case feels, at first, nearly equivalent to the earlier technology, the brand new Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV (and all fashions of the 2020 replace) has modified slightly drastically. At first, Rolex claimed to have made a 41mm diameter, thus a 1mm improve in comparison with the earlier technology. Which, in actuality, gave the impression to be a really simplified means to take a look at issues. The Submariner has grown a bit, certain, however it has additionally gained a brand new form on the identical time, eliminating the so-called Tremendous-Case.

In accordance with our personal measurements, the scale of the Submariner Date 126610LV haven’t modified that a lot. The fact is that this: diameter is 40.5mm (not 41mm), whereas it was once 40.2mm previously technology. Thickness has been saved to the identical degree, at 12mm. Lug-to-lug measurement can be equivalent, at 47.6mm – which is pretty compact for a watch of that measurement and makes the Submariner a bit appropriate for many wrists. However after studying this, you may surprise what’s new right here.

The principle evolution considerations the lugs and the width of the bracelet. The best way the lugs stream from the facet of the case (at 3 and 9 o’clock) to the tip of the lugs feels drastically totally different. The so-called Tremendous-Case of the earlier technology gave a square-ish, cumbersome really feel to the watch, with out the same old slenderness of the Submariner. Now, and largely because of an enlarged bracelet width – which is now 21mm in comparison with 20mm – the lugs are thinner and it actually does really feel when wanting on the watch. By shaving 0.5mm on their inside face, Rolex has given the Submariner again its unique look. Extra stream, extra curves, much less bulk. And if on paper the scale are barely bigger, the end result on the wrist, because of a bigger bracelet and thinner lugs, is the other and the present Rolex Submariner Date feels barely smaller than earlier than. Small tweaks that may make a serious distinction.

The remainder of the case, or not less than its execution and the specs, haven’t modified majorly, nonetheless. The Submariner continues to be true to its spirit, that of a really succesful dive watch but in addition a reasonably luxurious sports activities watch. Manufactured from Oystersteel (the inner title of the 904L chrome steel alloy utilized by the model), the case combines straight brushed surfaces on the flat areas and polished accents on the edges. As with all fashionable fashions, no extra polished bevels on the facet of the lugs (sadly). The crown, the so-called Triplock, screws down and is effectively protected by lateral guards. The caseback is a straightforward fluted stable metal piece, typical of Rolex’s manufacturing. Each assure a 300m or 1000ft water-resistance, greater than sufficient for leisure {and professional} divers (and if you need extra, the Sea-Dweller and Deepsea will reply your wants).

The highest of the case is protected by a flat sapphire crystal, with the emblematic “cyclops” magnifier over the date. One thing new, nonetheless, for the Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV is the presence of an anti-reflective coating on the inside facet of the crystal (do not forget that Rolex solely began to make use of AR coating in very current years). Due to the flat profile of the crystal and the AR coating, legibility is more often than not really spectacular.

Dial and bezel

Framing the dial is a basic unidirectional diving bezel with a 60-click movement. The actuation of the bezel is a real pleasure, with a reassuring really feel of sharpness and high quality, that of a really well-built object. Additionally, as soon as in place, the bezel stays firmly in place. On high is a Cerachrom insert – the inner title for ceramic – with a 60-minute scale (not completely graduated – that is once more reserved to the Sea-Dweller and Deepsea) engraved after which PVD-coated with platinum. A luminous pearl is inserted on the zero-mark and the insert is polished. Accessible in black on the LN mannequin, the inexperienced LV model you may see right here definitely provides a contact of originality and enjoyable, but the color is refined and discreet in the true world. Not the flashy inexperienced you may see on the model’s web site, however a restrained inexperienced color that makes this watch wearable each day. One small (and by some means neglectable) draw back to this inexperienced bezel in comparison with the black mannequin, it gives a bit much less distinction beneath sure gentle situations.

As for the dial, don’t anticipate many variations between the Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV and its predecessor. Aside from one necessary replace: the inexperienced Submariner solely makes use of inexperienced for its bezel, and the dial is now black, whereas the 116610LV Hulk had a inexperienced, sunray-brushed dial. Now, the dial is identical because the LN mannequin, with a shiny lacquered black background. Some will in all probability remorse this transformation of favor, I personally like this “Starbucks” or “Cermit” model higher than the earlier one, because it ends in a extra discreet, extra utilitarian, extra “dive watch” fashion than earlier than.

As for the weather of the dial, no main updates, because the Maxi-Dial format with its outsized markers continues to be current. The arms have been tweaked – the minute hand is barely longer (touching the outer minute monitor) and the “Mercedes” hour hand has been enlarged ever so barely too. All the remaining, despite the fact that there could be some minimal changes in measurement, is equivalent. The handset retains the identical design, the utilized white gold markers are the identical – a basic mixture of dots, rectangles and a triangle to shortly spot the time in low gentle situations – and all components are largely crammed with blue-emitting Chromalight – which isn’t the very best at doing its job, in all equity (Seiko does higher with its LumiBrite).

The Rolex coronet brand and model title are nonetheless positioned at 12 o’clock, whereas there’s nonetheless the basic (4-line) literature at 6 o’clock. One thing I want Rolex would change. I miss the previous days of the Submariner 14060 with solely 2 traces of textual content, indicating the title of the mannequin and the depth charge… The point out “Superlative Chronometer Formally Licensed” may simply be eliminated, or positioned on the caseback, which might permit the dial to breathe a bit. One distinction to be seen on the dial is the presence of the small coronet brand in-between the phrases Swiss and Made at 6 o’clock, marking the mechanical evolution.

In conclusion, aside from the relative lack of luminescence and the lengthy literature on the dial, the dial of the brand new Rolex Submariner Date is the whole lot you’d anticipate: ultra-legible, with excessive distinction, extraordinarily exact execution of all the weather and an emblematic look that has lengthy demonstrated its effectiveness. However remember the fact that attributable to an replace in the usual (in 2018), the Submariner Date isn’t any extra ISO 6425-certified, as a result of lack of a luminous ingredient subsequent to the date. Solely the Submariner no-date is now compliant with the ISO norm. Not that of an issue for us, as only a few will use a Submariner as a real instrument dive watch anyway.

Bracelet & Clasp

As soon as once more, you don’t change a confirmed recipe. Right here’s why the technology Submariner Date builds on the fundamentals discovered within the earlier technology. The bracelets discovered on the previous Submariners, even the Nineties 5-digit fashions, had been clearly not the very best. Particularly the clasp. With the arrival of the 6-digit collection, Rolex lastly developed a bracelet and a clasp worthy of the model’s popularity. The fashionable Oyster bracelet and clasp have even change into by some means a reference within the subject. And the Submariner Date 126610LV doesn’t change this.

First, dimensions. As stated, the lug width is now 21mm however the improve in measurement truly considerations your entire bracelet, from lugs to clasp. This bigger bracelet definitely helps to visually cut back the squareness of the case by altering the general proportions. The clasp now measures about 18.5mm in width, one extra millimetre in comparison with the earlier technology.

The three-link building of the Oyster bracelet, product of Oystersteel and closed by an Oysterclasp with Oysterlock – sorry… I made this on goal. The bracelet is a basic 3-link building product of the model’s proprietary 904L metal (Oystersteel). It’s closed by a folding clasp (named Oysterclasp) geared up with a safety catch folding over the clasp (Oysterlock). The general execution is extraordinarily exact, with clean edges making it snug. The added width makes this 126610LV extra balanced on the wrist. Additionally, the bracelet retains its very sensible Glidelock extension system, which permits a 20mm extension in increments of 2mm. Lastly, the size of the bracelet is adjusted by the technique of screws. Observe that the Submariner doesn’t function the diver’s extension blade, reserved to the Sea-Dweller and Deepsea.

A brand new motion

That is clearly the place the Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV brings crucial evolution. The earlier technology of Submariner was powered by the long-lasting, dependable and exact calibre 3135, which has been changed by the fashionable calibre 3235, which comes with a number of technical improvements. Just like the Day-Date, Datejust, GMT-Grasp II, Sea-Dweller, Yacht-Grasp and Deepsea earlier than, the Submariner is now powered by the 32xx technology of calibre.

Similar to the no-date 124060, which is provided with the 3230, the Submariner Date advantages from the model’s newest improvements. A Superlative Chronometer motion (and watch), which means licensed by the COSC and internally by Rolex after casing, this computerized motion is given for -2/+2 seconds/day. It options the Chronergy escapement, an optimised model of the Swiss lever escapement. The effectivity of the escapement is elevated by 15%. It’s product of nickel-phosphorus and is insensitive to magnetic fields. Optimizations additionally concern the gear prepare, with optimized geometry and high-performance lubricants, and the barrel, with an extended mainspring with out rising the scale of the barrel. Altogether, the ability reserve is now 70 hours. It additionally includes a new self-winding module, for a extra speedy winding of the brand new high-capacity mainspring, and the rotor is rotating on ball bearings.

The calibre 3235 brings extra stability and resistance in nearly all areas. The blue Parachrom hairspring continues to be current, which means that it stays paramagnetic and intensely proof against shocks. And if the motion continues to be too younger (its structure has been launched in 2015 with the Day-Date 40) to actually have a transparent concept of its reliability, it makes little doubt that it’s higher than its predecessors on most ranges.

Concluding Ideas

Objectively, should you take a look at the Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV from a product perspective solely, there’s not a lot to be addressed. Placing apart design concerns, which all the time result in private opinions and subjective views, the brand new technology Submariner is a shocking watch. The general execution is just wonderful, with spectacular consistency in the best way the watch is manufactured and constructed. The precision of the meeting, the best way the components have been machined and completed, the standard of the supplies utilized in all areas, the record of options, the precision of the motion, the consolation and solidity of the bracelet and clasp… There’s an plain feeling of an over-engineered product, the place nothing has been left apart, the place the whole lot has been thought of with a lot consideration. A superbly oiled machine that you realize will final for many years, but with a real feeling of luxurious. In brief, the Submariner Date 126610LV really is a powerful object.

As for the design, I consider that there can be three teams of individuals. First, those that merely love/just like the look ahead to the acute consistency within the design, identical to a 911 has its advocates. Then, there can be those that will stay barely chilly, noticing the standard of this watch, acknowledging its cult standing, but not being attracted by what they’ll really feel is a risk-free watch, with no actual assertion or originality. Then are those that are reluctant to love the watch, just because it’s a Submariner. To every his personal, and I’ll place myself within the first class. But I additionally utterly perceive the 2 different positions. However I clearly encourage anybody to deal with a Submariner with out pre-constructed emotions and to take a look at it in an goal means. The Submariner has been on the finish of the meals chain for a number of many years, and there are tangible causes for this.

As for the worth (and we’ll keep on with retail right here), the EUR 10,000 sticker makes the 126610LV removed from accessible. It’s excessive, no questions. Not overpriced, however clearly, it’s on the finish of what I’d name first rate worth. There are extraordinarily good options to the Submariner on the market. Assume for example in regards to the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M (nearly half the worth, full of fashionable options, nice motion, superior accuracy and anti-magnetism, lovely execution), which we’ve in comparison with the earlier technology on this evaluation. The Tudor Black Bay 41 or Fifty-Eight fashions, with this acquainted “Rolex household” design, and numerous arguments beneath the hood, shouldn’t be ignored both. There are numerous options to think about for a luxurious dive watch, both in cheaper price ranges or with equal and even larger costs. But, you’ll hardly discover a watch that provides such consistency within the design and high quality and that can retain its worth in the identical means. A minimum of, once you’ll put these 10k on the desk and strap the watch, you’ll know the place your cash goes.

However, there’s the elephant within the room, the problem that we don’t actually wish to deal with however that ought to nonetheless be addressed. Availability and insane pre-owned costs. Sure, the Rolex Submariner Date – particularly this Lunette Verte 126610LV model – is hardly accessible at retail value. It’s not unattainable, however absolutely it should require endurance and arduous work. We will solely blame the state of affairs, because it ruins the pleasure of watch amassing and the pleasure of proudly owning this look ahead to what it’s, which means a really, excellent timepiece. Let’s hope for this case to vary quickly.

For now, all I can say is that the Rolex Submariner Date 126610LV, in addition to all fashions within the present assortment, is a powerful watch. And the small updates on the case, bracelet, motion have solely made it higher. For extra particulars and costs in your area, please go to rolex.com.