Rolex Submariner 116610LN-0001 Black Dial Watch (Black Water Ghost)

The last generation flagship of the Submariner line, still action ready for desk dives and exploring the ocean blue.

Why We Love It

Launched in 2010 and discontinued in 2020 with the launch of the next generation of Submariners, the ref. 116610 for a solid decade represented the flagship of the iconic Submariner family. With its sturdy 40mm steel case, black ceramic bezel insert, and matching noir dial, the model was the less eye-catching of the dated duo of Submariners – the other being the green “Hulk” ref. 116610LV – but it was (and is) no less worthy of positive attention, since its debut serving as a remarkable daily wearer in Rolex’s catalog. 

At its core, the ref. 116610 builds on the popular ref. 16610 which preceded it, doing so with the upgraded features you’d expect of a modern Rolex, including a proprietary Chromalight luminescent material, non-drilled lugs, and a ceramic bezel insert.

Why we love it thus remains much the same as why collectors in the mid-2010s did. With an iconic design that builds on more than half a century of Submariner history, the 116610 is one of the most solid references Rolex has produced to date. Take its wear and looks and bolster them with the ever-reliable Rolex caliber 3135, a ready-for-anything 40mm by 12.5mm 904L-grade Oystersteel case, and highly legible Maxi dial, and you have a timepiece more than ready for anything– whether that be desk diving or exploring the ocean blue.

GENERAL

BRAND
Rolex

MODEL
Submariner

REFERENCE
116610

ITEM NUMBER
ROL-MSN6D8

CASE

CASE MATERIAL
Stainless Steel

CASEBACK
Solid

DIAMETER
40 mm

CASE THICKNESS
12.5 mm

BEZEL MATERIAL
Stainless Steel

BEZEL INSERT MATERIAL
Ceramic

BEZEL FEATURES
Diving, Uni-Directional

DIAL COLOR
Black

MOVEMENT

CALIBRE
3135

MOVEMENT TYPE
Automatic

CALENDAR TYPE
Date

POWER RESERVE
48 hours

BRACELET

BRACELET/STRAP MATERIAL
Stainless Steel

MAXIMUM WRIST SIZE
7 inches

BRACELET TYPE
Oyster

LUG WIDTH
20 mm

The Backstory

Rolex changed the game when introducing the Submariner in 1953. The model helped meet the demand for dive watches, which were growing in popularity thanks to the sport becoming more widespread. However, the Submariner became equally attractive outside the diving community among those who were looking for a sporty fashion accessory. Over the years, the Submariner has continued to straddle this line of function, form, and fashion. It’s been put to the test by countless explorers, like the legendar…