1991 Rolex Submariner Date (Ref. 16610) (MARK I Dial)

The Rolex Submariner Ref. 16610 was first introduced in 1986 by Rolex but didn’t come into commercial availability until about 1987. There are a few dial variants for the Ref. 16610 models but there are 2 comely available variants. The MK I dials differ from the MK II dials simply by the use of Tritium as opposed to the use of  more modern Super-LumiNova for the luminous material. This can be seen under the 6 o’clock marker where MK I dials display SWISS-T<25 denoting the use of radioactive tritium and the MK II dials simply display Swiss Made as they are absent of tritium and use Super-LumiNova. As you may know tritium lume tends to age and darken when exposed to the U.V. from the sunlight where as Super-LumiNova tends to remain a crisp white, making the MK I Ref.16610’s a bit more desirable. 

 

This specific 1991 Rolex Ref. 16610 that we are offering here at C&T has wonderfully aged tritium lume plots as well as matching pearl at the 11 o’clock position of the bezel insert. The Lume has aged to a wonderful Golden yellow coloration and the bezel insert has Faded into a deep smokey blue/grey coloration.  This would make a great vintage piece that has some of the more modern technical elements most vintage Rolex Submariners lack. The sapphire crystal and Trip-Lock crown being two of the elements that would make this piece a great vintage daily driver!

Stock #		RLXSUB16610-91
Brand		Rolex
Style		Submariner
Model		16610
Serial		X54XXX
Size		Men’s
Material		SS
Dial		Black (WG Surrounds)
Millimeters		40
Bracelet		C&T Hand Made Horsehide Leather Watch Strap (Honey Blonde)

 

CASE & Bracelet

The case of this 16610has been gently been polished at some point but retains nice thick lugs. The watch will be supplied on a Craft & Tailored Horween front quarter horsehide vintage two piece strap in Honey Blonde.

DIAL & Hands

The MarkI  dial variant is in stunning original condition. The tritium lume plots have aged to a warm Golden yellow coloration as has the tritium filled pearl located at the 12 o’clock position on the bezel insert. The bezel insert has also taken on a wonderful deep smokey blue/grey coloration which adds to the charm and original condition of this special piece. The hands were replaced during one of the service intervals to the modern Super-LimiNova variant most likely at rolex during a service in the late 1990’s or early 2000’s.

 

Accessories 

None. Watch was recently serviced and is running at COSC spec.