 |
| ||||||||||||
 | |||||||||||||
 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date Steel Mens Watch 16610 By: Rolex Average Rating: 4.5 Total Reviews: 24 More Information Classic  by: dasn0wman On: 2007-06-29 This is probably the most copied and most counterfeited watch in the world. It is extremely popular especially when the old 007 started wearing it. Rolex watches used to be in the same league as Omega but then a sudden craze started by Yuppies brought it at a league of their own. I got mine at a very reputable retail store long time ago and it is also my first "high-end" watch. I used to wear it all the time and then I just grew tired of it and the risk of getting it scratched is nauseating so I just kept it stored away somewhere for a few years when I suddenly decided to take it out for a trip abroad. It was unfortunate since for so many years it was in mint condition and I dropped it on the street one day after I took it out. Its still ticking but no longer in mint condition. Owning a nice watch gives you headaches. Some people consider it an investment, but its actually not that great of an investment since you will probably get the price you paid for it only if its in mint condition. But that is still bad, given inflation will rise fovever at 4-5% rate. The new submariner has a hefty price compared to my old one as it gone considerably up by about $2k. The other minus is that its so popular, it will never be worth more than it already is...only rare watches you can make money. Its nice and cool but then if you look around, everyone else has it, too...not too original. I do not regret getting this watch because it is no doubt one of the most beautiful watches I ever saw or own. If you want accuracy, a $5 Timex would suffice, but if you want quality craftsmanship, beauty, and a little bit of status, there is no substitute. eh...  On: 2007-06-14Ill give it to Rolex that the design is classic and has inspired many other watch manufacturers to create the same style. But as far as the actual watch goes, its strikingly mediocre. To the average person that does not know much about watches, Rolex is the best of the best. To the average person, Rolex is like Ferrari. This is simply not true. There are so many other manufacturers that make a better product at a better price. With Rolex, you are paying an extremely high overhead cost that covers the marketing that accompanies the watch. Rolex has raised their prices every year for the past 40 years without the watch changing tremendously. As for the actual watch, I bought it and wore it for a few months and then sold it. It just didnt do it for me. It didnt feel anywhere near the $5K of its asking price. The band is extremely cheap for a watch at this price point. In conclusion, if you buy this watch and are content, good for you. I just want to let everyone know this watch is not all that it is cracked up to be. Diamond Ring for her, a Sumariner for me.  On: 2007-06-12When I got married, my wife got her $5k engagement ring, and I got a $5k Rolex Submariner. Just to keep her happy I spent 60 bucks at Sears for a plain gold band for me. I wear the Sub more than my wedding band. That watch is the best thing i ever purchased, absolutely no buyers remorse. The Best Ever On: 2007-06-03I got my Rolex Submariner today, im only 17 years old but i love it! You can buy other ones for fraction of the price, but ROLEX is ROLEX, that easy! It is a watch to give to your son and in 30years he gives to your grandson! BEST Untimate Dependability On: 2007-02-12Also having read the original James Bond books as a lad, I was taken with Bonds Rolex Submariner. Later, as a US Marine, I went to scuba school. Upon graduation, I received the ultimate mens watch. That watch went with me to more than two years in Viet Nam and I still have it to this day. Its a classic, its dependable and its tough. What more needs to be said? INDESTRUCTABLE On: 2007-01-26THIS IS THE MOST DURABLE TIMEPIECE ON EARTH, 24 YEARS OLD AND NEVER HAD TO HAVE SERVICED, BANGED UP DENTED AND SCRATCHED CASE, SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL PERFECT NO SCRATCHES OR CRACKS, NEVER LEAKED AND STILL WATER TIGHT TO 300 METERS, STILL KEEPS PERFECT TIME AND DATE, LINKS TIGHT, I HAVE WORN IT EVERYDAY FOR 24 YEARS. A Fantastic Watch but Not for Everybody On: 2007-01-21This was the first and so far, only mechanical watch Ive ever owned. I bought it not too many years ago when I was 19 and in college. It was a sizeable amount of money for a college student but I just had to have one. Its an icon, its absolutely epic. Its the original James Bond watch, its the watch of choice for Jack Bauer (in some seasons of 24 anyway), that flying guy from Heroes wears one, so did Nick Cage in National Treasure. The list goes on... Rolex did its job in making me want one, and when I first got it, upgrading from a Tag Heuer SEL link, I was ecstatic, but there were too many things about it I just couldnt live with. First of all, the watch is epic, so prestigious yet so discreet in doing it, and when you wear it there is such a sense of majesty. The watch is so deceptively simple, with a magnificent black dial, immaculate luminous markers, crisp white writing on the dial, and hands which are simple and functional. The dial took my breath away, and it looked great on me when I wore pretty much anything, and there was a certain beauty of its unelegant workhorse movement, but unfortunately with me, that is where the praises stop. As mentioned above, the watch is fantastic, but if youre anything like me it just wont do for everyday wear. First of all, in my job I actually do have to be places EXCALTY at a certain time, and with just 15 minute meetings sometimes with clients and others, your watch cant be 4 minutes ahead of the actual time, you might be early, but that sometimes means ending a meeting early when you couldve had more time. Of course I knew that having a mechanical watch meant you could not have quartz accuracy, and I thought I was ready for that, but even though my watch gained only about 1.7 seconds per day on average, I found that I couldnt live with the doubt that my watch was not spot on. The 16610 is part of the oyster collection and I can see why, the case IS shaped like an Oyster. Its tough as nails I hear, and Im told that the movement can soldier on for many many years without overhaul. I really tried to love this watch, but wearing it was not very pleasant. With my previous watch, the Tag Link SEL, and my current watch, a quartz Omega Seamaster Professional (James Bond trim), I could wear them anywhere and never noticed. With those watches I felt as though they were part of my body, and they were so beautifull balanced. That case was not true with the Submariner, this watch felt really bulky for me. I was always aware of this watch and actually took it off when I slept (not true of other watches I owned). The case felt sturdy and expensive, but the bracelet felt like a cheap piece of junk. I hear that the 16610 uses hollow center links which puzzled me over a watch of this price. Dont get me wrong, the steel is of a very high quality, but the clasp made it seem like junk. I hated it, the flaps you could bend with your fingers and it looked like a clasp youd see on a Fossil. Maybe on the two-tone models the clasp at least looks cooler from the outside, but on the 16610 I thought the Rolex crown looked cheap, and I share the same opinion of the equally cheap-looking diving extension. And with this heavy case and relatively light bracelet, wearing this watch felt like wearing a weight tied onto your wrist by string. It felt really bulky for me; I guess that would be the main bullet point here. I did wear this watch everyday for a long time, and it had its issues. The crown dug into my hand a number of times strong enough to draw blood, the lugs felt sharp. And in certain acts of affection, the bulk of the watch (especially the protruding clasp)can scratch ones you love as well. And even though it is generally a good thing to have a bezel thats easy to turn, I personally like my bezel to stay put and being active with this watch on can force you to constantly correct your bezel. I also did not care for the fisheye/cyclop lens over the date. Ultimately I decided to sell this watch. It just wasnt for me. Great watch On: 2006-12-30I purchased this watch as a starting point for my future watch collection. This is one of the most saught after watches in the world that demands attention anytime someone sees. Its a rolex, so it cant be bad! Great watch On: 2006-12-29I purchased this watch as a starting point for my future watch collection. This is one of the most saught after watches in the world that demands attention anytime someone sees. Its a rolex, so it cant be bad! Indestructable. The Superman of wristwatches. On: 2006-07-28Ive owned my Submariner Date for about seven years now, and I am not gentle with my timepieces. Its been covered in tar and resin, immersed in a variety of foul liquids, repeatedly assaulted with fine grade sand (one of the WORST things you can do to any mechanical device), dropped, banged, poked, prodded and frozen. And still, after a light scrubbing with soapy water and a toothbrush, it would fit right in on the red carped of the Oscars. It wouldnt surprise me if it were bullet-proof as well. In particular Im amazed at the indestructability of the sapphire crystal, which is still completely flawless even after all the abuse its received. The `cyclops eye over the date window seems to get the worst of it and its scratch free. Other than to repair a broken bracelet clasp it has never been serviced. Ive heard some people criticize how heavy and bulky it is, but youre not going to find a wafer-thin `elegant timepiece that will pass the tests this one will. In addition to its ruggedness it is also stylish, accurate (2 min. per month), waterproof, retains its value, and has tons of snob appeal. Its not simply a watch, its an heirloom. This watch will be looking and running strong when my grandson inherits it. Or I may just decide to be buried with it. The dial and hands contrast sufficiently to make this a very easy watch to read. I did have a small issue with the fact that there werent any actual numbers around the dial, but I got over it. At least its not like one of those massively complicated chronographs that tell you such vital information as the month and phase of the moon. If you dont know that, then youre probably not the type to wear a watch anyway. Rating: 5 stars out of 5. Indestructable. The Superman of wristwatches. On: 2006-07-27Ive owned my Submariner Date for about seven years now, and I am not gentle with my timepieces. Its been covered in tar and resin, immersed in a variety of foul liquids, repeatedly assaulted with fine grade sand (one of the WORST things you can do to any mechanical device), dropped, banged, poked, prodded and frozen. And still, after a light scrubbing with soapy water and a toothbrush, it would fit right in on the red carped of the Oscars. It wouldnt surprise me if it were bullet-proof as well. In particular Im amazed at the indestructability of the sapphire crystal, which is still completely flawless even after all the abuse its received. The `cyclops eye over the date window seems to get the worst of it and its scratch free. Other than to repair a broken bracelet clasp it has never been serviced. Ive heard some people criticize how heavy and bulky it is, but youre not going to find a wafer-thin `elegant timepiece that will pass the tests this one will. In addition to its ruggedness it is also stylish, accurate (2 min. per month), waterproof, retains its value, and has tons of snob appeal. Its not simply a watch, its an heirloom. This watch will be looking and running strong when my grandson inherits it. Or I may just decide to be buried with it. The dial and hands contrast sufficiently to make this a very easy watch to read. I did have a small issue with the fact that there werent any actual numbers around the dial, but I got over it. At least its not like one of those massively complicated chronographs that tell you such vital information as the month and phase of the moon. If you dont know that, then youre probably not the type to wear a watch anyway. Rating: 5 stars out of 5. Cure for Rolex running fast On: 2006-07-27I just got my hands on a 46 year old submariner. Man, its awesome! If your rolex is running 2 minutes faster every month, this is what you should do: Lay it vertical with the crown facing down as this will tend to loose a few seconds each night. If its running slow, lay it flat with the dial facing up. Do I have the oldest? On: 2006-06-06I also remember the James Bond films (and the books) and bought my Rolex Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner off a friend in 1963. He had bought it new a couple of years earlier and we were big into scuba diving and early underwater photography. It looks a lot like the other Submariners from the same period, but has a couple of differences. 1. The writing is in gold letters on the black face and not white letters. 2. It has the word SWISS under the 6 hour marker. It still works well, but when I last sent it to Rolex for a service, they sent it back and stated that it was too old and that they may not have spares for it. Great watch On: 2006-05-30I love this watch. I own this one and the gold and stainless blue face. You cant beat a rolex. How could you give this less then 5 stars!? On: 2006-05-14For those who rate this Watch low due to price, you are living in a dream world where Wal-mart is the finest store on the planet. This watch offers it all! Style, beautiful craftmanship, and amazing durability. I read all these reviews and had to laugh at the people giving it low reviews due to price. This might be the most copied item in all of history! What better way to admire and solidify the best watch on earth then to make countless copies? All by dozens of legit manufacturers? And even so selling for thousands less still cant take away from the aura this watch still manifests in the eyes of the consumer. I own this watch, I have had it about 4 years now. Ive wanted it since i was 18 years old and now 15 years later I still admire it like the first day I saw one. Ive heard arguments that other watches can keep better time, that they cost less and are durable also. It reminds me of a comparison you hear often in the automotive world. Why spend 200k on a Ferarri when 50k will get you a Chevy Corvette? If you dont know the answer then stick to the Seikos and the Vette. Lifetime watch - not for Honda drivers On: 2006-01-01I have had my Submariner for 20 years (21st birthday present) and have never taken it off except for regular service. It has been through several wars and is still nice enough to be complimented by the envious. I also have my dads watch (GMT Master) which was bought in Tokyo a few days before I was born (1964). About price and taste, you can compare a Honda to a Mercedes but you dont compare a Mercedes to a Honda. Figure that one out. Certain must haves for your tasteful male life: Barbour jacket, Victorinox pocket knife (small versions), a well-kept Mercedes, a Rolex watch, and a nice pen. All of these things are lifetime buys. Note to those folks whose watch runs fast - it was not regulated correctly. Take it back. Why would I buy this watch?  by: ninom61 On: 2005-12-26 The only reasons I can think of are the brand name and money to burn. Nowadays, you can get a stainless steel case and bracelet, sapphire crystal, swiss automatic movement, waterproof to 100-300 meters, and a minimum 1 year warranty divers watch from the following watch manufacturers for less than $500: ARA, Invicta, Marcello C, MKII, O&W, Sandoz Singapore, Tissot, etc. I collect Diving watches including the Rolex Submariner Date, and my personal favorite does not have a sapphire crystal or even a swiss movement, but it is a gorgeous beater that cost me less than $200: The Seiko Monster! So if you want to buy into history and tradition, a nice coffee table rolex book is the way to go. Be Wary of Paying Inflated Prices... On: 2005-12-11I do not own a Rolex Submariner, but I do fancy watches and know something about the brand. Potential buyers should know that Rolex is VERY aggressive about prohibiting the sale of their watches over the internet and through other non-authorized avenues. Rolex does not discount, nor do they allow their ADs to discount, especially on their "base" models: Submariner, Explorer, GMT, and Sea Dweller. Consequently, many grey-market dealers do not deal in Rolexes, or they smudge the serial numbers to hide the source of the watches. Do not buy from such dealers; not only is the origin of the watch dubious, but Rolex will not service watches bought from non-traditional sources. Customers should also be on the lookout for high-grade fakes, some even using discarded parts from real Rolex watches. I noticed that there is a Rolex Submariner being advertised on Amazon for more than its present retail price. While I have full confidence that sellers operating through Amazon are honest and legitimate, I encourage potential buyers to learn about the brand, the dealer and the history of the watch. When youre spending thousands on a watch, youre buying something more than a wrist ornament. Youre buying an image, but more importantly, youre buying a fine piece of enginering made manifest in the watchs movement. Educate yourself about the watch and its legacy--youre buying into history. Great but pricey On: 2005-11-17I dont own this watch. My father does. It looks great and keeps time well. I dont have this much money to purchase this watch and would probably not even if I did. I did however purchased the Invicta Pro Diver S2. It is very similar to the Rolex Submariner and a steal for $100. I have had people confuse the two quite frequently. It is not a Rolex knockoff off, just a well made brand of watches. If you have money to burn, or something to prove then buy the Rolex. If you want a great watch that looks as good if not better imho get the Invicta. Quality is not an issue, both are superb construction. I would put my watch in a torture test with the Rolex any day and results would be similar- Great but pricey On: 2005-11-16I dont own this watch. My father does. It looks great and keeps time well. I dont have this much money to purchase this watch and would probably not even if I did. I did however purchased the Invicta Pro Diver S2. It is very similar to the Rolex Submariner and a steal for $100. I have had people confuse the two quite frequently. It is not a Rolex knockoff off, just a well made brand of watches. If you have money to burn, or something to prove then buy the Rolex. If you want a great watch that looks as good if not better imho get the Invicta. Quality is not an issue, both are superb construction. I would put my watch in a torture test with the Rolex any day and results would be similar- Worth The Bucks! On: 2005-11-10Ive owned one for about 5 years now and can genuinely say that it is worth it. Mine functions just like it did when I bought it and it looks like it did when I bought it. It was one of the best "personal" purchases Ive ever made. I cant believe the guy who paid $329 and thought he was getting a real Rolex Submariner with anywhere near similar quality...cmon how naive can one person be. This must have been a joke. Submariner watches are beautiful, but... On: 2005-09-19What impresses a person more, a stainless-steel all-Swiss Rolex Submariner or a solid 18k Italian gold Geneve Submariner with a Swiss movement? If I had ten grand to blow Id buy both and run a few tests... A classic wrist watch, an icon of style, mechanical perfection by: dommiliano On: 2005-07-23 I bought my Submariner years ago when it represented a months salary - yes, I had to have it. I have worn it for over 25 years and its always been in style and it keeps very, very good time. Despite its bulk (made well ahead of the current >40mm chunk of metal watch trend) this Rolex is a watch you can wear every day without pain. The chronometer certification ensures that it will be as accurate as any mechanical watch can be. The Rolex name says that it will run well for years and years. I like the simple dial - very easy to read and the bubble over the date is just plain cool. The only down side is that there are cosmetically perfect copies from China out there so if you need to use a watch to impress people, you may want to look elsewhere. But if you desire one of the worlds greatest timepieces, look no further. Wonderful wonderful watch On: 2005-06-10I have had this watch about a year. It is real and I paid $7100 + Tax to Mayors Jewelers (unlike the gentleman below who paid $329 and is complaining about the quality of a fake). The watch is great in everyway. I have the blue face with gold and steel band. Constant compliments, a little heavy but no scratches, accurate timekeeping, looks great, feels great. Highly recommended. Great Watch by: Anonymous On: 2005-06-10 Four years and not one problem. I love the New Yorker below that buys it for $329 and actually believes he had a real Rolex. It is a great watch and it looks great... Yes overated but a classic! On: 2005-02-17This was my first "high end" watch. I actually bought this one in NYC at an "unauthorized" dealer. Yes I know. But i verified the Ser# and had it inspected after the purchase. Was able to get this for $3500 out the door. I wore this watch daily until I got into rare/high end Seiko watches. Its a workhorse for sure but its not as accurate as Id like it to be. I have to admit the price of one of these things is a bit outrageous! Would I buy another Rolex at retail? NO WAY. Although I love the watch and it was my first high end automatic watch I will keep it locked up in my vault. I no longer wear it but it is still worth something to me. Its a classic but maybe not worth the money. I feel Omega Watches are a better value, heck even Breitlings are a better value For a male baby boomer, this is probably the ultimate watch On: 2004-12-20The James Bond books and movies of my youth contained some prominent (and probably free) product placement for Rolex. Specifically, 007 utilized a modified stainless steel Rolex Submariner wristwatch to scuba dive, garrote bad guys, and look the part of a sophisticate at black-tie affairs. As a youth, I was taken with all of this. Years later, for my 30th birthday, I was fortunate enough to take possession of a brand new Submariner. I wear it to this day, every day, and its pros far outweigh its cons: To the good: the sapphire crystal is literally indestructible, as is the Oyster foundation. The stainless steel watch is suitable for serious business attire without being overly glitzy. And yet those into watches recognize it for what it is: a male baby-boomers favorite. On the negative side: it has run consistently fast (about two minutes a month) since the day I bought it. Its weight is staggeringly heavy and does take some getting used to (dont try and throw a punch even playfully with a Sub on - youll end up cutting the back of your hand as the winding crown slams into it). If youre ever in a jam, the Sub is useful as hard currency throughout the world. All in all, Id buy a replacement in a heartbeat. For a male baby boomer, this is probably the ultimate watch On: 2004-12-19The James Bond books and movies of my youth contained some prominent (and probably free) product placement for Rolex. Specifically, 007 utilized a modified stainless steel Rolex Submariner wristwatch to scuba dive, garrote bad guys, and look the part of a sophisticate at black-tie affairs. As a youth, I was taken with all of this. Years later, for my 30th birthday, I was fortunate enough to take possession of a brand new Submariner. I wear it to this day, every day, and its pros far outweigh its cons: To the good: the sapphire crystal is literally indestructible, as is the Oyster foundation. The stainless steel watch is suitable for serious business attire without being overly glitzy. And yet those into watches recognize it for what it is: a male baby-boomers favorite. On the negative side: it has run consistently fast (about two minutes a month) since the day I bought it. Its weight is staggeringly heavy and does take some getting used to (dont try and throw a punch even playfully with a Sub on - youll end up cutting the back of your hand as the winding crown slams into it). If youre ever in a jam, the Sub is useful as hard currency throughout the world. All in all, Id buy a replacement in a heartbeat. Submariner On: 2004-09-05I bought my Submariner at an authorized dealer several months ago. (Quality and craftsmanship are not cheap.)That being said, it is an investment in a handmade, precision timepiece. I wear it daily, only taking it off for a shower (to keep soap out of the band) and I find it to be nearly indestructible. My watch is a 14060M with a sapphire crystal, which has not scratched despite repeated abuse at the house, riding my motorcycle, and working. If you want this watch, get it!. This is a watch that will be there to pass along to your children. |