The Initial Spark

I should probably begin with why I purchased the 126610LN (which I usually just referred to as the 126610). Simply put, the 126610 is the spiritual successor to the 16610 that the 116610 never was. If you’re a casual Rolex fan or even just Rolex curious, all those serial numbers will be meaningless, so let me elaborate. When people think of the Rolex Submariner, the vision in their mind is likely the 16610 Submariner with the aluminum bezel.

It debuted in 1988 (great year – I graduated high school in ’88) and enjoyed an unprecedented 22 year run until it was finally replaced by the 116610 Rolex Submariner in 2010. I’ve had many different Rolex watches and several different Submariner variants over the years, but finally admitted to myself that while the rest of the watch enthusiast world considered the Rolex Submariner boring and pedestrian, it really was the model I preferred to wear. I tried being “hip” and “cool” by wearing vintage Submariners and owned a couple of “red” 1680s, but always came back to the 16610.

My 1970 Rolex “red”1680 Submariner

I’m probably the least nostalgic person you’ll meet, and prefer to use products that have the latest and greatest features. So you can imagine my surprise and disappointment in not at all liking the 116610 Submariner – the successor to the 16610. I was decidedly not on #teamsupercase. The “super case” 116610 with its squared off looks and the ceramic bezel just wasn’t for me. Neither were many of the Rolex watches of that particular era – what I sometimes call the beginning of the six digit (serial number) era. In fact, I basically lost interest in new watches altogether for about the next decade or so…until Rolex came out with the 126610 in 2020. It took me about two years (the watch world went crazy during the COVID years) until I was able to finally secure one from my local authorized dealer about two years ago. I an initial review which I published on my YouTube channel, but thought it would be a good idea to publish my thoughts on the watch two years into ownership here on ThruMyLens.

The Scratch Report

A big part of daily wear for me is how well a watch holds up to daily wear. Obviously the practically scratch proof ceramic bezel (or Cerechrom as Rolex designates their bezels) still looks brand new. The 41mm case and bracelet inexplicably seem to be doing better for me scratch wise than my old 16610. My 16610 was a late model example so both the bracelet and case were made of 904L, as is the case with the 126610. But for some reason, I seem to be picking up less scratches on the 126610 – particularly on the bracelet. The fact that I’m 20 years older might have something to do with it. The Glidelock clasp is a bit of a scratch magnet – particularly when compared to the old 16610 clasp. Say what you want about the 16610 clasp, but it was a champ at hiding scratches.

Accuracy & The Rolex Caliber 3235.

The 3235 (which made its debut in 2015) in my 216610 has been running incredibly accurately. If you check out the review I did shortly after purchasing the watch, it was running between +0 and +1 on the timing machine.  After two years of ownership (kept on a winder when not worn) the watch is still running between +0 and +1 per day:

The 31 jewel 3235 is a Superlative Chronometer (Rolex’s in house Chronometer certification) that’s certified to have an accuracy variance of no more than 2/+2 seconds per day, and has a balance wheel that oscillates at 28,800 BPH, and has a power reserve of 70 hours. Based on the spec sheet, you might be tempted to think that the 3235 is simply a “tweaked” evolution of the venerable caliber 3135. However, Rolex indicates that over 90% of the 3235’s components were redesigned or newly developed for the movement.  in the final analysis, the Rolex caliber 3235 really is the best three hand mechanical watch movement in the world.  Others may offer better finishing or esoteric tech, but Rolex strikes the perfect balance between performance, longevity, and understated genius.

The Emotional ROI

The watch still feels as special as the day that I bought it. No buyers remorse here. I feel very contemporary and “relevant” when I wear it – something I particularly appreciate at 55 years old. I’ve never been tempted to trade up or “flip” the watch, and I imagine I’ll own it until Rolex releases a significantly improved model to replace it. And no, I don’t baby this watch in any way when I wear it. It’s one of the most robust luxury watches ever made – one of the reasons why I wear a Submariner is because I don’t need to baby it.

Comfort

It’s hard to beat a Rolex for comfort – particularly if you prefer a bracelet as I do.  For the last couple of decades, watches have been getting bigger…heavier.  Older watches are going feel considerably lighter.  If I wore my Omega 300M or my Tudor Black Bay Chronograph, then put on my old 16610 Submariner, the weight difference really stood out…and not in a good way.  It was a stark reminder that my 16610 was now “neo vintage.”  I was now two generations back with my Submariner.  But now that I have my 126610, it feels on par with my other contemporary watches.  The Rolex Glide Lock clasp adds considerably to the weight of the 126610 and from an objective standpoint, is much more comfortable in the sense that you can more finely adjust the fit.  Aesthetically and functionally the Rolex Glide Lock clasp in a huge improvement from my 16610 Submariner, and is now considered one of the best watch clasp designs available from any watch manufacturer.

Gone is the “rattle can” clasp of the 16610, and in its place is a secure, smart, and finely machined masterpiece of a clasp.

Final Thoughts

I’ve had a Rolex Submariner on my wrist for 20 years.  I’ll probably die wearing one.  It’s a part of me – my identity.  My “ride or die” watch.  Someday, Rolex will figure out a way to improve the 126610.  They’ll make a bezel that’s both scratch AND impact resistant.  Maybe they’ll make the case and bracelet out of something better than 904L stainless steel.  Maybe they’ll make an even better clasp.  Maybe.  Someday.  But not today.  Because today, as I type this, the 126610LN Rolex Submariner Date is arguably the best sport watch in the world.  Not necessarily the rarest, not the most complicated, but arguably the most iconic and absurdly well-executed in its category.  And inside the case of the 126610LN beats the Rolex Caliber 3250 – again, arguably the best three-hand watch movement money can buy.  If Rolex does indeed make a better Submariner, chances are I’ll probably buy it.  But if I were being honest, I hope they don’t figure out a way to improve anything on the 216610LN Submariner – I kinda like it just the way it is.