Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 1991 Reference No: 16610 Movement No: 6’507’919 Case No: X903’251 Model Name: Submariner Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped 93150, endlinks stamped 501 B, max length 205 mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped 93150 and S 4 Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Further accompanied by original Rolex punched Garantie with retailer stamped DFS Group L.P. dated 15th October 1993, Rolex anchor, Rolex hang tag, green wallet and product literature
Catalogue Essay
The Rolex Submariner has long been one of the most iconic watches of all time. Originally designed for professional purposes such as deep-sea adventures and diving, the Submariner became more than just a "tool" watch. Launched in 1988, the reference 16610 was an instant hit in the market as the Submariner was already an icon and now housing the new caliber 3135. Seen on the wrists of important figures throughout the years including Timothy Dalton as James Bond in the film License to Kill (1989), the reference 16610 has become a icon of its own.
The present example is a ref. 16610, presented in very good condition with a very attractive faded dark navy blue bezel. Furthermore, the case has been preserved in excellent condition and the lot is accompanied with the original Rolex guarantee, which adds to the attractiveness of this current piece.
Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.