Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1991 Reference No: 16610 Movement No: 6’324’181 Case No: X561’642, inside caseback stamped “16610” Model Name: Submariner Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, stamped “93150”, endlinks stamped “501”, max length 175mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “MA2, 93150” Dimensions: 40mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
Introduced in 1989, the ref. 16610 marked a new era for the famed Rolex Submariner being the first to feature waterproof capability of up to 300 meters. Applied on the glossy dial are white gold luminous indexes that pairs nicely alongside its polished hands. The reference was discontinued in 2010 making way for the updated ref. 116610.
The present example from circa 1991 is further rarified by its inscription above “SUBMARINER” indicating that it was retailed by Tiffany & Co. Presented in attractive overall condition boasting a nice case with well-proportioned bevels, the luminous material on the dial has developed an attractive cream hue that collectors love.
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.