The 16610 is the workhorse Submariner: sapphire crystal, quickset date, Cal. 3135 with a Kif shock system, and a solid-link Oyster with hidden clasp on later production. Over its 22-year run it evolved through several dial variants (tritium then Luminova then Super-LumiNova) and case updates that make early 'transitional' pieces increasingly collectible. The 40mm case wears well on almost any wrist and remains, along with the 14060, the last of the truly wearable modern Submariners before the 116610 grew heavier lugs and a ceramic bezel. Serial-appropriate bracelets and unpolished cases command a growing premium as the reference ages into vintage status.
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Reference
16610
Submariner Date
1988–2010
The reference every modern Submariner is measured against.
- Case
- 40mm
- Caliber
- 3135
- Years
- 1988–2010
What to watch for
Polished cases (lugs should still have sharp bevels), replacement bezels, and mismatched service dials from later Luminova production.