Rolex Submariner Date 40mm Black Dial Black Cerachrom Bezel Oyster Bracelet 116610LN | 2013 Full Set — Discontinued

The Definitive Modern Submariner Date — Now a Permanently Discontinued Classic

The Rolex Submariner Date 116610LN holds a position of absolute authority in the modern sport watch catalog. Introduced in 2010 as the successor to the 16610, it brought the first-ever Cerachrom ceramic bezel to the Submariner Date and the expanded Maxi-case lug profile that defined the model’s visual identity for over a decade. At the same time, it retained the proven Caliber 3135 movement that had powered the Submariner Date since 1988 — one of the most reliable and most extensively proven automatic movements ever produced. This 2013 F-serial example is from the early years of the 116610LN’s production — before the first bracelet clasp updates of the mid-2010s — and represents the watch in its original first-generation configuration. Discontinued in August 2020 and replaced by the current 126610LN with the 41mm case and Caliber 3235, the 116610LN is now a permanently closed chapter: no authorized dealer anywhere in the world can supply a new one, and the secondary market pool of available examples only diminishes over time.

The 40mm Case — The Proportions That Defined the Modern Submariner

The 40mm Oyster case of the 116610LN was the defining case dimension of the modern Submariner for a full decade, and it is the size that a meaningful contingent of collectors and daily wearers actively seek out over the current 41mm 126610LN. The case is crafted from 904L Oystersteel — Rolex’s proprietary high-corrosion-resistant alloy — with the Maxi-case lug profile introduced with this generation, satin-brushed flat surfaces on the lugs, and polished sides and chamfers. At 13mm thickness with the Maxi-case construction, the 116610LN sits with a confident, purposeful wrist presence. The screw-down Triplock triple-waterproofness crown seals the case to 300 meters, and a flat scratch-resistant sapphire crystal sits over the black Maxi dial. The 2013 production year places this example in the first generation of 116610LN production — after any initial manufacturing refinements of the 2010 launch year but before the mid-decade updates, making it a historically precise expression of the reference in its original specification.

The Black Cerachrom Bezel — The Innovation That Changed the Submariner

The black Cerachrom ceramic bezel of the 116610LN is the detail that most fundamentally changed the Submariner Date when it was introduced in 2010. All previous Submariner Date references had carried aluminum bezel inserts — material that was susceptible to fading, scratching, and color shift over years of UV exposure and daily wear. The Cerachrom ceramic insert is virtually scratchproof, completely corrosion-resistant, and entirely UV-stable — the deep, opaque black of this bezel will look identical in fifty years as it does today. The platinum PVD graduation marks and numerals are embedded into the ceramic surface itself, as permanent as the surrounding material. The unidirectional rotation — counterclockwise blocked — is the fundamental safety architecture of a professional diving instrument. A 2013 example’s Cerachrom insert should present in very good original condition consistent with careful use over more than a decade.

The Black Chromalight Maxi Dial

The Maxi dial format introduced with the 116610 generation features enlarged dot and baton luminous markers compared to the dials of the preceding 16610 generation, providing greater luminous surface area and stronger legibility above and below the surface. Applied 18k white gold Maxi markers are filled with Chromalight — Rolex’s proprietary long-lasting luminescent material emitting a distinctive intense blue glow in darkness. The Mercedes-style hands carry matching Chromalight fills. The date is displayed at 3 o’clock beneath the Cyclops magnifying lens, and the dial is signed “Rolex / Oyster Perpetual Date / Submariner / 1000ft=300m / Superlative Chronometer / Officially Certified” — confirming the full professional specification and COSC-certified movement within.

The Oyster Bracelet with Glidelock Extension

The three-piece flat-link Oyster bracelet in 904L Oystersteel closes with the Oysterlock folding safety clasp and Glidelock extension system — tool-free 2mm-increment adjustments over approximately 20mm of total range. The Glidelock makes the transition from wrist-size to over-a-wetsuit immediate and effortless, maintaining the watch’s professional diving utility without any concession to the elegance of the bracelet above the waterline.

Powered by Caliber 3135 — Three Decades of Proven Reliability

The 116610LN is powered by the Caliber 3135 — the movement that powered the Submariner Date for over three decades from 1988 through 2020, and universally regarded by watchmakers as one of the most reliable and most extensively proven automatic movements Rolex has ever produced. Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour with 31 jewels, 48-hour power reserve, quickset date, hacking seconds, and the blue Parachrom hairspring for magnetic and thermal resistance, the Caliber 3135 is COSC Superlative Chronometer certified. For buyers who value proven long-term reliability over the latest movement architecture, the Caliber 3135’s track record spanning three decades of daily sport watch use speaks more eloquently than any specification sheet.

Condition & What’s Included

This 2013 example is in very good pre-owned condition, working perfectly. Full set with original Rolex box and papers. Authenticity is fully guaranteed on every watch sold through The Crown Collection Watch, and this listing comes with a 14-day refund policy for complete peace of mind.

Shipping & Payment

This watch ships at $9,700 fully insured worldwide via FedEx. Wire transfer, cryptocurrency, and Chime accepted. Leave a message for further details or additional photos.

Why This Reference Stands Out

The 116610LN is permanently discontinued — replaced by the 126610LN in August 2020 and never to be produced again. A 2013 full-set example in very good condition represents the 116610LN in its original first-generation configuration — the watch that defined the modern Submariner’s visual language for a decade, at a price point ($9,700) that is meaningfully below comparable current-generation 126610LN full-set examples. For buyers who want the iconic Submariner Date experience in the classic 40mm case with the Caliber 3135’s legendary reliability track record — rather than the updated but untested-by-decades 126610LN — the 2013 116610LN in full-set very good condition represents one of the most compelling and most fairly priced acquisitions currently available for the reference.