Quick Overview
The Rolex Submariner 116610LN (2010–2020) and 126610LN (2020–present) are consecutive generations of the black-bezel Submariner Date in 904L stainless steel. The 116610LN was the first Submariner with a Cerachrom ceramic bezel, Chromalight lume, and the "Maxi Case" design. The 126610LN refined that formula with a new movement offering 70-hour power reserve and hand-winding, a 41mm case with slimmer proportions, and a wider bracelet — all while keeping the external DNA unmistakably Submariner.
Full Specification Comparison
Below is a complete side-by-side specification table for the Rolex Submariner 116610LN and 126610LN, compiled from our watch reference database. Every data point is sourced from factory specifications, trusted collector references, and verified production records.
| Specification | Ref. 116610LN | Ref. 126610LN |
|---|---|---|
| Production Years | 2010–2020 | 2020–present |
| Introduced | Baselworld 2010 | September 2020 |
| Case Diameter | 40mm | 41mm |
| Case Thickness | ~12.8mm | ~12.3mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | ~47.5mm | ~47.5mm(same) |
| Lug Width | 20mm | 21mm |
| Case Material | 904L Stainless Steel | 904L Stainless Steel(same) |
| Case Finish | Brushed + polished | Brushed + polished(same) |
| Water Resistance | 300m / 1,000ft | 300m / 1,000ft(same) |
| Movement | Calibre 3135 | Calibre 3235 |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph (4 Hz) | 28,800 vph (4 Hz)(same) |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours | 70 hours |
| Jewels | 31 | 31(same) |
| Hacking Seconds | Yes | Yes(same) |
| Hand-Winding | No | Yes |
| Chronometer (COSC) | Yes | Yes(same) |
| Hairspring | Parachrom Bleu | Parachrom Bleu(same) |
| Escapement | Standard Swiss lever | Chronergy |
| Shock Protection | Standard | Paraflex |
| Crystal | Sapphire with cyclops | Sapphire with cyclops(same) |
| AR Coating | Inner side | Inner side(same) |
| Bezel Insert | Cerachrom ceramic | Cerachrom ceramic(same) |
| Bezel Color | Black | Black(same) |
| Bezel Numerals | Platinum-filled | Platinum-filled(same) |
| Bezel Rotation | Unidirectional | Unidirectional(same) |
| Crown | Triplock | Triplock(same) |
| Crown Guards | Rounded | Rounded (slimmer) |
| Rehaut | Engraved ROLEX | Engraved ROLEX(same) |
| Dial Color | Black matte | Black matte(same) |
| Dial Layout | Maxi dial | Maxi Chromalight(same) |
| Index Style | Applied white gold | Applied white gold(same) |
| Lume Material | Chromalight (blue) | Chromalight (blue)(same) |
| 6 o'clock Text | SWISS MADE | Coronet + SWISS MADE |
| Hands | Mercedes, white gold | Mercedes, white gold(same) |
| Date Window | 3 o'clock | 3 o'clock(same) |
| Bracelet | Oyster, 904L, 20mm | Oyster, 904L, 21mm |
| End Links | Solid | Solid(same) |
| Clasp | Oysterlock + Glidelock | Oysterlock + Glidelock(same) |
| Predecessor | Ref. 16610 | Ref. 116610LN |
| Successor | Ref. 126610LN | Current production |
Data sourced from the Watch Reference Map catalogue. Specifications confirmed against multiple collector references and factory sources.
Movement: Calibre 3135 vs Calibre 3235
The movement upgrade from Calibre 3135 to Calibre 3235 is the most significant change between these two references. The Cal. 3235 is not an incremental update — it is a completely new architecture holding 14 Rolex patents, with improvements to power reserve, efficiency, precision, and convenience.
Calibre 3135
Used in Ref. 116610LN
- 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency
- 48-hour power reserve (~2 days)
- 31 jewels
- Hacking seconds
- No hand-winding
- COSC chronometer certified
- Parachrom Bleu hairspring
- Standard Swiss lever escapement
Calibre 3235
Used in Ref. 126610LN
- 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency
- 70-hour power reserve (~3 days, +46%)
- 31 jewels
- Hacking seconds
- Hand-winding via crown
- COSC chronometer certified
- Parachrom Bleu hairspring
- Chronergy escapement (15% more efficient)
- Paraflex shock absorbers (50% more resistant)
Case: 40mm vs 41mm
The move from 40mm to 41mm was one of the most discussed changes in the Submariner's history. But the numbers don't tell the full story — Rolex fundamentally redesigned the case proportions, and the result is a watch that wears more refined than its predecessor despite being technically larger.
| Dimension | 116610LN | 126610LN | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 40mm | 41mm | +1mm |
| Thickness | ~12.8mm | ~12.3mm | -0.5mm thinner |
| Lug-to-Lug | ~47.5mm | ~47.5mm (same) | No change |
| Lug Width | 20mm | 21mm | +1mm |
| Crown Guards | Rounded, prominent | Rounded, slimmer | More refined |
| Material | 904L steel | 904L steel (same) | No change |
| Water Resistance | 300m | 300m (same) | No change |
Dial & Lume
The dials of the 116610LN and 126610LN are very similar — both feature a black matte finish with applied white gold hour markers filled with Chromalight luminescent material that glows blue in the dark. However, there is one subtle but identifiable difference.
Maxi Dial
- • Applied white gold indices with Chromalight
- • Blue lume glow in dark
- • "SWISS MADE" at 6 o'clock
- • Date window at 3 with cyclops
Maxi Chromalight Dial
- • Applied white gold indices with Chromalight
- • Blue lume glow in dark
- • Coronet between "SWISS" and "MADE" at 6
- • Date window at 3 with cyclops
Bezel & Crystal
The bezel and crystal are areas where the 116610LN and 126610LN are effectively identical. Both use the same Cerachrom ceramic technology that Rolex introduced with the 116610LN in 2010:
- Bezel insert: Black Cerachrom ceramic — virtually scratch-proof, UV-resistant, and does not fade over time
- Numerals: Platinum-coated (PVD) engraved numerals and graduation marks with luminous pip at 12
- Rotation: Unidirectional 120-click ratchet system (60 positions)
- Crystal: Sapphire with cyclops magnifier (2.5x) and anti-reflective coating on the inner surface
The Cerachrom bezel was a watershed moment for the Submariner line when it debuted on the 116610LN. Unlike the aluminum inserts on earlier references (like the 16610), ceramic is immune to the scratches, fading, and discoloration that gave vintage bezels their patina. Both watches benefit from this identical, highly durable bezel technology.
Bracelet & Clasp
Both references use the Oyster bracelet in 904L stainless steel with solid end links and Rolex's Glidelock extension system. The key difference is the width.
| Detail | 116610LN | 126610LN |
|---|---|---|
| Bracelet Model | Oyster | Oyster(same) |
| Bracelet Width | 20mm | 21mm |
| Material | 904L stainless steel | 904L stainless steel(same) |
| End Links | Solid | Solid(same) |
| Clasp | Oysterlock | Oysterlock(same) |
| Extension System | Glidelock | Glidelock(same) |
| Finish | Brushed + polished | Brushed + polished(same) |
Production Timeline
The Submariner Date has evolved through five generations of steel references. Here is where the 116610LN and 126610LN sit in the lineage:
The broader Submariner Date family also includes two-tone (Rolesor), yellow gold, and white gold variants at each generation. The full September 2020 refresh replaced not just the 116610LN but the entire lineup:
| Outgoing (40mm) | Replaced by (41mm) | Material |
|---|---|---|
| 116610LN | 126610LN | Steel, black bezel |
| 116610LV "Hulk" | 126610LV "Starbucks" | Steel, green bezel |
| 116613 | 126613 | Rolesor (steel + yellow gold) |
| 116618 | 126618 | Yellow gold |
| 116619LB "Smurf" | 126619LB "Cookie Monster" | White gold |
Explore the complete Submariner Date production history — every reference from the 1967 Ref. 1680 to the current lineup — on our interactive timeline explorer.
How to Tell a 116610LN from a 126610LN
These two references look very similar at first glance — both have black dials, black ceramic bezels, and nearly identical proportions. Here is a ranked checklist for identification:
Check the reference number between the lugs
Remove the bracelet at 12 o'clock and read the reference number stamped between the lugs. '116610 LN' vs '126610 LN' is the definitive identifier.
Look for the coronet at 6 o'clock
The 126610LN has a small Rolex coronet logo between the 'SWISS' and 'MADE' text at 6 o'clock on the dial. The 116610LN reads 'SWISS MADE' without the coronet. This can be spotted without handling the watch.
Measure the lug width
The 116610LN has 20mm lugs; the 126610LN has 21mm lugs. If you know the strap width, this is a reliable differentiator. The wider bracelet on the 126610LN is subtly visible from above.
Compare the case proportions
The 126610LN has noticeably slimmer lugs and smaller crown guards compared to the 116610LN's 'Maxi Case' silhouette. Side by side, the 126610LN looks more elegant and less chunky. Harder to spot without a direct comparison, however.
Test for hand-winding
Unscrew the crown and wind it clockwise in the first (winding) position. The 126610LN's Cal. 3235 will wind the mainspring manually with a smooth, ratcheting feel. The 116610LN's Cal. 3135 will not engage — you will feel the crown spin without resistance.
Which One Should You Buy?
Both the 116610LN and 126610LN are outstanding modern Submariners. The choice comes down to whether you prefer the discontinued original ceramic Sub or the current-generation refinement:
Choose the 116610LN if…
- You want the first ceramic Submariner — a historically significant reference
- You prefer the 40mm size and don't want the watch to get any bigger
- You like the bolder "Maxi Case" proportions with thicker lugs and crown guards
- You want a discontinued Submariner that may appreciate as the last of the 40mm ceramic generation
Choose the 126610LN if…
- You want the best movement Rolex currently offers in a time-and-date watch (Cal. 3235)
- 70-hour power reserve and hand-winding matter to you as daily-wear conveniences
- You prefer the more refined, slimmer case proportions of the current generation
- You want a current-production watch available from authorised dealers (with the associated warranty)
Explore on Watch Reference Map
This guide covers the key differences, but there's much more to discover. Watch Reference Map lets you explore the complete Submariner Date lineage — from the 1967 Ref. 1680 to the current 126610LN — on an interactive Gantt-style timeline. For every reference you can:
- See exact production periods visualized on the timeline
- Compare specs across steel, gold, and Rolesor variants
- Explore variant-level details including nicknames like "Hulk," "Smurf," and "Starbucks"
- Track the evolution from aluminum to Cerachrom bezels, from tritium to Chromalight lume
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Rolex 116610LN and 126610LN?
The Rolex 126610LN replaced the 116610LN in September 2020 with several key upgrades: a new Calibre 3235 movement with 70-hour power reserve (up from 48 hours) and hand-winding capability, a 41mm case (up from 40mm), a slimmer profile despite the size increase, and a wider 21mm bracelet. Both share the same Cerachrom ceramic bezel, Chromalight lume, Glidelock extension system, and 300-metre water resistance.
Is the Rolex 126610LN bigger than the 116610LN?
The 126610LN is 1mm wider in diameter (41mm vs 40mm) and has a 1mm wider bracelet (21mm vs 20mm), but it is actually approximately 0.5mm thinner (12.3mm vs 12.8mm) and has a nearly identical lug-to-lug measurement (~47.5mm). On the wrist, the 126610LN wears surprisingly similar to its predecessor — Rolex achieved the size increase while maintaining nearly the same wrist presence through slimmer lugs and refined crown guards.
What movement does the Rolex 116610LN use?
The Rolex 116610LN uses the Calibre 3135, a 31-jewel automatic movement beating at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) with a 48-hour power reserve. It features a Parachrom Bleu hairspring for improved anti-magnetic resistance but does not offer hand-winding. The Cal. 3135 was Rolex's workhorse movement for decades, powering the Submariner Date from 1988 through 2020.
What movement does the Rolex 126610LN use?
The Rolex 126610LN uses the Calibre 3235, a next-generation 31-jewel automatic movement beating at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) with a 70-hour power reserve — nearly three full days. Key innovations include the Chronergy escapement (15% more energy-efficient), Parachrom Bleu hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers, and hand-winding capability. The Cal. 3235 holds 14 patents and represents a complete architectural overhaul.
Can you hand-wind the Rolex 116610LN?
No. The Calibre 3135 in the Rolex 116610LN does not support manual hand-winding. To keep it running, you must either wear it (relying on the automatic rotor) or use a watch winder. The 126610LN's Calibre 3235 does support hand-winding, allowing you to manually wind the mainspring via the crown — a practical advantage when picking up the watch after it has stopped.
When was the Rolex 116610LN discontinued?
The Rolex 116610LN was discontinued in September 2020 when Rolex announced the new 41mm Submariner Date lineup at its virtual 'Watches & Wonders' release event. The 116610LN had a 10-year production run from 2010 to 2020. It was replaced by the 126610LN alongside a complete refresh of the entire Submariner Date family.
What does LN mean in Rolex 116610LN?
LN stands for 'Lunette Noire,' which is French for 'black bezel.' Rolex uses this suffix to denote the black bezel variant of the Submariner Date. Other variants include LV ('Lunette Verte' — green bezel), as seen on the 116610LV 'Hulk' and 126610LV 'Starbucks.' The LN suffix applies to both the 116610 and 126610 generations.
Is the Rolex 116610LN a good investment?
The 116610LN has held its value well since being discontinued in 2020. As the last 40mm Submariner Date, it occupies a distinct position in the Submariner lineage. Pre-owned prices have stabilized and typically trade above the original retail price. However, watch values fluctuate with market conditions — the 116610LN should be viewed primarily as a watch to enjoy, with value retention as a bonus rather than a guaranteed investment.
What replaced the Rolex 116610LN?
The Rolex Submariner 126610LN replaced the 116610LN in September 2020. The new reference brought a 41mm case (up from 40mm), the Calibre 3235 movement with 70-hour power reserve and hand-winding, a slimmer case profile, and a wider 21mm bracelet. The Cerachrom bezel, Chromalight lume, and Glidelock extension system were carried over from the predecessor.
How can you tell a 116610LN from a 126610LN on the wrist?
The differences are subtle but identifiable. The 126610LN has slightly slimmer lugs and smaller crown guards, giving it a more refined profile despite being 1mm larger. The 126610LN also has a small Rolex coronet laser-etched between the 'Swiss' and 'Made' text at 6 o'clock on the dial. The most reliable method without handling the watch is checking the reference number engraved between the lugs at 12 o'clock, visible when the bracelet is removed.