The Rolex Submariner needs no introduction. A legend in the watchmaking world, this iconic timepiece has graced wrists from deep-sea divers to Hollywood stars for over seven decades. This article focuses specifically on the Rolex Submariner produced in 2006, a year marking a significant point in the evolution of this celebrated model. While not drastically different from its predecessors, the 2006 Submariner offers a unique blend of classic design and modern technology, making it a highly sought-after piece among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
First Submariner With a Date Display: A Brief History
Before delving into the specifics of the 2006 model, it's crucial to understand its lineage. The original Submariner, reference 6204, debuted in 1953, a robust and functional tool watch designed for underwater exploration. It was a no-date model, prioritizing legibility and simplicity. The addition of a date complication significantly broadened the Submariner's appeal, making it more versatile for everyday wear. The introduction of the Submariner Date, a pivotal moment in the Submariner's history, marked a significant shift towards a more comprehensive and user-friendly design. This paved the way for models like the 2006 Submariner, which we will examine in detail.
The 2006 Rolex Submariner: A Closer Look
The 2006 Submariner, primarily the reference 16610, represents the culmination of several years of refinements to the Submariner Date. This model retained the core design elements that have defined the Submariner for decades: the robust Oyster case, the unidirectional rotating bezel, the highly legible dial, and the supremely reliable movement. However, subtle differences distinguish the 2006 model from its predecessors and successors.
One key aspect is the movement. The 2006 Submariner, reference 16610, houses the calibre 3135, a self-winding mechanical movement known for its accuracy, reliability, and robust construction. This movement, a workhorse of Rolex, boasts a power reserve of approximately 48 hours, ensuring consistent performance. The calibre 3135 is also notable for its Paraflex shock absorbers, which protect the delicate internal components from impacts and vibrations. This contributes to the watch's overall durability and longevity, a hallmark of Rolex timepieces.
The dial of the 2006 Submariner usually features luminous hour markers and hands, ensuring excellent readability even in low-light conditions. The classic three-hand configuration, with the addition of the date window at 3 o'clock, remains a staple of the Submariner Date design. The date magnification cyclops lens over the date window is another characteristic feature, enhancing readability. Various dial variations existed, including different colours like black and even the highly sought-after green "Kermit" dial.
The Oyster case, a defining feature of Rolex watches, provides exceptional water resistance, rated to 300 meters (1,000 feet) in the 16610. This robust construction, combined with the screw-down crown and caseback, effectively protects the movement from water ingress, dust, and shocks. The unidirectional rotating bezel, crucial for divers to track their dive time, is made of a highly durable ceramic insert in later models, but in 2006, it was still typically an aluminum insert, adding to the watch's vintage charm for some collectors.
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