Rolex Submariner Date 16610 - Random serial 2010 When the Submariner was introduced in 1953, it carried no ambition of becoming an icon. It was conceived simply as a tool for professional divers — robust, highly legible, and reliable enough to survive underwater. The very first version, Ref. 6204, measured just 37mm in diameter. After years of experimentation and technical refinement, Rolex went on to develop numerous subsequent references, including 6205, 6200, 6536, 5510, 1680, 16808, and others — each contributing incrementally to what the Submariner would eventually become. By 1988, roughly a decade after the first five-digit Submariner references were introduced, Rolex unveiled the Ref. 16610 — a model that achieved a near-perfect balance between wearing comfort and mechanical integrity. This reference inherited all the key updates first introduced with the transitional Ref. 16800, including a glossy dial, 40mm case diameter, applied hour markers, unidirectional aluminum bezel, and the Triplock crown. Most importantly, it marked a major internal upgrade with the introduction of Calibre 3135 — arguably one of the most renowned and long-serving movements in Rolex history (remaining in use until its replacement by the Calibre 3235 in 2020). Alongside the steel version, Rolex also launched solid gold models (Ref. 16618) and yellow Rolesor steel-and-gold versions (Ref. 16613). These models remained in production for nearly two decades. Naturally, Rolex continued to refine them quietly over time. As technology advanced, Luminova replaced tritium as the luminescent material of choice on Rolex dials toward the late 1990s. Another notable evolution was the introduction of Oyster bracelets with solid end links. Earlier Submariner models featured hollow end links, which made the bracelets lighter but also gave an impression of reduced robustness. Rolex also began producing cases without visible lug holes. Today, this is taken for granted, but a closer look at older Submariner references reveals the drilled lug holes clearly visible on the sides of the case. The year 2010 marked the final production year of the Submariner Date 16610. It was subsequently replaced by the six-digit Ref. 116610, featuring a ceramic bezel, maxi case, and a more modern bracelet and clasp system. During this transition, Rolex also moved to random serial numbers, replacing the traditional serial system that allowed production years to be identified. For this reason, Submariner 16610s produced during this final period are increasingly sought after by seasoned collectors. They retain the pure tool-watch spirit, offer proportions that remain timeless in the modern era, and stand as tangible evidence of one of Rolex’s most significant transitions — from the classical to the contemporary.