Rolex Submariner 40 mm 116610-1 Steel Black

The Rolex Submariner is the watch that defined the modern dive watch category, and the reference 116610-1 stands as one of its most accomplished expressions. Introduced as part of the ceramic-bezel Submariner generation, the 116610-1 replaced the aluminum bezel insert of previous references with a scratch-resistant Cerachrom ceramic bezel in black — a material upgrade that transformed both the watch's durability and its visual depth. At 40mm, this reference occupies the precise sweet spot that collectors and enthusiasts have long regarded as the quintessential Submariner proportion, a size that flatters a wide range of wrist sizes and wears with equal authority under a shirt cuff or over a wetsuit.

The case and bracelet of the 116610-1 are crafted from Oystersteel, Rolex's proprietary 904L stainless steel alloy, which is harder and more corrosion-resistant than the 316L steel used by most of the watch industry. This commitment to material quality is evident in how well pre-owned examples of this reference hold their finish and structural integrity over time. The Oyster bracelet, fitted with Rolex's Oysterlock safety clasp and glidelock extension system, delivers exceptional comfort, security, and adjustability, whether worn casually or deployed for serious water activities.

The dial of this example is finished in black with luminous hour markers and hands treated with Chromalight, Rolex's long-duration luminescent material that emits a cool blue glow in darkness — a functional and elegant detail that underscores the Submariner's professional heritage. The black ceramic bezel, graduated with a 60-minute scale for dive timing, echoes the dial's tonality and creates the signature monochromatic look that has made the no-date Submariner one of the most universally admired watch configurations in the world. Every element of the dial is legible at a glance, a core design principle that Rolex has maintained across every Submariner generation.

Powering this Submariner is an automatic movement, self-winding through the motion of the wearer's wrist. Rolex's in-house movements used in this reference generation are well-regarded for their chronometric precision, reliability, and longevity when properly maintained. The movement is protected by the Oyster case, which is hermetically sealed to 300 meters (1,000 feet) of water resistance — a specification that exceeds the demands of recreational and professional diving alike and gives the watch an exceptional resistance to moisture, dust, and pressure in everyday wear.

On the wrist, the 116610-1 is the kind of watch that disappears into daily life in the best possible way: present enough to be noticed, refined enough to never feel ostentatious. Its 40mm Oystersteel case wears slightly sportier than the current 41mm successor, and for collectors who prefer the proportions of this generation, that distinction matters. Whether dressed up for a boardroom or worn through the weekend, this Submariner moves fluidly between contexts without ever losing its sense of purpose.

At Bizak & Co., every pre-owned Rolex Submariner we offer has been certified authentic before listing, giving you the confidence to buy online knowing exactly what you are acquiring. The 116610-1 is one of the most enduringly desirable references in the entire Rolex catalog — a watch that holds its value exceptionally well and delivers daily satisfaction that few timepieces can match. We invite you to contact our team directly to learn more about this specific example, discuss its condition in detail, or explore other fine pre-owned watches available at bizakandco.com.