Case #125 — Rolex Submariner Date Black Ref. 116610LN

Status: Active Investigation
Condition: Good Pre-Owned (Minus One Link)
Scope: Box, Booklets & Green Hang Tag (No Card or White Tag)

🔎 Case Notes

The Rolex Submariner 116610LN is more than a dive watch — it’s a benchmark of modern Rolex design. Produced from 2010 to 2020, this reference marked the debut of the “Maxi Case” Submariner — a bold evolution of the world’s most recognized sports watch.

With its chunkier lugs, broader crown guards, and solid-link bracelet, the 116610LN wears larger and more assertive than the current 41mm iteration. Yet it maintains the classic 40mm footprint, making it one of the most balanced and visually commanding Subs in recent memory.

This example remains in good pre-owned condition with full working order, light wear consistent with careful use, and four screwed-in links (minus one). Accompanied by its original box, Rolex booklets, and the green Superlative Chronometer hang tag — this Submariner has all the right accompaniments for collectors who know what matters.

🕰️ The Evidence

Reference: 116610LN
Case: 40 mm Oystersteel (Maxi Case)
Bezel: Unidirectional Black Cerachrom Insert w/ Platinum-Filled Numerals
Crystal: Sapphire w/ Cyclops Date
Dial: Gloss Black w/ White Gold Maxi Hour Markers
Movement: Rolex Caliber 3135 (COSC-Certified Automatic)
Power Reserve: ≈ 48 Hours
Bracelet: Oystersteel Bracelet w/ Glidelock Clasp — 4 Screwed Links (Minus One)
Water Resistance: 300 m
Accessories: Rolex Box, Booklets & Green Superlative Hang Tag (No Card or White Tag)
Condition Notes: Light wear from use; crisp bezel action; strong lume; tight bracelet; crystal clear and unmarked.

💎 The Submariner Legacy

When Rolex introduced the 116610LN, it ushered in a new design era for its professional line. The Maxi Case was the bridge between classic tool-watch proportions and the brand’s modern luxury presence. Sharper edges, polished lugs, and a ceramic bezel insert gave the Submariner new armor — tougher, glossier, and ready for another generation.

Collectors now view the 116610LN as a “transitional icon” — discontinued in 2020 and replaced by the slimmer 41mm 126610LN. Ironically, the new model wears smaller, making the Maxi Case’s bolder stance uniquely desirable among those who prefer the old-school strength of the previous era.

🌟 Celebrity Provenance

The Submariner’s reputation as the ultimate everyday luxury watch has been reinforced by decades of star power. The 116610LN, in particular, has been spotted on:

• Tom Hardy — often wearing the black Sub as his daily driver.

• David Beckham, whose taste for classic sports models includes multiple Submariners.

• Robert Downey Jr., pairing his with casual tailoring and vintage flair.

• Roger Federer, long associated with Rolex, who’s worn the black Sub on and off the court.

From red carpets to deep dives, the Submariner remains a symbol of capability and class — equally suited to a wetsuit or a dinner jacket.

🧾 From the Case File

“Recovered with box, booklets, and original green hang tag intact. Four screwed links remain; one missing. No card or white tag, but authenticity verified through physical inspection and reference match. Bezel crisp, crystal clear, case edges strong — the telltale signs of careful ownership. The Maxi Case remains as confident as ever, commanding presence in every setting.”

🗝️ BST Verdict

Case #125 captures one of Rolex’s most collectible modern Submariners — the final generation before the brand slimmed down its proportions. With its bolder geometry, ceramic bezel, and timeless black-on-steel aesthetic, the 116610LN remains a cornerstone of contemporary collecting.

For those who favor the Submariner with muscle — not just mystique — this Maxi Case is the one to beat.

👉 Every case deserves a closer look.