Reference:16610: Difference between revisions
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Text audit: voice, clarity, source links |
16610 audit fixes. (1) Factual: COMEX 16610 production "1986" is wrong (16610 launched 1988) — corrected to 1989-1997 with note that the Rolex-COMEX program itself ran earlier across 5513/5514/1680/16800. (2) Strip "Fratello Watches editorial, Fratello Watches" placeholder byline → "(Fratello)" — anonymous editorial. (3) Rename "Service dial warning and dial-text authentication" → "Authentication" to match canonical AGENTS.md section structure. |
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=== COMEX === | === COMEX === | ||
Rolex produced COMEX-marked 16610 Submariners between | Rolex produced COMEX-marked 16610 Submariners between approximately 1989 and 1997, with an additional small batch around 2003–2004. The Rolex-COMEX partnership itself ran earlier across the 5513 / 5514 / 1680 / 16800 generation; the 1989–1997 window is specifically the 16610 portion. The 16610 is the last Rolex model to carry the COMEX logo on its dial. With the exception of dial and caseback engravings, COMEX 16610s are otherwise identical to standard production: same caliber 3135, same case, same bracelet. | ||
By the time of the 16610, diving technology had moved past the point where COMEX divers relied on mechanical wristwatches. The COMEX 16610s functioned as presentation and commemorative pieces rather than active diving tools, which means surviving examples tend to be in significantly better condition than older COMEX references ([[Reference:5513|5513]], [[Reference:5514|5514]], [[Reference:1680|1680]], [[Reference:16800|16800]]). They were never sold through stores, boutiques, or authorized dealers; they were issued directly to COMEX personnel. | By the time of the 16610, diving technology had moved past the point where COMEX divers relied on mechanical wristwatches. The COMEX 16610s functioned as presentation and commemorative pieces rather than active diving tools, which means surviving examples tend to be in significantly better condition than older COMEX references ([[Reference:5513|5513]], [[Reference:5514|5514]], [[Reference:1680|1680]], [[Reference:16800|16800]]). They were never sold through stores, boutiques, or authorized dealers; they were issued directly to COMEX personnel. | ||
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LV stands for Lunette Verte, French for green bezel. Within the [[Reference:16610LV|16610LV]] collectors track the Flat 4 versus Sharp 4 bezel numerals, a subtle difference in how the numeral 4 at the 40 position on the insert is rendered. The [[Reference:16610LV|16610LV]] also introduced the Maxi dial, with larger hour indices and broader hands, as a standard format, a layout that carried forward to the [[Reference:116610LN|116610LN]]. | LV stands for Lunette Verte, French for green bezel. Within the [[Reference:16610LV|16610LV]] collectors track the Flat 4 versus Sharp 4 bezel numerals, a subtle difference in how the numeral 4 at the 40 position on the insert is rendered. The [[Reference:16610LV|16610LV]] also introduced the Maxi dial, with larger hour indices and broader hands, as a standard format, a layout that carried forward to the [[Reference:116610LN|116610LN]]. | ||
<span id=" | <span id="authentication"></span> | ||
== | == Authentication == | ||
The tritium-to-Luminova transition created a short authentication shorthand that doubles as the fastest way to date a 16610. T SWISS T or SWISS T<25 at 6 o'clock indicates a tritium dial from the 1988 to roughly 1998 era. A bare SWISS reading places the dial in the short Luminova transition of 1998 to 2000. SWISS MADE covers the settled Super-LumiNova era from 2000 to the end of production. | The tritium-to-Luminova transition created a short authentication shorthand that doubles as the fastest way to date a 16610. T SWISS T or SWISS T<25 at 6 o'clock indicates a tritium dial from the 1988 to roughly 1998 era. A bare SWISS reading places the dial in the short Luminova transition of 1998 to 2000. SWISS MADE covers the settled Super-LumiNova era from 2000 to the end of production. | ||
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* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-2-the-55xx-1680references/ History of the Rolex Submariner - Part 2, The 55XX References and 1680 Date] — Tom Mulraney, Monochrome | * [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-2-the-55xx-1680references/ History of the Rolex Submariner - Part 2, The 55XX References and 1680 Date] — Tom Mulraney, Monochrome | ||
* ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra | * ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra | ||
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-submariner-14060m/ Rolex Submariner 14060M Review] | * [https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-submariner-14060m/ Rolex Submariner 14060M Review] (Fratello) | ||
* [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-submariner-that-bridges-the-gap-between-vintage-and-modern The Spec Sheet: The 16610 Submariner] — Hodinkee, 2022 | * [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-rolex-submariner-that-bridges-the-gap-between-vintage-and-modern The Spec Sheet: The 16610 Submariner] — Hodinkee, 2022 | ||