In 2010 at Basel Fair Rolex released the new StainlessSteel Submariner Ceramic reference 116610LN. This watch was replacing the much
loved reference 16610ln, which was in production since 1989. The new Submariner
Ceramic was a complete overhaul on the old design. From the case, to the
bracelet, to the bezel, to the clasp everything was re-engineered.
Lets start with the case. The new case on the 116610LN
submariner Ceramic is known as the Maxi case. The overall proportions have been
increased from height of the case to the lugs getting a much more robust
profile. The dial remains the same size at 40mm. The dial was also updated to a
maxi dial. The dial now features larger hour markers, which were previously
debuted on the 16610LV. The hour minute and seconds hands were updated and made
to be a little thicker and more easily seen against the black dial background.
The bracelet now features solid links all the way around. The bezel is no
longer a metal insert. The bezel is now made from what Rolex calls Cerachrome.
Most people call them ceramic though. The new ceramic bezels are hit with
platinum atoms to give the permanent and beautiful color of the numerals on
the bezel. These new bezels are virtually scratch proof and take a huge amount
of force to break. These Rolex ceramic bezels take over 40 hours to make.
The clasp is a thing of beauty. The clasp is now known
as the glidelock clasp. There is a very ingenious micro adjustment built within
the clasp allowing for quick and easy adjustments. The clasp is no longer made
from stamped metal but is now very thick and solid.
Rolex is now using the parachrome blue hair spring. It
is an in house made hairspring and is resistant to magnetic fields. Rolex has
also added paraflex shock absorbers to the movement to allow it to better
handle day to day abuse.
