Rolex 114060 Review: Iconic Elegance in Diving Watches

The Rolex Submariner 114060 stands out as a top-tier diving watch, combining classic looks with modern technology. This review covers its history, design, and technical features. We’ll explore why this no-date Submariner appeals to both divers and watch collectors. From its sturdy build to its potential as an investment, we’ll show how the 114060 remains a leader in luxury watches. Whether you’re a diving enthusiast or simply appreciate fine timepieces, you’ll see why this watch continues to impress.

The Historical Context of the Rolex 114060: A Legacy of Excellence

The Rolex Submariner history dates back to 1953, when it was first introduced as the world’s first diving watch waterproof to 100 meters. Over the decades, the Submariner has evolved, continuously pushing the boundaries of watchmaking technology and design. Each iteration has brought improvements in water resistance, movement accuracy, and overall durability.

The evolution of the Submariner line leading to the 114060 model represents a culmination of Rolex’s expertise in creating professional diving watches. This particular reference, introduced in 2012, marked a significant milestone as it reintroduced the “No Date” Submariner, a purist’s favorite that harkens back to the original design ethos of the 1950s models.

Notable features that define the Submariner identity include its robust Oyster case, unidirectional rotating bezel, and distinctive Mercedes-style hands. The 114060 builds upon these iconic elements while incorporating modern materials and technology, making it a perfect blend of tradition and innovation in the world of luxury sports watches.

Rolex 114060’s Design and Aesthetics: Timeless Elegance Redefined

The Rolex Submariner 114060 exemplifies the perfect balance between classic design and modern aesthetics. Its timeless appearance is complemented by contemporary materials and finishes, resulting in a watch that is both instantly recognizable and refreshingly current. Let’s explore the key design elements that make this timepiece a true icon.

Case

The Rolex 114060 features a robust 40mm case crafted from 904L stainless steel, a corrosion-resistant alloy that offers exceptional durability and a lustrous finish. The case profile is sleek and well-proportioned, with signature crown guards protecting the screw-down crown. The satin-brushed lugs and polished case sides create a subtle contrast, enhancing the watch’s visual appeal.

The Oyster case construction ensures water resistance up to 300 meters, making it suitable for professional diving. The solid caseback is finely engineered to protect the movement while maintaining the watch’s elegant profile. Overall, the case design strikes a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics.

Dial

The dial of the Submariner 114060 is a study in clarity and legibility. Its deep black color serves as the perfect backdrop for the large, luminous hour markers and Mercedes-style hands. The absence of a date window at 3 o’clock results in a beautifully symmetrical dial layout, paying homage to the original Submariner designs.

The Cerachrom bezel insert, made from a scratch-resistant ceramic material, features engraved numerals and graduations filled with platinum. This not only enhances legibility but also adds a touch of luxury to the watch’s appearance. The bezel’s unidirectional rotation ensures precise tracking of dive times, while its 60-minute graduations allow for easy reading.

Bracelet

The Oyster bracelet of the Submariner 114060 is a masterpiece of engineering and design. Crafted from the same 904L stainless steel as the case, it offers exceptional strength and a comfortable fit. The three-piece link construction provides flexibility, while the polished center links add a touch of elegance to the overall sporty design.

The bracelet features Rolex’s innovative Glidelock extension system, allowing for fine adjustments without the need for tools. This ensures a perfect fit over a wetsuit or for daily wear. The Oysterlock safety clasp provides additional security, preventing accidental opening during diving or everyday activities.

The Rolex 114060’s design seamlessly blends form and function, resulting in a watch that is equally at home in formal settings and underwater adventures. Its timeless aesthetics, coupled with modern innovations, make it a versatile piece that will remain relevant and stylish for generations to come.

Rolex 114060’s Technical Specifications: Engineering Excellence

The Rolex Submariner 114060 is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a technological marvel that showcases Rolex’s commitment to precision and reliability. Let’s delve into the technical specifications that make this timepiece a true horological masterpiece, combining cutting-edge watchmaking with time-honored traditions.

Case Dimensions

The Submariner 114060 boasts a perfectly proportioned 40mm diameter case, striking an ideal balance between presence on the wrist and everyday wearability. The case thickness is approximately 12.5mm, allowing it to slide comfortably under a shirt cuff while maintaining its robust diving watch heritage. The lug width of 20mm ensures compatibility with the Oyster bracelet and provides stability on the wrist.

These dimensions result in a watch that wears exceptionally well on a variety of wrist sizes, making it a versatile choice for both men and women. The compact yet substantial case embodies Rolex’s philosophy of creating timepieces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Movement

At the heart of the Submariner 114060 beats the Rolex Caliber 3130, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. This movement is a testament to Rolex’s watchmaking prowess, offering exceptional precision and reliability. The Caliber 3130 features a Parachrom hairspring, which provides greater resistance to shocks and temperature variations.

The movement boasts a power reserve of approximately 48 hours, ensuring that the watch continues to run accurately even when left off the wrist for two days. With a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), the second-hand moves with a smooth sweep, a hallmark of high-quality mechanical watches.

Water Resistance

True to its diving watch heritage, the Submariner 114060 offers an impressive water resistance of up to 300 meters (1,000 feet). This capability is achieved through Rolex’s patented Triplock winding crown system, which features three sealed zones to ensure watertightness. The robust Oyster case construction further enhances the watch’s ability to withstand high pressures encountered during deep-sea diving.

It’s worth noting that while the watch is rated for professional diving, it’s equally suitable for recreational water activities and everyday wear, providing peace of mind in any aquatic environment.

Other Features

The Submariner 114060 is certified as a Superlative Chronometer, having passed both the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) tests and Rolex’s own stringent in-house certification. This ensures that the watch meets the highest standards of precision, with an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day.

The watch also features anti-magnetic properties, thanks to its nickel-phosphorus escape wheel and Parachrom hairspring. This makes the Submariner 114060 resistant to magnetic fields, maintaining its accuracy in various everyday environments where electronic devices are present.

Performance and Durability: Unmatched Reliability in Any Environment

The Rolex 114060 is renowned for its exceptional performance and durability, setting the standard for luxury sports watches. Its movement, the Caliber 3130, is a marvel of engineering precision. With its -2/+2 seconds per day accuracy, it outperforms many other mechanical watches in its class. This level of precision is maintained over long periods, thanks to Rolex’s innovative Parachrom hairspring and robust movement construction.

As a diving watch, the Submariner 114060 excels in underwater conditions. Its highly legible dial, with large luminous markers and hands, ensures easy reading even in low-light environments. The unidirectional rotating bezel allows divers to track their dive times accurately and safely. The Triplock crown system and robust case construction work together to maintain water resistance up to 300 meters, providing peace of mind during both recreational and professional diving activities.

The durability of the Rolex Submariner 114060 is truly remarkable. The 904L stainless steel used in its construction offers superior resistance to corrosion, making it ideal for use in saltwater. The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial from impacts and abrasions, while the Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert maintains its pristine appearance even after years of use. Whether worn daily in an office environment or subjected to the rigors of outdoor adventures, the Submariner 114060 is built to withstand the test of time and elements.

Pricing and Value Proposition: An Investment in Timeless Luxury

The Rolex Submariner 114060 commands a premium price in the luxury watch market, reflecting its status as an iconic timepiece from one of the world’s most renowned watchmakers. As of 2024, the retail price for a new Submariner 114060 typically ranges from $8,500 to $9,500, depending on the retailer and location. However, due to high demand and limited supply, market prices often exceed the retail price, sometimes reaching $11,000 to $13,000 for unworn models.

One of the most compelling aspects of the Submariner 114060 is its exceptional value retention. Rolex watches, in general, are known for holding their value well, and the Submariner line is particularly sought after. Many pre-owned Submariner 114060 models maintain or even appreciate in value over time, making it not just a luxury purchase but a potential investment. This stability in value is attributed to Rolex’s reputation, the watch’s timeless design, and the brand’s careful control of production numbers.

The Submariner 114060 is considered a worthwhile investment for several reasons. Firstly, its classic design ensures that it will never go out of style, making it a watch that can be enjoyed for generations. Secondly, the robust construction and high-quality materials mean that with proper care, the watch will continue to function flawlessly for decades. Lastly, the Submariner’s iconic status in the watch world and its association with adventure and luxury lifestyle make it a highly desirable piece for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of the Rolex Submariner 114060

The Rolex Submariner 114060 stands as a testament to Rolex’s unparalleled watchmaking expertise. Its combination of classic design, robust construction, and technical excellence makes it a standout piece in the luxury watch market. The watch’s ability to seamlessly transition from a professional diving instrument to a sophisticated dress watch underscores its versatility and timeless appeal.

In the competitive world of luxury timepieces, the Submariner 114060 holds a special place. Its “No Date” dial harks back to the original Submariner design, appealing to purists and collectors who appreciate its clean, symmetrical aesthetic. The watch’s performance, both in terms of timekeeping accuracy and durability, reinforces Rolex’s reputation for creating reliable, high-performance timepieces.

For those considering adding a Rolex Submariner to their collection, the 114060 model represents more than just a purchase – it’s an investment in horological history and craftsmanship. At Bob’s Watches, we’re proud to offer the Rolex Submariner for sale, including this iconic 114060 reference. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time luxury watch buyer, the Submariner 114060 offers a perfect blend of style, function, and prestige that will continue to captivate for years to come.