One of the key features of a vintage Rolex Submariner is the absence of a date display. From its initial introduction in 1953, until the release of the reference 1680 in the late 1960s, Rolex’s Submariner only displayed the time of day. Nearly every Submariner that Rolex currently produces is fitted with a date complication; however at its core, the Submariner line is a straightforward, time-only watch.
Submariner 114060
Today, the only Submariner that Rolex offers without the addition of a date complication is the reference 114060. Exclusively available in stainless steel and with a black dial and bezel insert, no variations exist of the 114060; however this configuration is most true to the classic design and spirit of the Submariner.
With a retail price of $7,500, the reference 114060 is also the least expensive Submariner in Rolex’s current lineup, coming in at over a thousand dollars cheaper than Rolex’s stainless steel Submariner with a date, the reference 116610. Other than the date complication and the Cyclops magnification bubble, located on the crystal’s surface, the two watches are completely identical.
Due to the absence of the date feature, the movement inside the reference 114060 is different than the one found in the reference 116610 Submariner. The reference 116610 is powered by the time-tested caliber 3135 movement, while the no-date Submariner is fitted with Rolex’s caliber 3130. As both movements share the same chronometer certification, any difference in performance should be virtually non-existent.
Blending In
Like the rest of the Submariner line, the reference 114060 has a 40 mm case diameter and a bezel insert made from Cerachrom, Rolex’ proprietary ceramic compound that is highly scratch resistant and virtually impervious to UV exposure. Additionally, the entire case and bracelet of the reference 114060 is craft from 904L stainless steel, which is extremely corrosion resistant and able to take on a bright, smooth polish.
A Movement Inside
Historically, Rolex’s no-date Submariner represented a more cost-effective dive watch option, and contained a movement that was not COSC rated. While all date-displaying Submariner watches have had movements that have met or exceeded COSC tolerances, even the reference 114060’s immediate predecessor did not contain a COSC-rated movement.
With the addition of Rolex’s caliber 3130, the reference 114060 has closed much of the gap that existed between the no-date Submariner and the rest of Rolex’s legendary dive watch line, and timekeeping performance should now be virtually identical across the Submariner line.
The reference 114060 represents the latest incarnation of Rolex’s legendary dive watch, presented in its most utilitarian and humble form. A line of watches that has secured its place in Rolex. The Submariner was never originally designed to be a luxury item or status symbol; it was supposed to be a premium and reliable dive instrument, used for measuring time while underwater. Although the Submariner is now available in a variety of colors and precious metal configurations, Rolex has never forgotten the heart and soul of the Submariner line, which is exactly why they continue to manufacture a stainless steel dive watch without a date complication: the reference 114060.
