Dr. N.
In this article, we delve into the aesthetic differences between the Rolex Submariner 116610, the reference in production until August, and the Rolex Submariner 126610 presented in September. Let's assume that the transition took place with respect for tradition Rolex of stylistic continuity between the various generations of its models, a tradition whose beginning dates back to the XNUMXs, after the death of the founder Hans Wilsdorf: with the notable exception of the Rolex Daytona, most of the Rolex models launched since then are evolutions of watches pre-existing or which, however, are inspired by them - such as the Deepsea and the Sea-Dweller, which appear, stylistically speaking, almost "enhancements" of the existing Submariner -.
Let's see then how the innovations in the wake of stylistic continuity also characterize this handover in the Rolex Submariner range. Stylistics, mind you, as innovations are present under the dial: but this is the subject of another article ...
Rolex Submariner 116610 vs 126610: the external differences
The new Rolex Submariner 126610 presents some cautious but interesting aesthetic innovations. Cautious, as we are still talking about Rolex, a company extremely reluctant to alter existing models.
On the other hand, the commercial results continue to reward Rolex, therefore why should it differ from popular stylistic features such as those of Submariner? Better to work up to the details of the Rolex perhaps most recognizable ever, preserving the traits that made the Submariner an icon of contemporary watchmaking.
As visible in the image, the Rolex Submariner 126610 presents, compared to its predecessor Rolex Submariner 116610, a diameter increased by one millimeter. In reality, the change is more contained: it goes from 40.5 mm of Rolex Submariner 116610 to 40.8 mm of Rolex Submariner 126610. Therefore not perceptible variation ictu oculi, presumably decided in order to differentiate the Rolex Submariner 126610 from the “five-digit” references to which, as we shall see, it refers in other respects.
Another change of the Rolex Submariner 126610 Compared to the predecessor, it is found in the presence of a bracelet with an increased width. The decision to enlarge it from 20 to 21 mm certainly contributes to making the appearance of the case less massive: it is true that overall the watch can be more "abundant", but there is no doubt that the case-bracelet ratio, if not the absolute widths, help make the Rolex Submariner 126610 an aesthetically more streamlined watch than its predecessor. The presence of a wider bracelet makes the case appear slimmer compared to the bracelet itself. In this respect, the two innovations we are about to see also contribute.
The outward feature of the Rolex Submariner 126610 that most impressed the fans are undoubtedly the rounded handles. The new Rolex Submariner 126610 in fact, compared to its predecessor Rolex Submariner 116610, of the loops with reduced width: in fact they pass from 4.3 to 3.7 mm. Not only are the lugs narrower at the tip, they also have a concave curvature which contributes to the Rolex Submariner 126610 a slimmer appearance than its predecessor, despite the increase in the case diameter. The rounded and refined lugs were positively perceived by the public: they are in fact appreciated as a reference to the less massive lines that characterized the production Rolex Submariner five-digit. See for comparison the image of Rolex Submariner 16610 shown below.
A detail that initially escaped the attention of most is the overall thickness of the case. The Rolex Submariner 126610 it is "high" 12.4 mm, against 13 of the predecessor. Those who regretted the fit of the five-digit Rolex Submariner will find this modification made by 126610 to their liking: 0.6 mm less thickness, in a wristwatch they are easily perceptible, much more than the 0.3 mm increase in diameter. While waiting to be able to try it live, we can conclude that on paper the new Rolex Submariner 126610 appears to get closer to the wearability and stylistic features of the Rolex Submariner of the past.
Conclusions
In the next article we will see the technical differences between the Rolex Submariner 126610 and Rolex Submariner 116610. In the meantime, let us know in the comments how you think about the stylistic traits of the new Rolex Submariner 126610!
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