Rolex Submariner 116610LN

Buying Advice

About the Rolex Submariner 116610LN

The Rolex Submariner 116610LN is the previous-generation 40mm steel Submariner Date, with a black dial and a matching black Cerachrom bezel. Produced from 2010 to 2020, it was the first Submariner to feature a ceramic bezel and remains one of the most widely traded Rolex watches on the secondary market. WatchGuys carries pre-owned and unworn 116610LN watches, each authenticated in-house and backed by a 2-year warranty. Below we cover what the reference is, what it costs, and how it compares to the model that replaced it and to its green sibling.

What Is the Rolex 116610LN?

The 116610LN is built from Oystersteel, Rolex's 904L stainless steel, in a 40mm case. The "LN" suffix stands for Lunette Noire, French for black bezel. It runs the Caliber 3135 automatic movement with a 48-hour power reserve and COSC certification, paired with a black Cerachrom ceramic bezel, Chromalight luminescence, and 300 meters of water resistance. The 116610 generation introduced several firsts for the Submariner Date: the Cerachrom ceramic bezel that replaced the older aluminum insert, the redesigned Maxi case with wider lugs and broader crown guards, and the Glidelock clasp for tool-free bracelet adjustment. It replaced the five-digit Rolex Submariner 16610 in 2010.

Rolex 116610LN Price

Pre-owned Rolex 116610LN watches typically trade between $11,000 and $14,000, with complete sets that include the original box and papers sitting toward the higher end. Production year and condition also affect price, with late-production 2019 and 2020 examples carrying a slight premium. As a discontinued reference, the supply is fixed, and the 116610LN remains one of the most liquid Submariners on the market. For current pricing on a specific piece in our inventory, contact our team directly, or read our Rolex Submariner 116610 review for a closer look.

116610LN vs. 126610LN

The 116610LN was replaced in 2020 by the Rolex Submariner 126610LN. The newer model grew from 40mm to 41mm with slimmer, more tapered lugs, and upgraded from the Caliber 3135 (48-hour power reserve) to the Caliber 3235 (70-hour power reserve). Both share the black dial, black Cerachrom bezel, Oystersteel construction, and 300-meter rating. Buyers who prefer the chunkier 40mm Maxi case profile, a slightly smaller wrist footprint, or the lower price point often choose the 116610LN as the value play, while those who want the latest movement and case refinements go for the 126610LN.

116610LN vs. 116610LV (Hulk)

Within the same generation, the 116610LN is the black-on-black standard and the 116610LV (Hulk) is the all-green version. The two are mechanically identical, sharing the 40mm case, Caliber 3135, bezel construction, and bracelet. The only difference is color: black dial and bezel on the LN, green dial and bezel on the Hulk. The Hulk trades at a significant premium because of its discontinued, collectible status, while the LN is the more accessible everyday choice.

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Why Buy a Rolex 116610LN From WatchGuys

Every pre-owned and unworn Rolex 116610LN for sale at WatchGuys is authenticated, accurately described, and protected end to end. Here is what comes with every purchase.

Common Questions

Rolex 116610LN FAQ

• What Does "LN" Mean on the Rolex 116610LN?

  The "LN" stands for Lunette Noire, French for black bezel. It is Rolex's internal way of distinguishing the black-bezel Submariner from the green-bezel version of the same generation, which carries the "LV" suffix for Lunette Verte. So the 116610LN is the black model and the 116610LV is the green Hulk.

• Is the 116610LN Discontinued?

  Yes. Rolex discontinued the 116610LN in 2020 when it introduced the 41mm 126610LN. The 116610LN was produced from 2010 to 2020 and was the first Submariner Date to use a ceramic bezel. As a discontinued reference, the available supply on the secondary market is fixed, though it remains widely traded.

• 116610LN vs. 126610LN: What's the Difference?

  The 116610LN is 40mm with the Caliber 3135 (48-hour power reserve), while the 126610LN is 41mm with the newer Caliber 3235 (70-hour power reserve) and slimmer lugs. Both share the black dial, black Cerachrom bezel, and Oystersteel case. The 116610LN appeals to buyers who prefer the smaller case or the value play; the 126610LN offers the latest movement and case refinements.

• Is the 116610LN a Good Value?

  Many buyers consider it one of the best value entries into the ceramic-bezel Submariner. It trades below the current 126610LN while offering the same proven Cerachrom bezel and Glidelock clasp, just with the previous-generation movement and 40mm case. It is also one of the most liquid Submariners, which helps when it comes time to sell.

• How Much Does a Rolex 116610LN Cost?

  Pre-owned 116610LN watches typically range from $11,000 to $14,000, depending on production year, condition, and whether the original box and papers are included. Complete sets and late-production examples trade toward the higher end. Contact our team for current pricing on a specific 116610LN in our inventory.

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