Rolex Submariner Ref. 114060 (NO DATE)

The Rolex Submariner Ref. 114060 (No Date)


by Matthew Boston
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$1,000 - 9,999, Rolex

The Rolex Submariner Ref. 114060 is arguably the most recognized and definitely most copied dive watch there is. It was originally introduced in 1953 as a commercial diver’s watch during the pioneering era for scuba diving, was the first watch to be water-resistant to 100 metres and has fueled the huge popularity that has developed for this style of watch. Rolex has over the years made many improvements to the Submariner but retains a design that is still very faithful to the original. Today’s Rolex Submariner could be seen as the quintessential dive watch and has become Rolex’s most popular watch with the steel versions in particular being the most popular versions of this model.

Rolex Submariner Ref. 114060

Rolex Submariner Ref. 114060

The Reference 114060 is one of the newest generation Submariner models often referred to as the Rolex Submariner ‘No Date’ and with its clean dial is the purest example of the Submariner.

Rolex Submariner Ref. 114060 – Case

The Submariner’s case measures 40mm in diameter which is not too large or small and a size that no doubt suits a broad spectrum of the population. It features Rolex’s impressive alternating brushed and polished finishing applied to most of the case which helps to add a subtle refined look to its utilitarian design. The middle case is constructed from a solid block of a corrosive-resistant 904L steel, most steel watches use the 316L standard. The 904L type has improved corrosion and special chemical resistance, something that will be appreciated by those intending on using the Submariner for its intended purpose of diving since it will lessen any tarnishing that will occur from the effects of salt water and help it to stay looking good for longer.

The case has, over the years gone from its original groundbreaking 100m rating to the current 300m one and features a hermetically sealed caseback. Further bolstering the Submariner’s arsenal against the penetration of water is their patented TRIPLOCK triple waterproofness system which is fitted to the crown and screws securely down in a manner Rolex describes as similar to a submarine hatch.

Rolex Submariner Ref. 114060 - Bezel

Rolex Submariner Ref. 114060 – Bezel

The rotating bezel on earlier Submariners used to have an aluminum insert with the minute indicators printed on it, but this model, like the 2010 Submariner and the GMT-Master II has a bezel of Cerachom.

Cerachom is Rolex’s proprietary form of ceramic and is much more durable, it is not only completely resistant to fading and corrosion but also virtually scratchproof. Instead of the printed aluminium insert of earlier models the gradations are PVD coated with platinum, the Ceramic bezel is also much shinier than aluminum and has a nice luster to it. Rather than lume applied to the complete bezel Rolex has opted to simply apply it to the 12 o’clock marker, in more classical style. The Submariner’s bezel comes not only in black but is also available in blue and green.

Rolex Submariner Ref. 114060 – Movement

Inside this highly water resistant case is the automatic Caliber 3130 which is naturally entirely made by Rolex and like most of their movements is a COSC-certified chronometer and uses Rolex’s patented blue Parachrom hairspring using a special alloy that makes the watch more precise due to lessening the affects of magnetism, temperature and shocks.

Rolex Submariner Ref. 114060 – Dial

Some people dislike the “cyclops” magnifier and prefer the clean look of the simple dial without the date indicator and accompanying cyclops. The symmetry of the no date version certainly does combine well with the high contrast, high legibility of the classic Submariner black and white dial design. Of course although this is essentially a luxury watch it was originally designed as a ‘tool watch’ and so still bears those design traits.

Rolex Submariner Ref. 114060 - Dial

Rolex Submariner Ref. 114060 – Dial

Legibility is further enhanced by the use of different style hour and minute hands and to help readability in the dark you have a coating of Rolex’s proprietary luminescent material called Chromalight , which has a blue glow and according to Rolex lasts twice the time as that of luminescent material used on other watches. The blue lume is a recent change over green which has the benefit of looking whiter and clearer to see in daylight.

The dial has been precisely made by Rolex and features a fine attention to detail, I particularly like the tiny “Rolex” inscriptions on the inside edge of the dial, although Im not sure if this a purely decorative feature or one that is intended to help guard against the prodigious counterfeiting that this model has suffered.

Rolex Submariner Ref. 114060 – Conclusion & Price

With its clean dial and classic looks this ‘no date’ version is the iconic Submariner in its purest form. Instantly recognizeable, if anything the only downside that could be levelled at it is that the ‘Submariner look’ has become almost too familiar for some people due to its market saturation in one form or another. The Rolex Submariner ref 114060 ‘No Date’ retails for $7,500.

    Author Bio

    Articles by Matthew Boston

    CONTRIBUTOR

    Matthew Boston has worked in the computer graphics industry for 17 years in various parts of the world, currently residing back home in the UK. His interest in watches was first piqued as a youngster when he was fascinated by a Seiko digital watch he received. He's also founder of UniqueWatchGuide which is dedicated to sharing the news about timepieces that are unusual, unconventional and more often than not unobtainable.