**A neo-vintage Rolex Submariner with tritium hands and Oyster bracelet**
Calling the Rolex Submariner “the most-popular diving watch in the world”—although true—kind of misses the point. It’s much more than popular. It’s archetypal. It’s what many people think of when they hear the term *diving watch.* First released in 1953, with a unidirectional bezel that enabled divers to monitor their compression stops and time underwater, it quickly gained a following that has only expanded over the years to include everyone from Kennedys to Kanye.
This Rolex Submariner 16610 was made in 1996, and the folks at Fog City Vintage have done an incredible job sourcing, authenticating, and representing its condition. Its stainless-steel case and contrasting black dial maintain the style that has largely gone unaltered since the earliest versions. And the sapphire crystal (an update that occurred in the 80s) gives it a scratch-resistance ideal for everyday wear. Altogether, its iconic style, sturdiness, and functionality make it a reliable choice whether you’re just dipping a toe in the world of Rolex or you’re a seasoned collector who’s fully immersed.
