The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi,

Aside from the year, I would like to find out the difference between a 2005 and a 2006 Submariner (if any).

Any info is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Ryan

There's no difference at all as far I know.

Rolex evolution tends to take place at the speed of tectonic plate movement (i.e. very slowly), so until the very recent changes (i.e. last couple of years) to the Submariner and the Seadweller, they had remained the same for years.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

So the model 16610 remained the same until the ceramic type?

When did Rolex come out with the ceramic and what is the advantage?

Rolex released the ceramic Sub this year. There are a few advantages.

1. Ceramic Bezel is extremely scratch resistant and it looks absolutely beautiful in direct light. Also, the color won't fade over time as the metal bezels will tend to do.
2. The newly designed case/lug shape makes the 40mm design wear larger than it actual is.
3. The redesigned deployment clasp is extremely solid with a great micro adjustment. The older clasp feels like tin foil digging into your wrist.
4. The links are now solid as opposed to the hollow links which feel a little cheaper.

I'm sure I am missing a few minor things but those are the big differences in my opinion.

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

No difference at all between 2005 and 2006. Years don't seem to count with Rolex as much as the serial number. An F-serial Sub (for example) will probably sell for exactly the same price irrespective of whether it was new in 2005 or 2006.

Edit - I should add that there were minor changes to the 16610 over the years (the lug holes disappearing, for instance) but you have to go back further than 2005 for that.

It also got the bigger dial markers that also seem to help enhance the size of the watch.

Its funny how Rolex went from what was probably the worst clasp/bracelet on the market to what is now probably the best.
I really like the new sub and have actually considered buying one in the future...or maybe a GMTIIc.

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-RJ

Me too. A decision between them isn't easy, either. I actually like the look of the GMTIIc slightly better, although the Sub looks great in its own right, too. But the Sub has better function for me - a diver's bezel is something I can use, whereas a second time zone generally isn't. Also, the Sub has the glidelock clasp, whereas the GMT only has the "easylink," which extends the bracelet by 5mm.