The 124060 and the 126610LN arrived together in September 2020, when Rolex moved the Submariner into a new 41mm case. Under the dial they share almost everything: case, bezel, bracelet, water resistance and power reserve. On the wrist they still feel like two different watches, because one shows the date and one doesn’t. This guide covers how they differ, how they wear, what came before them, and what to check before you buy either one.
At a glance
| Submariner 124060 | Submariner Date 126610LN | |
|---|---|---|
| Introduced | 2020 | 2020 |
| Case | 41mm Oystersteel | 41mm Oystersteel |
| Bezel | Unidirectional, black Cerachrom, 60-minute | Unidirectional, black Cerachrom, 60-minute |
| Calibre | 3230, time only | 3235, time and date |
| Power reserve | About 70 hours | About 70 hours |
| Date / Cyclops | No | Yes, magnified at 3 o’clock |
| Water resistance | 300m / 1,000ft | 300m / 1,000ft |
| Bracelet | Oyster, Oysterlock clasp, Glidelock extension | Oyster, Oysterlock clasp, Glidelock extension |
| Certification | Superlative Chronometer | Superlative Chronometer |
| Replaced | 114060 (40mm, calibre 3130) | 116610LN (40mm, calibre 3135) |
A short history
The Submariner has existed since the 1950s, and for most of that time Rolex has offered it two ways: a plain, time-only model and a version with a date. The no-date Submariner is the direct descendant of the original diver’s tool watch. The date version arrived later and became the bestseller, partly because the Cyclops-magnified date is so recognisably Rolex.
The previous generation, the 114060 and 116610LN, introduced the ceramic bezel and a broader "Maxi" case with thick lugs. The 2020 update kept the ceramic bezel but went to 41mm while making the lugs slimmer, so the new watches look more balanced, closer in spirit to older Submariners despite the larger number on paper.
Design, side by side
The dial
This is where the two part ways. The 124060’s dial is completely symmetrical, with nothing at 3 o’clock and no Cyclops lens on the crystal. Many collectors buy it for exactly that: it looks purposeful and uncluttered, the way a dive watch originally did. The 126610LN adds the date window and the Cyclops, which magnifies the date about two and a half times. It’s more useful day to day, and it’s the version most people picture when they think "Submariner".
Case and bezel
Both share the 41mm Oystersteel case and the black Cerachrom bezel insert, a ceramic that resists scratches and fading. The bezel turns one way, so a bump can only shorten your remaining dive time, never extend it. The graduations are filled with a luminous coating so the zero marker stays visible in the dark.
Bracelet
Both use the Oyster bracelet with the Oysterlock safety clasp and Glidelock, a tool-free extension that lets you adjust the fit in small steps. It’s genuinely useful on hot days or over a wetsuit sleeve, and it’s one of the reasons modern Submariners are so comfortable.
The movements
The 124060 uses the calibre 3230 and the 126610LN the calibre 3235. They come from the same modern family, sharing the Chronergy escapement, a blue Parachrom hairspring and roughly 70 hours of power reserve: wind it on Friday and it can still be running on Monday. The only real difference is the date mechanism in the 3235. Both are certified Superlative Chronometers, Rolex’s in-house standard for accuracy after casing.
Compared with the previous generation, the jump in power reserve is the most noticeable change in daily life: the old 3130 and 3135 were rated around 48 hours.
How they wear
Both wear exactly the same: about 41mm across, with a case height that slides under a shirt cuff and lugs that taper neatly into the bracelet. On a wrist under roughly 6.5 inches they look sporty but not oversized. On larger wrists they look proportionate, more so than the old Maxi case.
The difference you feel isn’t physical, it’s visual. Without the Cyclops, the 124060’s crystal is a clean flat surface and the dial reads instantly. With the date, the 126610LN has a little more going on, which some people love and some don’t.
The wider family
- 126610LV, the date model with a green ceramic bezel, nicknamed "Starbucks".
- 126613LB, two-tone steel and yellow gold with a blue dial and bezel.
- 126618LB / 126618LN, full yellow gold.
- 126619LB, white gold with a blue bezel.
- 114060 and 116610LN, the previous 40mm generation, worth a look if you like the earlier case.
Buying checklist
- Box and papers. A full set with the warranty card adds confidence and value. Check that the serial on the card matches the watch.
- Bezel action. The bezel should click crisply, 120 clicks per turn, and only in one direction.
- Bracelet stretch. Modern Oyster bracelets are tough, but look for slack between links on heavily worn pieces.
- Glidelock. Make sure the extension slides and locks in every position.
- Polishing. Original, unpolished cases keep crisp edges on the lugs. Heavy polishing softens them.
- Timekeeping. A healthy example should run well within Rolex’s ±2 seconds a day specification.
Which one to choose
Choose the 124060 if…
You want the purest Submariner, you love a symmetrical dial, or you already own a date watch. It usually costs less than the Date.
Choose the 126610LN if…
You want one watch that does everything, you actually use the date, or you want the most recognisable Submariner made.
FAQ
Are the 124060 and 126610LN the same size?
Yes. Both are 41mm in Oystersteel with the same lugs and bracelet.
Which has the better movement?
Neither. They’re the same generation; the 3235 simply adds the date.
Is the Cyclops removable?
No. It’s part of the 126610LN’s crystal. If you don’t want it, the 124060 is the answer.
Which holds value better?
Both are among the strongest steel Rolex references. Values move with the market, so ask us for today’s numbers on a specific watch.
Can you dive with them?
Yes. Both are rated to 300 metres and built as genuine dive watches, though most spend their lives on dry land.
Shopping for one of these? Every watch we sell is authenticated in Los Angeles, with insured delivery and video on request. Text us at (310) 363-0481.
