Although the Rolex Submariner was first introduced in 1953, it didn’t get a date display until nearly fifteen years later, in 1967, with the introduction of the Reference 1680. Since then, the fake Rolex Submariner Date has become a constant presence in the brand’s catalogue, which has expanded to come in different colours and even in precious metal configurations. Rolex still produces a Submariner Date, made of stainless steel with a classic black dial and matching black bezel. However, the model Rolex produces today differs from the first version that debuted over half a century ago.
Arguably the most noticeable change in the replica Rolex Submariner from the vintage 1680 model to the modern 126610LN model is the case. While the official case diameter only increased from 40mm to 41mm, the proportions of the case changed dramatically, with the modern version including thicker lugs and a crown escutcheon.
In addition, while both models are ultimately made of stainless steel, the new modern Submariner Date is made of Oyster steel, Rolex’s blend of 904L stainless steel produced by its in-house foundry. Finally, the vintage model Ref. 1680 is a thick boxy construction made of acrylic, known as a “top hat” crystal, the modern Ref. 126610LN is flat and made of scratch-resistant synthetic sapphire, just like Rolex’s other contemporary replica watches.
While both the vintage Submariner Date 1680 and the modern Submariner Date 126610LN have rotating chronograph bezels with serrated edges and black 60-minute inserts, this is more or less where the similarities end. The bezel mounted on the Ref. 1680 is frictional and rotates smoothly in a bidirectional motion, while the modern Ref. 126610LN has a ratcheting movement of 120 counts and can only be moved counterclockwise as a safety feature for divers.
The vintage and modern versions of the Rolex Submariner Date have black dials with geometrically shaped luminous hour markers. However, the vintage version, Ref. 1680, is matte black, and its luminous hour markers are applied directly to the face with tritium. Meanwhile, the modern Ref. 126610LN is called “maxi” dials because they have more extensive indexes, and they feature a glossy black face and applied hour markers made of 18-carat white gold and filled with luminous blue Chromalight.
Like the rest of the copy watch, the internal movement that powers the Rolex Submariner Date has slowly evolved over the years as new materials and technologies have become available. On the other hand, the movement that powers the modern Rolex Submariner Date is the Rolex calibre 126610LN. 126610LN is the 3235 movement, the latest generation of Rolex’s in-house movements.
