Rolex Submariner Ref. 114060 - 'No Date' Unpolished Full Set

The Rolex Submariner is a true icon — and the word "icon" does get thrown around an awful lot. If you were to ask ten people at random to draw you their idea of a watch looks like, chances are they would draw or describe something that looks like a Rolex Submariner. It’s the dive watch of reference, and good/bad/indifferent there is no escaping it. Throughout its 70-year production, there have been countless small changes made to the model, with the piece we have here representing a major shift in the history of the model.

The introduction of the 6-digit pieces was almost certainly the most thorough update to any previous Submariner. These would carry over the movement from the last of the 5-digit references and introduced: an updated gloss black dial with enlarged 'Maxi' indices, a larger 40mm 'Maxi' or 'Super' case with widened lugs and a more square profile, an updated solid steel Oyster bracelet with polished center links and a matching updated clasp with Rolex's outstanding Glidelock extension system, and perhaps most importantly, a black timing bezel insert made of ceramic. All of these changes amounted to a very different watch than what fans were used to and was met with some controversy and negative feedback.

Of course, any negativity would have been purely subjective and it didn't take long for for some of the negativity to fade after enthusiasts began getting hands-on time and wearing these for awhile (along with ceramic-bezel GMT-Masters). The long requested bracelet updates, the improved durability, and the thoroughly modern and fresh look was eventually praised by many, which largely continues on to this day.

The piece that we have here, a Ref. 114060, was the very first Submariner — not to be confused with the Submariner Date — introduced with the updates mentioned above.

This example comes to us spared of any previous polishing and showing signs of a life well lived — as any Submariner should. By design, the black ceramic bezel insert remains in flawless condition, showing no wear or fade. The dial and hands also show no signs of wear or patina, with its white gold indices and handset utilizing Rolex's blue-glowing 'Chromalight' lume within. It comes fitted to its correct updated Oyster bracelet, which we simply cannot stress enough how incredibly handy and functional Rolex's Glidelock system is.

This piece is accompanied by a complete set of inner and outer boxes, booklets, green vinyl cardholder, COSC hangtag, serialized hangtag, a signed polishing cloth, bezel guard, a rubber strap from Everest, and warranty card.

Built to an incredible standard, fit for any occasion, and loaded with pedigree, modern Submariners are worthy of the iconic nomenclature that they bear and heritage for good reason.