Few watches are as instantly recognizable as the Rolex Submariner, and the 40 mm generation is still the reference point many buyers measure everything else against. This review covers what the 40 mm Submariner does well, where it differs from the current 41 mm model, and what to inspect before you commit to one.
Rolex Submariners 40 Comparison: 14060 vs 16610 vs 114060
Key Features
- 40 mm Oystersteel case with a unidirectional rotating dive bezel
- 300 m water resistance with a screw-down crown and caseback
- Automatic Rolex calibre with COSC-certified chronometer performance
- Oyster bracelet with a machined clasp and tool-free micro-adjustment
- Legible Maxi dial with long-lasting blue Chromalight lume
- Sapphire crystal; date models add the magnifying Cyclops lens
- Available on the secondary market across the 2010–2020 reference range
Is the 40 mm Submariner still worth buying?
For most wrists, yes. The 40 mm case is compact enough to slip under a cuff but still reads as a proper dive watch, and the proportions have aged better than almost anything else in its class.
In the hand, the 40 mm Submariner feels denser and more deliberate than its dimensions suggest. The case is brushed on the sides with polished lugs, the bezel inserts are ceramic on later references and hold their colour well, and the solid-link Oyster bracelet tapers cleanly to the clasp. Inside, the movement is a workhorse: hacking, quick-set where applicable, and reliable enough that servicing intervals are measured in years rather than months. The Crystal and dial furniture sit under a domed sapphire that resists scratching, and the lume remains legible long after dark.
40 mm or 41 mm — which wears better?
The 41 mm offers a slightly larger dial opening and a marginally broader bracelet, but the difference on the wrist is small. Choose 40 mm if you prefer a classic, understated profile; choose 41 mm if you want more presence.
Rolex Submariner 40 vs. Datejust: A Comprehensive Comparison
What should I check before buying?
Confirm the reference number, ask for service history, and check bezel action, crown threading, and bracelet stretch. A clear set of macro photos of the case flanks and clasp tells you more than a polished listing description.
Orders ship fully insured with tracked, signature-required delivery, and every watch is inspected before dispatch. If the fit or condition is not right for you, returns are accepted within the stated window in unworn condition with all accompanying materials.