Brand
Rolex Submariner Ref. 14060
Rolex changed the game when introducing the Rolex Submariner in 1953. The model helped meet the demand for dive watches, which were growing in popularity thanks to the sport becoming more widespread. However, the Submariner became equally attractive outside the diving community among those who were looking for a sporty fashion accessory. Over the years, the Submariner has continued to straddle this line of function, form, and fashion. It's been put to the test by countless explorers, like the legendary Auguste Piccard, while also being seen on the wrists of celebrities around the world.
Since the Submariner's inception, Rolex has consistently upgraded and updated it with the latest technology, all while staying true to its original design. One of the first updates came in the late 1960s, when the brand added a date display to the dial. By the mid-1970s, the Submariner models began showing many of the attributes we see today, like the transition of the Submariner text on the dial from red to white, the addition of sapphire crystal in place of acrylic, a new case design that increased the model's water resistance to 300 meters, and an upgraded movement offering quick-set date functionality.
Rolex has developed a complex system of reference numbers over the years. The five-digit era of Rolex in general has really come on strong in the last few years. These late 20th century and early 21st century models offer a good mix of vintage details and modern reliability. The ref. 14060 adds to a reputation in the Rolex catalog that was built by the famous ref. 5513 – the long-running, no-date, two-line Submariner of the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. The vintage details carried over from that great Sub in the 14060 include the modestly sized and proportioned case, the simple dial design, and the drilled lugs.
As it was offered from 1988 to 1999, the ref. 14060 Submariner spans the switch at the Crown from tritium luminous material to LumiNova. Earlier examples will patina as though they are a vintage watch while later, after roughly 1997, the numerals, hour markers, and hands will remain stark white.
This particular ref. 14060 is an extremely sought-after "SWISS only" example that is in excellent pre-owned condition, meaning there are very light signs of wear and some small scratches on the case and bracelet that come with being lived with. During our quality control check, any necessary adjustments are made to ensure the watch is functioning as intended. The case and bracelet have been professionally refinished. The case is crisply marked with the reference number and serial number, "A553XXX," between the lugs. The clasp is marked "X6" corresponding to a June of 1999 production month. The serial number dates the watch to 1999. The dial, caseback, movement, crown, and bracelet are all signed by Rolex. In addition, this watch comes with its original Rolex box and manuals – no papers.
In 1905, a watchmaker named Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law Alfred Davis set up shop as Wilsdorf and Davis in London. In 1908, this company would officially register the name Rolex, and by 1915, they had relocated the brand to Switzerland, where the headquarters remain to this day. Rolex has notched countless firsts in watchmaking, such as the chronometer-certified wristwatch and the first cased wristwatch with water resistance up to 100 meters. The brand also became a ubiquitous force in our culture on the wrist of countless celebrities and as the official timekeeper of numerous sporting events.
