Rolex Submariner 14060

The Rolex Submariner 14060, released around 1988, replaced the legendary Submariner 5513, bringing with it a number of significant improvements. Among the key innovations, the introduction of sapphire crystal and the triplock crown allowed the maximum diving depth to be increased to 300 meters, cementing its reputation as a watch for professional divers.

Technical Specifications

• Movement: Powered by the automatic Rolex caliber 3000, with a power reserve of approximately 50 hours.
• Case: 40 mm 904L stainless steel, with lug holes.
• Dial: Glossy black, with applied tritium indexes and hands, identifiable by the "SWISS-T<25" inscription under the 6 o'clock position.
• Bracelet: Oyster 93150 with folding clasp.
• Bezel: Unidirectional black anodized aluminum with 120 clicks.
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal.

A Timeless Design Time

The Submariner 14060 is distinguished by its dial with only two lines of text: "Submariner" and "1000 ft = 300 m." This simplicity gives the watch a clean, vintage aesthetic, contrasting with later models that featured four lines of text. This feature makes the 14060 particularly prized by collectors, who see it as a return to the Submariner's roots as a "tool watch" for divers.

(ph. bobswatches.com)

Lume and Evolution

Most 14060 models were equipped with tritium lume, with the "SWISS-T<25" inscription on the dial. In the late 1990s, Rolex replaced the tritium with Superluminova, featuring the "Swiss made" inscription at 6 o'clock, making it easy to distinguish between the two types of lume.

Why is the 14060 so beloved?

The Submariner 14060 is often favored by collectors for its faithfulness to the design of historic Submariner models like the 5513 and 5512. The lack of a date function brings it closer to the original Submariner, designed as an essential tool for divers.

14060 M, last of the line

In 2001, the reference 14060 was replaced by the 14060M, where the "M" stands for "Modified". The caliber inside the case increased from the 3000 to the 3130. This new caliber, based on the previous one, features a double-lug bridge and a crescent-shaped insert positioned lower than the winding crown. It offers a 42-hour power reserve, 31 jewels, and 28,800 vibrations per hour. In 2007, the 14060M received COSC certification, introducing the 4-line dial with the inscription "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" and the engraved RRR bezel flange. This modification replaced the previous 2-line dial (see first photo). Since 2012, the historic reference 14060M has been replaced by the ceramic version, the 114060, presented at Baselworld.

Serial Numbers

Serial numbers associated with the 14060 include R, L, E, N, C, S, W, T, and U.