The Rolex Submariner, a watch synonymous with diving prowess and enduring style, boasts a rich history filled with subtle yet significant variations. Among the most sought-after iterations are the no-date Submariners, particularly those produced during the era of tritium lume. This article focuses on the Rolex 14060, a model produced from the late 1980s to 2000, specifically highlighting the characteristics and appeal of the tritium-lumed versions. We will explore the watch's design, its evolution from predecessors like the 5513, and the factors contributing to its current collector status.
The Rolex 14060: A Simple, Robust Design
The 14060 represents a purist's Submariner. Unlike its date-equipped counterparts, it eschews the cyclops magnifying lens over the date window, resulting in a cleaner, more minimalist dial. This simplicity is a significant part of its charm, appealing to those who appreciate unadorned functionality and a more classic aesthetic. The 40mm case, crafted from robust 904L stainless steel, provides exceptional durability, perfectly suited for the underwater environment for which it was designed. The unidirectional rotating bezel, with its distinctive graduated markings, is crucial for tracking dive time, while the screw-down crown ensures water resistance to a depth of 300 meters (1000 feet).
The movement within the 14060 is the caliber 3000, a workhorse known for its reliability and accuracy. This automatic movement provides a power reserve of approximately 48 hours, a significant improvement over earlier Submariner movements. The 3000 is a robust and dependable mechanism, capable of withstanding the rigors of daily wear and tear, a characteristic that aligns perfectly with the overall ruggedness of the watch.
The Luminescent Legacy: Tritium vs. Superluminova
One of the defining features of the early 14060s, and a key factor in their desirability among collectors, is the use of tritium for the luminous material on the hands and hour markers. Tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, emits a soft, creamy glow that is distinct from the brighter, often slightly greenish, glow of Superluminova, which replaced it in later production runs. The tritium lume on the 14060 possesses a unique character, a warm, almost vintage-like luminescence that fades gradually over time, developing a distinct patina that many collectors find aesthetically pleasing. This patina, a testament to the watch's age and history, is often considered a desirable trait, adding to the watch's character and uniqueness.
The transition from tritium to Superluminova marked a significant change in the Submariner's production. While Superluminova offers brighter and more consistent luminescence, the tritium lume of the earlier 14060s holds a special place in the hearts of many collectors, largely due to its unique aesthetic qualities and the association with a specific era of Rolex production. The subtle differences in the lume's appearance—the color, the intensity, and the way it ages—contribute significantly to the 14060's collectible appeal.
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