The Black Submariner

[Solomon West]

I was looking for my first luxury watch; one that fits my personality and carries a unique aesthetic. After a year of exhaustive research into the major luxury brands (Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Breitling, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe) I determined that - without a doubt - it would have to be a Rolex. It was the single brand that I just kept coming back to.

I was eventually determined that the Rolex Submariner 116610LN put through DLC/PVD process was the watch I had been looking for.

More simply put, what I ultimately wanted to fashion was a black Rolex.








I'm happy :)

[Louribal]

Like it :)

[dysondiver]

hello and welcome to the forum

[dajiggalo]

love PVD coated watches (I own a Sinn 856S and a Nomos Tangente Norma), but Rolex seems to frown upon this and will not service any of their watches that have "enhanced"

[strafer_kid]

Interesting watch alright!

[T. Ferguson]

Not personally a fan of PVD'd Rolexes, but whatever floats your boat. We spend a lot of money for these things so you should have exactly what you want.

[Rags]

I prefer the submariner as Rolex had intended it to be but if you like it that's what counts.

[Tooomey]

How much does it cost to get that done? And where would someone go?

[Solomon West]

I absolutely respect and understand the view against altering original Rolex timepieces in any way.

In my own decision making process, I decided that having 100% original Rolex parts was essential and nonnegotiable - and although any alteration is indeed an alteration on the fidelity of a Rolex - I was comfortable with an aftermarket process, as opposed to aftermarket parts.

It is also worth noting that immediately after my watch arrived I was able to have the piece authenticated (verbally) and fitted at an Authorized Rolex Service Center. The guy who inspected it reminded me of some of the limitations to Rolex servicing and warranty as a result of the aftermarket process it went through, but proceeded to do a bracelet adjustment for me and even compliment me on the look and asked me a few questions about the coloring process.

You can have the DLC/PVD process done through jewelers that also sell DLC/PVD watches. A quick google search will show you what your few options are.

[domenick512]

I think it looks good. How long will the DLC/PVD last? It might not look as nice if it starts coming off.

[UFGatorRolex]

Very nice!

[Hairdude1]

Cool

[sea-dweller]

Welcome!

[tonypapa67]

Very nice!!!!!

[Solomon West]

Originally Posted by domenick512

I think it looks good. How long will the DLC/PVD last? It might not look as nice if it starts coming off.

It is indeed a concern and only time will tell how the DLC/PVD coating holds up. The technical description from the company that provided the coloring process for my Rolex states that the DLC material used is 8 times stronger than steel. Of course that remains to be tested as well, potentially when the piece incurs its first accidental bangs and stress frictions. I will keep people posted if there is interest.

I also wonder how likely anyone else on the forum is to do this; it doesn't seem too popular at the moment and I understand why: If you pay approximately 10K for a new Rolex Submariner (w/tax and all), it would be difficult to take any risks with it... and even after I made the decision to go ahead with the DLC/PVD alteration, I was concerned with manipulating the integrity of something of that expense - not to mention how nice it looks to begin with. Again though, I think that while stainless steel bands look great on a lot of individuals, I don't pull it off as well as black, or even gold.