Rolex Submariner Ref. 14060, The Last of the Classic No-Date Submariners

Within the lineage of the Submariner, the Ref. 14060 holds a particularly special place. While the date equipped Ref. 16610 became the more commercially familiar option, the no date Submariner remained the purist’s choice, preserving the clean and original design language that defined the earliest generations of Rolex’s most iconic dive watch. Free from the Cyclops lens, the dial achieves a perfect sense of balance and symmetry, a quality long admired by collectors for its clarity and historical purity.

The Ref. 14060 introduced important technical improvements while preserving the classic proportions of the 40mm Oyster case. On examples such as this, the presence of drilled lugs is especially prized, both for their practical utility and for the unmistakable tool watch character they evoke. The transition to sapphire crystal brought greater durability and scratch resistance, yet the watch retained a slimmer and more elegant profile than later generations, giving it exceptional comfort on the wrist.

At its heart is the dependable Caliber 3000, a movement celebrated for its robustness, precision, and enduring reliability. What makes the Ref. 14060 so compelling, however, is its position as one of the last truly classical Submariners. It was the final generation to retain drilled lugs and one of the last to feature the aluminum bezel insert, a detail that can age beautifully over time and develop character unique to each watch.

For many collectors, the most desirable examples are those with the minimalist two line dial, appreciated for their restrained and uncompromising aesthetic. The Ref. 14060 does not rely on excess to make its impression. Its appeal lies in proportion, purity, and function, qualities that make it one of the most quietly important modern vintage Rolex sports watches.