Watch Paparazzi

Designer Jan Thomas spotted wearing Rolex

Celebrity stylist and designer Jan Thomas was recently photographed wearing a Rolex Submariner Date reference 16610, the stainless steel dive watch that defined an era for Rolex and remains one of the most sought-after references on the secondary market today. The sighting is a reminder that true horological taste often gravitates toward the understated and proven rather than the newest release.

The Rolex Submariner Date ref. 16610 was produced from 1988 until 2010, when it was replaced by the updated reference 116610 featuring a ceramic bezel insert. During its production run, the 16610 received incremental updates — most notably the transition from a glossy to a matte dial and the introduction of the 'Maxi dial' with larger luminous plots in later examples. The watch houses Rolex's in-house Calibre 3135, a self-winding movement with a 48-hour power reserve, Parachrom hairspring, and bidirectional Perpetual rotor, widely regarded as one of the most reliable and robust movements ever produced for a luxury sports watch. The 40mm Oyster case offers water resistance to 300 meters, paired with a unidirectional rotating bezel with a black aluminum insert.

Among collectors, the 16610 occupies a particularly respected position. It is old enough to carry genuine vintage character yet modern enough to wear daily without reservation. Specific variants — the 'Kermit' anniversary edition ref. 16610LV with its green bezel, produced from 2003 to 2010, and transitional dial examples — command significant premiums. A standard black-bezel 16610 in solid condition, however, remains one of the most accessible entry points into serious Rolex collecting.

Jan Thomas, widely known as one of Scandinavia's most prominent stylists and a familiar face on Norwegian television, has a well-documented appreciation for refined, classic dressing. The 16610 fits that aesthetic precisely — it is neither flashy nor obscure, but quietly authoritative.

On the grey market, clean examples of the Rolex Submariner Date ref. 16610 currently trade around $9,700 depending on condition, box and papers, and dial variant. The reference was never sold new at today's prices — its original retail was a fraction of current values — making it one of the stronger long-term value propositions in pre-owned Rolex collecting.