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1997 Rolex Submariner 14060 – Stainless Steel Black "Two-Liner"

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Details

The Final Era of Classic Proportions

The reference 14060 Submariner is often cited by purists as the last "true" Submariner. Before the transition to the broader "Super Case" with its larger lugs and wider ceramic bezels, the 14060 maintained the elegant, tapered silhouette that defined Rolex for decades. This 1997 example is an essential tool watch, stripping away the date window and the cyclops lens to provide a perfectly symmetrical, high-visibility dial. 

The Purist’s Professional Diver

This reference matters because it bridges the gap between the vintage 5513 and the modern ceramic references. It retains the classic aluminum bezel insert, which develops a unique character over time that modern ceramic cannot match. By the late 90s, the Submariner had become a global icon, yet the "No Date" remained the choice for those who valued the watch's origins as a dedicated professional instrument. Its balanced proportions and 40mm footprint make it arguably the most wearable sports watch ever produced, sitting comfortably on the wrist without the added bulk of later iterations.

Honest Maintenance and Original Provenance

The condition of this Submariner is good overall and has been professionally maintained with service records. A significant highlight for this specific piece is its documentation: it comes with two official Rolex Service Center (RSC) warranty cards from 2009 and 2015. This provides a clear, verifiable service history and ensures that the watch has been handled by the right hands throughout its life. The Oyster bracelet is in good shape, and the movement is confirmed to be running strong after passing by our test bench.

The Definitive Daily Tool Watch

This is for the collector who wants a Submariner that feels like an instrument, not a piece of jewelry. It works because it favors the classic, athletic lines that made the brand famous over the more aggressive, blocky profiles found in modern catalogs. With the security of original papers and a documented service history, it's a low-risk, high-reward entry into the world of Rolex. 

Key Specs

Reference: 14060

Model: Submariner 

Year: 1997 (U-Serial)

Movement: Automatic (Cal. 3000)

Case Size: 40mm

Bezel: Black Aluminum Rotating Insert

Bracelet: Oyster (11 Links, Fits up to 7.4in)

Dial: Glossy Black "Two-Liner"

Metal: Stainless Steel

SKU: 489

History

The Submariner arrived in 1953 as the first wristwatch water-resistant to 100 meters, purpose-built for diving. A rotating bezel calibrated for dive timing, luminous indices and hands, a screw-down crown, and a bracelet that wore comfortably over a wetsuit: every detail solved a specific problem.

What nobody planned was what happened next. James Bond wore one on screen. Explorers wore them on expeditions. Architects wore them to meetings. The Submariner became the reference point for the modern sports watch — the watch every other sports watch has been measured against ever since.

References 14060 (no date, cleaner dial), 16610 (with date and cyclops), and 168000 (an earlier transitional reference) in our inventory span the mid-1980s through early 2000s. At 40mm with a 300-meter water resistance rating, these are not compromised vintage watches — they are fully functional, extraordinarily robust instruments that also happen to be some of the most beautiful watches ever made.

What Our Clients Say About Us

Dan Young
4 months ago

I knew I was gonna like Danny, based on his name, but nothing could’ve prepared me for how great of an experience this was. He had the most beautiful 70s Seamaster Cosmic on his website and I was set to be married 2 days later - I arranged to buy it but before leaving we both realized it needed to be serviced. I panicked, because I was literally buying this for my wedding, and Danny being the legend he is, loaned me a nearly identical Seamaster to make sure I could get through the event Never have I had someone go so above and beyond for me, especially while purchasing one of the lesser priced items in their inventory. He serviced my watch and exchanged it with me after the wedding on a super fast turnaround timeline. I would sincerely recommend you visit this guy, you will not be disappointed Edit: adding a pic of the loaner (two tone) and the owner (crosshair)

Patrick Farella
5 months ago

Great service and shop. Danny and his team were incredibly accommodating, professional, and kind. Great selection of vintage watches. Their store is the hidden gem in the diamond district.

Zee06
2 months ago

This was my first real luxury watch purchase, a Rolex 15200 Date 34mm, I own Tissots and a Laco, but those are entry level luxury watches. I found Danny’s Vintage Watches online, and had great feedback both on Google, Chrono24 and the Reddit watch community. So decided to give him a shot as buying online can be a crap shoot. Ordered Monday night, was at my doorstep Friday morning. Despite the watch being over 30 years old, serial number says it’s from 91, the watch looked new. Didn’t come with box or papers, and was shipped in a plastic sleeve wrapped in bubble wrap. Danny was always available to answer questions. I’ll be buying from Danny again for the next purchase…saw a couple of Speedmasters on his site I liked….

Mohammed Islam
4 months ago

Can't recommend Danny's vintage watches enough!!! My first Omega ever and im in love have been wearing every day since I purchased it. Danny's shop is a must visit if you are in NYC looking for a watch!!!