In short: on a Rolex Submariner, the area that marks fastest is the large clasp cover, followed by the case flanks and lugs. After that, it all depends on the generation: recent Submariners (114060, 116610, 124060, 126610) have a highly resistant ceramic bezel, while older ones (14060, 14060M, 16613) have an aluminium insert, which scratches and fades. Choose your protection according to your exact reference.
The areas that mark on a Submariner
1. The clasp and its large flat surface
On recent Submariners, the clasp includes the Glidelock system, which lets you adjust the bracelet length without tools. Its cover is long and flat: it is the surface that rubs most against the desk and the edge of the laptop.
2. The lugs and case flanks
The Submariner case has changed shape over the generations. The 114060 and 116610 (40 mm) have wide lugs and massive crown guards, which take a lot of knocks. On the 124060 and 126610 (41 mm, 2020), the lugs and crown guards are slimmer.
3. The rotating bezel
This is where the generations differ most. The ceramic (Cerachrom) insert of recent models is known to be extremely scratch-resistant. The aluminium insert of older Submariners scratches, chips on the edges and fades in the sun.
4. Sand and salt water
The Submariner is a dive watch, often worn on holiday. Sand is abrasive: one grain caught between the bracelet and the case is enough to leave micro-scratches. Rinsing the watch in fresh water after the beach limits this risk.
Reference by reference: what you need to know
Submariner Date 126610 (41 mm, since 2020)
The current generation: 41 mm case, ceramic bezel, Glidelock clasp. The areas to protect first are the clasp and the case flanks. See the 126610 kit.
Submariner (no date) 124060 (41 mm, since 2020)
The same 41 mm case as the 126610, with no date and no magnifier on the crystal. Its kit is cut for it: do not confuse it with the 126610. See the 124060 kit.
Submariner Date 116610 (40 mm, 2010-2020)
The first Submariner Date with a ceramic bezel, with the wide-lug case. Those lugs and the massive crown guards are its most exposed areas. See the 116610 kit.
Submariner (no date) 114060 (40 mm, 2012-2020)
The no-date version of the wide-lug generation, with a ceramic bezel and Glidelock clasp. See the 114060 kit.
Submariner 14060 and 14060M
The no-date Submariners of earlier generations, with an aluminium bezel insert. On these watches, the insert and the original case edges weigh on value: whatever is still intact deserves to be preserved. 14060 kit · 14060M kit.
Submariner Date 16613 (steel and yellow gold)
The two-tone Submariner, in steel and yellow gold, with an aluminium bezel insert. Gold is a softer metal than steel: the gold parts mark faster than the steel parts, which makes bracelet protection particularly useful. See the 16613 kit.
Protecting a Submariner without polishing it
Repolishing a Submariner erases scratches by removing metal, and softens the edges of its lugs for good. A PreserveLayer™ film cut for your reference freezes their current condition: case, crystal, lugs and clasp with the Essential kit (€79), plus the bracelet with the Premium kit (€149). On a two-tone 16613, we recommend the Premium, to protect the gold links.
Frequently asked questions about the Submariner
Do the 124060 and the 126610 use the same kit?
No. They share the same case size, but each kit is cut for its reference. Choose the one that exactly matches the reference on your warranty card.
My Submariner has an aluminium bezel: is it more fragile?
Yes. The aluminium insert of the 14060, 14060M and 16613 scratches and fades more easily than the ceramic of recent models. The scratches already there are part of its story, but it is better not to add more.
What is the most exposed area on a Submariner?
The clasp cover, because of its contact with the desk. Next come the lugs and crown guards, especially on the wide-lug 114060 and 116610.
Should I take my Submariner off to go to the beach?
It is designed for water, but sand is abrasive. Rinse it in fresh water after swimming, and avoid putting it directly on the sand.
Not sure of your reference? Here is where to find it.
By the ChronoSkin team, French maker of protective films for watches. Updated 2 November 2026.