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One and done: Submariner?

140dave
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Hi OF

This year the plan is for a bit of diversification and adding a few iconic watches to the collection. IMO no collection should be without the quintessential diver, the Submariner.

But which one should be (would you have) in place for a single-sub within a mixed collection of modern and vintage watches ? I want to wear it, around water if not in, and I want to be able to service it as well, if and as needed.

I know the differences in the models on paper, but not live or on the wrist so I am looking for some opinions as it isn’t exactly practical to say “try them on and see what works best”.

I lean towards a 5 digit (14060 or 16610) so I can get the combo of modern and vintage. But even within that, say the 14060…. Tritium or Luminova? Lug holes or no? 14060 or 14060M? Or that area around 2001 where you have the combo of hole case but SEL? So many options!

Between comfort, good daily wear, collectible fun, ability to have few issues with service etc, what SINGLE sub model would you have in your collection? Modern is fine but I do have a soft spot for a T dial and slimmer cases, just not sure on future serviceability with tritium furniture.

So one Sub to wear, not look at in my watch box. Opinions and suggestions? Thanks OFers!
 
blufinz52
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I had a 114060 for a number of years and now have the 124060, as my preference is for the new models. As far as the 5-digit models, I would go with the 14060M, with the modified movement. The later ones are COSC certified and have the engraved rehaut, otherwise are identical to the 14060. Keep us informed with what you finally decide.
 
duc
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I'm partial in that my first nice watch, about 20 years ago, was the 16610. It's still a staple in my box, to be passed down one day. I like the size. I've never been a fan of the endless upsizing but I will say the aesthetics of some of the new models are catching. Still, 16610 wins my vote:

9.jpg
 
Aroxx
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Following, as I would one day like a Submariner. I admittedly know nothing about them so maybe I’ll learn a bit here. What I have in mind is a 90’s - early 2000s model, no date, I guess non-engraved rehaut. I really don’t care for the new upsized cases and prefer the look of the aluminum bezel insert.
 
SydR
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I never got on with my 114060, bought new at an AD, and sold it after 4 years. Purchased a 2003 16610 with the proceeds and never looked back.
 
CPRwatch
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My personal choice would be a 5 digit, I've got a 16610LV and matte dial 16800 which cover all the requirements of a sub I want modern & vintage .
20230820_182029.jpg 20230819_090222.jpg
 
pdxleaf
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CPRwatch CPRwatch
....matte dial 16800
20230819_090222.jpg

This is about perfect.

Like the OP, and perhaps many others, i have wondered about which sub for several years.

Besides the date/ no date, tritium/luminova, holes/no holes, etc.., the big factors were price and condition. For me, tritium, smaller case, holes, aluminum, matte black (avoid "spider" cracking dials) seemed important. But you gotta pay for that. Where's the sweet spot between cost and features?

The other big thing is condition. There are so many for sale but so few that are in really nice condition (case, dial, and lume.) Again, you pay for all three.

I never could decide. I am very interested in following your journey, 140dave.

The decision was made for me when I came across a nice Exp II 16570. That has everything I wanted and could afford. So I never had to make a decision on which sub. But if I still had to pick one, it might be CPRwatch's 16800. When you think 'Sub', that is the picture that pops up in your head.
 
140dave
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CPRwatch CPRwatch
My personal choice would be a 5 digit, I've got a 16610LV and matte dial 16800 which cover all the requirements of a sub I want modern & vintage .
20230820_182029.jpg 20230819_090222.jpg
Very nice. I like them both.
I would have to try an LV in person to see if I bonded to that look vs standard 16610

I do like the early 16800 with the matte/painted dial but think that may come with some of the pitfalls of a more vintage piece as far as parts and potential for RSC to work on it. Not the end of the world but trying to avoid that issue if possible.

@Aroxx - that’s my basic thought as well but even in that range there are a lot of transitions of material and design. So asking the hive mind to see what I may not have considered as far as those subtle differences.

@pdxleaf - yup to pretty much all. If future service ease wasn’t in my thought process it would be a painted matte dial all the way!
 
MtnMarine
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My only personal issue with having a submariner as my only watch, is that so many non watch people have made this same choice. I know that’s petty and shouldn’t matter, but most people I meet wearing subs have no idea about anything other than “it’s the best because it’s Rolex” and I’m not trying to take away from Rolex, because it is a great watch.
Of course, a vintage Sub is different, but also may not meet the needs you’re looking for.
Good luck with your decision!
 
Dan S
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I think that you should decide the date/no-date question based on your personal taste and that will help you start narrowing things down. I generally prefer no-date, but the date is obviously a useful function.

Based on the preferences you've indicated, I would probably suggest an early 90s 5-digit (14060 or 16610) with attractively aged tritium lume. However, more often, I personally choose to wear a 4-digit. They're not as modern, but for me the matte dial without white-gold-surrounds, and the domed acrylic crystals, are much more appealing. If I had to sell all my Subs but one, the keeper would definitely be a matte dial 4-digit no-date (i.e. 5512/5513).

Don't wait too long, it's a good time to buy.
Edited:
 
khangct
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For me it would definitely be either 114060 or 116610, either one is fine
 
140dave
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MtnMarine MtnMarine
My only personal issue with having a submariner as my only watch, is that so many non watch people have made this same choice. I know that’s petty and shouldn’t matter, but most people I meet wearing subs have no idea about anything other than “it’s the best because it’s Rolex” and I’m not trying to take away from Rolex, because it is a great watch.
Of course, a vintage Sub is different, but also may not meet the needs you’re looking for.
Good luck with your decision!
Its not, and wont be, my only watch.
I dont want to go down the Sub rabbit hole, I just want a single Sub to fill that hole in the collection.

@Dan S - you are right on date v no date. I generally think I want a no date but keep looking at date models too.
4 digit subs may be wading in too deep for my first sub, really a steep learning curve there. Plus I just get a bit concerned about service with the older models, but that can be dealt with of course. Yes, my heart lies with the vintage look but I really want easy, no hassle too.
 
pdxleaf
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140dave 140dave
.., I just want a single Sub to fill that hole in the collection.

@Dan S - ... I generally think I want a no date but keep looking at date models too.

...Yes, my heart lies with the vintage look but I really want easy, no hassle too.

That's part of the problem. Is there a single sub that is all things?

Head vs heart. This is going to be a good thread 😁

🍿
 
G'c
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I am not at the stage to acquire a Sub yet (and hence not researching into this rabbit hole), but I have the same thought as OP on wanting one sub to fill the hole. For me it will likely be a 5513 or 16800 for the mix of vintage/modern. For me - would at the very least be the one without the white gold surrounds - the OG tritium plots w/o surrounds just look cleaner and more tool-ey in my eyes, befitting the watch. For GMT however, that's another story and I think the modern GMTs are ok too.
 
Faz
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140dave 140dave
what SINGLE sub model would you have in your collection?
I had a plethora of Subs over the years and if I had to go back and get another, it would be the 14060M. Simple, solid, serviceable and ultra legible.
 
Fallout Boy
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My choice: no date, Tritium and with holes and the old "rattle-bracelet" (Count he segments and check the stretch before buying!). But you should know, that the T<25 Tritium is dead. Go ahead! 👍


Prices are IMHO low....
 
NGO1
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The perfect sub is 5513. In a sea of Rolex, 5513 is still, to this very day, the best looking submariner.
 
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