Sub 16610 — 1995 or 2001?

Donn Chambers · Jan 7, 2025

A local shop has each of these, both in identical condition. Both have been serviced by the shop’s Rolex-certified watchmaker and come with a two-year warranty. The lume plots on tritium dial are still white with no patina. Both have box and papers. There’s only a $500 price difference (1995 lower).

Which would you pick if you were looking for a five digit sub?

Asking for a friend.

😉

Davidt · Jan 7, 2025

If the tritium doesn’t have a nice yellow tone so there’s nothing between the dials I’d go to the next most important aspect - the case.

All things being equal, I’d go for the 90’s (but things are almost never equal!)

Vinz Clortho · Jan 7, 2025

Without pictures to compare, I will take the 1995'er behind door number one and $500 toward the taxes.

boogedyboo · Jan 7, 2025

If they are truly identical, then the 1995 version.

Although if the tritium one is $500 cheaper, there must be some aspect making it worse off than the 2001 version.

Dan S · Jan 7, 2025

Davidt
If the tritium doesn’t have a nice yellow tone so there’s nothing between the dials I’d go to the next most important aspect - the case.

All things being equal, I’d go for the 90’s (but things are almost never equal!)

+1

blueteg · Jan 7, 2025

Assuming the bracelets are correct for their respective years....the 2001 would most likely have the 93250 oyster bracelet which is an upgrade (IMO) over the 93150 oyster bracelet on the 1995 Sub.
The 93250 has solid endlinks, which give the watch a more refined look and feel. The 93250 oyster bracelet has a half link that's riveted onto the 'top' side of the clasp (nearest to the fliplock) which gives you more flexibility to get the clasp fitted well and centered on your wrist, if you have a smaller wrist (6.75" or smaller).
The 93150 have the hollow/stamped endlinks and a full size link that's riveted on to the top side of the clasp (nearest to the fliplock).

hansaboy · Jan 8, 2025

Donn Chambers
A local shop has each of these, both in identical condition. Both have been serviced by the shop’s Rolex-certified watchmaker and come with a two-year warranty. The lume plots on tritium dial are still white with no patina. Both have box and papers. There’s only a $500 price difference (1995 lower).

Which would you pick if you were looking for a five digit sub?

Asking for a friend.

😉

We need/love pictures!
😀

Donn Chambers · Jan 8, 2025

Here are some photos (from the seller’s website). Not the best, IMO, but I selected the angle to best show the lugs and crown guards. I have examined both in person and cannot tell a difference to my novice eyes — both appear to have been lightly polished at some point in the past (likely during the recent service). But both are priced accordingly and not inflated as “unworn” condition. Both seem like honest, worn examples. Which is what I am seeking.

The 1995 model:

The 2001 model:

Scarecrow Boat · Jan 8, 2025

I’m personally not a fan of the cracked bezel pip on the 2001, but also, maybe it’s just a strong glare, but the crown guards on the 2001 look pretty pointy/polished away.

Davidt · Jan 8, 2025

It’s hard to tell much from those pictures but the 2001 does seem to be particularly polished

hansaboy · Jan 8, 2025

Take your time, there are lots of them to find!
Wearing my P-series (ca 2001) right now!
A perfect all-rounder...😀
And the size is not too big like the newer references.