Hi all. First post here. I have a 12 yr old 16610 date model submariner. Never been serviced. Never been serviced. Servicing costs an arm and a leg but in fairness you get back a new watch.

I like the new blue ceramic seamaster 41mm.

Which is a better watch and why?

 

By the way i can only keep one...

 

They're both great watches and both will take you to the end line...but if you give me the 16610 I'll get you a blue ceramic. Or if you like the black ceramic I have one for sale on the forum we can trade....

 

They're both great, but it depends on what you like more: a nice older Submariner, or a new watch. Personally I'd get the 16610 serviced and enjoy it. It'll only gain in value. The Seamaster is nice, for sure. But I'd prefer the Sub.

 

Keep the Rolex and make sure to request to keep the original parts (dial, hands etc)

If you've been told that service is going to cost you as much as a new ceramic seamaster than you should get another estimate. I can't imagine that it should cost that much. Unless there is something seriously wrong I'm guessing service will be in the $300-600 range but certainly less than 1k.

 

This. Keep things simple. And as you say, it will be like new afterward...

 

Oh, I don't think so. I saw service estimates from Rolex, including refinishing, that are in the $1000 range easily. At least here in Canada from RSC. Independent watch makers have quoted your price range, but they may not have access to parts.

 

Fair enough, I always heard that Rolex service was very reasonable in comparison to some.

But even if it was over 1k I would still service and keep the Rolex.

 

Yeah, even though it's not in the typical list of top 10 rolex it is a higher value item than the SMPc If you have outgrown rolex then for sure make the jump. The seamaster is a great and reliable watch. Pitty you can't do both. The SMPc is a more original and modern design. Younger in character to a certain extent. The Rolex is exactly what it is. A Rolex sub; there's good and there's bad attached to that.

 

The RSC in Dallas serviced my 16710 GMT Master II in 2014 and it was around $600, so $1000 for a Sub sounds high. However very few parts were replaced so I guess if your watch is in need of several expensive parts maybe the total bill could approach $1k.

 

The 16610 is the last great Submariner, IMO. I'd keep it.

 

I think the question of which is "better" is too vague for a comprehensive answer. We'd need to know more about your preferences, leanings, monetary considerations, aesthetic tastes, activities, etc to come up with a fully thought out response as to which better suits you and your lifestyle.

Also, when you say the 41mm Blue Ceramic Seamaster, do you mean the Seamaster Pro 300m with 2500 movement, or the Seamaster 300 Master Coax with 8500 movement? It seems like most of the responses are assuming you're speaking of the Seamaster Pro, but the Seamaster 300 Master Coax also comes in blue, in 41mm, and with a ceramic bezel......

 

This thread is my cue to post the ALL TIME best ever Sub vs Seamaster comparison!:

http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t=tree&goto=3072156&rid=0

 

That is brilliant!

 

Easily the best and most useful Rolex vs Omega comparison I've ever read.

 

That pretty much sums it up. Just buy the one you like more, which, in my case, happens to be the 16610.

 

Hilarious! Love the part about the cat volunteering to help make the decision easier...

 

Keep the Rolex...It's always nice to have one in the stable...