Tough choice between a pre-owned submariner and a new submariner

[Hank6431]

Hi guys,

I want to purchase a rolex submariner, and I never owned a rolex watch before. First, my wrist length is about 6.25 inches. Will the submariner fit my wrist well? I asked several local dealers, and basically have two options now. One is a pre-owned submariner (16610) with F serial. The condition is quite good, and it has complete box and papers. The price is 6000 (US dollars). The second option is to buy a new submariner with date (116610), and the price I can get is around 7700 (US dollars). Can you guys give me some good advice regarding to these two options? Thanks!

[kboy2379]

If it's your first then I would buy new. I'm partial to the SubC date. My daily wear watch.

[GB-man]

Go for the new one. The bracelet, clasp and ceramic are great for daily wear.

[Hank6431]

Thanks for the advice! The new one definitely has better quality. But I prefer the appearance of 16610 than 116610. I feel the slim case is more attractive. I don't know why rolex uses the new design that makes the appearance more squared shape.

[Ec2016]

New

[Ec2016]

Here is something to consider. Service is recommended every 7 to 10 years. Has the preowned watch ever been serviced? That can add close to $1000 to your cost. The new watch will not require service for 7 to 10 years.

Also, the new watch will have a 5 yeat warranty. The preowned will not have any.

If you like the old one, go for it. The price seems a bit high unless it has been full serviced by Rolex not long ago

[Hank6431]

Hi Ec2016, the 16610 sub has been serviced by the AD. But I am still not sure if it will cost me too much to service it in the future. And as you said, it only has 15 months warranty from the AD. This is a tough choice for me. I like the outlook of the 16610 model, but I definitely prefer the quality of a new 116610 model and the 5 year warranty it will provide. Tough choice for me.

[3ems]

Originally Posted by Ec2016

Here is something to consider. Service is recommended every 7 to 10 years. Has the preowned watch ever been serviced? That can add close to $1000 to your cost. The new watch will not require service for 7 to 10 years.

Also, the new watch will have a 5 yeat warranty. The preowned will not have any.

If you like the old one, go for it. The price seems a bit high unless it has been full serviced by Rolex not long ago

X2



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[AboutTime]

I would choose the new ceramic Sub and yes, the SubC bracelet can be adjusted to fit a 6.25 inch wrist. My wrist is the same size. It's important to adjust the bracelet so that the clasp is centered on the underside of the wrist, especially for a person with small wrists (because the SubC clasp is quite long). The key to proper fitting (on my wrist) was to move the half-link from the 12 o'clock side to the 6 o'clock side of the bracelet. Of course it was also necessary to remove several links. It might take you or your AD several tries to get the bracelet adjusted perfectly. Don't try the job yourself unless you have the proper screwdrivers.

[faz]

OP, I own both 5 digit (love the case) and 6 digit, and would definitely recommend the new 6 digit to you as your first / only Rolex. Later you can add a 5 digit as needed.



And this below is why I love this forum and you will too.. such a helpful post and information to be provided on your first visit to this site!

Originally Posted by AboutTime

I would choose the new ceramic Sub and yes, the SubC bracelet can be adjusted to fit a 6.25 inch wrist. My wrist is the same size. It's important to adjust the bracelet so that the clasp is centered on the underside of the wrist, especially for a person with small wrists (because the SubC clasp is quite long). The key to proper fitting (on my wrist) was to move the half-link from the 12 o'clock side to the 6 o'clock side of the bracelet. Of course it was also necessary to remove several links. It might take you or your AD several tries to get the bracelet adjusted perfectly. Don't try the job yourself unless you have the proper screwdrivers.

[henrylee]

New

[Daryl]

new one is better

[dnpina]

Seems you prefer the case and appearance of the 16610. Seems it's less costly option as well.

[Hank6431]

Comparing the movements between 16610 and 116610, are there many big differences? I noticed that they both have 3135 movements. But 116610 uses the Parachrome Bleu hairspring. Does this make a big difference for the movement?

[nursejm]

Originally Posted by Hank6431

Comparing the movements between 16610 and 116610, are there many big differences? I noticed that they both have 3135 movements. But 116610 uses the Parachrome Bleu hairspring. Does this make a big difference for the movement?

Parachrome bleu hairspring is 10x more resistance to shock. As we know shock is one enemy of mechanical watch that affects accuracy.


We have the same wrist size, go for the new one

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Hank6431

Comparing the movements between 16610 and 116610, are there many big differences? I noticed that they both have 3135 movements. But 116610 uses the Parachrome Bleu hairspring. Does this make a big difference for the movement?

Not really, but if one watch is many years older than the other then it will obviously need a service or other work done quicker and it will be out of warranty.

[meganfox17]

Originally Posted by Hank6431

Comparing the movements between 16610 and 116610, are there many big differences? I noticed that they both have 3135 movements. But 116610 uses the Parachrome Bleu hairspring

This reminds me of a Sub I came across 2 months ago on the local ebay market. Ever seen a Hybrid before Hank ? A Malaysian merchant had put 0ne very Rare Sub for sale at a premium tagged at USD 9438 and was snapped up by a collector after a few weeks

It was a 'brand new' pre ceramic Sub Ref 16610 with the 93250 SEL bracelet unsized & tight ,claimed to be a unit from the last production batch in absolute mint condition not just any NOS but this 0ne has some very special traits.
● A Random Serial number dated to the 15th Jan 2017
● Incredibly as it seems ,the last 3 digit of the bracelet code matches perfectly the last 3 digits of the random serial number ! Now that's like having the winning lottery ticket !
● Fitted with the Cal 3135 AND the Parachrom Bleu Hairspring
● Apparently on the item description , it mentions that this Sub 16610 comes with Rolex's 5 yr warranty and the laser etched coronet LEC hologram is also present within the sapphire crystal ( seen only in the V, G & random series of 16610 model ).Here are some photos

[run23]

If you like the older model better get it without hesitation.

I went through the same process with the no date Sub and in the end, while the newer ceramic was technically a better watch, the pre-ceramic just looked and felt better for me in every way, except for the Glidelock on the ceramic, which is all kinds of awesome.

[Cru Jones]

116610 is the better watch, but if you want the previous generation, go for it.

Personally, if I would want a 5 series sports Rolex, I'd go for a GMT instead of a Sub (and get a new Sub).

[sco]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

116610 is the better watch, but if you want the previous generation, go for it.

Personally, if I would want a 5 series sports Rolex, I'd go for a GMT instead of a Sub (and get a new Sub).

Get out of my head!!!!!

This is perfect advice.

[brettpaul]

I'd go new for your first - you'll also get the ceramic bezel and Glidelock clasp which are amazing improvements on the classic model. Congrats! ����

[c41006]

You can't really go wrong...

[Sydny2]

I'd buy new 116610 and you will love the shine of ceramic bezel.

[harshad4005]

New will be my choice.


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[And1dre]

Since it's your first watch I say new. There is no wrong choice though.

[versatile1]

Buy the SD4K
Sub ceramic quality with the slimmer look
I'm sure you can get a pre worn one for marginally more then a new Sub or maybe even on par

[lhawli]

Originally Posted by versatile1

Buy the SD4K

Sub ceramic quality with the slimmer look

I'm sure you can get a pre worn one for marginally more then a new Sub or maybe even on par

That a bold recommendation to a 6.25 wrist :)

& to the OP - go NEW mate. I will create a thread soon to show you how I sourced the 16610 clasp with diver extension and installed it on my 116610 bracelet. Just like to try different things as I also thought the new glide lock clasp too long, but I have to admit is way better than old one!

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[Montybaber]

Sounds to me like you want the 5 digit, most have replied with the improvements/benefits of buying the new watch but ultimately you prefer the old case (in fact you were pretty damning of the maxicase)

I cant see what the dillema is, buy the used watch, enjoy it and keep enough £ by to service it when required

[sonykurniawan]

Get a new one especially if this is your first rolex. 6 digit subs have better bracelet and clasp.

[SeaDweller50]

It is a tough decision, however, if you prefer the look of the 16610 then go for that one. Mind you, the only way to ensure that the watch has indeed been serviced is if it has an official RSC receipt and card.