Starting over - 5513 vs 14060M

[Aututto]

Hey everyone!

So, I'll keep this short, but I'm looking to start over. I currently have an engraved 114270 (purchased after never bonding to the 241270, too disproportionate) that I'm most likely going to off soon. My first Rolex was a 14060, I loved it, but ultimately sold it to fund an engagement ring. I planned to replace it but come wedding time, the explorer is what fit my budget. My wife was fond of the 214270 so I told myself it would be right, but the explorer I and I have just been fighting (both 39 and 36). I constantly find myself wanting that classic sub, so after much thought, I'm going to restart with a sub. I admire the explorer, but I want to add it to the collection later, when I truly WANT the explorer.

Quite honestly it does the whole "one watch" or "only watch" thing better than the sub, but alas, I need to follow through with the sub, I always look down and think "what if I had my sub back".

THAT SAID. I'm debating a freshened up 5513 service dial or a 14060M 4 line. The goal for the watch is to be a do it all for awhile. I want it to be the foundation of the collection. Go on vacations, hike, bike, surf, snowboard, camp. I want to be active with it and make memories (hence no original matte 5513's, don't want to ruin an original dial).

Which route would you go? I've somewhat considered a 114060 since their prices used are relatively close to a 4 liner 14060. But having lug holes is attractive for throwing on natos during outdoor activities.

Thanks guys! oh and happy valentines day

[037]

As a one-and-only watch, the 14060M gets my vote. It's easier to bang around and replace parts without concern and less of a concern with water resistance.

Good luck in whichever direction you go.

[Aututto]

Originally Posted by 037

As a one-and-only watch, the 14060M gets my vote. It's easier to bang around and replace parts without concern and less of a concern with water resistance.

Good luck in whichever direction you go.

I definitely didn't consider the ease of parts replacements. I guess I figured a service dial 5513 would have decent parts availability as well. If memory serves right 5513's use 316 steel and 14060 uses 914 correct? Probably something else to take into serious consideration!

[subtona]

Originally Posted by 037

As a one-and-only watch, the 14060M gets my vote. It's easier to bang around and replace parts without concern and less of a concern with water resistance.

Good luck in whichever direction you go.

agree with this. peace of mind wearing it as a daily wear is the winner for me if it is a one and done collection.

i cant image a better choice.

[Old Expat Beast]

I have owned both, and only kept the 5513. It's got an RSC dial and hands (appropriate style for this L serial anyway), with new crystal and pressure tested, so is fine as a daily and can go in the water to some depth. The 14060m just looked and felt a bit flat in comparison.

[Aututto]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I have owned both, and only kept the 5513. It's got an RSC dial and hands (appropriate style for this L serial anyway), with new crystal and pressure tested, so is fine as a daily and can go in the water to some depth. The 14060m just looked and felt a bit flat in comparison.

Lol you certainly are throwing a wrench into the mix! But two 5513 glossy dials in row sure look nice! They have a distinct roundness and warmth while still appearing modern which is appealing. Out of curiosity, are you very hard on it? I don’t plan to be completely careless, but it will be doing some fairly active outdoor hobbies!

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Aututto

Lol you certainly are throwing a wrench into the mix! But two 5513 glossy dials in row sure look nice! They have a distinct roundness and warmth while still appearing modern which is appealing. Out of curiosity, are you very hard on it? I don’t plan to be completely careless, but it will be doing some fairly active outdoor hobbies!

I'm not particularly hard on it, but it could stand up to robust daily wear, I have no doubt.

[Kyle3130]

14060M FTW! The prices of the 5513s are double what the 14060Ms are right now. The classic Submariner with a modern movement IMHO is the best bang for your buck in watches right now. Happy hunting!

[nigelUK]

What about a SS Sea Dweller ? Bang for your buck ! tough as nails, go anywhere.


Probably similar price to a 14060 . . . just a thought

[Aututto]

Originally Posted by nigelUK

What about a SS Sea Dweller ? Bang for your buck ! tough as nails, go anywhere.


Probably similar price to a 14060 . . . just a thought

Hmm you're right, I guess I failed to review 16600 prices lately. I've never handled one in the flesh though, always enjoyed the balance/flatness of the 14060. However, the SD being MUCH less common is certainly appealing. Might be worth buying one for a test drive! The pains of being a lover of 4/5 digit models!

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by nigelUK

What about a SS Sea Dweller ? Bang for your buck ! tough as nails, go anywhere.


Probably similar price to a 14060 . . . just a thought

SD16600 would be a great choice...wears a bit heavy than the Sub but a superb watch!

[nabbasi]

That’s tough, but I’d vote 14060M solely because if it’s something to wear daily, I think I’d go with newer.

[Jason71]

I love plexiglass SS Sports Rolex watches. However, if it is going to be my one and only to use in the water on a regular basis, it is going to be a Rolex with a sapphire crystal primarily due to the mechanism by which the crystal affixes to the midcase.

See my thread from years past when I used to take my Plexiglass Rolex watches diving.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=287895

[Aututto]

Originally Posted by Jason71

I love plexiglass SS Sports Rolex watches. However, if it is going to be my one and only to use in the water on a regular basis, it is going to be a Rolex with a sapphire crystal primarily due to the mechanism by which the crystal affixes to the midcase.

See my thread from years past when I used to take my Plexiglass Rolex watches diving.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=287895

Ah great point, I did forget about the advancements in water proofing that come with the sapphire models. I figured since I don't dive (though would like to try) the water proofing didn't need to be too extreme. Though waves can certainly generate a lot pressure...

[Brian Page]

14060M for sure for all the reasons already pointed out.

[Armyguy03]

If all were equal (cost wise, I'm not sure as I don't track the grey market), I'd acquire the 16600. I have personally seen only 2 in the wild over my years of ownership. However, surprisingly, I have only seen 1 14060 in the wild.

In all, you'll be happy with either acquisition as long as you wear it on a NATO, and it has lug holes.

[Aututto]

Originally Posted by Armyguy03

If all were equal (cost wise, I'm not sure as I don't track the grey market), I'd acquire the 16600. I have personally seen only 2 in the wild over my years of ownership. However, surprisingly, I have only seen 1 14060 in the wild.

In all, you'll be happy with either acquisition as long as you wear it on a NATO, and it has lug holes.

Hey man long time no talk! You may not remember but you sold me my first Rolex! I bought the Y serial 14060 from you a few years back! Lol

[Armyguy03]

Originally Posted by Aututto

Hey man long time no talk! You may not remember but you sold me my first Rolex! I bought the Y serial 14060 from you a few years back! Lol

Thank you! Well, in that case I'd still vote 16600, lol, with even more emphasis!! Either way, you'll love whatever you go with!

[Fawkesguy]

14060M, all the way. You could begin and end with that one model.

[Dpop24]

I vote 16600 if that's now on the table.

[SearChart]

14060M gets my vote

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by SearChart

14060M gets my vote

I generally default to what a Rolex Tech expert says

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I generally default to what a Rolex Tech expert says

Just personal taste in this case, and you can get a much better watch value wise with the 14060, the 5513 prices are just too high for what it is IMO.

[shaunylw]

I like the 5513 better but long term if you want one watch, 14060 is the right play.

[csaltphoto]

As others have said it's about what you really want. 14060M is all the modern improvements (most of them anyway) in a classic case and bracelet. 5513 is cool for vintage-y reasons. That plexi is an issue. And just the age. I know there are plenty out there that are daily wearers though. A nice example is starting to get pretty pricey though. For that matter so are 14060M's

[subprimero]

14060M 16600 are both great choices.

[Finslayer83]

Interesting.

Ive been considering a 214270 in place of my 14060M.

I’ve got a ton of divers (Omega, MKII, etc..) and really like the mk2 dial.

[Rocketman39]

Having owned a 5513 for over 50 Years, Memories can not be replaced! The technical advances Rolex has made over time can not be overstated. Look Hard at the choices and One will reach out and grab you. When it does, "Just Do It"

[jps3b]

Originally Posted by Rocketman39

Having owned a 5513 for over 50 Years, Memories can not be replaced! The technical advances Rolex has made over time can not be overstated. Look Hard at the choices and One will reach out and grab you. When it does, "Just Do It"

Very sound and wise advice Sir.


@jps3b

[bayerische]

14060 would be my route.