Heavy 5 digit reference love on the forum! Why?

[Jcy90]

Good Afternoon. I am a 5 digit owner. Absolutely love my GMT 16710. I think the Pepsi GMT is one of the most beautiful Rolex's a man can own. But from now on I will be solely purchasing 6 digit models, love the upgrades. The newer watches feel much sturdier and of a much higher build quality. (Not taking anything away from the 5 digit models which have stood the test of time and are all icons) Would love to know why my fellow members lust after the 5 digit models over the 6? Thanks!

[mfer]

You need to own both and make your own decision. Simple as that. I love/own both. Each has pros/cons.

[Steve36Efc]

I really like both, my first was a 16710 Gmt 2, which I thought I'd have for ever. But since buying a 114060 in 2012 it basically became redundant, I still loved the look but the more solid feel of the 6 digit models just grabbed me, I have recently flipped the 16710 In favour of a 116610LV. I don't see any more 5 digit models in my future. Here's a nice side by side of my 16710 and BLNR

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by Steve36Efc

I really like both, my first was a 16710 Gmt 2, which I thought I'd have for ever. But since buying a 114060 in 2012 it basically became redundant, I still loved the look but the more solid feel of the 6 digit models just grabbed me, I have recently flipped the 16710 In favour of a 116610LV. I don't see any more 5 digit models in my future. Here's a nice side by side of my 16710 and BLNR
Attachment 741425

It's a bit like comparing the following. The new one is fantastic and a technological leap, but I'd pick the old one all day:

[Ckci]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

It's a bit like comparing the following. The new one is fantastic and a technological leap, but I'd pick the old one all day:

Me too!

('97 air cooled 911TT w/23,237 miles).
And I like the vintage Rolex watches more too for their beauty and history!

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by Ckci

And I like the vintage Rolex watches more too for their beauty and history!

Oh man, congrats on such a beauty. My next will likely be a 911sc or 3.2 Carrera, but a Turbo is bonkers!

[Farley Grudge]

Originally Posted by Ckci

Me too!
Attachment 741428
('97 air cooled 911TT w/23,237 miles).
And I like the vintage Rolex watches more too for their beauty and history!

Nice Porsche!

I am from the RL too... MHS '91

[Steve36Efc]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

It's a bit like comparing the following. The new one is fantastic and a technological leap, but I'd pick the old one all day:

It's the same with cars, I appreciate both new and old, but out of those two I'd pick the new.

[MCO1]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

It's a bit like comparing the following. The new one is fantastic and a technological leap, but I'd pick the old one all day:

This sums it up for me!

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

It's a bit like comparing the following. The new one is fantastic and a technological leap, but I'd pick the old one all day:

The issue for me is both the difference in comfort and cost. The five digits are a sweet spot in pricing between vintage and modern watches so there is advantage in buying older but not old enough to command vintage prices.

For me after owning a Sub C and finding it awkward to wear, I'm suspect of buying maxi dialed watches without trying them on first. I took a shot at a DJII and find it relatively comfortable in comparison to the Sub C and acceptable. I can't imagine going with a modern DSSD of SD and I'm suspect about the modern GMTs as well.

Regarding the Porches, there is a tremendous amount of technological progress between the two cars, much less so with the watches.

[Ronin78]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

It's a bit like comparing the following. The new one is fantastic and a technological leap, but I'd pick the old one all day:

This nailed it.

I grew up lusting after the Rolex watches of the time. Which were 5 digit and even many 4 digit ref. Number watches.

My grail was a 5512/5513 or the replacement 14060. I have my 14060 and love it.

I like the new Rolex watches. The bracelets are fantastic. I just prefer my old style timeless sub.

I would be hesitant to bang around a 6 digit Sub with a Ceramic bezel. It's just too pretty. I'm sure it can take it. It's just not for me to try.

My 14060 never comes off. I even sleep in it. Much to my wife's dismay. Cold Rolex steel during the night has had me on the couch many a time.

There is just something timeless and classic about the 5 digit series of Rolex watches. As there is for the 4 digit series that proceeded them. Will the 6 digit series achieve that mark? Time will tell.

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by mfer

You need to own both and make your own decision. Simple as that. I love/own both. Each has pros/cons.

Would agree - pros and cons with both. Little doubt that the six digit models enjoy the latest technology and construction methods but they are not for everyone. Have tried nearly all the six digit sports models and ended up retaining only the SubC. The rest are all four or five digits. Great thing is though that you can still pick up some very nice five digit models that were still in production well into the 2000s so they are still well up to date.

[douglasf13]

Watches are already an anachronism, so I don't see much point in pursuing technical upgrades. Plus, I prefer the lighter/sleeker bracelets and the aesthetics of the 5 series (and lower.) The 6 series is too flashy, bold and Omega-like for me, rather than being subtle with more of a vintage vibe like the 5 series.

[mtgjr]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

Watches are already an anachronism, so I don't see much point in pursuing technical upgrades. Plus, I prefer the lighter/sleeker bracelets and the aesthetics of the 5 series (and lower.) The 6 series is too flashy, bold and Omega-like for me, rather than being subtle with more of a vintage vibe like the 5 series.

This

[Cru Jones]

^^ But they are both Porsches and both awesome.

For me, for both Porsche and Rolex, I prefer new/recent. When comparing 5 and 6 digit references, 6 will almost always win (GMT being the exception). 4 vs 6? That's more difficult..

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

^^ But they are both Porsches and both awesome.

For me, for both Porsche and Rolex, I prefer new/recent. When comparing 5 and 6 digit references, 6 will almost always win (GMT being the exception). 4 vs 6? That's more difficult..

Yeah, I guess we all draw our own line in the sand. I drew mine with the electric steering and larger size of the 981/991, while others draw theirs at air cooled engines, and others still may draw their line at the new turbo engines. So, for me, the 5 series Rolex and the 987/997 series Porsche are the end of the road. I have no interest in upgrading my Sub, and, if I ever want to upgrade my Porsche, I may have to look at Lotus. Actually, I'll probably go older with my next Porsche, just like many 5 series users often go to 4 series and older.

FWIW, I'm surprised the polls in the other thread came out with the 5 series a little ahead. Based on comments, I would have thought the 6 series would kill the 5 series in favor. I guess it's because new 6 series buyers post more frequently.

[Jack T]

The only improved 'feel' of sturdiness I notice in the newer models is the bracelets.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by Jack T

The only improved 'feel' of sturdiness I notice in the newer models is the bracelets.

Bracelets, case everything different Jack.

[Jack T]

Originally Posted by FTX I

Bracelets, case everything different Jack.

My Sub is 5 digit, my Explorer is 6 digit, I also have a newer oyster bracelet for my 6 digit DateJust. Haven't examined or compared enough Subs, or GMT's to assess differences in the cases, nor have I been in to watches long enough to have had personal experience with older models. But the difference in bracelets is remarkable.

[77T]

I think you'll see a different kind of love for 4 digits if you went to the Vintage threads. So the impression one gets is based on where you habitually linger here.

[speedolex]

Two reasons. First, the 5 digits are in the very recent past, most forum members own these in significant numbers more than any 4 digit or 6 digit reference.

Second, the Sport 6's look too bulky to me, in fact, when I wear my 1016 or 1601 for a week and then put my 16610 back on it feels gigantic, couldn't imagine anything bigger. The trend for humongous, oversized watches is nearing its end and the boxy Sport 6's are going to be forever associated with that short trend and not in a good way.

[kirksingleton]

I think it is a play on retro without paying vintage prices.

[FTX I]

Most important thing on 6 digit Subs for me is more removable links at 6 o'clock. Now I can adjust the bracelet (small wrists) and this is something huge.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by FTX I

Most important thing on 6 digit Subs for me is more removable links at 6 o'clock. Now I can adjust the bracelet (small wrists) and this is something huge.

To be fair, removing permanent links isn't a big deal.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

To be fair, removing permanent links isn't a big deal.

Agree on 14060, SD and GMT but not on Sub date. Those will have a visible gap but it works. The Sub date has 4 + 1/2 and if you remove one permanent there will be 3 + 1/2 and it's too short.

[Hollister]

My spidey-sense tells me that this one has probably been done to death on this and other watch forums.

My reason for preferring the four and five digit references to the six digit ones is that the older ones look like Rolexes to me, and the new ones look like tasteless bling. That's all.

[landroverking]

Many here fell in love with Rolex years ago.
The Maxi Dial and Case is just not we care about.
For us, I hope I'm not speaking out of turn, Vintage is more important.

[Brauner Hund]

Originally Posted by Hollister

My reason for preferring the four and five digit references to the six digit ones is that the older ones look like Rolexes to me, and the new ones look like tasteless bling. That's all.

Genau!!

[sickened1]

Originally Posted by Jcy90

Would love to know why?

Why not?


What's not to love. Classic size case (more proportionate), customizeable (try changing bezel on the ceramic model), etc.

[joli160]

I really prefer the 6 digit, having 2 five digit and 3 six ones, the difference is huge in favour of the 6.