Sub vs. OP39 White Dial - Thoughts?

[rolexpatek363]

Originally Posted by Jack_Bauer

I recently purchased my first Rolex which is a Submariner 124060. I like it but am thinking of selling and purchasing the OP39 white dial. The main reason why I'm thinking of making the switch is due to the discreetness of it and it may be a tad more versatile. Maybe it's all in my head, but I prefer to wear a watch that isn't as easily identified as a Rolex.

Also, love the size of the 39mm. I tried on a 36 and 40 but my wrist size prefers a watch in between those sizes.

Would I be crazy to make this switch?

No you wouldn't be crazy. The Rolex Submariner is the single most recognisable watch on the planet, whereas the OP39 is relatively anonymous, and far less common. Plus you can wear the OP with anything up to and including a suit, whereas the Sub is no good if you're wanting to dress up smartly, and not look like a 007 wannabe.

Ditch the Sub and go for the OP.

[nighthawk77]

As someone who owned the OP39 in white and who now owns a sub date, I wouldn’t make that trade. I found the OP to be a little underwhelming as the dial quite often looks more cream than white.

I can understand you liking the 39mm sizing - for which I agree with comments above that you could add the previous generation Explorer. I made a thread comparing the two a while back before I sold my OP - https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=712102

[rolexpatek363]

I also own a 16610 (bought new by me in 2001) and a 5513 maxi dial from 1978, as well as a 114300 OP blue dial.

Out of the three, the OP gets by far the most use. The world has changed a lot in the last 23 years, and I wouldn't dream of wearing either of my Subs in a large city these days, whereas the OP is nicely anonymous, and never attracts attention.

Ultimately it's all a matter of personal taste & preferences. If I didn't think the Sub is a great watch I wouldn't own one (two). If money got tight, the Subs would go first.

[HHIslander]

I say get them both. My collection is down from a high of 12 watches to just 2 now—16710 and an OP39 white. A sub/gmt paired with the OP is the best 2 watch collection you can get imo.

[subtona]

Learned today that the op wears nice on a strap

[mac_135]

I've owned and worn both. I sold the OP and seriously regret it to this day. Having said that, I still have my Sub and wouldn't trade it back for the OP. If both are an option I'd say they make a great pair, but the Sub is the superior watch in my opinion.

[Afratello03]

I will personally add keep the Sub and possibly add the OP39 to avoid regrets.

[Golfbone]

2 totally different watches. Personally I would keep the Sub and if you could only own or have 1 watch of all the watches on the planet it's hard to beat the Sub as that GADA piece. You can do whatever you like but I'm pretty sure that if you lose the Sub you'll look back in a few years and wonder what you were thinking. Many of us are wondering that now.

[Golfbone]

Originally Posted by rolexpatek363

No you wouldn't be crazy. The Rolex Submariner is the single most recognisable watch on the planet, whereas the OP39 is relatively anonymous, and far less common. Plus you can wear the OP with anything up to and including a suit, whereas the Sub is no good if you're wanting to dress up smartly, and not look like a 007 wannabe.

Ditch the Sub and go for the OP.

You can certainly wear a Sub with a suit. This is a ridiculous comment. If you want to be anonymous wear an Apple watch, Swatch or a Casio or whatever but you can't go wrong with a Sub whether you are going swimming, slumming or wearing a tux. I have an Op39, 2 subs, 2 Daytonas, Sky Dweller, Datejust, etc. and if I had to pick just 1 of them to keep and wear every day it would be the Sub. It's very legible, has a useful date function, is robust, reliable and matches any clothes or situation as well one watch can.

[cdm765]

Do not sell. Add.

Both are great watches, but I’d never sell a Sub for an OP. They are a perfect 2 Rolex collection!

[Rahul718]

If you can, add it, do not replace. While not the same, I added an OP41 to my LN. There are times when you just want the simplicity of a 3 hander watch. Conversely, there are times I want the heft and sportiness of the Sub. Highly urge you to not sell, but add. They’re both different enough to coexist.

[edyu]

Originally Posted by Jack_Bauer

I recently purchased my first Rolex which is a Submariner 124060. I like it but am thinking of selling and purchasing the OP39 white dial. The main reason why I'm thinking of making the switch is due to the discreetness of it and it may be a tad more versatile. Maybe it's all in my head, but I prefer to wear a watch that isn't as easily identified as a Rolex.



Also, love the size of the 39mm. I tried on a 36 and 40 but my wrist size prefers a watch in between those sizes.



Would I be crazy to make this switch?

Nope, I think it's a good call. White OP is very clean.

[Ny325]

I personally would keep the Sub, and add the OP 39 to your collection. Two totally different style watches.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Jack_Bauer

Appreciate all the responses. As of now, I'm leaning towards keeping my Sub and potentially adding the OP down the road. Small reason is I feel like it's a more responsible decision financially given I purchased my Sub from an AD. I'd be paying a larger premium if I bought the OP39 on the gray market which is my only option.

More importantly, I want to keep my Sub from a discipline perspective. I feel keeping my appetite to make emotional impulse purchases in check is important. I really do like the Sub, if I didn't I would sell. My approach from a watch collection standpoint is to buy and hold. I'll have to practice the same thing that allowed me to buy a Rolex in the first place, delayed gratification.

I think we talked some sense into them

Good decision OP