Is there a Sub sweet spot?

[m j b]

I concur with some of the opinions written above.

a) Go try on the new Sub. Most ADs have one now, and the date model will fit the same as the Submariner. Just ignore that hideous wart.
b) The Tudor is an awesome watch. But it will not appreciate in value.
c) Actually, no Sub model is going to appreciate in value, not now that the market has peaked.
d) The 14060M is the best model for your wrist, but the bracelet feels so cheap that I can not recommend it, especially at the prices that they're selling for now.

Omega also makes some nice watches... ;)

[Geckobros]

Tuna can clasp aside, 14060.

[Chester01]

The 16610. My wrists are between 6 1/3 and 6 1/2 inch and it fits perfectly. Otherwise 36mm explorer I

[Ferrari308]

I vote for the 16610 too, but that is the date version. Without the date the 14060M is your best bet within Rolex. But I am also going to echo what the others have said regarding the Tudor - fantastic value built in there.

Good Luck whichever way you may go!


PDG

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by AG23

That is a great looking watch

Thank you

[EEpro]

Your 15k budget covers a BNIB submariner in its latest incarnation 124060. What is the question exactly? It's unlikely the new sub is actually 41mm. Rolex is pretty inflated with the measurements.

Tudor black bay is a great 39 mm option at 1/5th the price.

[gr33n]

14060M or 16610LN or 16610LV (I have a very small wrist).

[Lu..]

OP, as others have suggested...you should try on the 36mm Explorer 1, 124270....it would be perfect for your 6.25" wrist....an everyday wearer...versatile sports watch...and if you want to spend near your 15K budget....you can get a vintage 1016....

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by AllGoldRollie

I'm seeking advice from experienced Rolex owners to purchase a nice everyday-wear, workhorse tool watch. I've decided to get a steel, black dial, no date Submariner. I'm looking to spend up to 15k. This will be my third major watch purchase, so I have some purchasing experience. I generally baby my watches, and I work indoors in a clean studio. My everyday activities are not highly physical, but I do want to be able to wear it on excursions on vacations without having to worry.

I have two main criteria: fit (the right size for my wrist) and function (it will run properly for many years). If I could have a third point of criteria, it would be value (its worth will increase over time, even if it is only a tiny amount). My main issue is that my wrists are slender (6.25"), which makes finding the right watch a challenge. Many modern watches (42mm or 43mm in size) are nearly overwhelming, and many vintage watches (around 36mm in size) are underwhelming.

Is there a model of Submariner with a size around 38-39mm, maybe 40mm (likely be a good fit for my wrists) that also has modern internal and external upgraded technology, making it a dependable everyday-wear watch? I want it to hold up mechanically without any out-of-the-ordinary malfunctions. Because of this, I'm not looking to buy a very dated model. Please let me know if you have any suggestions. I appreciate any help you can provide.

Get a 5-digit Rolex Submariner (ref. 14060M). It is 39.5 mm (or thereabouts) in actuality and its lug profile makes it wear smaller on the wrist. The movement is reliable and workhorse and still deemed modern, though not the latest generation, in spec. The bracelet might feel “tinny”, but it is robust. And, if you ever do want to adventure in it, you can always strap on a NATO bracelet.

In today’s market, a nice full set 14060M should fall under the $15k USD price point without issue.

[LC23]

get the sub. no regrets. timeless

[karleone]

Be aware that 14060/14060M have a 93150 with no half links so the bracelet can be too large or buckle off centered for small wrists. With a 16610 with solid endlinks and 93250 bracelet there is a half link to the clasp making it better for small wrist.

[AllGoldRollie]

I visited a few watch stores again today and tried on the 124060 and the 14060 Subs. (Pics attached to this post. I know the quality is not great.) I came to a definitive conclusion. The 124060 Sub 41 is too big and chunky for my wrist. At least for my tastes it is. Others may disagree, and that's fine. But I was very comfortable with the proportions of the 14060.

The 14060 is just a little smaller, slimmer, and less obtrusive on my wrist. Even though it looks more vintage, I can appreciate that quality of this particular reference. And even though it looks more like a tool watch I still feel like it can be worn in just about any situation. And finally, even though the bracelet on this model is not very popular, and I've heard it can be problematic for smaller wrists, I am not bothered by that because I prefer NATO, leather, and rubber straps anyway.

I will be looking to find the 14060N variant, just for the little technology upgrades. So I think this will be a good workhorse watch that fits well and can be worn daily. I appreciate everyone's advice. Thanks.

P.S. I also tried on a vintage Daytona and, damn, that was a mistake. I loved it. Now I just have to come up with 100k, haha.

[EEpro]

With your wrist shape I'd strongly recommend a DayDate 36. Forget the stainless sports crap. Way more value in the DD.

[AllGoldRollie]

Originally Posted by EEpro

With your wrist shape I'd strongly recommend a DayDate 36. Forget the stainless sports crap. Way more value in the DD.

I have one already. Honestly, I'm not a big fan of the 36mm size.

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by AllGoldRollie

I have one already. Honestly, I'm not a big fan of the 36mm size.

Have you tried a stainless DJ41 ? They are 38.5 mm like the Daytona.

[AllGoldRollie]

Originally Posted by EEpro

Have you tried a stainless DJ41 ? They are 38.5 mm like the Daytona.

That's an interesting suggestion. I don't love the DJ41. The only DJs I really love are the vintage no-markings stone-dial DJs with presidential bracelets. I will have one of those someday. But that's not an everyday-wear watch either. I know, I'm hard to please. I just have to love a watch before I'll spend serious money on one and what I'm looking for with this purchase is an everyday-wear watch.

[Jefferyasher]

Originally Posted by mquarter

Can’t go wrong with a 14060M

I will second that!!

[dontbeshort]

If it’s an everyday watch you’re looking for then you’ll need the date version guaranteed.

[LFFL]

My wrist is smaller by 1/4" the 14060 doesn't look too out of place compared to the newer references. The 14060 looks good on your wrist!

[Filipão]

Originally Posted by karleone

Be aware that 14060/14060M have a 93150 with no half links so the bracelet can be too large or buckle off centered for small wrists. With a 16610 with solid endlinks and 93250 bracelet there is a half link to the clasp making it better for small wrist.

This.

I'm wearing most of my 5 digits with 93250 clasps.

Believe me, it does make a difference on small wrists (myself included)

Below is a 16600 SD, it's even better on the 14060.

Go for the 14060!

[AllGoldRollie]

Originally Posted by LFFL

My wrist is smaller by 1/4" the 14060 doesn't look too out of place compared to the newer references. The 14060 looks good on your wrist!

Thanks. I also think it works just fine.

[Dirt]

Look to different watch brands as you miss out on all your key criteior with Rolex unless a 5 digit Sub will do.
Maybe Omega has something for you in the heritage collection

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by HarryFlashman

Don’t shy away from the 124060. With the glide lock and less-boxy lugs than it’s predecessor, it fits great on slim wrists.

The five-digit models, like the 14060, may be smaller, but the bracelets do not always sit as well on slim wrists.

The problem is the OP doesn't want a mechanical dud.
Anything in 6 digit starting with a 12 won't cut the mustard

[7enderbender]

As others have said, in that price bracket you should be able to find a very nice 14060 variant. If you insist there are versions with date also (for me a no-no when those come the Rolex typical “cyclops” - exception being the 16600 “Sea Dweller” which is also 40mm but thicker). For me personally and as far as owing classic Rolex is concerned, it was always between the 14060M, 16600 or one of the 36mm Explorers.
Can’t go wrong with a nice “five digit” watch. Much preferable over the much clunkier, bigger and more blingy modern “six digit” Rolex watches.

[Santiago32]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

BLACK BAY FIFTY-EIGHT
Manufacture Calibre MT5402 (COSC)
39 mm steel case
Steel bracelet

This is your watch. Or an older 39mm Submariner.

Correct answer.