No love for my 5 digits

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by JSolution

I own one and wear it a lot, you’re right it’s an amazing watch. But it costs £300 not £6000 or so lol.



I’m not saying nobody should wear 5 digits they’re rubbish. Just that when I put on a 6 digit I really think like I am getting my money’s worth.



Also I should point out I’m trying to consolidate the collection a bit anyway, and go for more quality over quantity.

Yes excellent point
Perhaps the comparison was a bit off, but I thinknyou get where I was headed.

I'll just go back to breaking in my jacket

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[Xenon]

These people did not like the comfort of their 6 digit Subs at all:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=463526

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=280250

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=661944

Note not one complaint about the comfort of a 5 digit Sub.

Plus, if you were wearing over a dive suit as intended, a lighter bracelet is a benefit.

The crown is the same quality as ever as well as the accuracy

I do not remove my watch and hand it over to strangers and ask that they "feel this quality"

And if I put the Sub crown on a $10 Speidel bracelet it doe not change the fact that it is still a Sub

Are the Sub crowns on a NATO strap no longer considered Subs?

Just seems rather faux nouveau riche to ignore these facts

[MrMercedes]

I´m not with you! I love the 5digit an the 6digit watches! Don´t sell the 5digits..you will regret that

[ADR1982]

From a comfort and durability stand point, I dont see any difference. How many failing 5 digit clasp threads have you seen on trf? In terms of build quality clearly the 6 digit wins. But ive always judged rolex by comfort durability and aesthetics. If you want build quality then a Gs is probably a better watch (although 6 digit bracelet still better)

[-dustin]

one of these days, i'm going to pony up for a 5 digit ExpII with a black dial. don't even care about a bracelet, as it'll live it's life on a NATO. I love my 6 digit ExpII, but am a fan of the bracelet on these. not as big a fan of the 5 digit bracelet.

[mrcsatx]

The only 5 digit reference in my collection is now getting the most wrist time. Hard to not put this on everyday.

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[TankTom]

Originally Posted by JSolution

Have a couple of 5 digits in my collection, amongst a lot of 6 digits. Finding it really hard to wear these now after having the newer bracelets. Anyone else experienced this?

I have worn this watch more than any other I own, but not recently. Im not into vintage (yes this is only about 15 years old) but it’s a huge jump in quality I feel, from the 5 to the 6 digit.

This one is on the chopping block.





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Totally with you. Those clasps on the 5 digits are awful!

[Xenon]

Originally Posted by TankTom

Totally with you. Those clasps on the 5 digits are awful!

But it sure keeps wonderful accuracy and looks great and feels great on the wrist just like a wrist watch should!

[samuel019]

I can relate to the "tuna can clasp" thing. We all can that have 5 digit models or older. Being the majority of my collection is all 6 digits what I did to help with the feel is send my bands only to Rolliworks and have Mike and his staff make them like brand new.

The tightness/crispness made it feel better. Funny you made this post as I have been wearing my SkyDweller nonstop for about a month now but I chose my 16600 today for like the first time in a while.

Granted it doesnt get a bunch of wrist time it isnt going anywhere.

[samuel019]

Tuna can or not it’s tough to deny the clean timeless look of a SD 5 digit.

Yeah it does feel a tad light compared to some of my others but yet still awesome. Good luck with your choice


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[Onikage]

It might be a worn example and six digits tend to be more solid feeling but it still looks better to me.

[dba]

I've gone back and forth. I like both, depending on the watch. Currently in the six digit camp.

[RKTINC1]

The very first time I touched a real Rolex I was disappointed in the feel of the bracelet especially the clasp. That was addressed in dramatic fashion with the 6 digits. The lighter bracelets feel vintage to me know and I don't mind them occasionally.

In looking for my first Gold Rolex the older subs really disapoint in the clasp area. The day dates don't have that issue. I have an 116200 that wears like a tank. It is like moving from a 1970's cadillac to a new LS Lexus.

[Xenon]

Any PM Sub will make a new SS Sub feel like a tuna can.

[mmaggi]

I don't own a 6 digit. One day I will. However that doesn't mean I don't appreciate my 16710 Pepsi. It's not fair to compare 5s vs 6s. They are watches from different eras. 30-40 years ago the 5 digits were the bomb. Now the 6 digits are the bomb. Nothing wrong with that.

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by mmaggi

I don't own a 6 digit. One day I will. However that doesn't mean I don't appreciate my 16710 Pepsi. It's not fair to compare 5s vs 6s. They are watches from different eras. 30-40 years ago the 5 digits were the bomb. Now the 6 digits are the bomb. Nothing wrong with that.

Exactly....and the 4 digits were the bomb also in their time

[Casey VP-26]

Funny this subject came up. Out of the blue two different people told me this week the exact opposite and one of them is a watchmaker. I guess that's what makes the world go round.

[mmmmp]

The newer bracelets are superior in every way. No doubt about it.

However, IMO after owning two 6 digits Subs, the 5 digit models look so much more elegant to the Supet/Maxi cased updates.

Ideally, buying an older 5 digit and purchaing a new Oyster or Jubilee bracelet would solve the problem, (If they fit) except it's a somewhat pricey solution. That said, I've always maintained keeping watches completely stock regardless of their Idiosyncrasies. A little "rattle 'n' clatter" is kinda part of the vintage vibe anyway.

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[Onikage]

Originally Posted by mmmmp

I've always maintained keeping watches completely stock regardless of their Idiosyncrasies. A little "rattle 'n' clatter" is kinda part of the vintage vibe anyway.

I've never known a 5 digit with SELs to rattle. That more or less narrows it down to the clasp. I understand that some apparently have wrists that change shape throughout the day and require on the fly adjustment. I don't, and honestly don't mind the older stamped affairs. They're a compact fold away unit compared to the new under wrist appliances.

[Sandpit]

Originally Posted by Onikage

I've never known a 5 digit with SELs to rattle. That more or less narrows it down to the clasp. I understand that some apparently have wrists that change shape throughout the day and require on the fly adjustment. I don't, and honestly don't mind the older stamped affairs. They're a compact fold away unit compared to the new under wrist appliances.

I’m sure the glide lock is great for everyday adjustments, but it’s absolutely massive. It took up practically the whole of my wrist which I didn’t really like.

Hopefully they can slim it down one day. That would be perfection.

[HogwldFLTR]

I've owned both but I must side on the side of the six digit watches as being of a higher caliber. The machined clasp and improved bracelets causes their feel to be much beefier on the wrist. This is irrespective of model. The larger watches with the supersized cases don't fit me comfortably so they're not on my radar but those that do fit properly are my choice. It's a limited selection but I'm happy to have the higher caliber watch in my size than a lower caliber one of a model that I won't wear in the larger version. Examples are 14060 versus the 114060. Also the older GMTs in comparison to the newer ones. Certainly the newer Sea Dwellers are way off the radar for me. I owned a 116600 which fit nicely but I just didn't want it enough to keep it.

[mps354]

I put a glidelock clasp on my 16710...best of both worlds

[AF_Rob]

Though the modern bracelet is head and shoulders above, it is secondary to the watch head and not enough to make me want to quit wearing my 5 digits.


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[Nikrnic]

I have five 6 dgt and two 5 dgt. I wear the 16710 more than anything. My 14060M random has been a safe queen since new. I do love the 6 dgt. Professional models but find myself liking and wearing the DJ41 more than the rest of those and that was the last new Rolex I bought and the one I had the most doubts of adding. Lately been thinking of trading my SubC and Blnr for 116710LN and possibly a first Panerai..?

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[IR201]

So what did you wind up doing OP?

[JSolution]

Originally Posted by IR201

So what did you wind up doing OP?

Quite An old thread!

I don’t own any 5 digits anymore :)
Actually I have one - 16618 black dial.

[IR201]

Originally Posted by JSolution

Quite An old thread!

I don’t own any 5 digits anymore :)
Actually I have one - 16618 black dial.

Haha I was feeling similarly and saw your thread. Was curious what you decided and how you felt about it.


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[JSolution]

Originally Posted by IR201

Haha I was feeling similarly and saw your thread. Was curious what you decided and how you felt about it.


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Yeah no regrets my friend, As I said I did keep although probably haven’t actually worn it since this thread was started - my 16618. It’s immaculate with solid end links and feels so solid that it doesn’t have that clangy feel to it.

Would I still wear a 5 digit? Absolutely, but it’s my preference not to.

What are you thinking about moving on?

[travisb]

Old thread but the same happened to me. Once the 6 digit references were released, all of my 5 digits gradually left the collection.

[IR201]

Originally Posted by JSolution

Yeah no regrets my friend, As I said I did keep although probably haven’t actually worn it since this thread was started - my 16618. It’s immaculate with solid end links and feels so solid that it doesn’t have that clangy feel to it.

Would I still wear a 5 digit? Absolutely, but it’s my preference not to.

What are you thinking about moving on?

I’ve got a 16610LN and a 14060M that I’m constantly unsure about. Any time a trade idea comes up in my head they are the first I think about, whereas most all other pieces in my collection (except my Exp 1) are in “that’s not going anywhere category”. I’ve also got more modern subs which I do prefer. It’s just that letting go of the 14060M especially feels like I’d be letting go of an entire idea (which I love in my head but underwhelms on my wrist), if that makes sense. I know this forum’s overall opinion. Don’t let it go. Or perhaps some accusation of my preferring hype or jewelry


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