The Last of the Best...

[Ketler]

[FTX I]

Great pic and I agree.

[Chester01]

Indeed. No functional improvements after the 5 digits only more bling, added heft, and wrist presence.

[Tikandtokalot]

Looks great.
Quality oozes out and no gimmicks.

[jpwv]

Originally Posted by Chester01

Indeed. No functional improvements after the 5 digits only more bling, added heft, and wrist presence.

Spot on.

[adawil2002]

5 digit references are so elegant & aesthetically pleasing.

[Marcjvr]

Originally Posted by Chester01

Indeed. No functional improvements after the 5 digits only more bling, added heft, and wrist presence.

Amen

[Cru Jones]

Nice photo!

Originally Posted by Chester01

Indeed. No functional improvements after the 5 digits only more bling, added heft, and wrist presence.

Well, except for the improvements to the movement, the better clasp, a more solid bracelet, larger markers for better visibility and a longer-lasting bezel insert, among other things.

Sure, some might prefer the aesthetics of 5 series watches, but to say there were no improvements with the 6 series is simply wrong.

As for more bling, the 5 series had polished case and bracelet sides like the 6 series. The aluminum inserts are quite shiny (but less glossy than ceramic, true).

I do agree that the newer ones weigh more and are larger.

[SLWoodster]

Kinda? I think they have to have a little patina. These still look like dead metal to me.

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Nice photo!




Well, except for the improvements to the movement, the better clasp, a more solid bracelet, larger markers for better visibility and a longer-lasting bezel insert, among other things.

Sure, some might prefer the aesthetics of 5 series watches, but to say there were no improvements with the 6 series is simply wrong.

As for more bling, the 5 series had polished case and bracelet sides like the 6 series. The aluminum inserts are quite shiny (but less glossy than ceramic, true).

I do agree that the newer ones weigh more and are larger.

The 3135 is widely considered one of the most robust movements ever made full stop. The bracelet is heavier and bulkier and the old had 4 fine adjustments, and was lighter. Both are held by the same pins and so the new is not stronger. The bezel insert using cereal bowl “technology” is more likely to fail when used outside of the desk environment sooo, no. I stand by my comments.


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[Rick_Nashville]

Love your 'laser-focus' on tool watches.

[OG1982]

Originally Posted by Chester01

Indeed. No functional improvements after the 5 digits only more bling, added heft, and wrist presence.

1. A clasp that matches the quality of the rest of the watch.
2. 70 hour power reserve.
3. Glidelock clasp for easy on the fly adjustments.

To name a few...

But yeah, no real functional improvements

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by Ollie1982

1. A clasp that matches the quality of the rest of the watch.
2. 70 hour power reserve.
3. Glidelock clasp for easy on the fly adjustments.

To name a few...

But yeah, no real functional improvements

1) I have never had my existing clasp fail and I mountain biked in in many times. I never heard padi who wears his diving fail either. Clasp is not stronger as the pins are the same on old and new and that’s where they would fail.

2) no functional improvement for those of us that wear the watch rather than a safe)

3) glide lock clasp has adjustments old bracelets have 4 fine adjustments that can be made with a paper clip. Now, I’ll concede the glide lock can be adjusted like 1/2 second faster.

5 digit:

1) absolute bullet proof movement that has a track record proved over DECADES.
2) classic proportions
3) aluminum bezel means less likely to fail when used as a tool.
4) less wrist presence and bling (I don’t have a need to show off-plus for me)


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[Lesnerelli23]

Not to throw fuel on the fire but didn't the 6 series introduce anti-magnetism on par with the Milgaus? That is surely an improvement in addition to others listed. Plus, I'm unfamiliar, but does 5 series have fliplock clasp (I think that's what it is called)? Not the glide adjustment, but the hinged clasp lock.

Edit:

I thought Padi DID lose an SD while diving? Also, to Chester above, not everyone wears a 6 series to "show-off". I prefer the look of the maxi-dial because of the nod to vintage dials with larger markers. Also, it just so happened the 6 series has one more removable link than the 5 (I have small wrist), and it is arguable about the bezel failure since the numbers are much less likely to fade.

[OG1982]

Originally Posted by Chester01

1) I have never had my existing clasp fail and I mountain biked in in many times. I never heard padi who wears his diving fail either. Clasp is not stronger as the pins are the same on old and new and that’s where they would fail.

2) no functional improvement for those of us that wear the watch rather than a safe)

3) glide lock clasp has adjustments old bracelets have 4 fine adjustments that can be made with a paper clip. Now, I’ll concede the glide lock can be adjusted like 1/2 second faster.

5 digit:

1) absolute bullet proof movement that has a track record proved over DECADES.
2) classic proportions
3) aluminum bezel means less likely to fail when used as a tool.
4) less wrist presence and bling (I don’t have a need to show off-plus for me)


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Regarding point 1, it’s not the clasp failing that concerns me. It’s more the look and feel of a clasp which is far inferior to that of both 6 digit versions.

Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love a 5 digit Sub. But for you to say there have been no functional improvements since the 5 digits is simply not true.


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[tgyberg]

I've had both and prefer the 6 digit

[Shadow Play]

I don’t have a 5 digit Sub but I do have a 5 digit SeaDweller. I don’t think it’s better than my 124060 but I think it is a little more “refined” perhaps.

Either way, I don’t think you can lose.

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by Ollie1982

Regarding point 1, it’s not the clasp failing that concerns me. It’s more the look and feel of a clasp which is far inferior to that of both 6 digit versions.

Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love a 5 digit Sub. But for you to say there have been no functional improvements since the 5 digits is simply not true.


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I simply don’t care about look and feel, that’s not what makes a watch objectively better. I got my sub for 3250. I understand how folks that spend 10k+ want their watch to “feel” more luxurious, but the reality is the old one is not functionally inferior. “FEEL” does not equate with function.

We have reached diminishing returns with the improvements and Rolex is simply adding things that folks that spend 10k on a watch want to see to justify the prices now. I mean the crockery is 40 year old technology and Rolex just lazy. If they wanted to actually improve the bezel, they should have devised their own proprietary material rather than using stuff other watch brands started using decades ago. For a tool watch, ceramics are more likely to fail period. Adding bulky lugs and making the watch bloated and heavier just reduces its versatility and only adds wrist presence, of which I can care less about. The less people that know I’m wearing a Rolex the less likely I’m going to get got for my watch. Not looking like a Rolex has more real world advantage than looking like a Rolex.


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[bjdub]

Originally Posted by Chester01

I simply don’t care about look and feel, that’s not what makes a watch objectively better. I got my sub for 3250. I understand how folks that spend 10k+ want their watch to “feel” more luxurious, but the reality is the old one is not functionally inferior. “FEEL” does not equate with function.

We have reached diminishing returns with the improvements and Rolex is simply adding things that folks that spend 10k on a watch want to see to justify the prices now. I mean the crockery is 40 year old technology and Rolex just lazy. If they wanted to actually improve the bezel, they should have devised their own proprietary material rather than using stuff other watch brands started using decades ago. For a tool watch, ceramics are more likely to fail period. Adding bulky lugs and making the watch bloated and heavier just reduces its versatility and only adds wrist presence, of which I can care less about. The less people that know I’m wearing a Rolex the less likely I’m going to get got for my watch. Not looking like a Rolex has more real world advantage than looking like a Rolex.


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When did you get your sub though? I think you would be hard pressed to get any sub for that price now. Price increases largely driven by increased demand coupled with supply shortages in the raw materials, not necessarily all by the improved technology (real or perceived) that some people prefer while others like the vintage feel.

I guess my point is new collectors entering the Rolex market are forced to pay $10K now even for an older sub and you can't blame the new iterations of the watch for the majority of the price appreciation over the past decade.

[Meyrin]

The Last of the Best...

Yes indeed! Excellent photo too! But then I´m biased, as my everyday watch for more than 25 years has been a 5-digit 14060...

[jlevitt9]

Y'all are missing the real question...on the 14060 do you go for the dial which has the more blocky submariner text (Pic 2 on this thread), or the more curvaceous version (Pic 1 on this thread).

[OG1982]

Originally Posted by Chester01

I simply don’t care about look and feel, that’s not what makes a watch objectively better. I got my sub for 3250. I understand how folks that spend 10k+ want their watch to “feel” more luxurious, but the reality is the old one is not functionally inferior. “FEEL” does not equate with function.

We have reached diminishing returns with the improvements and Rolex is simply adding things that folks that spend 10k on a watch want to see to justify the prices now. I mean the crockery is 40 year old technology and Rolex just lazy. If they wanted to actually improve the bezel, they should have devised their own proprietary material rather than using stuff other watch brands started using decades ago. For a tool watch, ceramics are more likely to fail period. Adding bulky lugs and making the watch bloated and heavier just reduces its versatility and only adds wrist presence, of which I can care less about. The less people that know I’m wearing a Rolex the less likely I’m going to get got for my watch. Not looking like a Rolex has more real world advantage than looking like a Rolex.


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The old 5 digit clasp was a very functional clasp, but luxury it was not (yes, even back in the back these took watches were luxury items). I’ve had £200 seiko’s with a nicer feeling clasp. You may not put any importance on how a watch feels, but I do. It’s the only part of the watch that lets it down on the 5 digit Subs.

It is functionally inferior, as it doesn’t have a glide lock clasp. Yes you can use a tooth pick or paper clip, but the holes look ugly and is a pain to adjust in comparison to glide lock.


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[ChipotleBanana]

Originally Posted by Chester01

The 3135 is widely considered one of the most robust movements ever made full stop. The bracelet is heavier and bulkier and the old had 4 fine adjustments, and was lighter. Both are held by the same pins and so the new is not stronger. The bezel insert using cereal bowl “technology” is more likely to fail when used outside of the desk environment sooo, no. I stand by my comments.


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Your comments are a rather silly argument. All of the newer models have obvious benefits; The new bracelets with solid links, milled clasps + glidelock, 70-hours of power reserve, better luminescence, and brighter colors(my preference but not really a benefit) are absolutely improvements to the watch. The old bracelets and clasps had to be fixed/replaced on a frequent basis compared to anything produced 2010+. Your preference for the older watches does not void the improvements of newer references.

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by Ollie1982

The old 5 digit clasp was a very functional clasp, but luxury it was not (yes, even back in the back these took watches were luxury items). I’ve had £200 seiko’s with a nicer feeling clasp. You may not put any importance on how a watch feels, but I do. It’s the only part of the watch that lets it down on the 5 digit Subs.

It is functionally inferior, as it doesn’t have a glide lock clasp. Yes you can use a tooth pick or paper clip, but the holes look ugly and is a pain to adjust in comparison to glide lock.


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While I wear Rolex, I don’t view the clasp as ugly and never really thought about it. It’s never failed period. I don’t wear my watch as jewelry and so place less value on the “look” which comprise the bulk of your comments as you equate look and feel with function and they are not the same.

You take and use the old and new version of the sub day in and day out and both will function the same. Now, the difference between yours and mine is my tritium does not glow anymore and i would be out of luck at night.

The only point you make is that your bracelet can be adjusted 1/2 second faster. I have not adjusted my bracelet at all in the last 10 years. For me that convenience once every 10 years does not win out as it comes with added weight. I play basketball, mountain bike, baseball and added weight flopping around on my wrist is not a help to me. When I wore my Daytona with the solid links, it just made my wrist sweatier. Not helpful. To each his own, but to my eye no functional improvement given my needs and lifestyle.


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[prnceofpersia23]

I am not getting into whether or not the evolution of the Sub has been a positive one...

I have always had my eye on the two line 14060 and this post is just adding fuel to the fire

Great pic of an even better watch

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by ChipotleBanana

Your comments are a rather silly argument. All of the newer models have obvious benefits; The new bracelets with solid links, milled clasps + glidelock, 70-hours of power reserve, better luminescence, and brighter colors(my preference but not really a benefit) are absolutely improvements to the watch. The old bracelets and clasps had to be fixed/replaced on a frequent basis compared to anything produced 2010+. Your preference for the older watches does not void the improvements of newer references.

Read my other comments. I get it you paid bank and want your watch to be better it’s not. It’s bloated and flashier that’s it.

70 hours power reserve is only better for folks that let their watch sit in a safe or are as sedentary as a plant. Are you a plant? I’m not and it’s over kill and not needed to justify the bloated prices. I wear my watch and so I have no need for anything about 24. 40 year old cereal bowl material is not better, is more likely to fail when impacted, and the much heavier bracelet not stronger period.

I have worn my sub doing things 99 percent of you folks would be screaming for their gshocks and never had a bracelet clasp fail period. I had my sub 23 years now. Serviced after 17 (had no problem AD guilted me into it).


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[OG1982]

Originally Posted by Chester01

While I wear Rolex, I don’t view the clasp as ugly and never really thought about it. It’s never failed period. I don’t wear my watch as jewelry and so place less value on the “look” which comprise the bulk of your comments as you equate look and feel with function and they are not the same.

You take and use the old and new version of the sub day in and day out and both will function the same. Now, the difference between yours and mine is my tritium does not glow anymore and i would be out of luck at night.

The only point you make is that your bracelet can be adjusted 1/2 second faster. I have not adjusted my bracelet at all in the last 10 years. For me that convenience once every 10 years does not win out as it comes with added weight. I play basketball, mountain bike, baseball and added weight flopping around on my wrist is not a help to me. When I wore my Daytona with the solid links, it just made my wrist sweatier. Not helpful. To each his own, but to my eye no functional improvement given my needs and lifestyle.


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I use my glide lock twice daily, so I think we may have to agree to disagree!

Let’s just both be thankful we ended up with watches we both love, cheers.


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[RFC]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Nice photo!




Well, except for the improvements to the movement, the better clasp, a more solid bracelet, larger markers for better visibility and a longer-lasting bezel insert, among other things.

Sure, some might prefer the aesthetics of 5 series watches, but to say there were no improvements with the 6 series is simply wrong.

As for more bling, the 5 series had polished case and bracelet sides like the 6 series. The aluminum inserts are quite shiny (but less glossy than ceramic, true).

I do agree that the newer ones weigh more and are larger.

I couldn’t agree more and would add that the 124060 is more accurate. I own both the 14060M and the 124060. The 12 series is closest in design to the 5 series than the 11 series ever was. The M 2 liner remains my favorite go to Sub.

[jlevitt9]

Would you all stop it with the "which sub is best".

The great thing about the Submariner (and many of Rolex's watches) is that decades old iterations and the newest thing look the same, to the untrained eye.

What makes it special is that people in this community, circumstances allowing, can get what speaks to them.

I have a 14060 2-liner because I wanted a Sub that flew under the radar as much as possible, and I love the way the 5-series fits my wrist.

That doesn't mean the newest sub, which has more heft, an updated clasp, more power reserve etc., etc., is any better or less iconic in its own right.

"Best" is subjective. Just enjoy your thing, and appreciate that someone else enjoys their thing within this community =)

[RFC]

Had not put my finger on it but agree that the 14060 seems to fly under the radar more than the 6 series Subs. I end up wearing the M more when I don’t want to call too much attention. I’m happy to own it too and be able to pass it to my grandchildren. What a classic…