What is the perfect submariner?

[dextroam11]

I have never seen a submariner in person.

So for TRF members who have seen different references of submariners...

Which reference is the perfect submariner for you? (don't care about the color.. Let's just compare no-date sub for example)

I have been watching many videos of comparing no-date 114060, 124060, and even 5-digit reference ones. Everything has it's pros/cons but what do you guys think?

Which is the perfect (or near-perfect) submariner for ya?

[Tools]

Usually, the one on my wrist at the time.

[Duey]

X2 here

The Sub I have on is the perfect Sub

[Finslayer83]

5517

That said I'm in process on making the "perfect" sub for me out of a 124060 at the moment.

It's about to get completely brushed and hopefully things fall into place to matte the ceramic bezel.

I've even challenged the outfit to drill the lugs

Bringing tool watch back

[dextroam11]

Obviously I understand what you own is the BEST submariner.
I do not own one and I am just trying to learn which sub is what people consider it as "near-perfect". Can you at least share which reference you own so I can get an idea?

[brucethemanlee]

124060

but prefer my 116600

[Ringhio]

I’m in love with my 124060...
Tried the 114060 and didn’t work as well as the new one for me.

The older models are very nice and historical, but the current one is really exceptional in terms of quality, balance and finishing.

[IR201]

I think it is the 14060m/four liner

I think the modern iterations are great, but I have it in my head - right or wrong - that the sub should be pure and simple

I feel like with the maxi clasp (12) or maxi lugs (11) we've gotten away from the perfection.

just personal opinion

Also I don't have good experience with the pieces throughout the years, so that's why I picked what I did

AND FOR THE RECORD I AM TYPING THIS WITH A 124060 ON MY WRIST

[Db9506]

126610 case with a 116610 bracelet.

[Driver8]

For me it's the 116610LN, but then I'm one of the 4 people globally who loves the SuperCase!

[101031-28]

I love anything Sub Date, starting with the 1680 all the way to the 116610

[Tools]

Originally Posted by dextroam11

Obviously I understand what you own is the BEST submariner.
I do not own one and I am just trying to learn which sub is what people consider it as "near-perfect". Can you at least share which reference you own so I can get an idea?

I own several; you are not likely to get a consensus on the subjective term "BEST".

I wear a 14060 much of the time, and a 16610 quite a lot, but I wear a GMT more than either.

I consider the black dial, two-tone Sub Date, to be the best looking watch that Rolex ever made. I wear it on cruises and out to dinner frequently.

[Jack T]

Originally Posted by IR201

I think it is the 14060m/four liner

I think the modern iterations are great, but I have it in my head - right or wrong - that the sub should be pure and simple

AND FOR THE RECORD I AM TYPING THIS WITH A 124060 ON MY WRIST

I could not agree with you more.

[WalterW]

None. Go for a gmt for sure. It’s a lot more
Useful, especially for travelers. Lighter, more comfortable and comes in very unique colors.

[HiBoost]

Originally Posted by dextroam11

Everything has it's pros/cons

You said it all right here. There is no perfect anything, Submariner or otherwise. It's hard to beat the dimensions and proportions of the 5 digits, but the modern bracelet makes the older ones feel like a $20 Timex. Ceramic bezels don't scratch and fade but the older green is more vibrant. The newer movement has better power reserve but may lack reliability. The list goes on and on.

If you've never seen any of them that should be your first goal. It's hard to imagine you wouldn't have a strong opinion one way or another when you feel the two (or three) side by side in the metal.

[dextroam11]

Originally Posted by HiBoost

You said it all right here. There is no perfect anything, Submariner or otherwise. It's hard to beat the dimensions and proportions of the 5 digits, but the modern bracelet makes the older ones feel like a $20 Timex. Ceramic bezels don't scratch and fade but the older green is more vibrant. The newer movement has better power reserve but may lack reliability. The list goes on and on.

If you've never seen any of them that should be your first goal. It's hard to imagine you wouldn't have a strong opinion one way or another when you feel the two (or three) side by side in the metal.

Usually there is a certain reference model that people think it's good. Of course newer version will have better/improved movement but aesthetically speaking (and also how comfortable it sits on your wrist) I just wanted to know which one is the "near-perfect" submariner. Sure, everything is subjective and has its pros/cons but which sub do you think is the best submariner of all?

To be honest, I dont think I will ever get to have 3 different references of sub side by side, nor it will not be my goal over getting my 1st watch

[Mystro]

[brandrea]

For me its the perfect Submariner. YMMV



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[macrowatch]

Originally Posted by Tools

Usually, the one on my wrist at the time.

This.

Or in your case, the one you can get.

[direwolf]

My vote would be the 16610 for overall aesthetics, comfort and functionality. I have had the fortune of being able to wear and enjoy the five digits, the 11 series, as well as the 12 series. The one major take away I have is if you actually dive, snorkel, swim, surf, sail ect., the lightness and comfort of the 5 series makes for a better sports watch.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by Tools

Usually, the one on my wrist at the time.

^^^^^ soooooo this.

[Big Tex Rolex]

You will find articles touting the older Submariners …
I have a 14060M “Two Liner” that I love for its clean look, but …
I love the new 41mm 124060.
I prefer the No Date (does a diver need to know the date !!???) … because of that same cleaner look without the Cyclopes … but I would take whatever the AD had.

[JRell]

Had the 114060. Loved it, but traded it in for my 124060. Perfection.

[Big Tex Rolex]

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[dextroam11]

Originally Posted by brandrea

For me its the perfect Submariner. YMMV

Attachment 1238145Attachment 1238146

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is this 114060 or 124060? Hard for me to tell just by looking at the pic

[JRell]

Originally Posted by dextroam11

is this 114060 or 124060? Hard for me to tell just by looking at the pic

That is a 124060.

[SLWoodster]

For someone like yourself, the perfect submariner is the one you can get.

Why go down this rabbit hole if you can't even get one?

There's hundreds of options and variations on submariners. Comex, 4 digit, no crown guard, 36mm aka james bond, Tiffany signed, tropical, flat 4... come on... haven't even scratched the surface...

Originally Posted by dextroam11

I have never seen a submariner in person.

So for TRF members who have seen different references of submariners...

Which reference is the perfect submariner for you? (don't care about the color.. Let's just compare no-date sub for example)

I have been watching many videos of comparing no-date 114060, 124060, and even 5-digit reference ones. Everything has it's pros/cons but what do you guys think?

Which is the perfect (or near-perfect) submariner for ya?

[Old Expat Beast]

I'd say the 5513. The longest-running reference (almost 30 years from the early 1960s till about 1990).

[dnuggett]

The new 41mm Sub is the perfect sub for me. I can’t tell you what the perfect sub for you is.

[jswing]

Originally Posted by Finslayer83

5517



That said I'm in process on making the "perfect" sub for me out of a 124060 at the moment.



It's about to get completely brushed and hopefully things fall into place to matte the ceramic bezel.



I've even challenged the outfit to drill the lugs



Bringing tool watch back

You're brave!

Sent from my LM-G820 using Tapatalk