Moving from a 6 digit to a 5 digit Sub?

[csaltphoto]

As others have noted there are no real technological improvements to the watch head. Different case shape different bezel materials. Ceramic is tougher than aluminum but I don't like the way it looks. Both are equally functional. The click mechanism on the 6 digits is more complex but it isn't necessarily better.

The dive extension on the the 5 digits is crap if you plan to actually wear a 10K watch diving and use it for timing. I take my 5 digit diving but only because it's safer with me than in the hotel or on the boat. I wear it under my wetsuit sleeve. So the dive extension is never used.

The 6 digit bracelet feels a lot better in the store but wears less comfortably. It has no give at all so the glidelock is handy for micro-adjustments. 5 digit bracelet has some give; once I got the fit right I haven't adjusted it in the 3 years I've owned it.

In the end, when I went to finally buy a sub the 6 digits just didn't look like the sub I had been thinking about. So went with the 5 digit.

[Sub Capt.]

Originally Posted by Finslayer83

I've got a 124060 and 16610.

The 124060 will be going to a new home since I picked up the glidelock bracelet (97200) for my 16610.

Perfect wearing watch for my 6.75" wrist.

16610 with a 97200 would be epic! The 124060 still looks like a bloated tubby next the the classic lines of the 16610.

[7enderbender]

I would never want a 6 digit sub. I find the shapes awkward and everything too bulky and blingy (even for a Rolex). Five digit has the classic design while less to worry about than a true vintage model. I opened for a late 16600 Sea Dweller. No date Sub (not that debate again) would have been the other option. Don’t like the cyclops. The Sea Dweller is a bit thicker and feels more substantial. Wears very comfortable for me.

[spellmanski]

Let's assume though, that you could get the 41mm at retail... does it seem silly to pay more for an older verison of the sub?? I go back and forth on that question all the time because I prefer the look of the 14060 vs the 214060...

[Kowaco]

The 5 digit adheres to the golden ratio in aesthetics, you’ll be happier with it

[7enderbender]

Originally Posted by spellmanski

Let's assume though, that you could get the 41mm at retail... does it seem silly to pay more for an older verison of the sub?? I go back and forth on that question all the time because I prefer the look of the 14060 vs the 214060...

Doesn’t seem silly. A lot of classic designs have been lost. Reasons are complicated. But many people happily pay extra for certain older models of watches/cars/guitars/etc

[TunaTuna]

It's so versatile

[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by Driver8

If you've not owned a 5 digit before, I think you'll struggle with the "vintage build" of the bracelet when the rest of your collection is more substantial. When I bought my first Rolex many years ago, I was a long-term Omega and Breitling owner, and both of those brands (even back then) were way more substantially built. (I'm not saying the 5 digits don't last, because they absolutely do - it's just how they feel that can be a little disconcerting). The 5 digit is incredibly comfortable on the wrist, and the head is as beautifully made as the modern 6 digit references, but the rattly-rattly bracelet and tin-foil pressed metal clasp can be a shock if you aren't used to it.

Personally I'd recommend going for the 12 series if you don't like the way the 11 series wears, as the 12 actually wears smaller than the 11 IMO, and is much closer to the 5 digit in terms of shape. That said, I personally don't trust the 3235 movement enough yet, so that would be my only concern with buying a 12 series Sub.

However, speaking for myself, I love the 11 series "super case" and the 3135 movement, so for me the perfect Sub has already been made!

I totally agree. I love vintage, owned a bunch of 5 digit watches over the years, the modern bracelet is so much better.

I have the current submariner, and also wore the 16610, and 116610. The 40mm sub bracelet tapers better for me, but i really enjoy the 41mm sub. I prefer the lug size. The move to 5 digit would be tough, based on how often i use the micro adjustment.