Sub-C vs Yachmaster Blue Dial vs. BLNR

[cityscape]

All - adding another debate to the thread. My hope is that former, current, and prospective owners enjoy debating these questions one way or the other. I am in the market for my first Rolex. I currently have an Omega Speedmaster 3570 (black face/black leather) and IWC Spitfire Mark XVI (white face/brown leather).

I've been researching and saving for a Rolex for quite a while now and am approaching my financial goals to make it happen - exciting since it has been an exercise in delayed gratification.

I have narrowed the search down to the following watches and would love to hear your opinion of what to add given my current collection...

Sub 116610LN - love that this thing is tough, classic, and versatile. Also a nice-to-have that it retains value quite well. I like that it wears big. Bummed that you see subs so frequently and that it has become the default watch to get.

Yachtmaster Blue Dial 116622 - this thing is absolutely stunning in person. I love that the dial is dynamic and changes color in different lighting conditions. Also like the fact that it is much less common in the wild. Concerned that having my nicest watch be blue (as opposed to black or white) may bother me after a while. Unknown how the bezel will hold up over time (assuming that it is worn in rotation). Unsure if it can be as versatile (i.e. worn with bathing suit or dress suit of any color).

GMT II BLNR 116710 - really like the look of this sports watch. Great that it is black but also has a subtle flair of the multi-colored bezel. Appreciate that as of now it is less common in the wild than the black sub. Undecided on the "busy-ness" of the bezel (this is what through me off of the black GMT II - ironically seems to less so with the BLNR). Unsure if it will feel too blingy over time.

Please weigh in with any and all thoughts. I hope that this provides value to others that are also considering these choices.

[Cc1966]

My BLNR is the only Rolex I've owned that gets routine compliments. Does that mean it's too "blingy" ~ I don't think so... Love the Spitfire BTW.

[Rashid.bk]

Stunning, classic, value...etc. means nothing to me really. I just get the watch I like. The LVc is stunning in person, I love it but will never own it.

Just walk in and get the one you just have to walk out of the store with and look at/use every day. One stands out, it has too.

For me I'd choose the BLNR by a gnats arse, thats me though.

[SoonerTA]

BLNR would be my first choice! Not to flashy at all

[jvo300]

Sub is seen more often in the wild because it's a great watch. Sooner or later, you'll see more BLNRs too (though not to the extent of the Sub). If getting something different is your main concern, then YM may be your best choice. Those are not going to be anywhere near as popular.

My personal preference is the Sub (it's popular for good reason).

[thsiao]

Between the choices you've posted, BLNR is the winner.

[mannyv11]

I would go with the SUBC

[Vivalas]

BLNR - had mine for two days and I love it.

[submariner66]

You seem to favor tried and true classics so I'd day you'd be thrilled with a subc
Can't see the argument about seeing too many as a reason not to enjoy it- it's a wristwatch rather a personal possession. You see a lot of fellows wearing white shirts too doesn't mean you shouldn't?? In other words you'll wear it and it'll be yours.

[JCZ5]

If it was your first luxury watch I would have suggested the Sub since it is the de facto one watch. However, you already have two great watches with very neutral colors, In this case go with the BLNR.

It will add some color, though not overtly and still very professional. Go with the BLNR and then send some photos to be cause I have been lusting for it since it came out. I decided to go with the Sub (no date) since its my first nice watch.

[AboutTime]

When I was seeking a new watch two years ago, I was looking for a watch that I'd be comfortable wearing nearly every day. But, because the Sub was so popular and commonplace, I chose to shop for the "Un-Sub." Yes, I deliberately avoided any consideration of the SubC at that time. I bought a non-Rolex SS watch that appealed to me as an alternative to the Rolex Sub. I have really enjoyed wearing that non-Rolex watch but, at the same time, I've looked at every Sub owner with a slight bit of envy. Finally, six days ago, I gave in and bought my very own SubC. My new SubC is now my every-day watch and my "Un-Sub" is resting in a dark place. I think there are good reasons for the Sub's popularity. What other watch is as universally admired and wanted as the Sub?

[Jack T]

Some very good observations about the three under consideration. Certainly a Sub is a foundation piece in any collection, and some people feel the bracelet on GMT's, with the polished center links is a bit showy; however, if you have the chance to get a BLNR, if I had the chance to get a BLNR, I would get it!

[CoachRolexRyan]

BLNR because its so damn sexy!!!
It looks so amazing in all the wrist shots, I can only imagine how stunning it is in person! All three are winners in my book.

[HL65]

Tough choice and all different and will appeal to different buyers. Go try them all on and get a feel for them and one will sing out to you more. I like all of them and for different reasons. Love the Sub as it is an icon IMHO. Love the dial on the new YM. Love the look and bezel insert on the BLNR. Best of luck in your decision...Cheers,

[porschejeff]

BLNR hands down winner and 116610 as 2nd choice from your list.

[elcompa]

BLNR all the way. I have had mine for 2 months and still can't take my eyes off of it. It is now my all day, every day watch.

I have recently sold off a couple of watches I was bored with. Now wondering what to get to complement my BLNR. The tough thing is that I have not found anything that even comes close to flipping my switch as the BLNR. Perhaps a vintage Sub on a leather band....

[wctm68]

I just got the YM Blue and it is by far the most stunning watch in person. It wears well (not bulky) and not common which is what I was going for. The Sub is the most knocked off and common piece out there which was a huge turn off for me. The blue dial goes from blue to black to aqua marine depending on the lighting which is just awesome. Also, the solid plat. bezel is amazing and refracts the light with a shimmering white elegance. I have gotten a ton of compliments already after 2 weeks. Best choice I ever made !

[viper9669]

Go classic first with the 116610LN.

[tkerrmd]

Love them all but if had choice of the three and had to pick I would go with the YM blue face is just a show stopper!!
Easy answer would be the sub

[nauticajoe]

SubC gets my vote.

Good luck!

[antbkny]

I chose the SUB-C over the BLNR

[Joearch]

First Rolex = Sub C for me.

[Sole_]

I say BLNR... Not biased at all.

[hhcave]

SubC for me! I prefer the classic single colour bezel look. I love the LV!


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[rouxeny]

I just tried on a gmt 2, YM blue and sub with date on a week ago. The sub and get are physically similar. The biggest difference between those two and the YM was that the edges of the YM case are polished and contoured, and with the sub/gmt, they're straight.

I liked all 3. Had originally wanted to stay away from the sub, because, well, everybody has one. But after having it on, I can see why.

I like the BLNR a lot. Looks great, and actually has a useful function. Someday, once I get wifely permission, I'm getting one.

I choose the YM. It fit a little better than the other two and I like the blue dial. Seems a bit more dressy than the others.

All are great choices.

[jjnd08]

BLNR is a way to get some flair on a classic look.

Sub is pure timelessness.

YMII epitomizes the modern look.

Choose from what you want your watch to say.

[dalip]

The BLNR is such a powerful entry into the Rolex line up. The sub is an absolute classic but I don't feel has the same pull as the GMT. It's such a special all round watch. And the blue/black combination bezel is a stroke of genius. Subtle and yet so striking. The blue YM is also a stand out...but would be a 3rd choice out of these for me. It didn't quite pull me in enough to choose it. Also...I'd go sub and not sub date from the new SS ceramics. The lines are sweet and not having a cyclops/date window suits the overall aesthetic of the watch perfectly. Good luck

[Shem]

Yacht-Master.

[scheneider]

Blnr easy choice

[Preacher]

The subC is timeless