First Rolex Advice

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Joemannnnn

I will certainly try on both models. I guess if I liked the 6 digit, I'd probably stick with the Sub C ND

That makes sense as they wear completely different and really do that. For me 6 > 5 digit by a landslide.
It's really not the watch who makes you a snob, buy it and enjoy it if you want it that much. Have perhaps a look at the GMT if the Explorer is not for you. I like the extra hand and find the bezel more in balance. Just my 2C.
The Sub of course is mighty fine as well. Succes, nice dilemma

[Joemannnnn]

Originally Posted by tomallen

I think the new bracelets are much nicer but maybe not an improvement. Think the ceramic bezel is an improvement, The lume is a definite improvement, but you can find a late five digit watch with it. As far as the two watches themselves properly maintained each will last a lifetime. Buying an older five digit watch you have to take into consideration, does it need service, has it been serviced, has it been serviced with Rolex parts. You can find a late NIB, stickers on, full set five digit Sub, they are out there, but you will pay the same if not more than a current Sub.

I have seen the e engraved rehaut on newer 5 digit models. Do they have the blue lume like the ceramic too?

[GasMD]

I have a 16610 that I bought brand new about 6 years. I've worn it almost daily since that time and I would say someone has commended on it only twice. Both times it was a WIS. I personally feel that when the general public thinks Rolex they expect to see date just on a jubilee. If you wore a Sea Dweller (no cyclops) I would bet 99.9% of people would never suspect it to be a Rolex.

If you are considering Sub date vs Sea Dweller you should try each on first. They both went differently so you will likely prefer the feel of one over the other.

[mschafer]

While the five digits might be technologically inferior (movement, bracelet, hollow links) they represent the history of what we all know a value about Rolex tool watches. So as long as they pass the water pressure test and keep COSC time you're more than fine. As for models, that's the hardest part, I prefer the older subs as the SD tend to feel top heavy on many wrists. And getting a vintage one makes you the smarter, definitely more aficionado Rolex buyer in my book. Have fun hunting, don't rush, there's ample supply and buy the seller first.

[GasMD]

Don't get caught up on 5 vs 6 digit as far as quailty. I would look at both and see which you prefer.


I personally don't like the look of the new style Rolex cases so I stick with 5 digit Rolexes. It is a design that lasted over half a decade. Sure, the bracelet may have some stretch after some years but it will still be a solid watch. I saw a Submariner last month that was worn daily for over 30 years!!! The watch had lots of scratches and gouges but coukd tell many stories and still keeps COSC time.

Look at the trusted sellers list on this website. When I'm looking to buy I will usually PM a couple of them and one usually will find exactly what I'm looking for. You will save significantly by buying from a trusted seller.

Good luck with the hunt. Buying your first Rolex is a great experience.

[Wisher]

First, go and try on several watches, and find out how they feel and look on your own wrist. You might end up preferring another model over the Subs when you compare watches on your wrist. And you might like the 5s over the 6s or vice versa.

I myself don't have any 6 digits, but that's me. I like the 5s. I am a sentimentalist. But an AD saying that the 5s are "inferior"? WOW!! That, besides BS, is downright rude and harsh. And it's the biggest sales pitch ever, to make you think that you need to buy a brand-new, more expensive watch from that AD.

I mean, how "junky" and "inferior" are vintage models from 10s of years ago, when they are still running? Rolex makes great robust watches that last for years and years. Yes, the 6s do have improvements, and you might like them. But save money if you can live without them. And don't think that if you get a 5, it will become a worthless piece of scarp metal a few years down the road. Hardly

[Joemannnnn]

I went out this afternoon to check out some models. I first stopped at an AD to try on the subc nd. It's a beautiful watch, but at a $7,500 price tag, much higher than I want to spend. I did like it though, although I can see how some feel it's a bit more flashy.

I then went to a local pawn shop that was recommended online for having nice watches. They had a sub from 1999 in the case for 4,800. More in my wheel house, but no box, papers, etc and the condition wasn't the best. I do like the classic look, but boy was I amazed at how light the bracelet was. I wore my Invicta 9937 to compare and it felt more solid by far. I wasn't expecting that. It was even heavier than the subc. I'm not sure how I feel about that. Is it common for the 5 digit bracelets to have a fair amount of play where they connect to the clasp and lugs?

I do think I'm still between a 5 digit sub or sub nd vs a 6 digit sub nd. I'm thinking upper 4k vs upper 5k for nice used models

[Joemannnnn]

Ok, I think I'm leaning towards the 114060. I'm stuck in the middle of the 5 vs 6 debate, I like both. I do think at the end of the day, if I went classic, I'd maybe always wonder about not going with the 6 digit. I've found a like new from last year for mid 5k. This gives me some piece of mind that it hasn't been abused, shouldn't need service right away, and really closes the price gap between 5 and 6.

[Joemannnnn]

One last question regarding value. Obviously the 5 digit models have established their preowned values and seem to hold pretty well. Do we think the new ceramic models will hold their own? Have the preowned prices bottomed out yet or do we see them dropping into the 4k range? I certainly don't see this as an investment and expect appreciation, but I'd like to know if something came up and I had to move it, I won't take a bath. I'll be getting in at about 25% of retail cost

Out of curiosity, what would a 14060 cost new in say 2005?