Settled on 16610 over SubC after owning both

[Vicious49]

I started with a new SubC 114060 about 3 months ago. The build quality was amazing. The bracelet and clasp were the best I'd ever seen. For some reason however, something bothered me about it. In the end, I just couldn't learn to love the fat lugs and how they didn't flow properly in to the bracelet.

After doing a few trades and sales, I ended with a near NOS 16610 date sub that still had stickers on the case. The only thing missing is the box. I've owned a few older GMTs and Explorer2s and always thought this generation was somewhat flimsy but wore so comfortably. This is my first time handling a NOS one and the build quality is pretty good. Even the bracelet is solid. I'm guessing they were all this way at first until stretch kicks in. Either way, this one seems better suited to my wrist (at least in my mind anyways). I know it doesn't have the ceramic bezel and the technology but I like it more. Only thing I don't like is the clasp that seems to bulge out. If I can source a GMT clasp to put on there, it'll be perfect.

My opinions after having tried on both
- The SubC is more sporty and feels more bulked up with that maxi case. The maxi dial makes it more legible.
- The older Sub is much more classic. The shape of the case makes it more classy. The older dial is more dressy.

Below are pics of both.

Side story on the missing box:
As was explained to me by the sales lady, when Harvey hit, a lot of people will run out of the house with their watches but forget about the box. Or they keep the watch and papers in a safe but the box is stored elsewhere and will get destroyed so they've been getting quite a few in lately missing boxes.

[Stevec14]

Congrats. Love the 5 digit. I had virtually the same experience as you. The trade off for the bracelet and newer materials is the slimmer case and better looks (IMO). I can’t see me going back to more modern models unless the design moves more towards the older one.

That said, I understand those who prefer the 6 digit over 5. Horses for courses I guess....

[Bladeshot]

Originally Posted by Stevec14

Congrats. Love the 5 digit. I had virtually the same experience as you. The trade off for the bracelet and newer materials is the slimmer case and better looks (IMO). I can’t see me going back to more modern models unless the design moves more towards the older one.

That said, I understand those who prefer the 6 digit over 5. Horses for courses I guess....

Same experience I’ve had... have tried both date and traditional submariners, both 5 digit and 6 digit. Have both right now, but I keep selling the ceramic versions. I want to love them, just because of the glidelock and maxi dial. I just can’t make it stick... so my solution is to have a Kermit. I can enjoy a maxi dial without big lugs. Will eventually put a glidelock on the Kermit, and Bingo - my perfect submariner.


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[1992Olympics]

Nice - looks to be in great condition, wear it well. Sad story about Harvey.

I recently picked up a 16610 which is my first Rolex and hopefully my last, hope to wear it for the rest of my mortal years on this planet.

I preferred the lower-profile "classic" look over the bling and bulkiness of the ceramic ones, but that doesn't take away from their awesomeness of course - a matter of taste for sure.

[Rags]

I agree I love the bracelet but the bigger case is not for me.

[Ripcode]

“Settled” for a 16610?

[Vicious49]

Originally Posted by Ripcode

“Settled” for a 16610?

'Decided on' would have been a better choice of words on my part. But then again, I've never been known for being much of a writer.

[Ripcode]

Originally Posted by Vicious49

'Decided on' would have been a better choice of words on my part. But then again, I've never been known for being much of a writer.

Lol! Thanks for the clarification. I was hoping that was the case.

[Auto16610]

I would not consider it settling. Enjoy it!

[Vicious49]

Originally Posted by SWISSAHOLICS

Yup, love the 16610 but prefer the glide lock bracelet. So ended up sourcing the bracelet and slapped it on my 16610....now it's perfect!!

I actually like the way the older bracelets wear. I just don't like the clasp that came on the Sub as it sticks out way too much. If I can source a GMT style clasp I'll be all set.

Originally Posted by Andrejb

I went from having a 6 digit to buying a 5 digit in great shape for the exact same reason.

Then when I had the 5 digit I kept obsessing over the 4 digits that I’ve wanted for a very long time..

So now I have both a 5513 and 14060M haha

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I fully expect to pick up a 5513 at some point. I want one with some nice creamy markers and I love the acrylic crystal. It will have to wait a bit as I will have to replenish funds. Hopefully the prices of those don't go too crazy over the next few years.

[TarponGeorge]

Originally Posted by Ripcode

“Settled” for a 16610?

Originally Posted by Auto16610

I would not consider it settling. Enjoy it!

In the OP’s defense, he said “settled on”, not “settled for”, as was misquoted above. Totally different connotation.

[traf]

Agree 100%, my tritium dial 16610 says hi!




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[MickCollins1916]

Fantastic choice. I love both 6 and 5 digit models myself, and the 16610’s a classic.

[Etschell]

neither are a mistake. i just prefer the ceramic bezel and glidelock.

[ancientmariner]

Love the 16610
Looks great on you!

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by Etschell

neither are a mistake. i just prefer the ceramic bezel and glidelock.

Absolutely agree.

Just comes down to personal peference.

Owned a Y series 16610 and an R series 5513. Both great watches. In fact, I have never seen a SS sub I did not like.

But the ceramic bezel and glidelock are my strong preference. I would not go back.

[Odie-r]

They're both beautiful, you can't go wrong. Happy you're happy!

[SWISSAHOLICS]

Yup, love the 16610 but prefer the glide lock bracelet. So ended up sourcing the bracelet and slapped it on my 16610....now it's perfect!!

[Gharddog03]

Classic

[Andrejb]

I went from having a 6 digit to buying a 5 digit in great shape for the exact same reason.

Then when I had the 5 digit I kept obsessing over the 4 digits that I’ve wanted for a very long time..

So now I have both a 5513 and 14060M haha





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[Armyguy03]

Long live the 5 Digit, which interestingly is a double entrendre since Digit itself is 5 letters.

[T.Rex]

In my opinion, the 16610/14060 are the best of the breed. I know there is a lot of love for the ceramics but if those owners had to choose between "old and the new" my guess is that the "old" would be the preference.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by T.Rex

In my opinion, the 16610/14060 are the best of the breed. I know there is a lot of love for the ceramics but if those owners had to choose between "old and the new" my guess is that the "old" would be the preference.

Not for me. Been there done that.

[superstarmar]

I think the coin bezel on 5 digit subs are more
profound!!! Love it !!! Wear it well ...

[antbkny]

Older sub fits you better

[c41006]

I've owned 2 16610 Subs over the years but I prefer the 6 digit pieces. To me they have a much higher quality feel to them. I can certainly see the appeal of the 5 digits though.

[Robbyman]

Originally Posted by c41006

I've owned 2 16610 Subs over the years but I prefer the 6 digit pieces. To me they have a much higher quality feel to them. I can certainly see the appeal of the 5 digits though.

If you change the clasp there is little if any difference.

[c41006]

Originally Posted by Robbyman

If you change the clasp there is little if any difference.

Yeah the clap and bezel are the two big things

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Vicious49

I started with a new SubC 114060 about 3 months ago. The build quality was amazing. The bracelet and clasp were the best I'd ever seen. For some reason however, something bothered me about it. In the end, I just couldn't learn to love the fat lugs and how they didn't flow properly in to the bracelet.

After doing a few trades and sales, I ended with a near NOS 16610 date sub that still had stickers on the case. The only thing missing is the box. I've owned a few older GMTs and Explorer2s and always thought this generation was somewhat flimsy but wore so comfortably. This is my first time handling a NOS one and the build quality is pretty good. Even the bracelet is solid. I'm guessing they were all this way at first until stretch kicks in. Either way, this one seems better suited to my wrist (at least in my mind anyways). I know it doesn't have the ceramic bezel and the technology but I like it more. Only thing I don't like is the clasp that seems to bulge out. If I can source a GMT clasp to put on there, it'll be perfect.

My opinions after having tried on both
- The SubC is more sporty and feels more bulked up with that maxi case. The maxi dial makes it more legible.
- The older Sub is much more classic. The shape of the case makes it more classy. The older dial is more dressy.

Below are pics of both.

Side story on the missing box:
As was explained to me by the sales lady, when Harvey hit, a lot of people will run out of the house with their watches but forget about the box. Or they keep the watch and papers in a safe but the box is stored elsewhere and will get destroyed so they've been getting quite a few in lately missing boxes.

Congrats and welcome to the 16610 club! (my S series shown below). You can fit the 97200 (SubC bracelet) full bracelet (or clasp), as well as the modern oyster bracelet with easylink (from an Explorer 214270, for example) if you want a modern solid links / clasp setup.

I know as sucessfully used both on mine; ended up going back to the original bracelet as preferred the less bulky clasp!





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[mailman]

Congratulations on a great watch. I've owned a handful of 5 digit Submariners and love the classic look and lines. You purchased a fantastic watch that will last you a lifetime