Submariner: Hate & Love

[pedersenkl]

OP - You aren't alone. I have no Sub, but am at the point where I want one.

The Sub ND (while popular and somewhat common) does have an element of simplicity in the dial visuals along with flexibility for many situations (sports, daily, and even some dress up occasions). Really hard to beat the classic elegance of it.

I want to add both a blue faced watch and a diver as my next two watches. Blue faced could be YM, Bluesy, BB58, DJ36/41, etc. Too many to choose from. Leaning a bit to Omega SMP300M blue to maybe cover both blue and diver. My fear is if I go that route....I'll still want the classic black Sub ND. So, maybe a Sub ND and DJ blue may be better long term.

[Buckaroo Banzai]

Originally Posted by saxo3

Starting with a Submariner 14060M, I only bought watches I really liked a lot, and still do, never followed any Rolex crown hypes, kept them all without any mixed hate/ like feelings

This. Buy what you like and don't worry about what other say...

[HogwldFLTR]

Submariners other than the novel ones are definitely overly common, imho. I love the TT Bluesy and PM models but much less interest in the basic ones. I'd like to get a Bluesy!!! :cheer:

[Zuger]

I got the fifty fathoms because the sub was a bit shall we say too common. However, when the opportunity to acquire a sub presented itself, I am glad I didn't say no. It's not a watch I wear very often but I appreciate it every time I put it on.

[pedersenkl]

Originally Posted by Zuger

I got the fifty fathoms because the sub was a bit shall we say too common. However, when the opportunity to acquire a sub presented itself, I am glad I didn't say no. It's not a watch I wear very often but I appreciate it every time I put it on.

Fifty fathoms is a gorgeous piece. I looked at this one the other day. Not the same symmetry as Sub ND with the date offset and smaller nipple like hour markers on the Blancpain. But, still a beautiful watch.

Now that you have both, any input?

[GarbanzoNegro]

I’ve seen more DJs in the wild than Submariners.

When my dad gave me a Rolex catalogue and asked me which one I wanted as a graduation present, I chose the Explorer. IMO, the most versatile watch.

16 years later, I “had to have” a Submariner and both watches live in perfect harmony. :-)

[Zuger]

Originally Posted by pedersenkl

Fifty fathoms is a gorgeous piece. I looked at this one the other day. Not the same symmetry as Sub ND with the date offset and smaller nipple like hour markers on the Blancpain. But, still a beautiful watch.

Now that you have both, any input?

I don't have the 38mm bathscaphe but the larger 45mm 5015. The date is neatly tucked in between 4 and 5 o'clock so it has a good dial symmetry. Lug to lug is similar to the Sub so does not wear large despite the case diameter. Try it on if you have a chance. It has the kind of wrist presence that I enjoy in a sport watch.

[sj24k]

I was definitely drawn to submariners thanks to their popularity, heritage, and status as a watch icon. I've grown to really appreciate them over time and consider myself lucky to own more than one. The style, fit, finish, functionality, are just about perfect for me.

Sure, I see them out and about from time to time, but that has zero impact on my feelings for my watches. As an aside, there have been a few times I thought I noticed subs from a distance, but upon closer inspection they've turned out to be knock offs or other similarly-styled brands.

Anyway. Great watches. Popular for a reason.

[Harry-57]

Congratulations. Nice watch. Buy what you like, wear what you want, please yourself. Who cares what other people think? It's none of their business, just as their choices are none of yours.

[007_Omega]

I owned the 114060 and my justifications to get rid of the Sub have made me comfortable with that decision for years now.

The popularity played a part, although you rarely see a "No-Date," it's still a Sub. Secondly, I really disliked the fat lugs. The new Sub is certainly tempting but the Sub is just so common that I am content to have enjoyed it.

The 5 digit model Sub just doesn't do it for me either. I believe a maxi dial works much better with a diver. The downgrades are too much going from a 6 digit. The 4 digit Subs are where my heart lies but they are too expensive and I wouldn't be comfortable using one like a tool.

So for me, I think the Sub was a longtime dream fulfilled and now I'm content to enjoy other models. If I'm doing incredibly well, maybe I'll consider some special version ie White Gold down the line but no plans.

[Watch2019]

It’s a great watch! If you value it, no need to attempt to rationalise it. Oh you can try to explain objectively it’s because of A, B or C but does the success or failure of this endeavour enrich or impoverish your experience as a Sub owner/wearer? Hence just enjoy the watch as it is. :)

[franktehtank]

The hype is justified. I've been through many Rolex and the sub is still the only one I think is perfect.

[slus]

I was the opposite, I bought a 116610LN over another Rolex because everyone loved it, but it didn't work out for me and I switched it for the one I wanted in the first place 6 months later.

Moral of story: Buy what you like, not what anyone else likes

[Nikko1967]

Originally Posted by Ginsu_

I sold my 116610LN to put towards my Daytona purchase. On a recent trip back home from vaca, I spotted more that 6 people at my gate in the airport alone with subs. Very common watch. Now that it is gone I miss it. I found beauty in the simplicity of it, and the brushed bracelet is just perfection. I plan to add one back down the road.

I totally agree with you! I went to a high school reunion party and out of 20 guys there, 4 had subs...Thank goodness I did not wear mine...I wore my Casio! Evem when I bought my Sub back in 2000 for 3800 Canadian ( 400 below retail btw ) every broker I knew had one. That being said, I still own it and do wear it. BUT, if I did not already have a Daytona, I would certainly sell my sub and pay the extra bucks for Daytona.

[Manamana]

Originally Posted by Richris1

I really like the submariner, and have no issue owning one. But….it definitely is the one I see most often, when I see a rolex on someone’s wrist. So, if I have a sub in my collection, I’d like to have a different variant than the all black…like the LB, LV, etc….
Although, arguably my favorite watch, is its bigger counterpart…SD43. I like bigger watches, and the fully graduated bezel, is what decides it for me.

This exactly

[RiRi]

Originally Posted by Cambo

It’s called getting older and changing opinions....welcome to the wonderful world of aging

I suppose the lesson here is "never say never" - but as so many have pointed out, you can like the same thing for different reasons

If I could, I would add the blue ceramic bezel to the 114060 - not to pretend I can afford the WG one, but just to change it up a bit and be different!

[Aboutderntime]

Great thread. I’ve always loved the sub both in appearance and function. The bracelet adjustability is a real luxury.

I’ve been thinking about adding a no-date sub and might have the opportunity to do so soon. I already have a 39 mm explorer and YM42 in white gold. Any opinions on whether this piece would be redundant? Sorry in advance to hijack the thread.

[Rolex.Journey]

The ND is a great watch - and the sub in general is just perfect. I often think the same thing about the commonness of the black sub. But I’m always reminded of the ways in which people collect and come into owning their watch.

I have been at a table with friends where we all have similar watches but our stories of how we came into them are drastically different. This is what makes them unique and remind me that we really aren’t not wearing the same timepiece.


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[MattyL147]

I started out this way too. In fact, I was pretty Rolex averse when I started on my watch journey. Now Rolex is all I have (plus 1 Tudor). 2 of my Rolexes are subs (ND and Hulk). The sub is the perfect watch; it just took me some time to realize.

[turkeysub93]

Submariner is a classic. The black dial and bezel acts as a good anchor to any collection so that you can branch out a bit more IMO whether it be internally with other Rolex references or externally with other brands.

[Robine]

No date or Date sub 5-digit ref was the go-to watch for "I want to look as if I have been to boarding school" types in the late 1990s.

I think the Americanismio for it is "$30,000 millionaire".

[Spartacus-1]

The Sub was my first Rolex about 3 years ago. I bought it for the looks and not the hype. I still think it looks great, the look of the oystersteel bracelet in dimmed lighting, and the glidelock is amazing. An everyday watch.. for life.

[7enderbender]

I get that. The nouveau riche show-off factor and the simple name recognition among people not usually interested in watches is off putting. I would never trade my Speedmaster (actually thinking about getting another one later this year, long story) but finally caved and got a Sea Dweller 16600 simply because I always thought it was one of the coolest watches ever. Who cares what other people think, right? Still reluctant to wear it in the office though…

[Savwar]

I felt the same but toward spending on luxury items, but here I am living a life that could be called a luxury.

[Shazbot302]

Originally Posted by RiRi

Fast forward 6 years and I am holding a 114060 in my hands…and I must admit it is the most perfect watch I've ever owned….

That’s exactly what I thought the first time I put it on. It was an “aha” moment when I understood why the Sub is such an icon. But, I had to put it on first. You must see it in context on your wrist to truly appreciate the beauty, harmony, and tranquility of its design. It’s perfection.

[SS Oyster]

Get an LV to express you uniqueness.


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[GolfJunkie]

I like them

[Oxfordian]

Only started getting into Rolex around 2 years ago, the brand had been out of reach financially so I have never looked at older models. The Submariner didn't appeal as I wasn’t a fan of the boxy look that the 114060 had, my 2010 Seamaster put it too shame in the looks dept.

However the new 124060 is just spectacular, those slimmed down lugs, the overall look of the watch is so improved, it’s a great watch to wear as it’s just so comfortable, the dial is such an easy read, no distracting cyclops, very difficult to find fault, just wish that Rolex did it in other colours, then I could have two.

[Oxfordian]

Originally Posted by GolfJunkie

I like them

That’s a rather nice collection, very nice indeed.

[GST15]

Finally scratched the itch about a month ago....possibly the perfect watch IMHO