Is the Submariner overrated?

[Mac-427]

The Submariner is an instantly recognizable classic that is the flagship of the Rolex line. There are plenty of high quality pretenders but nothing beats a Sub of any generation.

[Harry-57]

Do I think it's overrated? No.

Do I give a damn about some other bloke's opinion? No.

If you want one buy one. If you don't, don't. If you like other makes/models, buy them. Be happy. Don't live in someone else's head. You've got your Sub. What do you care?

[HogwldFLTR]

If you consider the $ amount as the rating system they I'd say yes, it's over rated. I don't know of any other rating system for watches. For me it misses the mark for other than diving. It's great over a wet suit or when swimming which would be the only times I'd really wear one. But that's just me.

[Aberdein]

Can you buy a cheaper diver? Yes
Can you buy a diver that has a greater depth rating? Yes
Can you buy a more accurate diver? Yes. A £50 Casio is more accurate.
Can you buy a diver that's better made, better quality? Yes
Can you buy a diver that is more technically advanced? Yes
Can you buy a diver with better aesthetics?
Logic would suggest the Rolex Sub is overrated.
Which diver would I choose, a Rolex Sub of course any day. I have one, would I swop it for another brand, no thank you.

Its a bit like Porsche and Ferrari. Logic would suggest a Porsche is a better car, technical design, build quality, reliability, fuel economy, road handling, price, etc, etc. The head says buy the Porsche, the heart says red and Italian...

Just MHO, others am sure will disagree.

[zen123]

Of all the watches I own(ed) the Ref 14060m I bought back in 2003 for just £1800 was hands down my favourite and saw the most wrist time.

Just over the weekend I reluctantly let it go in p/x for a Ref 16610LV. Was it worth it? To me yes, but don't tell the wife.

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[Nixshah]

The Submariner is the only one you can wear with a tux ;)

[1William]

A subjective question depending on the categories of measure you put on the Submariner. There are great alternatives in the market but only one Rolex Submariner. So, if the Submariner is what you want then no, it is not over rated.

[GB-man]

Absolutely not

[din64]

I thought I was the only one that thought it is overrated. Reading through this thread, I feel normal again.

[garyk]

In the early 60s, my Dad handed me my first watch as I was preparing to leave home for military school in the southern US. I would not be home for six years with the exception of a few weeks of furlough. He said the watch was a Bulova “Submariner”. I had never heard of a Rolex, a Submariner or even a Bulova for that matter. Beginning of a life long obsession lol...I’m trying to imagine a more classic or more imitated watch look?




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[Token74]

Yes and no.

Yes in terms of how many people think of it as an iconic watch with timeless design. It isn’t iconic for me, the DayDate is far more iconic. And it certainly isn’t a timeless design, the design has changed significantly over the years and I suspect will continue to do so. The Royal Oak is a timeless design, the the 15202 looking almost identical to the original 5402 to the untrained eye.

No in terms of where it sits in the market. For value for money I think it’s exceptional. Not everyone agrees with me on this, but compare it with the offerings from the competition, and it wins hands-down for me. And for people that point at watches like the Oris, maybe it’s just as good or even better in some ways, but there is something special about Rolex, it is more than just marketing.

Just my opinion of course.


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[Rags]

I love my Submariner and would never sell it. No I don't believe it's over rated at all..

[Gerry62]

Originally Posted by JP.

No it's not overrated.

This is what I wrote in my review:

"Submariner is not the most original choice, far from it. Some watch collectors consider it unimaginative and mundane… nor it is anything special from the horological standpoint. It’s not the most expensive Rolex, nor it’s the most desirable (as the production numbers are so high), nor it’s as difficult to obtain as say, Cosmograph Daytona. But even the naysayers can’t deny its iconic status in the watch world. It’s the most copied watch in the world.

There are a lot of discussions how brand XXX has made much better bracelet or clasp than a Submariner. Or how the model XXX is “much better done” than a Submariner. Well yeah, but they’re still not the Rolex Submariner – and never will be.

There is a whole industry built around Submariner homages. It’s THE model that most manufacturers aspire to have in their lineup – and a measuring stick that all dive watches get compared to, like it or not."

Rolex 16610 review

[johnorpheus]

It's a beautiful watch. Is it worth 10k? No, not based its movement and any of its features. But... I'd be lying if I said the Rolex name wasn't worth several thousand in and of itself. It was easy for me to choose my Omega Planet Ocean over a SubC - I'm getting a better technical watch for half the price, and I actually happen to like the look better. However, if I didn't already have the 116613LB, I probably would've gotten the SubC over the Omega, because the need to have at least one Rolex psychologically is real.

[quadraaa]

There are some divers out there which are better than the Sub in some aspects, but as a whole package the Sub is unbeatable in it's price category.

The mentioned GO SeaQ is probably a step above in watchmaking with its 100h of power reserve and nicely decorated movement. I also prefer the on-the-go adjustment mechanism there, which is so neatly integrated into the clasp. At the same time it's huge, thick, has PCLs and I just don't like the look.

[Raku]

I was baffled by this:
B&J: “Rolex is not a watch maker, it’s just a brand”.

Yet Rolex makes probably the most robust and tough automatic movements out there while being highly accurate at the same time (my 3132 is +2 sec after 3 weeks).
The Rolex oyster bracelets are probably the most comfortable and well constructed bracelets out there, all assembled by hand.
The bezels in the dive watches have the best action I have seen, yet he shows the misaligned bezel in a watch that is £3000 more and calls it better.
The list can go on.

I agree the GO movement looks better, but pretty does not mean better where I come from.

[Marcjvr]

I think it is overrated by the “I must have a sub” watch buyers of today.

A junior investment banker where I work saw my Explorer one day and asked me “is that a Rolex?”.

He was wearing a 6 digit Submariner. He had almost no idea or care that Rolex even makes other models

[m j b]

Originally Posted by Rexplorer214270

So is the Submariner just getting by on reputation and perceived retained value as not only a dive watch but say as daily wearer as well?

The perceived retained value is a real thing. Reputation is earned. Daily wearer, absolutely.

Can you find a comparable quality watch for less money? Yes.

[WatchNutcase]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

If you consider the $ amount as the rating system they I'd say yes, it's over rated. I don't know of any other rating system for watches. For me it misses the mark for other than diving. It's great over a wet suit or when swimming which would be the only times I'd really wear one. But that's just me.

I've got a small 6.5 inch wrist, for many years I've worn a 34mm air-king which fits perfect. Recently picked up a new Sub 114060 and I'm shocked at how well it fits. Fits me even better than the 39mm explorer 1 due to the proportions, it actually has a smaller dial than the explorer because of the bezel. I definitely notice it's heavier on the wrist compared to my air-king but it's a dive watch after all so it should feel chunkier.

The lug size issue is overblown in my opinion. I've tried on both the 5 digit alongside the 6 digit and the difference was hardly noticeable. With the increase in quality of the 6 digit and a slightly chunkier feel I went with that one. Sub is also quite slim for a diver, it has a little bit of a bubble back but nothing that puts me off.

[subprimero]

My 14060 is a great watch, it's not overrated. Seiko divers are my other favorite.

[Rodrigo082]

On the list price - it’s a great buy but over retail- it’s overpriced for sure (most Sport models are)

You can’t compare the Sub to the Glashütte SeaQ- they are targeted for different audience ... the SeaQ is a higher quality diver - it’s niche product for only few who knows the art of watches making ... Rolex is the masses, therefore, it has a higher demand ... point

[sgwatchguy]

Originally Posted by Rexplorer214270

So is the Submariner just getting by on reputation and perceived retained value as not only a dive watch but say as daily wearer as well?

Maybe but Nope.

IMO... Slightly overpriced at MSRP but the market believes otherwise and so there’s a premium on it.

If I went looking for a diver again, I doubt I’d consider an Omega, BP, Oris or GO.

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by Hollie_Rollie

At current market price, the whole Rolex line up is arguably overrated.

Statement of the year. Many on the forum a few years ago stated at msrp the Rolex watches were over priced.

[JTL31]

[QUOTE=Aberdein;10762211
...Just MHO, others am sure will disagree.[/QUOTE]

Agree - just didn’t want to display your whole quote

Originally Posted by 1William

A subjective question depending on the categories of measure you put on the Submariner. There are great alternatives in the market but only one Rolex Submariner. So, if the Submariner is what you want then no, it is not over rated.

+1

Originally Posted by WatchNutcase

I've got a small 6.5 inch wrist. Recently picked up a new Sub and I'm shocked at how well it fits. .

I’m pleased with the case size/fit as well on my 6-1/2 “ wrist. I’m in an agreeable mood this morning.

[Rexplorer214270]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

Do I think it's overrated? No.

Do I give a damn about some other bloke's opinion? No.

If you want one buy one. If you don't, don't. If you like other makes/models, buy them. Be happy. Don't live in someone else's head. You've got your Sub. What do you care?

With all do respect this is a forum, we post items for discussion. By your logic what is the point of having this webpage? This is the fun part of the hobby where you can post items for discussion and get people's opinions. I enjoy reading people's opinions, I am not trying to live in someone else's head. If you don't like the topic there was no need for you to read the post and comment on the thread.

[garyk]

IMO, underrated!!

[Chester01]

Yes, a surprise to many here that place Rolex on a pedestal, gasp, there are better models. One would simply have to look at Omega and some other brands. The movement is as if not more accurate, better power reserve, and far more anti-magnetic which is a real functional advantage.

Now, as to the question of overrated. Unlike the Daytona that has fake heritage due to its association with a salad dressing guy, the sub has been issued by some military outfits, worn and proven in combat, and with the Sub (and Blancpain) were the first real dive watches ever created. The watches has been on the wrist of numerous explorers and ocean exploring expeditions (i.e. Cousteau).

The design is the most copied on the planet and perhaps the most recognizable and iconic in the world. When you close your eyes and think dive watch, its the sub that comes to mind. There really is only one other watch even close, and that's the speedmaster pro.

So to answer your question, overrated. No. Is it the best watch, also no.

[mr ling]

Originally Posted by ras47

"Better"?? Maybe in the opinion of some blogger but not me. I prefer the Sub Date over all of those other watches. The Oris is ok, maybe a bit vanilla. The Glashutte imho is ugly. And the Fifty Fathoms is bland. I'd take the Sub Date over all three of those others together.

This right here. Sub Date over these no question. In fact, if I could only wear one sport style watch, I'd go diver, and it would certainly be a black sub date.

[tjs1295]

I'm always looking to get a new diver. I'd love a Planet Ocean, but they're too thick on my wrist. Biggest issue for me is size, and proportions. The sub has them perfect.... for me. Looks are nice as well.

[JRell]

I see a lot of posts around omega divers being better. I am a sub owner, not a diver (I know blasphemy), heck I don’t even like the water period. With some quick research, I don’t see that much of a difference functionally between the sub and omega. That being said, am I the only one that just can’t stand the look of the omega seamaster? I want to like it, easy piece to add to the collection, I just don’t get the odd shape of the bezel. Many of the dials as well, that wavy line look, just not for me. Now if I am 300 meters down swimming with great white sharks, I guess I would have to do more research! That being said, overrated, look at the aftermarket value of the seamaster vs sub. I think market value is considered with rating, and sub easily has this beat.