No love for my 5 digits

[RKTINC1]

The very first time I touched a real Rolex I was disappointed in the feel of the bracelet especially the clasp. That was addressed in dramatic fashion with the 6 digits. The lighter bracelets feel vintage to me know and I don't mind them occasionally.

In looking for my first Gold Rolex the older subs really disapoint in the clasp area. The day dates don't have that issue. I have an 116200 that wears like a tank. It is like moving from a 1970's cadillac to a new LS Lexus.

[Xenon]

Any PM Sub will make a new SS Sub feel like a tuna can.

[mmaggi]

I don't own a 6 digit. One day I will. However that doesn't mean I don't appreciate my 16710 Pepsi. It's not fair to compare 5s vs 6s. They are watches from different eras. 30-40 years ago the 5 digits were the bomb. Now the 6 digits are the bomb. Nothing wrong with that.

[Casey VP-26]

Funny this subject came up. Out of the blue two different people told me this week the exact opposite and one of them is a watchmaker. I guess that's what makes the world go round.

[mmmmp]

The newer bracelets are superior in every way. No doubt about it.

However, IMO after owning two 6 digits Subs, the 5 digit models look so much more elegant to the Supet/Maxi cased updates.

Ideally, buying an older 5 digit and purchaing a new Oyster or Jubilee bracelet would solve the problem, (If they fit) except it's a somewhat pricey solution. That said, I've always maintained keeping watches completely stock regardless of their Idiosyncrasies. A little "rattle 'n' clatter" is kinda part of the vintage vibe anyway.

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[HogwldFLTR]

I've owned both but I must side on the side of the six digit watches as being of a higher caliber. The machined clasp and improved bracelets causes their feel to be much beefier on the wrist. This is irrespective of model. The larger watches with the supersized cases don't fit me comfortably so they're not on my radar but those that do fit properly are my choice. It's a limited selection but I'm happy to have the higher caliber watch in my size than a lower caliber one of a model that I won't wear in the larger version. Examples are 14060 versus the 114060. Also the older GMTs in comparison to the newer ones. Certainly the newer Sea Dwellers are way off the radar for me. I owned a 116600 which fit nicely but I just didn't want it enough to keep it.

[mps354]

I put a glidelock clasp on my 16710...best of both worlds

[AF_Rob]

Though the modern bracelet is head and shoulders above, it is secondary to the watch head and not enough to make me want to quit wearing my 5 digits.


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[Nikrnic]

I have five 6 dgt and two 5 dgt. I wear the 16710 more than anything. My 14060M random has been a safe queen since new. I do love the 6 dgt. Professional models but find myself liking and wearing the DJ41 more than the rest of those and that was the last new Rolex I bought and the one I had the most doubts of adding. Lately been thinking of trading my SubC and Blnr for 116710LN and possibly a first Panerai..?

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[1665fan]

Originally Posted by mmaggi

I don't own a 6 digit. One day I will. However that doesn't mean I don't appreciate my 16710 Pepsi. It's not fair to compare 5s vs 6s. They are watches from different eras. 30-40 years ago the 5 digits were the bomb. Now the 6 digits are the bomb. Nothing wrong with that.

Exactly....and the 4 digits were the bomb also in their time

[Onikage]

Originally Posted by mmmmp

I've always maintained keeping watches completely stock regardless of their Idiosyncrasies. A little "rattle 'n' clatter" is kinda part of the vintage vibe anyway.

I've never known a 5 digit with SELs to rattle. That more or less narrows it down to the clasp. I understand that some apparently have wrists that change shape throughout the day and require on the fly adjustment. I don't, and honestly don't mind the older stamped affairs. They're a compact fold away unit compared to the new under wrist appliances.

[Sandpit]

Originally Posted by Onikage

I've never known a 5 digit with SELs to rattle. That more or less narrows it down to the clasp. I understand that some apparently have wrists that change shape throughout the day and require on the fly adjustment. I don't, and honestly don't mind the older stamped affairs. They're a compact fold away unit compared to the new under wrist appliances.

I’m sure the glide lock is great for everyday adjustments, but it’s absolutely massive. It took up practically the whole of my wrist which I didn’t really like.

Hopefully they can slim it down one day. That would be perfection.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Spectre38

I don't think you should have to subject yourself to such an antiquated piece... If you want to send it to me, I will properly dispose of it.

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[IR201]

So what did you wind up doing OP?

[JSolution]

Originally Posted by IR201

So what did you wind up doing OP?

Quite An old thread!

I don’t own any 5 digits anymore :)
Actually I have one - 16618 black dial.

[mquarter]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

May I respectfully add, if Rolex thought the 5 digit Subs were so awesome they wouldn't have created the 6 digit versions. They seen many weak points and improved upon all of them.

But in doing so went backwards in the most important aspect - aesthetics.

[robinmgb]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Many can’t go back to the 5 digit models mainly because of the bracelet and tuna can clasp.

Exactly, I've tried in the past but they're just awful in my opinion, if you must buy a Rolex it has to be a 6 digit

[woodruffm]

I've gone in the opposite direction, whilst the 6 digit build quality is undoutedly a massive step forward, the bracelets are an engineering marvel, to me, as a package they are not greater than the sum of their parts, whereas with the 5 digits I find are.

Aesthetically, I find 5 digit references much more appealing, 6 digit sport watches are just far too shiny.

Maybe it's an age thing, I'm late 40s, I'm sure the younger crowd loves the aesthetics of the 6 digit references.

[Rolexfan23]

I love that tin can bracelet feeling also like the newer more solid feeling bracelet. Nice to have both.

[Sandpit]

Originally Posted by woodruffm

I've gone in the opposite direction, whilst the 6 digit build quality is undoutedly a massive step forward, the bracelets are an engineering marvel, to me, as a package they are not greater than the sum of their parts, whereas with the 5 digits I find are.

Aesthetically, I find 5 digit references much more appealing, 6 digit sport watches are just far too shiny.

Maybe it's an age thing, I'm late 40s, I'm sure the younger crowd loves the aesthetics of the 6 digit references.

You have 10 years on me, but I also much prefer the 5 digits and I think you've hit the nail on the head.

Watches are an exercise in tradeoffs, and each of us values different aspects. Sure the 6 digit bracelets are better. I don't really question that. However the watch as a whole is much bigger, blingier, heavier, less comfortable (on my wrist) and (the deal breaker) don't look as good as the 5 digit. Again, that's just my opinion.

I directly compared the 116610LN and a 16610LN when I was making my decision. Having weighed up both options the 16610LN was a standout winner. I actually paid a good amount more for the 5 digit than I could have paid for the 6 digit, but money didn't come into it.

The summary is that in my opinion there is no perfect watch. Each has their own pros and cons. Its what weight we put to each of those aspects.

Personally, I didn't put any weight to the bracelet / clasp of the 5 digit. It's a non-issue to me. It really perplexes me why there is such an obsession about a watch bracelet and it is often the only thing that the 6 digit crew can identify as being an issue. Aesthetically, the 5 digit wipes the floor with the 6 digits - but again it's all subjective.

[RazorD]

I split my time between modern and vintage and love them each for what they are.

[paxjedi]

Originally Posted by C0d

It seems to me that lot of 5 digit owners who got their watches way back when are still trying to convince themselves and their kids that their pieces are better.

6 digit pieces are just better. Might not be aesthetically lleasing to some but they are better in every way.

Yep, we got our watches back when Rolex were timepieces to wear everyday at work or for diving, and not like jewelry as they are worn today.
We don't need to convince our kids of anything. We already know that whatever timepieces we give them one day, they will appreciate because of their provenance.



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[PhilippeD]

I have a 20-year old 16710 pepsi, and a 2021 Deepsea James Cameron.

The Pepsi is the classic, versatile, lightweight watch.
The Deepsea is the modern, heavy, ultra technical watch.

Best of both worlds and I love them equally.

[IR201]

Originally Posted by JSolution

Quite An old thread!

I don’t own any 5 digits anymore :)
Actually I have one - 16618 black dial.

Haha I was feeling similarly and saw your thread. Was curious what you decided and how you felt about it.


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[JSolution]

Originally Posted by IR201

Haha I was feeling similarly and saw your thread. Was curious what you decided and how you felt about it.


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Yeah no regrets my friend, As I said I did keep although probably haven’t actually worn it since this thread was started - my 16618. It’s immaculate with solid end links and feels so solid that it doesn’t have that clangy feel to it.

Would I still wear a 5 digit? Absolutely, but it’s my preference not to.

What are you thinking about moving on?

[travisb]

Old thread but the same happened to me. Once the 6 digit references were released, all of my 5 digits gradually left the collection.

[911991]

Originally Posted by JSolution

Have a couple of 5 digits in my collection, amongst a lot of 6 digits. Finding it really hard to wear these now after having the newer bracelets. Anyone else experienced this?

I have worn this watch more than any other I own, but not recently. Im not into vintage (yes this is only about 15 years old) but it’s a huge jump in quality I feel, from the 5 to the 6 digit.

This one is on the chopping block.





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Interesting, I find it just the opposite, sometimes I have to visual look to see if I am wearing my 5 digit as it just disappears on my wrist, I always know and feel the extra heft of the new models. But when riding my bicycle on bumping roads I can hear the 5 digit bracelet rattle, LOL!

[IR201]

Originally Posted by JSolution

Yeah no regrets my friend, As I said I did keep although probably haven’t actually worn it since this thread was started - my 16618. It’s immaculate with solid end links and feels so solid that it doesn’t have that clangy feel to it.

Would I still wear a 5 digit? Absolutely, but it’s my preference not to.

What are you thinking about moving on?

I’ve got a 16610LN and a 14060M that I’m constantly unsure about. Any time a trade idea comes up in my head they are the first I think about, whereas most all other pieces in my collection (except my Exp 1) are in “that’s not going anywhere category”. I’ve also got more modern subs which I do prefer. It’s just that letting go of the 14060M especially feels like I’d be letting go of an entire idea (which I love in my head but underwhelms on my wrist), if that makes sense. I know this forum’s overall opinion. Don’t let it go. Or perhaps some accusation of my preferring hype or jewelry


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[JSolution]

Originally Posted by IR201

I’ve got a 16610LN and a 14060M that I’m constantly unsure about. Any time a trade idea comes up in my head they are the first I think about, whereas most all other pieces in my collection (except my Exp 1) are in “that’s not going anywhere category”. I’ve also got more modern subs which I do prefer. It’s just that letting go of the 14060M especially feels like I’d be letting go of an entire idea (which I love in my head but underwhelms on my wrist), if that makes sense. I know this forum’s overall opinion. Don’t let it go. Or perhaps some accusation of my preferring hype or jewelry


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Sounds like you’re unsure, I wouldn’t make a move just yet. I was going to ask if you wear them still but at the time of making this post this was my daily wearer - I chucked it in to a deal for a meteorite GMT. Maybe just keep the 14060M and put the 16610 into a trade for now would be my advice, rather than both at the same time. Then you still have one left if the mood takes you, as do I

[7enderbender]

It’s kind of funny how over in the Omega forum everyone is praising the lighter and thinner Speedmaster bracelet and case - while here folks are often decrying the 50 series bracelets as light and tinny and rattly.
I prefer the 5 series proportions and look and find it substantial enough. Same with the predecessor Speedmaster which was of similar weight and stability.