How to decide between a sub with or without the date?

[RyanS]

Hey everyone. I've been reading these forums for a few months now as I've been doing watch research. This has been a great place to get info, photos, and advice on the wonderful brand of rolex.

I'm looking into purchasing one relatively soon, and before I even began to browse rolex watches I wanted one with a black dial, so naturally upon looking at Rolex I wanted a sub. Now my question is, at first glance of the sub, I liked the non-date model better, but now I'm liking the date version. I just can't decide! I know various members of the forums have both models, so how did you decide what to go with? I don't want to pay that much money for either one to later wish I had gotten the other model!

Thanks for any advice on this difficult decision

[leopardprey]

One thing to consider, the Sub No Date, is about 1mm smaller in Diameter and also about .5mm thinner than the Sub with Date. So some people think the Sub No Date fits a little more comfortable on the wrist. Also, with no date function on the sub no date, means one less complication so some believe it makes the watch a little more ruggedd.

[Blue Bull]

Wanting a black dial does not exclude the old or new GMT II or the Expl II

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by RyanS

Hey everyone. I've been reading these forums for a few months now as I've been doing watch research. This has been a great place to get info, photos, and advice on the wonderful brand of rolex.

I'm looking into purchasing one relatively soon, and before I even began to browse rolex watches I wanted one with a black dial, so naturally upon looking at Rolex I wanted a sub. Now my question is, at first glance of the sub, I liked the non-date model better, but now I'm liking the date version. I just can't decide! I know various members of the forums have both models, so how did you decide what to go with? I don't want to pay that much money for either one to later wish I had gotten the other model!

Thanks for any advice on this difficult decision

Hi Ryan,

Welcome to TRF.

Both watches are excellent....it's only the date factor that matters in the end. Question you have to ask yourself is whether you need the date. Some of us here cannot do without the date feature. I know I'd go bonkers without one.

As far as resale value goes, the Sub-date will hold its value much better in the end.

My best advice to you is go in to your AD and try them both on. One of them will scream: Take me home, Ryan!!

Good luck - JJ

[RyanS]

Thanks for the replies!

The more I think about it, the more I realize how often I do need to look at the date. I find myself checking the date on my cell phone at work and it's always in my pocket.

From what I have been reading, rolex price increases are coming in a few months (around october), so I should purchase a watch relatively soon if I want to save some cash?

[mike]

Hi Ryan, welcome!

Heck I'm still trying to figure that one out myself! LOL!

Some days I like the clean look of a non date, other days I have to have a date, and still other times I love the SD with no cyclops. It never ends!

JJ, Chris, and Chad all give great points.

I would also add that if you go with the non-date 14060M you'll be getting the last version in the system that uses a lug hole case and the 91350 bracelet with the old style extension.-- My favorite, but I'm probably in the minority there.

Try em all see which one fits better for you. There's no wrong answer!

[Bama]

Welcome to the forum. I appreciate the clean look of the no date. Many don't like the cyclops and this is another reason they prefer the no date Sub or the SeaDweller. I personally like the date function and have not had a watch in a long time without it. As JJ said, try them both on and give it a lot of thought. One of them is for you and you will figure out which one is. If it is a watch you plan on keeping for a very long time then give less consideration to future value than to what you like best.

[Blue Bull]

Originally Posted by mike

Hi Ryan, welcome!

Heck I'm still trying to figure that one out myself! LOL!

Some days I like the clean look of a non date, other days I have to have a date, and still other times I love the SD with no cyclops. It never ends!

JJ, Chris, and Chad all give great points.

I would also add that if you go with the non-date 14060M you'll be getting the last version in the system that uses a lug hole case and the 91350 bracelet with the old style extension.-- My favorite, but I'm probably in the minority there.

Try em all see which one fits better for you. There's no wrong answer!

Aaaah,I forgot to mention my very own Sea-Dweller ... heavy,brilliant shine from the elevated crystal and larger cuts in the bezel.Clean without the cyclops,revealing the most exquisite date window.Inscription on the caseback.Its different and I love it !!

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Hi Ryan,

BIG welcome to TRF!

The best thing to do to know which of them to buy is to go to your AD and try them both on.

The one that smiles back at you (NO, NOT that tall, blond woman AD sales's assistant! .....the WATCH!), is the one to go for

[RyanS]

Thanks for the advice!

These are difficult decisions and I now see why many of you own multiple rolex watches - it's impossible to just have one!

[ROLEXAHOLIC]

Originally Posted by RyanS

Thanks for the advice!

These are difficult decisions and I now see why many of you own multiple rolex watches - it's impossible to just have one!

Excellent deduction Ryan - I'm surpised no one has yet suggested that you get both !

[Tools]

Ryan,

Welcome to TRF.

I don't think that either one will result in any buyers remorse for you. Both are great choices.

I have several TT subs yet I keep being drawn to that non-date SS model just because.....well, it's kind of what started it all.

If your bank account says you need to spend a minimal amount to get your Sub, go for the non-date, if it's not a problem, go for the date.

[redcalx]

This may or may not have been mentioned (I skimmed quickly) but im my quest for the perfect rolex it was between the GMT and the Sub. My initial reaction was that I preferred the sub w/o date until I realized that it was one of the only rolexes that is not a official certified chronometer. In my opinion, when buying a rolex this is a must and therefore I was able to rule out the sub no date, and between the sub date and the GMT, I chose the GMT. Sounds like you're sold on a sub already, so I would suggest going with the date.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by RyanS

Hey everyone. I've been reading these forums for a few months now as I've been doing watch research. This has been a great place to get info, photos, and advice on the wonderful brand of rolex.

I'm looking into purchasing one relatively soon, and before I even began to browse rolex watches I wanted one with a black dial, so naturally upon looking at Rolex I wanted a sub. Now my question is, at first glance of the sub, I liked the non-date model better, but now I'm liking the date version. I just can't decide! I know various members of the forums have both models, so how did you decide what to go with? I don't want to pay that much money for either one to later wish I had gotten the other model!

Thanks for any advice on this difficult decision

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Blue Bull

Aaaah,I forgot to mention my very own Sea-Dweller ... heavy,brilliant shine from the elevated crystal and larger cuts in the bezel.Clean without the cyclops,revealing the most exquisite date window.Inscription on the caseback.Its different and I love it !!

ps. How did you go with SD's strap?

[Andad]

Originally Posted by RyanS

Hey everyone. I've been reading these forums for a few months now as I've been doing watch research. This has been a great place to get info, photos, and advice on the wonderful brand of rolex.

I'm looking into purchasing one relatively soon, and before I even began to browse rolex watches I wanted one with a black dial, so naturally upon looking at Rolex I wanted a sub. Now my question is, at first glance of the sub, I liked the non-date model better, but now I'm liking the date version. I just can't decide! I know various members of the forums have both models, so how did you decide what to go with? I don't want to pay that much money for either one to later wish I had gotten the other model!

Thanks for any advice on this difficult decision

EASY,

If you can remember what day it is buy the Sub if you can't then buy the Sub Date.

Close your eyes NOW!!

[Andad]

Jokes aside,

I was sitting at my office desk this morning trying to remember the date and I couldn't. My SD couldn't help me as I was trying to set the date on it at the time.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by directioneng

Jokes aside,

I was sitting at my office desk this morning trying to remember the date and I couldn't. My SD couldn't help me as I was trying to set the date on it at the time.

Getting a wee bit senile, are we, Eddie?

[Andad]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Getting a wee bit senile, are we, Eddie?

Not just a 'wee bit' JJ. ummm what was the question.

[Henry T]

Date or non-date, better get it before they up the price (again).

[Teofilo]

Originally Posted by Henry T

Date or non-date, better get it before they up the price (again).

Too true Henry......you cant go wrong with either the Sub or the Sub date.
Both classics
I went for the Sub because I just preferred the look of it...I can stare at my watch all day......the cyclops just seemed to fugly the look of the Sub date for me.
Many people though dont seem to mind the cyclops.

[ohlins]

not only dun mind the cyclops.....but kinda like it.......

[roadcarver]

Not sure if you've already considered whether a cyclops will bother you if you do decide to get the sub-date.

[S2000 Driver]

Originally Posted by ohlins

not only dun mind the cyclops.....but kinda like it.......

The Cyclops is the most obvious/signature feature that identifies your watch as a Rolex.

Would think twice about buying a Rolex without it but, ulitmately, it comes down to what you like and there is no 'wrong' answer.

Either way, it's a substantial investment so whichever model delights you the most when you wear it is the 'right' watch!

[newsub]

Originally Posted by S2000 Driver

The Cyclops is the most obvious/signature feature that identifies your watch as a Rolex.

Would think twice about buying a Rolex without it but, ulitmately, it comes down to what you like and there is no 'wrong' answer.

Either way, it's a substantial investment so whichever model delights you the most when you wear it is the 'right' watch!

I had a similar quandry, at the end of the day the cyclops swung it for me. to me - its what makes a rolex iconic and recognisable.

[nko51]

To me a Rolex without a cyclops eye is just not a Rolex.

[S2000 Driver]

This thread inspired my new sig below.

[scotw]

Personally I could not live without a date, I do have 1 watch without a date and every time I wear it I keep looking at for the date !

As for the cyclops, I used to dislike it and think that I would have it removed, but once I had it, I found that its really practical and I've grown to like it!

So for me, go for the date, but make sure whatever you pick is what you want - its a lot of money to make a mistake with, enjoy the process!

[Perpetuator]

I just got my Z series 14060m and couldn't be happier. I do like the look of the 16610, but I actually prefer a watch sans date, as it is one less thing to have to worry about adjusting if/when you let your watch "rest" for a couple days and it exhausts its power reserve and stops. Then after you adjust the date and time, you have to sorta guess as to whether your watch was on AM or PM, otherwise the date is going to change at noon (at least this is how some of my quartz watches with dates worked). Not to mention, from what I understand, you aren't supposed to adjust the date on your Rolex when it indicates a certain time of the day...? (Could someone pls clarify this?)

I like the look and feel of the somewhat smaller case/bezel, and the watch wears well (as long as the bracelet is properly adjusted to fit your wrist). I really like the minimalist look of the dial that has printed on it hardly anything beyond "Rolex Submariner." After getting used to my non-date sub, the 16610 dials just look a bit too "busy" for my tastes. I even prefer the more simple dial to those of the new COSC-certified non-date subs. I also like the fact that I snatched up a Z series, the last model before becoming an official chronometer (and a part of the last of a Rolex era).

With all this said, however, you can't go wrong with either!

[SSD]

I'm with JJ here again. Go to your favorite dealer and try on both the Sub Date and the Sub (No-date). That is the #1 best way to decide, because either one is a classic winner with strong good points and almost no drawbacks, if any do (in fact) exist. It sounds like you've setteled on the Sub already, so try not to allow the other models to affect your decision. Just made these decisions myself! Ahhhhh! the joy of it all!

[supermarz]

personally ....i can not live without a date function... however it is entirely up to you whether you do need it or not. in regards to which one is more of a classic, i am not sure ( could be the dateless one?).

i'm not sure what's the price difference on these two though