Need Advice, Getting Hard to See My Sub

[Ironmike]

Hello Rolex Friends,
I am new to this forum but not new to Rolex. My latest acquisition (and my only Rolex presently), an M series Sub was purchased from my local AD here in south Florida, in 2008. I love it and I wear it everywhere, this includes gym, water sports, and the ever increasingly rare evening out. My current dilemma is that because of a vision problem and age, the Sub’s thin hands are becoming increasingly difficult to see, especially in low light. I am faced with some options…

1. Go out and find a good pre-owned LV with maxi-dial and put a black insert in it, (I can’t do green full time).
2. Put an LV maxi-dial and or maxi-hands in my current Sub 16610.
3. Put hour, minute, and the cool red second hand from a yacht-master in my current sub, (I think these are also the larger hands), and maybe change the dial or not. Red would be more visible under water.
I would prefer not to get the new 6 digit Sub, as it is just too large for my wrist and it is pricey. Please let me know what the best option might be for a daily wear watch. I really like to use the Sub in the manner for which it was designed. Not as a beater or tool watch, but a functional sport timepiece for the water inclined. Thanks for the thoughts.

[SemperFi]

Welcome to the forum Ironmike.
I'm not in a position to answer your questions or give advice because I simply don't know what options are available to you. But I will say that you came to the right place and I'm sure someone will come along with suggestions. Best of luck.

[snhrph]

Glasses?

[datejusting]

Originally Posted by snhrph

Glasses?

Good idea, you probably need glasses or a new prescription. Perhaps some bifocals.

[watchwatcher]

Really your best option is to get the new sub. While wearing slightly larger b/c of the supercase design, it actually fits the smaller wrist better due to having more removeable links and the ever popular glidelock clasp.

Pricey...yes. But when you factor in that the resale of the 16610 is still strong and there are good deals to be had on the 116610, you will not pay much more (if any) flipping your older sub for a new ceramic than you will for messing around putting dials and hands in your options above.

Just my two cents, coming from one weak eyed, smaller wristed person to another.

[mjm800]

I wear reading glasses with progressive lenses. I have perfect far vision but my old eyes are not so good up close. The reading glasses really help and now my watches are crystal clear!

[Seaswirl]

I'd second a SubC. It is easier to read.

[Tools]

If your eyes are getting so bad that you can't see the hands on your Sub, you need glasses before you have a serious accident..

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by Tools

If your eyes are getting so bad that you can't see the hands on your Sub, you need glasses before you have a serious accident..

I don't wear glasses but I would assume issues seeing your own wrist watch would require reading glasses, which I also assume (hope;) wouldnt affect your driving vision.

With that said, not sure if you'd be willing to make a switch but the 42mm explorer 2 may be a good option for you! I would personally consider a different watch before making modifications.
(Not my pic)

[SemperFi]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

I don't wear glasses but I would assume issues seeing your own wrist watch would require reading glasses, which I also assume (hope;) wouldnt affect your driving vision.



With that said, not sure if you'd be willing to make a switch but the 42mm explorer 2 may be a good option for you! I would personally consider a different watch before making modifications.

(Not my pic)

The Explorer II (Polar) does look like a good option. At least to me, white dial watches are much easier to read.

[Joearch]

Try one on these. Can't be beat for clarity.

[fullcourt]

Originally Posted by Joearch

Try one on these. Can't be beat for clarity.

^^^^this, lol

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by Joearch

Try one on these. Can't be beat for clarity.

Never mind the watch, I want that shirt. It's awesome! Is it a designer/brand name item?

[AF_Rob]

I think the LV hands would look wrong on the 16610. I think going for an LV is a good plan given you want to avoid newer models.

[Old Expat Beast]

Glasses are the best route. In a couple of years you'll likely find it hard to see the maxi dial and hands, too. Then you'll be looking for a Tudor Heritage Ranger. Better to deal with the route cause, not the object, IMO.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by Ironmike

Hello Rolex Friends,
I am new to this forum but not new to Rolex. My latest acquisition (and my only Rolex presently), an M series Sub was purchased from my local AD here in south Florida, in 2008. I love it and I wear it everywhere, this includes gym, water sports, and the ever increasingly rare evening out. My current dilemma is that because of a vision problem and age, the Sub’s thin hands are becoming increasingly difficult to see, especially in low light. I am faced with some options…

1. Go out and find a good pre-owned LV with maxi-dial and put a black insert in it, (I can’t do green full time).
2. Put an LV maxi-dial and or maxi-hands in my current Sub 16610.
3. Put hour, minute, and the cool red second hand from a yacht-master in my current sub, (I think these are also the larger hands), and maybe change the dial or not. Red would be more visible under water.
I would prefer not to get the new 6 digit Sub, as it is just too large for my wrist and it is pricey. Please let me know what the best option might be for a daily wear watch. I really like to use the Sub in the manner for which it was designed. Not as a beater or tool watch, but a functional sport timepiece for the water inclined. Thanks for the thoughts.

#4

mod it!

get orange hour and seconds hand.

[tomcorkery]

Im with the glasses answer as well. I have the maxi dial and cant see it without my glasses.

[997.2]

Get glasses sir

[bridgs]

Sorry to hear that. The sub is by about the best watch for my aging eyes. Bifocals have helped me see the time better.

[MoreCowdog]

One of the reasons I picked a Polar Explorer II was the legibility. Like yourself, I need glasses to see a lot of things close up nowadays. I've been very happy with it, and as others have mentioned, it might be worth your consideration.

[ReXTless]

Speedmaster Pro.

[Fiddler]

Just went through the same decision.

My GMTc was getting hard to see, especially in low light. I bought a new polar Explorer II. Much, much better. Now I only wear my GMT for special occasions.

Having said that, reading glasses are simply a reality.

[Ed Rooney]

I tried on the new ExpII and the ceramic sub the other day, and the ExpII was amazing. The numbers on the bezel are much more subtle in person, and the watch is very legible.

I can no longer read the date or appreciate the dial text on my Sea-Dweller.

[Afghanvet]

I've been down that path... glasses!

[Mfrankel2]

If distance vision is still good without correction, have a pair of progressive lenses made with a clear top. If the issue of taking off and putting on just to see things (menus, watch, smartphone, etc.) is bothersome, solution is to leave the specs on

[Ed Rooney]

Originally Posted by Mfrankel2

If distance vision is still good without correction, have a pair of progressive lenses made with a clear top. If the issue of taking off and putting on just to see things (menus, watch, smartphone, etc.) is bothersome, solution is to leave the specs on

I might look into this. I still have 20/20 or better vision, but close in stuff gets blurry.

[phils]

Ironmike, first some questions:
What is your vision problem?
How old are you?
Nearsighted or farsighted?
Scuba diver? Orange lasts the longest at depth.
Cataracts?

Look at the Tudor Pelagos. And the company that sells direct the orange divers models (can't think of it).

[Jim P]

Glasses all the way! Then any watch you want to wear is wearable!

[luvsub]

Lv

[OmegaJJH]

Glasses. It'll make your life HD!

Then buy another Rolex anyway !