4-digit vs. 5-digit vs. 6-digit Sub

[douglasf13]

Hi. Another thread inspired me to come up with a ridiculous hypothetical. I know that many in these forums like older Submariner designs, but still prefer reliable new/like new condition and don't want to spend vintage "collector" money on the old stuff. If you want to buy a new Rolex in a store, the only option is obviously the current SubC (assuming it was actually in stock. )

So, if Rolex announced today that they'd be willing to retool and make only one version of today's Sub/SubDate brand new at today's retail price, would you vote for them to simply keep making the 114060/116610, or would you ask them to switch and go back to making either the 5512/1680 or 14060/16610 versions of those watches?

[sillo]

Matte 16800. The best of both worlds to me.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by sillo38

Matte 16800. The best of both worlds to me.

I hear you, but I didn't want to list every single Sub ever, so stick to the poll! I'd probably take a 6204 over all of them, if we're talking any Sub...although I do like a date.

[CRM114]

4 digit Sub = Ursula Andress/Rachel Welch
5 digit Sub = Bo Derek/Heather Locklear
6 digit Sub = Kim Kardashian/Beyonce

[DoctorA]

The 6 digit combines the heritage with the improvement!

[Old Expat Beast]

The later 5513. Best of all refs.

[wuyeah]

Let’s see 4, 5, 6 digit sub all in one shot!

[run23]

4 or 5 digit size with the newer bracelet would be a winner for me.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by run23

4 or 5 digit size with the newer bracelet would be a winner for me.

Hey, no cheating!

Honestly, rather than going from a 5-digit bracelet to a 6-digit bracelet, I’ve gone the other direction and started wearing a 4-digit folded links bracelet, which is much more comfortable than the newer stuff. A lightweight watch on a folded links Oyster bracelet is crazy comfortable. My 36mm watch only weighs about 82g with the bracelet!

[sensui]

Practicality....five digit for utility and something I'd trust under water.....aesthetics....you won't beat the charm of a nice conditioned four digit with proper patina.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by sensui

Practicality....five digit for utility and something I'd trust under water.....aesthetics....you won't beat the charm of a nice conditioned four digit with proper patina.

Yeah, but I’m asking if they were made brand new today, rather than vintage with patina.

[sensui]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

Yeah, but I’m asking if they were made brand new today, rather than vintage with patina.

I just read through your entire post. Apologies I'm skimming after all this holiday partying heh. My vote is definitely the early four digits like the big crown...kinda like what omega did with the 60th anniversary trilogy....wishful thinking though, Rolex would never go this way.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by sensui

I just read through your entire post. Apologies I'm skimming after all this holiday partying heh. My vote is definitely the early four digits like the big crown...kinda like what omega did with the 60th anniversary trilogy....wishful thinking though, Rolex would never go this way.

I was joking about giving you a hard time. Agree about the early Sub...and that it’ll never happen.

[Scapegoat]

Originally Posted by wuyeah

Let’s see 4, 5, 6 digit sub all in one shot!

Yeah! Looking forward to seeing such a picture!

[regnant]

I like modern implementation of improvements

[kalburnfall]

I like the 4 digit subs the best, but I wouldn’t just want them to make them exactly as they were - that is, if there was a 4 digit sub in brand new condition it still wouldn’t be a “modern” watch.
I’d probably want something that looked like the 1680 with modern movement, materials (matte ceramic bezel, dial, printing, font, bracelet, clasp, steel, etc) and finishing.
Basically I’d like it modernized in the same way the 6538 was modernized into the black bay, minus the ornamental rivets and stepped links. I wouldn’t want an increase in size though. I don’t think I would ever get a Rolex diver that is over 40mm.

[mailman]

5 digit with maxi dial and hands

[Cru Jones]

6 is the best in all respects except nostalgia. ;-)

[brandrea]

I prefer the original 5513 in terms of the aesthetic charm, but I want the improved bracelet, clasp and size of the modern.

[997]

The 4-digit defined my love for Rolex...

[AK797]

I would only want the 6 digits made now, altho I would also be intrigued to see what a 41mm sub with slimmer lugs looked like as the SD43 looks the business. I like the 4s but I wouldn't want them reimagined, I like their vintage charm and personality.

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

6 is the best in all respects except nostalgia. ;-)

Have to agree.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

6 is the best in all respects except nostalgia. ;-)

Mechanical watches themselves are nostalgia. As I’ve said before, picking one based on the newest tech is like going out and buying today’s most advanced typewriter.

My only issue with vintage is condition and price, thus this poll. In fact, buying my new 76200 on a folded links bracelet was about as close as you can come to traveling back in time 40 years and buying a new watch, and it’s fantastic and as capable as any other new watch today.

[GradyPhilpott]

I think the 14060(M) Sub is the best Sub to date.

I'm not knocking the 6-digit Subs, but for me, the 5-digit is really where it's at.

[slide13]

Love my 6 digit and really appreciate the improvements however I would take a new 4 digit in a heartbeat. Give me a matte finish, painted marker dial any day!

The 5 digits don’t appeal to me that much anymore. The old style case is nice but I don’t care for the small applied marker dial. Too in between modern and vintage for my taste, lacks the true vintage charm of the older watches but doesn’t have the improvements I’d like in a modern watch (mostly bracelet/clasp).

6 digit case has grown on me after actually wearing one and the new dial/hands and bracelet make it a much nicer overall package than the 5 digit for my taste.

[SearChart]

1680 top hat, with the tropical rubber strap that Adam has on his 5513.

[Sub King]

Originally Posted by kalburnfall

I like the 4 digit subs the best, but I wouldn’t just want them to make them exactly as they were - that is, if there was a 4 digit sub in brand new condition it still wouldn’t be a “modern” watch.
I’d probably want something that looked like the 1680 with modern movement, materials (matte ceramic bezel, dial, printing, font, bracelet, clasp, steel, etc) and finishing.
Basically I’d like it modernized in the same way the 6538 was modernized into the black bay, minus the ornamental rivets and stepped links. I wouldn’t want an increase in size though. I don’t think I would ever get a Rolex diver that is over 40mm.

This would be so cool! I wish Rolex would do this.

[jlevitt9]

The 14060M is my perfect watch. While I appreciate the bracelet on the 6-digits, the bigger dimensions lose some of the understated seductiveness.

[douglasf13]

Wow, old style vs. new style is neck and neck, so far, and this isn’t even the vintage forum!

[mineral]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

The later 5513. Best of all refs.

Have to agree the 5513 is one of the best choice :)





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