Decisions, decisions

[Bmack6007]

Hello everyone,
I am shopping for a sport model Rolex. The two models I like are the modern turn o graph model # 116263 and a vintage two tone submariner with the blue face (the face has a light blue/gray patina) model #16803. Both have box & papers. For reference, I am a petite woman (in my late 30’s) with small wrists . Both fit my wrist well. Which of these is the better investment? And your opinions on women wearing vintage Subs?
Thank you

[mas12]

Hello and congrats! First I would not think of it as an investment in terms of appreciating in value. Very few watches (Rolex included) will appreciate significantly enough to call it that. It is an investment though in terms of wearing enjoyment - so in that case, buy whatever speaks to you the most (and makes you happy - the investment part) when looking down to it on your wrist.

Opinion on wearing women Subs? Subs are a man's watch. JK!! Who cares?! If you love it, then you rock it! Plus women can pull off bigger watches.

If it were my choice, sub all the way! Good luck!

[watchwatcher]

Unless you have your heart set on the sub, I think the TOG is going to fit you better and look better. Bear in mind that the 5 digit sub without the glide lock and more permanent links is going to be tough to fit to a small wrist. Not to mention the 803 I believe does not have gold through the buckle, which would be a war stopper for me. Just my thoughts.

Investment? I have no idea and I think you will complicate your decision needlessly when you throw that in.

[ltmgeller]

I think the the TOG will fit you better but the Sub will hold it's value better. If it was for me, sub every time. I happen to think the sub looks great on a ladies wrist. have you tried them both on? What feels better?

[Bmack6007]

Thank you both for your input !
Yes the sub is a cool look, I’ve seen a few small women wearing them and it looked great ! But yes it does not have gold through the clasp . It can be sized by taking the extender out and somehow it fits perfectly when closing the clasp. Both inputs were very helpful , thank you!!

[ltmgeller]

Originally Posted by Bmack6007

Thank you both for your input !
Yes the sub is a cool look, I’ve seen a few small women wearing them and it looked great ! But yes it does not have gold through the clasp . It can be sized by taking the extender out and somehow it fits perfectly when closing the clasp. Both inputs were very helpful , thank you!!

Please post pics when you've made your decision.

[THC]

Many 36mm Datejusts out there too you may want to consider

[lenfried29]

Originally Posted by Bmack6007

Hello everyone,
I am shopping for a sport model Rolex. The two models I like are the modern turn o graph model # 116263 and a vintage two tone submariner with the blue face (the face has a light blue/gray patina) model #16803. Both have box & papers. For reference, I am a petite woman (in my late 30’s) with small wrists . Both fit my wrist well. Which of these is the better investment? And your opinions on women wearing vintage Subs?
Thank you

If I be a petite women, I would go with TT Sub.
Charlize is not exactly petite women but she wears a huge Sub(DSSD that is)

[Pauln]

the Sub would hold it’s value better, based on history. I believe TOGs have always been an acquired taste. I’ve seen them referred to as the forgotten Rolex. But I’ve also seen them labeled as the first Rolex tool watch. I think the TOG is a great watch and it’s on my radar. Depends which you like better. I don’t see a reason why you couldn’t wear either one. The sub is bigger and bulkier, comparatively. Very sporty obviously. The Tog would look great no matter what the occasion.

[lecorsaire]

Which is the better investment? The 16803 and it's not even close. The DJ Turnograph is not an investment. It is a nice watch though. Some will say neither are investments but you can always get back the money you spent on a pre-owned Sub with B&P. The same can't be said for any DJ. Not only that but it will take A LOT longer to sell if you ever have to.

[SLS]

The TOG will wear a bit smaller and depending on your wrist size the clasp on the Sub is quite a bit larger that the TOG. Have you had a chance to try on both?

[lecorsaire]

Originally Posted by Bmack6007

Thank you both for your input !
Yes the sub is a cool look, I’ve seen a few small women wearing them and it looked great ! But yes it does not have gold through the clasp . It can be sized by taking the extender out and somehow it fits perfectly when closing the clasp. Both inputs were very helpful , thank you!!

The pre-2000/2001 two tone Subs don't have gold clasps. Only those made after that and until 2008 I believe when the 16613 was retired in favor of the ceramic 116613.

Does it make a difference? Not much really. Maybe a couple hundred bucks but they're still the same watch. The steel clasp is barely noticeable when you have it on your wrist. The 16803 is an early one. It's probably from around 1985-1988 or so.

The only thing you lose on the 16803 vs. a 16613 is the Superluminova lume. The 16803 has tritium lume which is probably dead after 30 years. Again, it's really not a big deal.

[Bmack6007]

Hi all !
Thank you all for your responses!
To those that asked if I’ve tried them on, yes I have and they both fit perfectly, which is the reason this is such a tough decision.
It’s true, the sub is tried and true. The TOG is a mix between your average two tone datejust and the 41mm datejust chunky style bezel.
I tried posting a pic of both watches but I’m having a tough time.
The reason this particular Sub caught my attention was due to the slight patina on the blue dial, it’s dulled to a sort of bluish gray. From what I understand this is something you don’t see too often. Has anyone come across these?

[Bmack6007]

I can’t seem to upload the pic of the sub but that’s the TOG on my wrist

[watchwatcher]

Wow...that TOG looks amazing!

[danwang0520]

turn-o-graph's size will suit a lady more than a older reference TT sub.......but the sub will hold its value better in the long run

i would buy what sings to you the most

[ltmgeller]

I haven't seen the dial change on a 16803 but then I don't have much experience with them. I had a black dialed 16803. I have seen it happen to a 16613. The sunlight caused the blue dial to turn almost purple. I had to get it authenticated at three different places before someone knew why the dial turned purple. I wish I would have held on to it. It popped a little more than the usual models. I'd love to see the picture if you can post it. If you use the tap talk app it will resize it for you.

[SG56]

As a woman, i say go sub :)

TOG is gorgeous, but i'd still go sub

[Pauln]

Originally Posted by Bmack6007

Hi all !
Thank you all for your responses!
To those that asked if I’ve tried them on, yes I have and they both fit perfectly, which is the reason this is such a tough decision.
It’s true, the sub is tried and true. The TOG is a mix between your average two tone datejust and the 41mm datejust chunky style bezel.
I tried posting a pic of both watches but I’m having a tough time.
The reason this particular Sub caught my attention was due to the slight patina on the blue dial, it’s dulled to a sort of bluish gray. From what I understand this is something you don’t see too often. Has anyone come across these?

Stunning.

[Bmack6007]

Wow!! That sub looks great on your wrist!!!!

[Drive]

Tough choice. I think it’s a good idea to ask yourself, which one makes my heart go pitter-patter when I see it. That’s the one!

[rice721]

I’d go with the sub. A friend of mine, lady, petit (160/90ish pounds) pulls it off quite nicely.


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[Bmack6007]

A pic of the Sub is attached below

[ttpoll]

I think it has to do with which one you like more, i would choose the TOG though it looks prettier.

[Bmack6007]

I was also shown this model while looking at the TOG & Sub. (Not my wrist though)
The slate gray dial is pretty nice
It’s model 16233 (early 90’s)
Not sporty but liked the combo.

[Swiss Mad!]

Originally Posted by SG56

As a woman, i say go sub :)

TOG is gorgeous, but i'd still go sub

Wow! that Sub looks a perfect fit!

[Swiss Mad!]

Originally Posted by Bmack6007

A pic of the Sub is attached below

Forget the blue/grey debate - that open 6 date window would be the deal sealer for me..Love that vintage look, wish Rolex would bring it back.

[Bmack6007]

Originally Posted by Swiss Mad!

Forget the blue/grey debate - that open 6 date window would be the deal sealer for me..Love that vintage look, wish Rolex would bring it back.

Your choice is the vintage DJ? It’s nice right?!? I was trying not to go with a datejust because it’s so common , but this dial is a good look : )

[Swiss Mad!]

Originally Posted by Bmack6007

Your choice is the vintage DJ? It’s nice right?!? I was trying not to go with a datejust because it’s so common , but this dial is a good look : )

No, sorry, I didn't explain myself very well.

My choice would be the Sub.

What I should have said is 'Regardless of the beautiful grey/blue dial, it would be the open 6 date wheel that swung it for me"

I didn't even realise the DJ had an open 6 date wheel tbh.

Go with your heart, but the Sub would definitely be my choice

Apols for the confusion.

Good luck with whatever you choose

[kcmo]

Another gal here chiming in.....I’d go Sub too. I wear a Daytona and always gravitate towards the Professional models. I’ve owned some DJs too.