14060 or 214270- your thoughts?

[humphriespaul]

Hello all

I know ultimately an individual decision but I would be interested in thoughts on this one.
I have come across an opportunity to acquire a Sub 14060 which appears in good condition, unpolished with Box and papers from 1994 for a similar outlay to an Explorer at MSRP, for which I’m currently on a waiting list. The Sub is a private sale and I’m currently enquiring regarding last service etc.

Would you take the risk on the Sub (with passing pictures through this great forum for a sense check before purchasing), or wait for a 2019/2020 Explorer?
I like both models on their own merits, albeit the Explorer is somewhat less ubiquitous, at least in my experience.

Thoughts, ladies and gentlemen?
Paul

[sillo]

Do you prefer 5 or 6 digit references? They're going to wear pretty different.

Do you want working lume? Easy link?

[HORNBLOWER]

Can go wrong with either, both great, although I would prefer a 14060 M over a 14060. The Explorer wears almost like a dress watch, very flat and neat.

[humphriespaul]

Hi Sean- I’m not wedded to 5 or 6 digit refs; I had a 14060m previously which I parted with (I now regret most of my previous sales!). I’m happy to trade working lume for trit wabi on an older model and assuming I can achieve a good bracelet fit, easy link isn’t a deal breaker. Having not been able to try on a current Explorer, how differently do they wear?

[sillo]

Originally Posted by humphriespaul

Having not been able to try on a current Explorer, how differently do they wear?

You can go to an AD and try on the OP39 if you have one close. They wear pretty similar since they're pretty close in size, but the Explorer is a lot more dial to look at.

Personally I like the Sub here just because mostly because I prefer the 36mm Explore and having a divers bezel is a nice bonus too.

[humphriespaul]

Hey Ben- thanks for your thoughts. Based on COSC cert/newer movement?

[HORNBLOWER]

Originally Posted by humphriespaul

Hey Ben- thanks for your thoughts. Based on COSC cert/newer movement?

Yes, you get the cosc, upgraded mvt and all the charm of the 2 liner. The perfect Sub, unless of course you get a 114060, now theres a Sub!

[othertbone]

Audi coupe or Mercedes SUV? Both are great...

[Nanasaka90]

The pre-ceramic models are indeed very charming, I really love how modest they are (despite being a Rolex) compared to the current models. That being said, the current production models feel richer and far more substantial.
I have the 214270 and it’s the only watch I sleep with, it feels so solid yet I always forget that I’m wearing it..
I do envision myself with a small collection of vintage Rolexes in the future, for now I’m only picking up modern pieces.


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[Kyle3130]

Submariner looks better to me

[Chadridv]

As you know it comes down to personal preference, But if you’re truly on the fence I’d lean towards the sub. Tritium dials, unpolished and complete set!? That will only get hard to find an example like that. If you choose wrong now either watch should be easy enough to move but only one will be easy enough to source down the road.

[Finslayer83]

had both at the same time and kept the 214270.

IMO it is a better buy for the money and wears just like a 5 digit sub due to case design.

[Paulsky]

The 214270 wears bigger than 39mm. It depends on your wrist size too. You need a hefty wrist imho to pull off the 214270.

[humphriespaul]

Thank you all- a real conundrum! Unfortunately I can’t find any AD with even an OP to try on for size (London is completely cleaned out it seems). Good point regarding relative availability as well. Will see what the details are when I hear back from the seller and will post up some pictures for a sense check, if that’s ok?

[humphriespaul]

So here are some more details- the Sub was serviced 9 months ago. Is this too good to be true? Looking on Chrono24 I can’t see any 14060’s in this price bracket. The set includes box, papers, hang tag and anchor- looks like a true full set. It’s an X serial number, which for obvious reasons I’m not going to disclose in full public ally. Here are some images- I hope that the link works. Is the consensus good or bad???

[Kliminator]

I personally would pull the trigger on a 5 digit sub over a new explorer.. The one you have posted is pretty nice as it's a 2 liner tritium dial.

Obviously it comes down to individual preference but the sub takes my vote.

The pics you posted seem to be in pretty good condition - the lugs are still sharp.

[humphriespaul]

Thanks Kliminator- does it look legitimate? Would you pool swim with a watch of this era if it’s been serviced recently?

[Kliminator]

Originally Posted by humphriespaul

Thanks Kliminator- does it look legitimate? Would you pool swim with a watch of this era if it’s been serviced recently?

Based on the pics nothing seems to jump out at me. If it's been serviced - you should be fine to swim with it. I have a 1997 14060 that to my knowledge has never been serviced and I've used it in the water.

A very important part of buying a pre-owned watch is making sure that the seller is reputable. You'll hear time and time again on the forum "Buy the seller" and often times if a deal is too good to be true, it probably is.

Wait for others to chime in but the watch looks fine to me. Good luck.

[djgallo]

I would prefer the explorer new with my name on the card! You can always pick up a sub....later.

[Meyrin]

If everything checks out then the Sub. But I'm biased, as my only Rolex is a 14060 ("2-liner", tritium dial). Worn it nearly everyday for 23+ years. Fantastic watch

[AndyWright]

Originally Posted by djgallo

I would prefer the explorer new with my name on the card! You can always pick up a sub....later.

good idea, this is the route I'd take

[gunhose]

ABSOLUTELY you can swim and dive with that sub

[tymonster]

They're totally different watches. Which one gives you that feeling when you see it?

[tymonster]

And you can find a brand new 214270 from a reputable dealer on the forum for barely a markup over MSRP (after you pay tax at the AD). David SW has a brand new one listed for $7300 which is about $300 more than retail + tax. If you're like me and don't like to wait.

[humphriespaul]

Thank you all for your very helpful input. I’ve been ruminating all day about this and the point about Buy The Seller keeps coming back to me. The gentleman in question has no feedback on the forum on which it is offered and I’m somewhat drawn more towards a new watch at this point in time, from an AD with whom I could build a relationship.....
Your thoughts and insights have been most helpful- thank you all once again

[Finslayer83]

Heads:



Explorer has a superior bracelet:

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by Finslayer83

Heads:



Explorer has a superior bracelet:

This might be an odd question... but did you swap the hands on those two?

[Finslayer83]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

This might be an odd question... but did you swap the hands on those two?

Good eye - but no.

I put a set of 114060 hands on it.

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by Finslayer83

Good eye - but no.

I put a set of 114060 hands on it.

I like it. Makes the hands pop a bit without going to a maxi dial look. I guess you would have to go with hands from the LV if you wanted to keep the same tint. But I am guessing those are more pricey.

[Finslayer83]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

I like it. Makes the hands pop a bit without going to a maxi dial look. I guess you would have to go with hands from the LV if you wanted to keep the same tint. But I am guessing those are more pricey.

Got 16610LV hands on this one