Older Submariners

[HeadCoach]

So I want to buy a submariner, but the "latest and greatest" mindset is taking over in my mind. My fear is, if I buy say, a 2013 submariner instead of a 2019 or 2020 submariner, then there is a greater chance of problems (breakage, not telling time correctly, or something else).

is there any merit to that thinking?

[socalwatchcollector]

Rolex watches are built to last but the benefit of buying a newer model is the warranty. 2013 and 2020 there isn't much difference in regard to price in the current market. Go with the newer one so you get the warranty.

[Jackie Daytona]

The submariner has been using the same movement since 1989. Internally as long as they’ve been serviced/maintained well it’s all the same internally an old one versus a new one. Rolexes are built pretty solidly, they’ll last basically forever, and with this expansive date range they have been built for, servicing and parts does not look to pose a problem for the next few decades.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by HeadCoach

. . .
is there any merit to that thinking?

No, there is nothing to support this happening.

Mechanics, and in most cases, the movement are the same. It would be excessive wear and simple adjustments that would cause either "year" to operate differently. However, all of the worn parts are easily replaceable.

So, a 2013 watch may run more, or as, efficiently and accurately as a 2019.

It's not an Apple with more current software.

[G.Montag]

Originally Posted by HeadCoach

So I want to buy a submariner, but the "latest and greatest" mindset is taking over in my mind. My fear is, if I buy say, a 2013 submariner instead of a 2019 or 2020 submariner, then there is a greater chance of problems (breakage, not telling time correctly, or something else).

is there any merit to that thinking?

Mechanical watches inevitably start losing time after several years and require service. A 2013 watch that has not been serviced will require service much sooner than a 2019 or 2020 watch, obviously.

[BisonHead]

I have a 95 Sub, never been serviced and keeping spot on time.

[996marty]

A 2013 sub is hardly old and should run fine for years obviously in time a service would help but these things are made to last,Buy what you like is what I would say.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by HeadCoach

So I want to buy a submariner, but the "latest and greatest" mindset is taking over in my mind. My fear is, if I buy say, a 2013 submariner instead of a 2019 or 2020 submariner, then there is a greater chance of problems (breakage, not telling time correctly, or something else).

is there any merit to that thinking?

No, not unless the watch was mistreated. Then it might require a service which all watches will need eventually

[barters]

They’re all great. There’s no such thing as latest and greatest.
In fact the older it is the more you will pay for it.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Crazy Lugs]

Originally Posted by BisonHead

I have a 95 Sub, never been serviced and keeping spot on time.

Has it ever sat for an extended period of time, or worn more or less constantly since new?