Submariner: Hate & Love

[RiRi]

For years I have been opposed to getting a Submariner for the simple fact that it is too popular - and especially in the business school / consultant environment, I have always felt that it was the "go-to-watch" for people who want to a) show off or b) lack creativity.

Fast forward 6 years and I am holding a 114060 in my hands (traded against a Speedmaster) - and I must admit it is the most perfect watch I've ever owned; it is simple, symmetrical, easy to tell the time, super comfortable with the Glidelock clasp, robust and the chromalight is just gorgeous ... (btw, I also have the Batgirl and a few ROs).

But I can't really help but to feel some hypocrisy when I look at my No Date Sub - have I been ignorant all these years or am I becoming something I despised all these years ?


Just wondering if you also have some watches for which your feelings changed over time and how you found inner peace !

[saxo3]

Originally Posted by RiRi

Just wondering if you also have some watches for which your feelings changed over time and how you found inner peace !

Starting with a Submariner 14060M, I only bought watches I really liked a lot, and still do, never followed any Rolex crown hypes, kept them all without any mixed hate/ like feelings

[brandrea]

I’ve always had love for the Submariner reference. There’s lots to love about it beyond any supposed hype from non WIS.

It’s a design icon, and arguably one of the most important wrist watches ever made.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I’ve always had love for the Submariner reference. There’s lots to love about it beyond any supposed hype from non WIS.

It’s a design icon, and arguably one of the most important wrist watches ever made.

Agree. Welcome the the club OP.

[glamorama]

It was similar for me. Always felt the sub was “too common” so tried every other Rolex except DJ and finally got around to ND sub as perfect everyday/casual watch.

GMT LN and SD4K was close but not as versatile or comfortable.

[Cambo]

It’s called getting older and changing opinions....welcome to the wonderful world of aging
Just wait until you start complaining about “those damn kids”

[Marcjvr]

It’s a great watch but definitely the herd watch.

[THC]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I’ve always had love for the Submariner reference. There’s lots to love about it beyond any supposed hype from non WIS.

It’s a design icon, and arguably one of the most important wrist watches ever made.

This

[Brew]

Enjoy your new bellybutton!

No seriously, congrats!

[1William]

Congratulations. The Submariner is not a great watch because we say so, it is a great watch for the design and wear. Don't over think it and just go on and enjoy your watch. I do not mind being like others when what they have or say is right for me.

[Ginsu_]

I sold my 116610LN to put towards my Daytona purchase. On a recent trip back home from vaca, I spotted more that 6 people at my gate in the airport alone with subs. Very common watch. Now that it is gone I miss it. I found beauty in the simplicity of it, and the brushed bracelet is just perfection. I plan to add one back down the road.

[Krash]

I have a Submariner and I agree that it’s the perfect watch. I never understood the “it’s too popular” argument. It’s a popular watch on Internet forums, but in real life, it’s a very special and unique watch. Less than 1% of the world population has one.


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[minute_man]

Originally Posted by RiRi

For years I have been opposed to getting a Submariner for the simple fact that it is too popular - and especially in the business school / consultant environment, I have always felt that it was the "go-to-watch" for people who want to a) show off or b) lack creativity.

Now replace "Submariner" with Rolex, in general. Been there myself, delayed getting one and wandered into other brands just because "everyone" had a Rolex and so many of them had a Submariner.
All hype aside, truth be told, the Submariner is popular for very good reasons. Rolex is highly sought after for very valid reasons and there's nothing wrong with admiring and owning as many as one can afford. Call me short sighted but it's mainly Rolex and Tudor for me over the past 7 years or so. They cover all my needs and wants in a way that no other brand that I am aware of does.
I'm on the list for either a 124060 or 126610LN

[JSolution]

Always thought it was a pretty boring watch and then like you, I bought one. It just about a perfect watch for anybody.

[Tensai]

Maybe you will take up diving? Enjoy.

[Oyster Sauce]

Originally Posted by RiRi

For years I have been opposed to getting a Submariner for the simple fact that it is too popular - and especially in the business school / consultant environment, I have always felt that it was the "go-to-watch" for people who want to a) show off or b) lack creativity.

Fast forward 6 years and I am holding a 114060 in my hands (traded against a Speedmaster) - and I must admit it is the most perfect watch I've ever owned; it is simple, symmetrical, easy to tell the time, super comfortable with the Glidelock clasp, robust and the chromalight is just gorgeous ... (btw, I also have the Batgirl and a few ROs).

But I can't really help but to feel some hypocrisy when I look at my No Date Sub - have I been ignorant all these years or am I becoming something I despised all these years ?


Just wondering if you also have some watches for which your feelings changed over time and how you found inner peace !

I think you've hit upon a special tension that is created almost uniquely by the Sub. It is pretty much a perfect watch design, and thus it should be of no surprise that it is universally admired -- by the average person, the watch enthusiast, and the status-seeker. The Sub's general popularity, especially among the demographic you mentioned, may indeed create a "dilemma" for the enthusiast who doesn't want "guilt by association." I know this thought has occurred to me.

But in the end, I'm glad you finally acquired your Sub. Stripping away the cultural connotations that swirl around it, there is still much to appreciate. Wear in good health

[Sub*Man]

Submariner is the most iconic watch ever created. It’s popular for a reason.

[rmlovett1]

I really like the submariner, and have no issue owning one. But….it definitely is the one I see most often, when I see a rolex on someone’s wrist. So, if I have a sub in my collection, I’d like to have a different variant than the all black…like the LB, LV, etc….
Although, arguably my favorite watch, is its bigger counterpart…SD43. I like bigger watches, and the fully graduated bezel, is what decides it for me.

[bp1000]

I think you are overthinking it.

Congrats on your purchase.

Its purchased by so many because it is pretty much the perfect watch for almost all occasions.

My feelings towards my collection do change all the time. The biggest swing for me is probably with the 116613LB - I wasn't so keen on TT, then I tried it on, fell in love, bought it and that never faded. But as my collection grew, I reached for it less and is the only watch I've considered selling. But then, I put it back on and think its one of the nicest alternative Rolex choices out there.

[Widows Son]

I feel the same way about my 14000 Airking. It's my go anywhere, do anything watch. Dressy enough to wear with a sportcoat, and casual enough to wear with shorts and flip flops. Plus, I don't have to worry about someone driving by on a moped and trying to tear my arm off getting my watch.

[B2 Stealth]

Delighted I began my Rolex journey with a Submariner. I don't ignore listening to Beethoven because he was the most popular composer ever. Just shows people have great tastes in watches and music!
Enjoy that spectacular Submariner knowing that it is a classic, iconic timepiece!

[Seddyspaghetti]

It’s really a must have rolex imo. And the all brushed bracelet makes it a great low key daily wear.

[47Fountain]

Have always loved the classic look of a no date sub. Fast forward to 2020, bought a BNIB 114060.
Found it was a bit small on me ( 6'2, 220). I've always owned 43 to 45 mm watches. Although I thought the sub was pretty much perfect, I bought a sub on steroids, a DeepSea. Perfect fit, perfect look & balance. Sold my sub to a fellow member here.

[Bitmover]

You’ll miss out on a lot of great things if you don’t like them because they’re popular. Now that you’re part of the family might I suggest:

Ice cream
Beaches
The Beatles
Piña Coladas
Wes Anderson movies
Pizza
Pants
Birthday parties

Enjoy!

[Brich436]

I went through the EXACT same process.....

When I bought my 16234 datejust in 2003 I compared it against a Sub and said ah everyone has one of them - the blue dial datejust is stunning!

When I bought my 16570 Explorer 2 in 2010 I did the same thing holding them next to each other and said to myself - the white dial Explorer 2 is unique and I doubt I will ever see anyone else wearing one.

2019 I bought the 116610LN and like you I got it immediately. Its simply magnificent and who cares if anyone else is wearing it! I will say that it attracts a lot of attention - everyone knows what the Submariner is. That can be a good or bad thing. I do prefer my Explorer 1 and 2 but the Sub is such a classic I really enjoy wearing it. Its my after work watch in the warmer months of the year (Explorer 2 in the winter months).

[amh]

Great story OP. You finally saw the light!

[EEpro]

It's a great crowd pleaser watch with committee-designed proportions that people describe as timeless.

Nothing about it to justify $10,000 sticker though (or $14,000 grey). I do like the yellow gold and bluesy sub a lot with the dial and pops of colors.

The Rolex pointy lug tips and vertical cliff case edges don't really lend themselves to hard duty. It's really amazing how fragile those 90 degree lug and case edges are. That keeps it from being a serious sport watch for me.

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by Cambo

It’s called getting older and changing opinions....welcome to the wonderful world of aging
Just wait until you start complaining about “those damn kids”

Or your lawn lol

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by Bitmover

You’ll miss out on a lot of great things if you don’t like them because they’re popular. Now that you’re part of the family might I suggest:

Ice cream
Beaches
The Beatles
Piña Coladas
Wes Anderson movies
Pizza
Pants
Birthday parties

Enjoy!

Noooooo....don’t tell him about pants!!!!!!

[denmanproject]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

Or your lawn lol

or the neighbours lawn