116613LB to 126613LB...to 116613LB

[IR201]

This has been my path so far!

Owned the 116613LB but never loved the maxi lugs.

When I saw the new one I was excited about the case shape, the AR coating (not talked about enough!!!) and what seemed to me like a sharper blue.

Got the new one and liked it but not as much as I thought I would.

Turns out the blue (to me) is different looking but not better. More of a richer navy/violet and less of an iridescent. I could be wrong. Maybe the white text vs. gold is playing tricks on me and its the same dial color, but it appears different to me and that's what matters. Then the new clasp. It feels wide. Makes the watch feel less classic in styling (to me with smaller wrists). That said, the 12 series feels better on wrist - more balanced and integrated.

Some time passes and I decide to go for an 116619, trading my 126613LB toward it. Who needs a bluesy when you can have the smurf?? Well, I wind up loving the 116619 but still missing the two tone (which I like on its own merits, not because of affordability by comparison!!).

Time to bring back the bluesy. But which one?

Decided to go back to the 116613LB on balance.

116613LB pros and cons

Prefer the smaller bracelet/clasp (semi big factor for me)
Prefer the blue dial color (biggest factor for me)

126613LB pros and cons

Prefer the way it wears (only semi big factor because they are both comfortable)
Prefer the lugs
Prefer the AR coating

***

Frankly I'm on the fence of white vs. gold text. I think they both look good. If I had to pick I'd probably go gold as I think it is more cohesive with the watch and more classic (even though the white looks younger/fresher).

[watchtabs]

Originally Posted by IR201

This has been my path so far!

Owned the 116613LB but never loved the maxi lugs.

When I saw the new one I was excited about the case shape, the AR coating (not talked about enough!!!) and what seemed to me like a sharper blue.

Got the new one and liked it but not as much as I thought I would.

Turns out the blue (to me) is different looking but not better. More of a richer navy/violet and less of an iridescent. I could be wrong. Maybe the white text vs. gold is playing tricks on me and its the same dial color, but it appears different to me and that's what matters. Then the new clasp. It feels wide. Makes the watch feel less classic in styling (to me with smaller wrists). That said, the 12 series feels better on wrist - more balanced and integrated.

Some time passes and I decide to go for an 116619, trading my 126613LB toward it. Who needs a bluesy when you can have the smurf?? Well, I wind up loving the 116619 but still missing the two tone (which I like on its own merits, not because of affordability by comparison!!).

Time to bring back the bluesy. But which one?

Decided to go back to the 116613LB on balance.

116613LB pros and cons

Prefer the smaller bracelet/clasp (semi big factor for me)
Prefer the blue dial color (biggest factor for me)

126613LB pros and cons

Prefer the way it wears (only semi big factor because they are both comfortable)
Prefer the lugs
Prefer the AR coating

***

Frankly I'm on the fence of white vs. gold text. I think they both look good. If I had to pick I'd probably go gold as I think it is more cohesive with the watch and more classic (even though the white looks younger/fresher).

No pics? You know better…

[JSolution]

Had the same dilemma a while ago deciding between both yellow good models. In the end I made my decision pretty much based on not liking the white text on the blue dial. Dramatically changes the watch for me and I couldn’t bring myself to buy it, even though I also every so slightly prefer the case on the 12 series. Not much difference in comparison side by side, the dial looks a bit bigger one the 12 series but the watch wears bigger on the 11.

Conclusion gold text > white text

[alphadweller]

Interesting. I passed on the 116613LB in 2019 as I didn't like the fat lugs (total deal breaker), but jumped on the opportunity to add the 126613LB in 2020 as it looked perfect to me with the slimmer lugs. My only minus is the size of the new clasp. White text / gold text, I don't mind either way.

[1William]

I prefer the 11 series but have no issues with the newer 12 series. Why not look for a 16613LB. I have seen some that have faded a bit and almost look purple, very nice. It would give you a different look and could be fun. No bad choices here, just choices.

[watchwatcher]

In PM, I like the 11 series. You could always add a steel 12 series so you have the best of both worlds.

[Lightsped]

I'd go for the 11 series as well. Looks more substantial on the wrist.

[IR201]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

Interesting. I passed on the 116613LB in 2019 as I didn't like the fat lugs (total deal breaker), but jumped on the opportunity to add the 126613LB in 2020 as it looked perfect to me with the slimmer lugs. My only minus is the size of the new clasp. White text / gold text, I don't mind either way.

Looks beautiful. Honestly I love them both. I was a fat lug hater before switching my line up to 12 series and realizing there are pros and cons due to the fat lugs being tied with other things I prefer. Oddly I prefer the ceramic Kermit to the hulk (I think I just like less green) and the 124060 to the 114060 (the fat lugs are more prominent on this to me and this piece is one I think should really be more classic lugs).


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[MTdweller]

I’ve owned and loved both the 116613LB & 126613LB. I would agree the dial of the 116613LB is a richer blue that goes well with the gold text. But I also like the more electric blue with the white text of the 126613LB. So I’m split there. What sold me on the newest model was the tapered lugs and the wider bracelet and clasp, the proportions of which I really like. Either way, having a Bluesy in the lineup is a great choice!

[JSolution]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

In PM, I like the 11 series. You could always add a steel 12 series so you have the best of both worlds.

This is exactly how I feel.

[Gerardus]

Good decision IMHO, wearing mine writing this....

[brandrea]

I actually prefer the look of the white text on the 12 series, it’s crisper looking to me

[Andad]

Both models are amazing but it’s gold text for the win.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Andad

Both models are amazing but it’s gold text for the win.

X2