Moving from a 6 digit to a 5 digit Sub?

[Heady Topper]

Hey all!

I have a modest watch collection consisting of an Explorer 39 mk 2, a Speedmaster FOIS, a Seiko Alpinist and a Submariner 116610LN.

I feel like the Sub is my least favourite of the 4 because of how it wears. That being said, I’m a fan of everything timeless design, the Submariner included (therefore my lack of enthusiasm for the watch is strictly because of the wearability on MY wrist).

I’m currently debating wether to move to the new 41mm, however suspect it might still feel as hefty despite looking smaller, or moving to a 5 digit Sub.

I appreciate a solid bracelet and found this 2005 model.

As I’m less familiar with the 5 digit, I’m wondering what are your opinions and experience with yours, wearability, and if it looks like this specific watch has been polished/overly polished (a pet peeve of mine).

Thanks!

[Driver8]

If you've not owned a 5 digit before, I think you'll struggle with the "vintage build" of the bracelet when the rest of your collection is more substantial. When I bought my first Rolex many years ago, I was a long-term Omega and Breitling owner, and both of those brands (even back then) were way more substantially built. (I'm not saying the 5 digits don't last, because they absolutely do - it's just how they feel that can be a little disconcerting). The 5 digit is incredibly comfortable on the wrist, and the head is as beautifully made as the modern 6 digit references, but the rattly-rattly bracelet and tin-foil pressed metal clasp can be a shock if you aren't used to it.

Personally I'd recommend going for the 12 series if you don't like the way the 11 series wears, as the 12 actually wears smaller than the 11 IMO, and is much closer to the 5 digit in terms of shape. That said, I personally don't trust the 3235 movement enough yet, so that would be my only concern with buying a 12 series Sub.

However, speaking for myself, I love the 11 series "super case" and the 3135 movement, so for me the perfect Sub has already been made!

[illiguy]

No wrong answer. Would definitely try a 5-digit, especially the 16610 version with SELs before making a final decision.

[fania123]

I made the switch years ago from 6 to 5 digit Rolex’s and honestly it was one of my greatest watch decisions I’ve ever made. To me the 5 digit Rolex just feels right.

[JRell]

I would move up to the 12 sub, timeless design with modern finishes.

[karleone]

Originally Posted by illiguy

No wrong answer. Would definitely try a 5-digit, especially the 16610 version with SELs before making a final decision.

+1

If you buy a 16610 coming with SEL it will be more qualitative than hollow end links bracelet.

I own a 16610 and I would never trade it for a 116610 or 126610 as I don’t like the maxi case (even if it’s more tapered on the 21 series still it’s bulky compared to 5 digits). If you don’t mind the old style clasp and prefer the more refined design of the 16610 definitely go for it!

[Finslayer83]

I've got a 124060 and 16610.

The 124060 will be going to a new home since I picked up the glidelock bracelet (97200) for my 16610.

Perfect wearing watch for my 6.75" wrist.

[rmagoo57]

The 16610 is a great choice! Or even a TT 16613? Hard to find an unpolished pre-owned sub these days unless you're willing to pay a premium. I would look for a late model - M,V or G series. Better chance of finding a "clean" watch. Plenty to these become available every day so no need to rush into a purchase.

Thinking of doing the same -- trading my 114060 for a 5 digit TT sub date to compliment my 14060M. Happy hunting!

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Heady Topper

Hey all!

I have a modest watch collection consisting of an Explorer 39 mk 2, a Speedmaster FOIS, a Seiko Alpinist and a Submariner 116610LN.

I feel like the Sub is my least favourite of the 4 because of how it wears. That being said, I’m a fan of everything timeless design, the Submariner included (therefore my lack of enthusiasm for the watch is strictly because of the wearability on MY wrist).

I’m currently debating wether to move to the new 41mm, however suspect it might still feel as hefty despite looking smaller, or moving to a 5 digit Sub.

I appreciate a solid bracelet and found this 2005 model.

As I’m less familiar with the 5 digit, I’m wondering what are your opinions and experience with yours, wearability, and if it looks like this specific watch has been polished/overly polished (a pet peeve of mine).

Thanks!

I recently re-aquired a 16600 Sea Dweller a short while back having worn a 6 digit largely as a daily for a few years. Not Submariners, but the changes (size aside) are the same.

For me, what I've found is that the "enhancements" the 6 digit references have over the 5 digit references are almost entirely subjective.

Case shape aside, the physical differences (in no particular order) are movement (SD43 has the 3235 vs 3135), larger lume plots and hands, solid bracelet links, milled clasp, ceramic bezel insert and different bezel ratchet mechanism. That's pretty much it.

Personally I don't like the supercase of the 116610. The lugs/bracelet proportions are off to my eye. The 126610 and 16610 are much better proportioned. But neither is better than the other, its just personal taste.

Movement wise, I've never had an issue with the 3135. My 3235 runs slow (its a known issue in early 3235s) You should be fine with a 126610.

Lume plots and hands? I like the larger indices and wider hands. But that's also subjective. I really appreciate the more refined plots and hands on my 16600 too. Blue Chromalite on the 6 digits is supposedly better than super luminova. The jury is out, and the lume on my cheap Seiko and BB58 is better than any Rolex I've owned.

The bracelet. OK, so the solid linked 6 digit feels better when handling. But there's zero difference on the wrist, and if anything the lack of any flexibility renders it less comfortable than the 5 digit. SELs are a must for me and basically don't rattle like the hollow end link bracelets do and are widely available on 5 digit references too.

The clasp. Right, lets get this out there. The 6 digit milled glidelock is a work of art. Looks and operates like the quality part it is. The stamped 5 digit clasp looks like cheap crap. However, whilst the stamped 5 digit clasp may look like cheap crap, it works perfectly well. Its also significantly smaller than the 6 digit glidelock. And, should you ever need to replace it, you're looking at hundereds not thousands of $ or £. On the fly glidelock adjustment is great and much easier and safer than adjusting the springpin on the 5 digits.

And lastly, there's the bezel. Highly engineered ball bearing and sprung mechanism with a ceramic insert, versus bent metal click "spring" and aluminium.

No question, the ceramic insert looks the part. In black at least (the green to me looks like the cheap plastic some garden furniture is made of) But its definitely more jewellery than tool. Each insert type definitely have their charm.

As for the bezel itself, the six digit feels beautifully engineered and moves with precision. The 5 digit is stiffer and feels much less expensive. But the 5 digits is rock solid when set. The six digits much easier moved unintentionally. Here, again, the Tudor BB58 is better still. The perfect balance of quality feel with security.

In summary, the six digits look and in some ways feel more expensive. They are definitely less tool like and more "blingy". Holding a 67 digit in your hand feels like you're holding a higher quality product.

But objectively are they better ? Will one outlast the other? Is one better engineered than the other?

No. Not at all. 6 digits exude quality. 5 digits are just much more subtle about it.

[rmwill]

Love my 16600 40mm Sea-Dweller. Still can be had for under 10K USD, but wears a bit thick.

[Marast-66]

Originally Posted by Driver8

If you've not owned a 5 digit before, I think you'll struggle with the "vintage build" of the bracelet when the rest of your collection is more substantial. When I bought my first Rolex many years ago, I was a long-term Omega and Breitling owner, and both of those brands (even back then) were way more substantially built. (I'm not saying the 5 digits don't last, because they absolutely do - it's just how they feel that can be a little disconcerting). The 5 digit is incredibly comfortable on the wrist, and the head is as beautifully made as the modern 6 digit references, but the rattly-rattly bracelet and tin-foil pressed metal clasp can be a shock if you aren't used to it.

Personally I'd recommend going for the 12 series if you don't like the way the 11 series wears, as the 12 actually wears smaller than the 11 IMO, and is much closer to the 5 digit in terms of shape. That said, I personally don't trust the 3235 movement enough yet, so that would be my only concern with buying a 12 series Sub.

However, speaking for myself, I love the 11 series "super case" and the 3135 movement, so for me the perfect Sub has already been made!

You perfectly summed it up. I just can’t go back to 5 digit, and new movement is really big concern. Still wearing my 114060.


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[911991]

I have a 16800 Sub and it just disappears on my wrist to the point that I sometimes check my wrist to know I am wearing it. It is lighter then the newer models and the hollow links do rattle if you shake your wrist, the new models feel more substantial and the bracelet is solid. Once on the wrist the 16800 feels like an old pair of leather loafers, and the new models feel like I am wearing a solid steel bracelet....

[donas]

If "heft" is a concern, I think you would love how the 5 digit wears. Personally, I miss the glide lock clasp when I go from my 6 to 5 digit. The clasp on the newest version looks huge to me, of course it's not like I can go down to the AD and see one in person though.

Sell the 6 digit and buy a 16610LV, a true classic, in my eyes.

[Ketler]

Had all the 6 digit Sea Dwellers...Ended up selling them and going back to the 16600...
Had a 6 digit Sub...Ended up selling it and going back to the 14060m...

[GGGMT]

5 digit for subs. No question




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[JRell]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

5 digit for subs. No question




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Man that is a great looking watch!

[StillTrying]

I recently sold my 6 digit explorer II and acquired a 5 digit. Best watch decision I’ve ever made. It feels so much better on my wrist (a hair under 7”). The case shape is more to my liking and I prefer the red to the orange 24hr hand. The only thing I miss is the bracelet/clasp; the 6 digit clasp with easy link is absolutely amazing.

If you switch to a 5 digit I don’t think you will be disappointed.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by JRell

Man that is a great looking watch!

Big preesh! Recent acquisition and I can’t take my eyes off it.


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[fania123]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

5 digit for subs. No question




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And day-dates

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by fania123

And day-dates

Oh that’s gorgeous! The sole six digit reference that I prefer to five digit is explorer 1




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[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by fania123

I made the switch years ago from 6 to 5 digit Rolex’s and honestly it was one of my greatest watch decisions I’ve ever made. To me the 5 digit Rolex just feels right.

I agree with this completely, my favorite sub is a 4 digit 5513 - but yes, it's going to feel lighter, flimsy etc.. bracelet compared to a 6 digit. In a perfect world it would be nice to acquire the 5 digit then decide to get rid of the 6 digit. Two very different watches, but in my opinion I'd go with a five or four digit any day, classic

[m j b]

To this day, I still kick myself for parting with my 14060M.

[fania123]

Originally Posted by m j b

To this day, I still kick myself for parting with my 14060M.

Paid $5,500 for this guy complete in Oct of 18.

[GONZO2LR]

I love my Submariner...its a 2009 16610T-date, rehaut engrav.
The 6 digit was just too heavy for me. I tried to love it that 6, the weight was the issue.
I tried on those 6's about 50 times, I still couldn't get use to the weight.
I tried on other 5's until i found mine (5 digit with rehaut and never have regretted it.
My Sub has a flip-lock safety clasp with wet suit extension 93250.
It fits perfect and looks fantastic.

And with you saying and knowing this...you will not regret it either!!!!!!!!!

[emersm]

Originally Posted by fania123

And day-dates

That watch is stunning.

Which reference is that?

[Hkspwrsche]

I went from a 6 digit to this 5 digit LV also a couple years ago. Then added a black “Swiss” only sub also last December. Can’t seem to take it off!

For me it was like the Pepsi challenge trick. A sip of the super sugar was good but when you need to drink a whole one the original crisp Coke is better. I like 5 digits better for 12-18 hrs of wear. The 6 digits feel better at first but, I prefer the light and efficient but, still robust original. The 5 digit will work or play like any solid sport watch.

[28mm]

Have them both and love them both in different ways.

Really have to try it on and you will know.

They are fantastic watches, the six digit is more jewelry like and nicer in that way, the five digits fit my wrist better and are more daily wear watches..

No right answer ...

[joli160]

Ever since the 6 digits were introduced I don’t care for the 5 digits anymore.
They just feel outdated in all aspects

[Hkspwrsche]

Originally Posted by 28mm

Have them both and love them both in different ways.

Really have to try it on and you will know.

They are fantastic watches, the six digit is more jewelry like and nicer in that way, the five digits fit my wrist better and are more daily wear watches..

No right answer ...

Agree with this exactly.

[fania123]

Originally Posted by emersm

That watch is stunning.

Which reference is that?

Thank you. It’s an 18038 from 1984, it literally looks like it was in a time capsule since 1984.