Modern Submariner or 16710 Pepsi?

[Stalkdog]

Hi everyone,

New joiner here after a bit of lurking.

Recently managed to get hold of a Sub Date 126610LN from an AD and I absolutely love it and haven’t really taken it off. Problem is that I’ve always had an itch for the 16710 Pepsi and have been offered a nice 2007 full set for £500 part ex. I’m a long haul airline pilot so the GMT complication is genuinely useful.

There’s obviously a personal preference element, but I’m interested in people’s experiences of the quality of the modern Rolex vs the older models, particularly around the bracelet and clasp. Worried that it’s potentially a bit of a backwards step in that regard.

Other option is to keep and love the sub and wait a few years to get a modern Pepsi from an AD if I can.

Appreciate any opinions and advice

Cheers

[S.Explorer]

Keep the Submariner as you managed to get it new from the AD. The 5 digit GMT will feel lighter due to the hollow centre links and stamped clasp, it will wear smaller.

The Submariner will feel better built mainly due to heft but the 5 digits stood the test of time as tool watches.

[S7gpt]

keep the sub and save up for a GMT if really want one, otherwise think you will regret it ..

[Tensai]

If I only needed 1 watch and I was a pilot, I would get the 16710 all the way. It’s so versatile and wears comfortably. The sub is awesome but clunky and seems like every other guy has one. Enjoy!

[yukosaturno]

That's very up to personal taste, I much prefer 5 digits over 6 digits, even after years of wearing 6 digit watches, it's just my preference.

In your case, I would say go for the gmt, a useful complication for work, the better designed case, the better bracelet (imo), just a watch that feels more like a rolex to me.

[HogwldFLTR]

For me the Sub is more useful as I'm a water rat. If I were a pilot it might be a different story. You might invetigate getting a modern GMT LN (black bezel) as they aren't as popular and someone might come close on a trade. With a watch from 2007 I'd want to have it serviced so that would add a grand ($1000USD) to the cost. I'd think twice before trading new for old.
Goodluck with whatever you decide and welcome to the forum!

Originally Posted by Tensai

If I only needed 1 watch and I was a pilot, I would get the 16710 all the way. It’s so versatile and wears comfortably. The sub is awesome but clunky and seems like every other guy has one. Enjoy!

I've got a 12 series 126613LB and there's nothing clunky feeling about it. It's a great watch.

[Meyrin]

If I were a commercial airline pilot as you are I´d definitely want the GMT! Apart from being useful in your profession (in a nostalgic way!) the GMT has the added genuine history of being developed by Rolex for Pan Am pilots in the 1950s, when they didn´t have all the technical wizardry in the cockpit like you have now! But if you can, why not keep the Sub too? That would be the best of both worlds imo!

[Onequik135i]

Keep your sub.

[huttobhsc]

keep the sub, save for the GMT.

[Chester01]

The 16710 is the single most versatile watch Rolex ever made. Full disclosure I own a sub (16610) and its great, but lacks the versatility of the sub due to the bezel and bracelet configuration.

[subprimero]

The 16710 sounds like your watch. It's versatile, reliable, comfortable and it has a useful complication. Its historic association with aviation seals the deal.

[brandrea]

It’s an apples and oranges comparison IMO.

Besides being two different complications, it really is though to compare 5 digit to 6 digits because of wearer preferences.

As mentioned above your Submariner has solid end links, solid sleeves, a milled clasp. It will feel like a tank compared to the 16710. But, there in lies the rub … feeling like a tank brings comfort into play and that’s entirely a wearer preference thing.

I am a big fan of the build quality of the 6 digit references, however there is something to be said for the 5 digits in terms of wearing comfort.

My advice would be to see if you can find a 5 digit to try on.

EDIT: welcome to the forum

[MrMercedes]

Originally Posted by S.Explorer

Keep the Submariner as you managed to get it new from the AD. The 5 digit GMT will feel lighter due to the hollow centre links and stamped clasp, it will wear smaller.

The Submariner will feel better built mainly due to heft but the 5 digits stood the test of time as tool watches.

[Cp827]

Got mine yesterday! I love it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MichelleP]

Keep the Sub and add a new BLRO down the road

[Duke10]

Similar story here.
I got my sub from AD several months back and couldn't love it more. First ever Rolex. I too have had the same itch for the 16710 Pepsi and just broke down and purchased a Z serial. If obtaining both isn't an option, I would keep the sub. It's the perfect watch in my opinion. You can wear it with a t shirt or a suit. I prefer the stout feel of the sub and the clasp is excellent. Again, all my opinion but you certainly have good taste!

[Filipão]

5 digits rule for me.

[Arid]

5 digit GMT is the way to go!

[Cambo]

Man, the best option of course is to get/keep both as they are both “keepers”. If you absolutely have to choose, go with the one that you would wear more (this is entirely within you own mind)

[Wpalmer03]

If you absolutely can only keep one, the GMT will be more versatile and comfortable. Black subs are pretty common and aren't that exciting, just my opinion.

The 16710 is the only watch I've sold that I regretted.

[TheRtHonA]

I own an explorer II 16570 and two-tone submarinerr 126613LB so pretty close to what you are contemplating.

In this scenario I would be tempted to switch the submariner for the GMT! That older size wears so well and looks amazing with all outfits. In addition you can buy an all black bezel for when you want a more muted look.

You can always buy another submariner down the line (hopefully).

[kyleg531]

Had and sold 6 digit sub (albeit the previous maxi case version). When people say the 16710 disappears on the wrist, it’s not hyperbole. Most comfortable watch I’ve ever owned.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[noshame]

I was leaning towards new SubDate up until you told us you're a pilot. GMT is the perfect watch for YOU. Good luck!

[faimag]

The 16710 is one of my all time favorites, but going from the 6 digit sub to the 5 digit GMT you are in for a shock in terms of how they wear on the wrist.

[joli160]

I think the 16710 is one of the lesser interesting GMT’s.
Not really classic nor vintage, just an outdated second hand watch. I would rather search for a 1675 to go really vintage.

The most modern watches are not better than the older ones but feel way more substantial. I’d pick a new ceramic over an old watch every day for this feeling alone.

[Sugarloaf]

Originally Posted by joli160

I think the 16710 is one of the lesser interesting GMT’s.
Not really classic nor vintage, just an outdated second hand watch. I would rather search for a 1675 to go really vintage.

The most modern watches are not better than the older ones but feel way more substantial. I’d pick a new ceramic over an old watch every day for this feeling alone.

In my opinion, The 16710 is better because it has independent hour hand setting, very useful for a long-haul pilot.
It is very comfortable and light like the 1675, but more robust (water resistance 100 m vs only 50 m)

[2loaded]

Originally Posted by joli160

I think the 16710 is one of the lesser interesting GMT’s.
Not really classic nor vintage, just an outdated second hand watch. I would rather search for a 1675 to go really vintage.

The most modern watches are not better than the older ones but feel way more substantial. I’d pick a new ceramic over an old watch every day for this feeling alone.

Agreed.
Go 4 digit or Modern BLRO (preferably both) the 710 with the hollow bracelet didn't knock my socks off..

[Stalkdog]

Thanks for the input everyone!

The replies perfectly reflect me changing my mind every 5 minutes

I love the Sub so much that I think I'm leaning towards keeping it and then pestering the AD for the next 2 years to try and get my hands on a modern GMT for work

[danwang0520]

I would add and not subtract........down the road, the Sub and GMT will make a great pair

[Number3]

Crazy idea but what about getting the 16710 and putting in on a 97200 bracelet? Best of both worlds (including the glidelock).