Submariner 124060 vs. Sea-Dweller 16600

[erico]

I'm planning my first Rolex purchase end of the year for my 40th birthday. Was originally thinking brand new 124060 all the way but now am kicking around the idea of a 16600. Very different I know but here are some things I'm thinking about:

124060

-Pros: Maxi dial; brighter lume (?); higher quality bracelet and I like the appearance of the clasp more; available brand new; available through local brick and mortar (grey); significantly better power reserve
-Cons: Clasp size (need to try on again); more expensive; more blingy
-Mixed: Ceramic (more robust but more flashy)

16600

-Pros: More unique; more of a tool / less blingy; more water resistance; cheaper
-Cons: Bracelet is lower quality and clinckier (?); don't like the appearance of the clasp as much; thicker (maybe slightly); only available used (in my price range); probably only available online; no AR coating (?); faded lume (?); clasp might not function as well (?); shorter power reserve
-Mixed: Date function without cyclops (slight pro as I don't really like the cyclops and I use the date function on my Seamaster); aluminum bezel (I'm not too worried about scratches)

Am I off base? Am I missing anything?

Let me know what you think about choosing between these two.

I may also consider a Sub 14060 depending on what's out there.

Thanks!

[Ketler]

One person's "Pro" is another person's "Con" and vice versa...

It's all personal preference...

I myself would never trade my 5 digit Sub or SD for any of the 6 digit models...

The last of the timeless "Classic" designs, the proven workhorse 3100 caliber movements...It just doesn't get any better in my opinion...

And yes, I've owned the comparable 6 digit models...Ended up selling them all...

Good luck...

[Gerry62]

The world is full of ceramic Submariners and they are beautiful, very flashy and shiny watches
I have a sub date 116610 given to my wife but I could not give up my SD 16600

Watch equipped with equipment as you will see in the photos, a real technical watch used by Comex divers but not only by those who love a true classic.
Indispensable IHMO

[1995akcoop]

I had both. The SD is flawless. The so called clinkier bracelet fits that case of a watch from that era. The no mag date is awesome because it looks like a no date from a distance. The new 12 series sub sucks bro. Yea it has the slimmer lugs but it is indeed a bigger watch and the clasp is gigantic. I sold mine and bought a brand new 11 series no date sub from Chrono 24. I still have my 16000 and it make for a great new and old combo. I would go SD in your situation but if your REALLY torn then opt for the SD 4k. That would kinda be best of both worlds. And honestly, the ceramic blingy factor is overrated. If anyone does notice your watch then it’s because its a Rolex, not because it has a ceramic bezel over the aluminum of old. And to be real, only other watch enthusiasts notice watches of any sort. And the days I wear my yellow gold DD 40, Im always complimented on how nice my Michael Kors looks lol


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[brandrea]

Is both even a possibility?

[ExplorerI]

I’d suggest the 116600 sea dweller. Kind of best of both worlds. Has a date, no cyclops, maxi dial, modern bracelet, more reliable oldschool movement. Perfectly proportioned in my opinion. Still modern enough to have plenty of them around in mint condition full kit.

I had the 124060 and sold it. Much prefer the 116600. Also have a 16610 submariner but again I like the 116600 much more. Maxi dial and modern bracelet alone add a lot.

[Miker86]

Another vote for the 16600. Owned a number of 5 and 6 digit models and this one is the best imo. Actually prefer the older bracelets - find them more comfortable.

[MrLemon]

I own both models you mentioned.
The 16600 is my favorite in all my watches. The build of the case , the vintage vibe are the keys.
My 40th was last month , I am lucky enough , my AD offered Pepsi in April, my big Bday gift came true.

[hutch300]

16600 - having owned both modern and 5 digit (including more than one SD)

That is a watch ahead of others in the era and can be had with luniova or tritium. Holes case or not. It's going tO age with you as well. Easy choice :)

[Jackie Daytona]

I’m thinking I would go 16600.


Oddly enough I’m having a similar debate in another thread I made.

[Jefferyasher]

What about a 14060 or 14060m?

[erico]

Originally Posted by Jefferyasher

What about a 14060 or 14060m?

Yes, those are in the running as well

[KatGirl]

16610 is my favorite sub.




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[erico]

For those with 16600s or 5-digit Subs, any issues with the lume fading a lot or the clasp not snapping tight? Also, can Rolex replace dials and bezel inserts as part of a service?

[swish77]

I've had a new ceramic Sub, a couple of times, but my 16600 SD will never leave my collection. Close to perfection. Heft, balance, cool factor, timeless, classic, etc ... The 16600 is much more special than modern Subs and it's starting to have a nice vintage look to it to boot. And if you really want that tool look, get one with lug holes.

[Little machines]

The 16600 has a great feel that you cannot replace with the modern watches today. Very comfortable and great to look at. The true tool watch that has the functionality of a diver and you can wear the watch for any occasion.The 116600 has all the modern upgrades. It looks great also! The 116600 is 40 to 60 percent more just a thought. Good luck !

[GW44]

Can never, ever go wrong with a 16600 in any decent collection. The 124060 is great but the Seadweller edges it.

[nyc2la]

Lots of suggestions for a 116600 as an alternative option. Definitely worth considering.

[nr1416]

I'd go 14060 personally

[Ketler]

Originally Posted by erico

For those with 16600s or 5-digit Subs, any issues with the lume fading a lot or the clasp not snapping tight? Also, can Rolex replace dials and bezel inserts as part of a service?

My 16600 and 14060m are both over 20 years old.
The lume is as bright as ever and the clasps work perfectly.
Not sure why you would want to replace dials and inserts but I believe Rolex can still replace them should it be needed.

[erico]

Originally Posted by Ketler

My 16600 and 14060m are both over 20 years old.
The lume is as bright as ever and the clasps work perfectly.
Not sure why you would want to replace dials and inserts but I believe Rolex can still replace them should it be needed.

Excellent! Thanks!

[erico]

One other thing I'm considering is the thickness of the 16600. Looks like it is 2+mm thicker than my Seamaster, which I believe is 12mm. Is this SD thin enough to fit under the sleeve of a dress shirt OK? If not, that might weigh in favor of the 5-digit Sub.

[erico]

Originally Posted by ExplorerI

I’d suggest the 116600 sea dweller. Kind of best of both worlds. Has a date, no cyclops, maxi dial, modern bracelet, more reliable oldschool movement. Perfectly proportioned in my opinion. Still modern enough to have plenty of them around in mint condition full kit.

I had the 124060 and sold it. Much prefer the 116600. Also have a 16610 submariner but again I like the 116600 much more. Maxi dial and modern bracelet alone add a lot.

On the 116600, I am less partial to the dots all around the bezel. Not as clean IMHO. Also it is quite a bit more expensive in general from what I'm seeing.

[erico]

Originally Posted by Ketler

My 16600 and 14060m are both over 20 years old.
The lume is as bright as ever and the clasps work perfectly.
Not sure why you would want to replace dials and inserts but I believe Rolex can still replace them should it be needed.

Replace in case the lume isn't bright enough

[Chefinspecteur]

[QUOTE=Gerry62;12844192]The world is full of ceramic Submariners and they are beautiful, very flashy and shiny watches
I have a sub date 116610 given to my wife but I could not give up my SD 16600

Watch equipped with equipment as you will see in the photos, a real technical watch used by Comex divers but not only by those who love a true classic.
Indispensable IHMO



Congrats to your fantastic 16600, what a beauty. May I ask you from which year your 16600 is? Your COMEX 16600 must be unaffordable nowadays. My SD 16600 is my first Rolex I bought back in 2001. As far as I remember I've just walked into the shop of the AD in Switzerland, saw it, ordered it and picked it up a few weeks later. 1 month ago I brought it back for the 1st RSC. Have to wait over 4 months now to get it back from RSC.

[domi1]

Originally Posted by erico

I'm planning my first Rolex purchase end of the year for my 40th birthday. Was originally thinking brand new 124060 all the way but now am kicking around the idea of a 16600. Very different I know but here are some things I'm thinking about:

124060

-Pros: Maxi dial; brighter lume (?); higher quality bracelet and I like the appearance of the clasp more; available brand new; available through local brick and mortar (grey); significantly better power reserve
-Cons: Clasp size (need to try on again); more expensive; more blingy
-Mixed: Ceramic (more robust but more flashy)

16600

-Pros: More unique; more of a tool / less blingy; more water resistance; cheaper
-Cons: Bracelet is lower quality and clinckier (?); don't like the appearance of the clasp as much; thicker (maybe slightly); only available used (in my price range); probably only available online; no AR coating (?); faded lume (?); clasp might not function as well (?); shorter power reserve
-Mixed: Date function without cyclops (slight pro as I don't really like the cyclops and I use the date function on my Seamaster); aluminum bezel (I'm not too worried about scratches)

Am I off base? Am I missing anything?

Let me know what you think about choosing between these two.

I may also consider a Sub 14060 depending on what's out there.

Thanks!

both watches are among the most beautiful Rolex divers in history. But still 124060!

[domi1]

Originally Posted by Jefferyasher

What about a 14060 or 14060m?

[Andad]

16600 is the one.

[travisb]

No real cons with either. It's whatever suits your taste.
For me it's the Sub. Pretty much perfect.
Good luck and enjoy the process.

[Shadow Play]

I would say 16600 but I also think the 16600 is one of, if not the best Rolex watch ever so I’m biased.