I'm considering this Rolex 14060 Submariner - Thoughts?

[502 to Right]

I'm looking for a tritium Rolex 14060 Submariner. This one has caught my eye. I can definitely find some cheaper, but this looks like a fine example and includes box and papers (not a must have--but definitely a nice to have).

A must have for any 14060 I buy is a clean tritium dial with matching hands. This appears to check that box. Obviously, the case has been refinished, but it looks pretty good to me.

Any thoughts on this? Is the refinished case a plus or minus? I can see it both ways. Personally I'm looking for a daily wear watch and not a museum piece so I don't mind a refinished case if done well. But I'd like some more expert opinions.

https://tropicalwatch.com/watches/s15z

[Dan S]

It's all personal taste. The watch is described accurately as far as I can tell. Buy it if you like it and you feel it's worth that much to you.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Weren't you looking for a pepsi, OP? Anyway, the 14060 is great. Jacek knows how to refinish Rolex watches, what can I say. Nice piece.

[502 to Right]

Originally Posted by 0nly5iv3Digits

Weren't you looking for a pepsi, OP? Anyway, the 14060 is great. Jacek knows how to refinish Rolex watches, what can I say. Nice piece.

I was. But I just sold my 16610 Submariner (it was from 2001 so it had Super Luminova and solid end links) and am thinking of replacing it with something similar but more vintage-like. The GMT is still an option but I can get a better watch (condition) for less money going the 14060 route. And since the goal is getting more vintage without dipping into the 4 digit waters, this model is ideal.

[502 to Right]

Any comments on price? I know the market is soft right now. So I don't know if the price is average or high.

I don't mind paying a premium from a reliable seller though. Buy once, cry once. I see watches on reddit with two bad photos, an inaccurate description, and demanding Zelle or PP F&F and I want to vomit.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by 502 to Right

Any comments on price? I know the market is soft right now. So I don't know if the price is average or high.

I don't mind paying a premium from a reliable seller though. Buy once, cry once. I see watches on reddit with two bad photos, an inaccurate description, and demanding Zelle or PP F&F and I want to vomit.

Prices from high-end dealers always carry a large premium, so that's what you will pay. Not something I would do, but based on your previous threads, I think that it might be necessary to reduce your anxiety about buying. The seller is well-known, and I'm sure he will live up to whatever he promises. If you want to sell or trade the watch in the near future, you will probably take a hit. Since your name isn't Jacek, nobody will pay you anything like that amount for the watch.

Since you are paying a high premium, you should probably confirm your expectations with respect to whether the watch has been serviced, return policy (e.g. is it returnable after opening the watch to inspect the movement), length of warranty (if any), etc.

[996marty]

The seller comes with a good reputation but I find it interesting you have looked at two different watches and used Reddit and then compared Reddit with a known reseller which for me are like chalk and cheese.

[502 to Right]

Originally Posted by 996marty

The seller comes with a good reputation but I find it interesting you have looked at two different watches and used Reddit and then compared Reddit with a known reseller which for me are like chalk and cheese.

I never considering buying the Reddit listed GMT. I posted the thread because I was confused about the description and thought it was wrong. So I posted it here to see whether I was correct or not. I was correct, which in some small way was reassuring.

[carwashchris]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Prices from high-end dealers always carry a large premium, so that's what you will pay. Not something I would do, but based on your previous threads, I think that it might be necessary to reduce your anxiety about buying. The seller is well-known, and I'm sure he will live up to whatever he promises. If you want to sell or trade the watch in the near future, you will probably take a hit. Since your name isn't Jacek, nobody will pay you anything like that amount for the watch.

Since you are paying a high premium, you should probably confirm your expectations with respect to whether the watch has been serviced, return policy (e.g. is it returnable after opening the watch to inspect the movement), length of warranty (if any), etc.

Well said

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

[swish77]

This is a nice-looking Sub, and I actually don’t think the price is crazy from this type of seller. He’d probably come down a little anyway.

Try finding a 14060 with B&P in great shape AND a no-questions-asked three-day return policy .... for a much better price. I doubt you could. Jacek also makes sure the watch is running well. He has an in-house watchmaker.

With all the crap out there, I’d pay an extra couple hundred bucks for the right to inspect, handle, and time a classic Rolex before deciding whether to keep it.

If I had to nit-pick the watch, the mismatched patina on the insert pearl might bug me a wee bit. But I’m OCD about stuff like that.

[hutch300]

Jacek is good and its a decent value but I'd pass. You won't get the vintage vibes from a perfectly finished essentially modern watch compared to a 5513. I think a late 5513 is comparable money and way more charming. What is your hesitation with 4 digit?

[studioal]

Originally Posted by hutch300

Jacek is good and its a decent value but I'd pass. You won't get the vintage vibes from a perfectly finished essentially modern watch compared to a 5513. I think a late 5513 is comparable money and way more charming. What is your hesitation with 4 digit?

Can you show us a 5513 that is in as nice as condition as this 14060 and costs under $10K? OP wants patina, and wants a sharp case...they will likely have to pony up at least $13-15K for a comparable matte dial 5513.

FWIW, I think OP would be very happy with this watch based on what he's said.

[hutch300]

Originally Posted by studioal

Can you show us a 5513 that is in as nice as condition as this 14060 and costs under $10K? OP wants patina, and wants a sharp case...they will likely have to pony up at least $13-15K for a comparable matte dial 5513.

FWIW, I think OP would be very happy with this watch based on what he's said.

I see late 80's 5513 WGS under 10k every week with a good case and clean dial. You can't expect to get a meters first. Be reasonable, but practical. Its more charm.

[502 to Right]

Originally Posted by hutch300

Jacek is good and its a decent value but I'd pass. You won't get the vintage vibes from a perfectly finished essentially modern watch compared to a 5513. I think a late 5513 is comparable money and way more charming. What is your hesitation with 4 digit?

Originally Posted by studioal

Can you show us a 5513 that is in as nice as condition as this 14060 and costs under $10K? OP wants patina, and wants a sharp case...they will likely have to pony up at least $13-15K for a comparable matte dial 5513.

FWIW, I think OP would be very happy with this watch based on what he's said.

Thanks for the comments.

I'm not so much interested in a 4 digit model because the possible problems increase quite a bit the older models go and I have to draw the line somewhere as this is intended as a daily wear watch.

My desire is to straddle the line between some vintage feel (case size and shape, tritium dial/hands, hollow end links) and some modern materials and performance (sapphire crystal, higher water resistance). I think a tritium 14060 sits in a comfortable middle for me.

A nicely polished case is fine with me. Overpolished? No. Been there done that (I'm looking at you Bob's Watches and my 114270 Explorer, which went to ZWR for laser welding). As a daily wear watch it's going to be scratched up in no time lending a more vintage feel. I'm not interested in an unpolished case that has been beat to hell and back.

That said, I'm probably going to pass on this watch. I've sent questions to TW twice (on this watch and a different one from a couple of weeks ago). No response. I checked my SPAM filter too. If they aren't going to respond to inquiries that's not someone I want to buy a watch from. And if you need to know the "secret handshake" to buy a watch, again, not interested.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Originally Posted by 502 to Right

Been there done that (I'm looking at you Bob's Watches and my 114270 Explorer, which went to ZWR for laser welding). As a daily wear watch it's going to be scratched up i

Curious to see the job ZWR did on your Explorer. Pics are most welcome!

[hutch300]

Originally Posted by 502 to Right

Thanks for the comments.

I'm not so much interested in a 4 digit model because the possible problems increase quite a bit the older models go and I have to draw the line somewhere as this is intended as a daily wear watch.

My desire is to straddle the line between some vintage feel (case size and shape, tritium dial/hands, hollow end links) and some modern materials and performance (sapphire crystal, higher water resistance). I think a tritium 14060 sits in a comfortable middle for me.

A nicely polished case is fine with me. Overpolished? No. Been there done that (I'm looking at you Bob's Watches and my 114270 Explorer, which went to ZWR for laser welding). As a daily wear watch it's going to be scratched up in no time lending a more vintage feel. I'm not interested in an unpolished case that has been beat to hell and back.

That said, I'm probably going to pass on this watch. I've sent questions to TW twice (on this watch and a different one from a couple of weeks ago). No response. I checked my SPAM filter too. If they aren't going to respond to inquiries that's not someone I want to buy a watch from. And if you need to know the "secret handshake" to buy a watch, again, not interested.

Jacek responds to texts very quickly. I daily a 5513 and think its up to the task personally. If you want sapphire have you thought about a 16800/168000?

[swish77]

Originally Posted by hutch300

Jacek responds to texts very quickly. I daily a 5513 and think its up to the task personally. If you want sapphire have you thought about a 16800/168000?

Agreed. Jacek is very responsive.

OP, I’d assume he’s not seeing your inquiries for some reason.

[502 to Right]

Originally Posted by swish77

Agreed. Jacek is very responsive.

OP, I’d assume he’s not seeing your inquiries for some reason.

Ok, I found his text number. It's not on the website but he puts it in WUS listings.

[502 to Right]

Originally Posted by 502 to Right

Ok, I found his text number. It's not on the website but he puts it in WUS listings.

I got a response via text. All good.

[hutch300]

Jacek is a pro. He doesn't waste people's time. Glad you were able to contact him.

[Rebel]

Sweet looking watch.

[AJMarcus]

Nice thread OP. Looking forward to what you decide.

[investorcody91]

Jacek at Tropical Watch is a known and respected seller as long as you like it I would go for it.

[502 to Right]

Originally Posted by AJMarcus

Nice thread OP. Looking forward to what you decide.

Thanks. I've opened the field back up in considering a 16700 GMT Master. Tropical Watches has more than one of them. Either a 14060 or 16700 would look awesome on my wrist. 40 millimeters of 1990's greatness!

I've decided I no longer belong in the 2020's. I need a time machine. :)

[springer]

Originally Posted by 502 to Right

Thanks. I've opened the field back up in considering a 16700 GMT Master. Tropical Watches has more than one of them. Either a 14060 or 16700 would look awesome on my wrist. 40 millimeters of 1990's greatness!

I've decided I no longer belong in the 2020's. I need a time machine. :)

I like your choice. The 16700 is starting to get some legs in the collector market. I picked up a nice, "Pepsi" tritium set a few weeks ago and haven't looked back since.

[Gerry62]

really very beautiful this 14060 with cal. 3000

[502 to Right]

For reasons having nothing to do with Tropical Watches, I've decided to put this search on hold. I will content myself with the watches I currently have (and they are many) and will revisit this in a month or two.