![]() |
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
|
![]() |
#1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Sweden
Posts: 130
|
5-series Rolexes vs newer ones...
A consensus in comparison reviews is that 6-series Rolexes are technically superior to 5-digit ones. That is obvious I guess.
The last 5-series sports models are now around 15 years old. I guess most new Rolex buyers seek the latest model, and watch geeks may like the older ones despite not having the same level of tech. The 5 series are now old, but not that old if you compare them to for example a 1675 GMT. That means that many of us still remember when we could buy them at the AD’s. Do you see a fading interest in the 5-series as the year passes? Will they increase in demand or have they stabilized with regards to price do you think? Relating to the quality/level of tech issues. As an example – I know that a 6-digit bracelet trumps a 5-digit one. The 32-movement is better than the 31 etc. But in reality – what practical consequences have you experienced around these things? Besides being nice to have more advanced things… |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Midlands, UK
Posts: 4,869
|
I’ve not noticed any practical consequences of the technical changes.
I prefer the newer bracelets with glide lock for obvious reasons. But it’s worth pointing out that the movement in the new 6 digit sub was the same calibre as used in the 5 digit. I wouldn’t even go as far as say base calibre, it was the same apart from a shock absorber and new hairspring which is meant to be more resilient and stable. The movement has been around since the 80s and it’s a fantastic movement with or without the tweaks in about 2012 for the 6 digit subs. I have both 5 and 6 and they behave the same. I don’t have anything with 3235. So can comment there. P.s. I’m not bothered about case size or shape, or ceramic bezels but I do like the newer bracelets. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Real Name: Tyler
Location: usa
Watch: 16613 Sub
Posts: 885
|
Great topic! I think the interest in 5-series Rolexes will continue to hold steady. While the 6-series has undeniable technical advancements, the charm and nostalgia of the 5-series models keep them appealing to many collectors and enthusiasts. The older designs have a classic look and feel that's hard to beat.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Real Name: Eddie
Location: Australia
Watch: A few.
Posts: 37,230
|
I have 5's, 6's, and 32** movements.
I am interested to read other's thoughts.
__________________
E |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: France
Posts: 84
|
5 digits movements were and still are stellar quality.
5 digits bracelets are a laugh in comparison to the 6 digits. That is, when you have them in the hands. When strapped, it's so-so. Comfort wise, we love the easylink on the 6's. The 5's don't need easylink as it much more flexbile and light. All in all, 5's will soon be recognized as great band for the buck and stealth watches. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 | |
"TRF" Life Patron
Join Date: Jun 2005
Real Name: Peter
Location: Llanfairpwllgwyng
Watch: ing you.
Posts: 52,761
|
Quote:
__________________
ICom Pro3 All posts are my own opinion and my opinion only. "The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop. Now is the only time you actually own the time, Place no faith in time, for the clock may soon be still for ever." Good Judgement comes from experience,experience comes from Bad Judgement,.Buy quality, cry once; buy cheap, cry again and again. www.mc0yad.club Second in command CEO and left handed watch winder ![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 | ||
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Washington DC
Posts: 841
|
Quote:
The 6 digit bracelets for all their heaviness that people like haven't actually proven themselves yet. Quote:
|
||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: The Doghouse
Watch: Ingersoll Mickey
Posts: 3,128
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2023
Location: somewhere else
Watch: one I'm wearing
Posts: 451
|
5s for me I dabbled with newer but came back home to 5s ......but I'm old so big part of it
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Real Name: David
Location: Gardnerville, NV
Watch: 16710
Posts: 2,661
|
This is where I'm at also.
__________________
Current: 16710 Previous: 16760 Fat Lady, 16613 Bluesy, 16800, 14060, 16710 Pepsi, 216570 Polar, 116710LN, 16610, 216570 Polar (again), 16713, 216570 Polar (yet again), 16710 Black w/ Pepsi Insert Hope is not a strategy. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Real Name: Harry
Location: England
Posts: 10,283
|
The late era 5 digit references were my first hands on Rolex buying opportunity. In my case it was the 16610LV which I had wanted from the moment I saw one on display. It represented a big outlay for me at the time compared to any other watch I had owned, which made it all the more disappointing when I got to meet one in person at the AD. The bracelet and clasp were flimsy and rattly and the diving extension was a joke. The 116610LV addressed all this and more. It was more up to the build quality and finish of the competition, not to mention cheaper brands that made the 16610LV look overpriced. That's the beauty of this hobby/illness, there is something for everyone. Fans of the rattly and/or non ceramic models down the years have an enormous choice. I love the designs but I'm not interested in owning them. Maybe if they were cheaper, but probably not.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Feb 2024
Real Name: Mitch
Location: PBG, FL USA
Watch: Daytona, Sub, etc.
Posts: 69
|
Having choices with both five and six digit references, I find myself wearing the 16610 more often than anything else. And six digits, evenings out to dinner and events.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Brian (TBone)
Location: canada
Watch: es make me smile
Posts: 75,934
|
I think 5 digit references will always have their fan base.
![]() Objectively, they are more comfortable on the wrist than 6 digits (for me) due simply to their lighter weight. Yes the bracelets and clasp seem flimsy compared to the 6 digits, but IMHO they are still very robust and provide a better feel on the wrist ![]() That said, I’m a total hypocrite and no longer own any ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Washington DC
Posts: 841
|
Quote:
I find that this is a bit overlooked now. It's also why I think the comparison of Tudor's BB lineup to 4/5 digits doesn't quite land (even though I like the look of both compared to 6 digit Rolex), because the Black Bay line essentially has modern Rolex bracelets complete with the weight, so that strain is still there. (The Pelagos, being made of titanium, gets away with the modern chunkier bracelet style because of the material's low weight.) |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 | |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Brian (TBone)
Location: canada
Watch: es make me smile
Posts: 75,934
|
Quote:
Well said. ![]() It’s sort of difficult to describe to those who may not have ever owned 5 digits. I think sometimes the bracelet aspect is overdone. The 5’s seemed to straddle the line between lighter weight and melt into the wrist comfort. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: NL
Watch: Yachtmaster
Posts: 14,543
|
Since the beginning of the year the interest has been fading if you look at prices.
There is a fan base for the 5 digits on TRF. Checking the huge amount of 5 digits for sale on chrono i.e. it seems that there is not so much interest outside the WIS community. I prefer the 6 digits with its blocky case and solid overall feel. If you are into vintage than the 4 series are a more charming choice imho. ![]()
__________________
Day Date 18238, Yachtmaster 16622, Deepsea 116660, Submariner 116619, SkyD 326935, DJ 178271, DJ 69158, Yachtmaster 169622, GMT 116713LN, GMT 126711. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: up a hill
Posts: 1,916
|
The 4 and 5 digit Subs are so much nicer looking than the ceramic ones, IMO. I've never needed glidelock as my wrists don't swell up.
The only 6-digits which appeal to me are the OP line, they have the classic lug profile. I wish Rolex would headhunt whoever is head of design at Tudor.
__________________
5513 - 16610 - 114300 (x2) |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: maryland
Watch: GMT II Evr, SUB
Posts: 626
|
Other than the bracelet, I dont really notice a difference, and find the older less heavy watches more comfortable to wear all day...
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: NJ
Posts: 117
|
5 series all the way. Smaller, lighter and more comfortable for me.
4 series are even better ! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Argentina
Posts: 800
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#21 |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Real Name: Tom
Location: Mandeville La
Watch: 16610M
Posts: 10,600
|
Love the later 5 digits that included the rehaut engraving.. once on the wrist, which is where every watch belongs, the bracelet is moot
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#22 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Real Name: BondJamesBond
Location: The Algarve
Watch: Rolex or nothing
Posts: 4,035
|
5 or nothing. Perfect design, incredible comfort, no waiting list. The acme of Rolex.
__________________
♛ 5-digit Rolex or nothing ♛ 16030, 16613, 16713, 18038. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#23 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Real Name: Travis
Location: FL / NYC
Watch: Yes..
Posts: 32,901
|
The 5 digits will always have a very strong following.
There are many collectors that prefer the aluminum inserts, slimmer proportions and lighter weight. Not to mention the 31xx movements are some of the most solid work horse movements created. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#24 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: CA
Watch: 126710 BLNR
Posts: 48
|
I think this is absolutely true for PM and two tones like you have listed, but I’d rather buy two SS Tudors than one SS 20 year old Rolex for same $. They have the aluminum inserts, better movements and T-Fit clasps/modern bracelets. Also no waitlist!
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#25 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Uk
Watch: RolexGMT/Tudor7928
Posts: 3,568
|
The 4 and 5 digit references get my vote
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#26 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Real Name: D'OH!
Location: Kentucky
Watch: Rolex-1 Tudor-3
Posts: 35,978
|
The 5 digit era will always be the Rolex pinnacle for me. The best of design & execution. There is certainly an argument to be made about the difference in robustness vs modern bracelets but as previously mentioned repeatedly once on the wrist the lighter weight becomes a benefit.
dP
__________________
TRF Member# 1668 Bass Player in TRF "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Band ![]() Commander-in-Chief of The Nylon Nation ![]() The Crown & Shield Club Honorary Member of P-Club |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#27 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: USA
Watch: Neo-Vintage
Posts: 1,194
|
I tried to love the 6-digits, but for me the 5-digits win out.
I may be in the minority but I find their bracelets to be better - lighter, thinner, has natural flex and give through out the day. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#28 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: United Kingdom
Watch: Rollie
Posts: 770
|
Depends on the model... but generally prefer 6 digit for design and bracelet.
5 digits had the best box and papers though! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#29 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Pittsburgh
Watch: 126710BLNR Jubilee
Posts: 6,952
|
I think it is what you are used to. I have only worn 6 digits, so the weight and more bling from the ceramic is the norm to me. The ceramic bezel is what attracted me to the brand, but it I started with the 5s I’d probably be a 5 guy.
__________________
126710 BLNR Jubilee |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#30 |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: PaulG
Location: Georgia
Posts: 41,429
|
The watch market, and customer demand, is cyclical in a way like other markets.
Classic cyclical markets like construction, automotive, retail, and travel are sectors that tend to fluctuate in demand based on economic cycles and consumer preference patterns. I think the 6-digit FOMO phase is beginning to get rinsed out of the horology space. As it does, the appreciation of 5-digit models will rise as people notice the value proposition: still serviceable, reasonably priced, and elegant compared to chunkyism. 4-digit models will likely rocket into 6-digit orbit - but I mean 6-digit $$$$$$ Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
__________________
Does anyone really know what time it is? |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
|
|
*Banners
Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.