Submariner new vs. vintage. Your opinion!

[Sasja]

Hi guys!

I was looking for you opinion for a new Sub, i hope you can share you thoughts!

I have my eyes set on a two-tonel Submariner, the blue dial, the Bluesy!
I know that two tone Rolex's are not in so high demand as steel, but i just love the gold/steel look, and this is the way I want to go.

I just can't decide what i should get, the new or the old one. I like the feel and the slimmer case of the old one (16613), but then again nothing beats the feel of a new Rolex (126612LB).

As mentioned i like the slimmer and "smaller" case from the 16613, and I also like the old clasp. I find it easier to maintain, and it's not as scratchable as the new one.

On the other hand, the new Submariner, 126612LB, well it's a new Rolex. Its the newest model, the bracelet feels slightly better and the look is more "ruggish".

I'm so fortunate that i can get a 126612LB from my AD for about 13800 USD / 11800 EUR.
I can get an vintage one, 16613, for about 11500 USD / 9900 EUR, great condition.

What would you do? Go old or go new? The price difference is not that big, and I just can't decide. And i know this is not an issue, I buy with the heart, but do you think value wise, the vintage is better than the new? I just love both watches, and i have to decide, so I'm thinking the deciding factor will be value, now and in the future.

Thanks so much!

[JParm]

My first was a 16710 and while not a Sub, still a 5-digit.

I absolutely love my Hulk but if you made me choose, I would always go for the 5-digit. It just suits my wrist the best and isn't bulky whatsoever; I honestly feel like it is the perfectly-proportioned Rolex.

Also - it can take a beating. Don't let those new to the game tell you otherwise. It might not "feel" like it, but trust me - it's as strong as the new 6-digits.

[khalifam]

Originally Posted by jpeezy14@hotmail.com

My first was a 16710 and while not a Sub, still a 5-digit.

I absolutely love my Hulk but if you made me choose, I would always go for the 5-digit. It just suits my wrist the best and isn't bulky whatsoever; I honestly feel like it is the perfectly-proportioned Rolex.

Also - it can take a beating. Don't let those new to the game tell you otherwise. It might not "feel" like it, but trust me - it's as strong as the new 6-digits.

100% I've had 3 16710's and everytime I've sold it I've yearned to have it back. IMHO much prefer the 5 digit than the 6. I now have a 16710 in my collection again and I have a hulk since new... the 16710 made me fall out of love with anything in my collection.

5 digit all-day everyday twice on a Sunday!!

Sent from my SM-F926B using Tapatalk

[saxo3]

5 digit, but it must be untouched and unworn.
Your decision.

[eonflux]

Future monetary value is a tough call.
And for me, what I enjoy wearing on my wrist is the primary "value" consideration.

I avoided Rolex before the 6 digit sports models.
Do not like the old end links (earlier hollow ones), hollow bracelet center links, stamped clasps, holes in the sides of the clasps, etc.

Perhaps the older clasp/bracelet work just as well (keeping a watch on your wrist), but to me are much less satisfying to use and have on my wrist.

Similarly, while the new ceramic bezels may be more complicated and fragile, they are more satisfying to use (ceramic bearings) and (to my eye) better looking and more interesting in construction.

[brnalkn]

I have owned 16613LB and now 116613LB.5 digit LB is one of the best lookin Sub Rolex ever made but for me,I prefer the new one.New is new!

[Sasja]

Originally Posted by brnalkn

I have owned 16613LB and now 116613LB.5 digit LB is one of the best lookin Sub Rolex ever made but for me,I prefer the new one.New is new!

I know exactly what you mean, and that is what I’m struggling with… New is new, my thought exactly. I’m just wondering, maybe old is even better

[brnalkn]

If you have a chance to find a 16613 like a nos,go for it,otherwise go for the new one.

[WBaileyii]

I have a five digit sub and if given your choice, I would go with the new one. I didn't like the proportions on the 11XXXX references, but the 12XXXX are more like the 5 digit proportions. I'm "on the list" for a new no-date sub, but I'm never giving up my 5 digit...you can always circle back and pick up the 5 digit, but getting a new one remains difficult at best...

[GB-man]

Can I get you to forgo TT and go 4 digit? Lol

No?

Then yeah go 5 digit and pocket the difference. At least where I’m at right now…that’s what I would do.

[Oxfordian]

Modern, love the size of my 124060, a great fit on my wrist, timeless look and so comfortable.

[Laostuh]

Modern, the old ones look cheap to me.. I don't know why.

[Mystro]

New 12 series. No way could I go back to a hollow link bracelet unless it’s back to the old $3k price point. The build quality is better in every way, as it should be with then 12 series Sub.

[Maiden]

I've owned 2 six digit subs including the bluesy. I now have a five digit collection. I just like the look better on my wrist. ALL subs are great. Find the one YOU love most.

[Kyle3130]

Originally Posted by Maiden

…ALL subs are great. Find the one YOU love most.

This is the best advice.

[nachopc]

I don’t like the 41mm and the clasp, I would go 40mm and buy the best condition available.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Boaters]

They are both nice I have almost an 8 in wrist and like a little more heft so for me the 12 series. If you have a smaller wrist the five digit would probably be what you want. You really need to try both on then make your decision. As said the new series has many upgrades including 70 hour power reserve. Good luck and please post some pictures.

[rlj676]

Originally Posted by eonflux

Future monetary value is a tough call.
And for me, what I enjoy wearing on my wrist is the primary "value" consideration.

I avoided Rolex before the 6 digit sports models.
Do not like the old end links (earlier hollow ones), hollow bracelet center links, stamped clasps, holes in the sides of the clasps, etc.

Perhaps the older clasp/bracelet work just as well (keeping a watch on your wrist), but to me are much less satisfying to use and have on my wrist.

Similarly, while the new ceramic bezels may be more complicated and fragile, they are more satisfying to use (ceramic bearings) and (to my eye) better looking and more interesting in construction.

This sums it up for me too. No interest in 5 digit, not when they were contemporary or now.

[Big Tex Rolex]

Have you seen them side by side ?

Which looks better on your wrist to you ?

I am on the "wish list" for a 126613LB, and am basing my choice on ... as good as the 5 digit looks, who knows what that watch has been through !!!???? Dropped, kicked, lost, stolen, worn while robbing a bank ... who knows ????

If you could find a new / unworn, as stated above, that's different ... but 12 series for me.

[Seddyspaghetti]

126. I prefer the modern feel for the sub. Also prefer the proportions over the 116.

[douglasf13]

Basically, the older the Sub model, the cooler it is.

[Old Expat Beast]

I have a 5513 from 1989 with a service dial (very similar to the original), hands, acrylic crystal and lume pip, which was serviced and pressure tested by the RSC in 2013. Bracelet is original but still holding up well, though I sometimes wear it on a tropic strap, in the style offered by Rolex ADs years ago.

[dannyp]

I prefer the five-digit version of any 40mm watch.

[HideMyWalletPlease]

I like both, but it’s best to stay away from vintage watches until you know a lot about the watches you are buying. A newbie can easily make a very bad purchase.

[garyk]

Whichever way you go and just so you know, TT is on fire right now.

[doboy007]

Modern

[subprimero]

Vintage, but don't compromise on condition.

[cts]

I prefer a vintage sub, preferably the 1680 red.

[grimps]

The new Bluesy should be not too difficult to get , I'd say 6 months at most.
I love vintage watches but don't feel I have enough experience or knowledge to buy one

[Sasja]

Thanks so much for great opinions guys!

I may have to clarify a couple of things.

I may have put it wrong when I said vintage, I apologize. What I mean when i say 16613 old, is a late 90’s / 2000’s version. It will come from a dealer, so condition will be good and it will be looked through at an AD before purchase is final, just to make sure everything is okay. So in that sense, watch condition is not an issue.

I have had both watches on my wrist, and both watches have their pros and cons.

As far as the bracelet, endlinks and clasp goes, the late 16613 has the good endlinks and I actually prefer the clasp over the new chunky one.