126618LB vs 116618LB

[Jeevesbond]

Hi folks. Really want a full gold sub bluesy. I have been considering trading a tt sub 126613LN for one of these. I have found an older 116618LB and am trying to understand any large differences against going in for a trade against this (much cheaper) vs a newer 126618LB. Anyone with both can comment? Also the older one is from 2015 and newer one is 2023 so warranty is an issue. Anyone know what a service runs on a sub gold bluesy and can help make a decision between these. Again the price difference is substantial (around 7k) and im trying to decide if it is “worth it.”

Some
Differences i saw were updated movement, slight case design differences to 41mm improving proportions, longer power reserve to 70hrs (i rotate watches so this doesnt bother me much as i wear a few weeks in a row then wear something else) and maybe gold lettering vs white. Also crown between swiss made. Ive heard bracelets are different. Anything else im missing?

[watchwatcher]

The biggest difference I've found in the 12-series subs is the width of the bracelet, which I do like.

Not sure I'd pay 7k for it, though.

[KevNev]

I was recently in the same situation however it was for the black version. You've mentioned the most notable changes. It will come down to personal preference on the case/lug shape changes, but I went with the 116618 and saved some money.

[jb335]

The 116 has a blockier case and a more tapered bracelet which is not ideal proportionally. However, while the 126 has better proportions it also wears a bit larger than the 116. A bit of a trade off here imo.

Other main difference is gold lettering on dial on the 116 versus white lettering on the newer 126. I slightly prefer the gold. Not a big deal either way imo.

Without seeing either watch, I would be partial to saving the $7k and getting the 116. Assuming it is in Excellent condition. I wouldn’t put much value in the warranty, it’s a Rolex. The odds of needing work under warranty are very low.


Full disclosure, I used to own the 116 LB but sold it because I preferred my YG Daytona and only wanted one full YG watch.


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[icejeep]

Go 11 with gold letters

[AK797]

Originally Posted by icejeep

Go 11 with gold letters

Agree with that, plus I like the 40mm dial size more than 41mm. On the LN I might prefer the 12 overall.

[1665fan]

11 series all day

[Giovannibravo]

Didn't the font colour change between the 12 and 11 series? I prefer the clasp on the 12 series better.

[favx]

There is no much difference In my opinion, but I think I prefer the 12 series.

[jb335]

Originally Posted by Giovannibravo

Didn't the font colour change between the 12 and 11 series? I prefer the clasp on the 12 series better.

Yes. Gold lettering on 116 and white on 126.

Mentioned above.


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[Kiddodoc]

Much prefer the 126 version: thinner lugs, wider bracelet and bigger body. Ding, Ding and Ding.

[Krash]

I like the white lettering over gold. So that would be the deciding factor for me.


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[Easy E]

I prefer the case and bracelet proportions on the 12, but by orders of magnitude prefer the 11 series movement. You can find newer than ‘15 LBs for not unreasonable numbers right now. Keep digging and good luck.

[sevykor]

11 for me. Not a fan of the 3235 yet.


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[Jeevesbond]

Originally Posted by Easy E

I prefer the case and bracelet proportions on the 12, but by orders of magnitude prefer the 11 series movement. You can find newer than ‘15 LBs for not unreasonable numbers right now. Keep digging and good luck.

Can you point me to some better 11 lbs - im looking but havent finalized yet. The 2015 year did have me worried

[JSolution]

The clasp on that 11 submariner is my favourite clasp of all time.

I had both next to each other when I bought mine, and I opted with the previous model version, they were about the same price at the time. Gold lettering was the tipping factor for me.

[Watchdog]

To me, as others have mentioned, it's the aesthetic of the white vs the gold lettering. It definitely makes a difference, one more sporty and the other more elegant.

[Kenny G]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

11 series all day

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by Jeevesbond

Can you point me to some better 11 lbs - im looking but havent finalized yet. The 2015 year did have me worried

https://davidsw.com/shop/watch/rolex...yellow-gold-2/

Here is one. It appears the others I have seen recently have moved on.

The trusted sellers listed on this site are very good and these pop up with some minor regularity. Happy hunting.

[omar-rye]

Originally Posted by Giovannibravo

I prefer the clasp on the 12 series better.

That’s a first. It's so long and wide compared to any clasp in the industry. Not a good thing in my opinion, but not a deal breaker.

Another significant difference between the two watches is the 31** and 32** movement. One has proven itself for decades, while the other has been plagued with unfortunate issues. With that said, I dislike the 116*** super case and wouldn’t buy one again, even if it’s a Hulk.

[BriansRolex]

126618LB the white lettering on the dial looks 100x cleaner and the 41mm size is perfect proportion for the watch I bought it last year and love it

[travisb]

Noticeably better proportions on the new Subs. Make sure to try them on before making a decision.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by jb335

The 116 has a blockier case and a more tapered bracelet which is not ideal proportionally. However, while the 126 has better proportions it also wears a bit larger than the 116. A bit of a trade off here imo.

Other main difference is gold lettering on dial on the 116 versus white lettering on the newer 126. I slightly prefer the gold. Not a big deal either way imo.

Without seeing either watch, I would be partial to saving the $7k and getting the 116. Assuming it is in Excellent condition. I wouldn’t put much value in the warranty, it’s a Rolex. The odds of needing work under warranty are very low.


Full disclosure, I used to own the 116 LB but sold it because I preferred my YG Daytona and only wanted one full YG watch.


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Couldn’t have said it any better ^^

[1William]

I have a 116618LB and think it is a great watch. I have looked at the 12's and like them also but the price difference is enough to make me look to see if you are really getting enough for the money. In looking around I would try to get a 2017 forward 116618LB from a Trusted Seller. Remember asking price and getting price are two different things so get on the phone and have a respectful conversation and work out your best deal. Good luck and let us know what you decide to do.

[Golden Palomino]

Personally I very much prefer the gold font of the 11 series. Combined with the lower price and 31xx movement it edges out the 12 series updated proportions. But honestly you can’t go wrong with a yg blue sub!


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[Golden Palomino]

One more note -

I believe earlier versions of the 11 series have a matte blue dial vs the sunburst? Not sure when the transition to sunburst took place, or how that affects the price expectations, TRF-ers please chime in? But it gives you an option of a different look if you like the matte. Myself, I’m a sunburst guy.


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[Big_Red]

I don’t think anyone has mentioned new series anti-reflective coating on inside of crystal. It’s great, but on the other hand not sure you’d miss it.

Case/bracelet and lettering color biggest diff.

[thesharkfactor]

If I was buying myself a PM Submariner, without any doubt whatsoever, it would be a 16618 (5 digit).

[Jeevesbond]

Originally Posted by thesharkfactor

If I was buying myself a PM Submariner, without any doubt whatsoever, it would be a 16618 (5 digit).

Can you clarify why

[Jeevesbond]

Originally Posted by Golden Palomino

One more note -

I believe earlier versions of the 11 series have a matte blue dial vs the sunburst? Not sure when the transition to sunburst took place, or how that affects the price expectations, TRF-ers please chime in? But it gives you an option of a different look if you like the matte. Myself, I’m a sunburst guy.


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This is huge info. Really? Im a big sunburst fan. So
Glad i asked this question as learning so much from
This thread