Submariner 14060M 1998-2011... which year was best and why?

[xrole]

Hi all. I have been educating myself recently on the Sub No-Date and have got a lot of recommendations for the 14060M.

However, I see that there are two versions of the 14060M, one with the classic 2 lines of text and one with the more modern 4 lines of text.

My question is: which model is better and why? Other than the text are there any other differences between the different years of the 14060M that I should be aware of to help decide which year to buy?

I am currently looking at a 2003 model with 2 lines of text but want to know if this is the wise option of if I should be looking at another.

Many thanks for any guidance and feedback. :)

[padi56]

Originally Posted by xrole

Hi all. I have been educating myself recently on the Sub No-Date and have got a lot of recommendations for the 14060M.

However, I see that there are two versions of the 14060M, one with the classic 2 lines of text and one with the more modern 4 lines of text.

My question is: which model is better and why? Other than the text are there any other differences between the different years of the 14060M that I should be aware of to help decide which year to buy?

I am currently looking at a 2003 model with 2 lines of text but want to know if this is the wise option of if I should be looking at another.

Many thanks for any guidance and feedback. :)

Well the only difference in any of the 14060 sub range in 2000 the change from the cal 3000 to the cal 3130 now called the 14060M the M stands for modified movement. Then the change to the 4 line chronometer tested ones but exactly the same movements to those that were not tested and the price changes over years.So just buy the best condition model in your price range, the 4 line version had the shortest run, some sellers charge more for this but myself would not pay extra for one.

[xrole]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well the only difference in any of the 14060 sub range in 2000 the change from the cal 3000 to the cal 3130 now called the 14060M the M stands for modified movement. Then the change to the 4 line chronometer tested ones but exactly the same movements to those that were not tested and the price changes over years.So just buy the best condition model in your price range, the 4 line version had the shortest run, some sellers charge more for this but myself would not pay extra for one.

Thanks yes I know the 14060M uses the improved movement thats why I am only considering that one asthe older version is anyway a similar price.

So I guess if you are saying that there is otherwise no difference (eg: in clasp or strap quality) then I guess it comes down to whether I prefer 2 lines or 4 lines of text.

[Emery]

IIRC the 2011 one came with the blue Parachrom hairspring.

[thesharkfactor]

Two liner is best in my opinion with it's clean uncluttered dial, it's a pure tool.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Emery

IIRC the 2011 one came with the blue Parachrom hairspring.

True but it's just a hairspring and in the real world would make little or no difference whatsoever hairspring was in the movement.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by xrole

Thanks yes I know the 14060M uses the improved movement thats why I am only considering that one asthe older version is anyway a similar price.

So I guess if you are saying that there is otherwise no difference (eg: in clasp or strap quality) then I guess it comes downstairs cto whether I prefer 2 lines or 4 lines of text.

Speaking for myself would choose best condition and price of watch whether any service history etc but would prefer the two line.

[Gerardus]

For me the latest series with the RRR rehaut.

[brandrea]

I had a pretty close look at these a bit ago. If I were to pull the trigger it’d be the two liner

[m j b]

Originally Posted by xrole

I guess it comes down to whether I prefer 2 lines or 4 lines of text.

Exactly!

[mailman]

I prefer the 4 line.

[watchnwine]

If you've settled on the M, the biggest aesthetic decision is the two versus four lines of text. Earlier in the window, you find two lines of text and a vintage vibe. Later in the window, you find a more modern look of 4 lines and at the very end, an engraved rehaut. The full run had hollow end links and holes so it's really just the dial configurations you need to decide on. My 2-liner is one of my favorite watches in my collection - it's very much a tool watch with a vintage vibe with a near modern chronometer grade movement.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by watchnwine

If you've settled on the M, the biggest aesthetic decision is the two versus four lines of text. Earlier in the window, you find two lines of text and a vintage vibe. Later in the window, you find a more modern look of 4 lines and at the very end, an engraved rehaut. The full run had hollow end links and holes so it's really just the dial configurations you need to decide on. My 2-liner is one of my favorite watches in my collection - it's very much a tool watch with a vintage vibe with a near modern chronometer grade movement.

The cal 3000 was exactly the same movement that was used in the Explorer that was COSC tested.Same for all of the 14060M all exactly the same movement whether tested or not.Today being COSC tested is mainly a marketing tool,and means very little today.Take the Chinese made Seagull ST 19 movement when regulated correctly can even match the new -2+2 average Rolex spec cost of movement less than $100.

[dandy]

14060m

[Kingcobb]

Do you like patina or not. Some of the 1998 and 1999 will patina like older rolexes. Just something to consider.

I've looked at getting a 14060 off and on and i5cwould be a 2 line from 98 for me. I like patina.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

I prefer the older aesthetic and vintage vibe of the two-line 14060m.

[pk552502]

I like the two liner models the best because it has a nice clean look. I like the older tritium models even better. I have a 97 U-serial and tritium model was the selling point for me. I agree with others that you need to find the best condition possible since that would trump all in my opinion. find one with a nice and crisp case.

[Easy Rhino]

I'm also firmly in the 2 line 14060M (2005) camp, as that's the exact one I've been daily wearing for 19 years. It's less commonly seen, invokes the more classic style, and just has a less cluttered appearance overall. It's also pretty indestructible and heaven knows I've tried through rough use to (unintentionally) hurt it. I get lots of comments on it from other Rolex guys I run into and they almost always remark on just how unique and cool the two-liner is. Just yesterday my wife's surgeon wearing his Pepsi BLRO GMT Master II was envious about mine, and stated that I could get a lot for it, being original owner with box and all papers, but I didn't follow up. I want the undertaker to remove it from my wrist right before they box me up.

[Onequik135i]

I like the 4 liner out of the 2 personally. The Long F version is kind of cool. They only made them for a year or so I think. 2008 ?

[Tools]

"Best" is subjective.

For all practical purposes all 14060M Subs are the same, even down to the exact same bracelets and through-lug hole cases.

If you like a particular minor cosmetic such as the 2/4 line, engraved rehaut; then go for those, but they do not affect anything about the watch itself.

Personally, I like the clean look of the 2 liner, very close to the original Subs iconic look.

[effovex]

For a submariner, less is more. That’s why I have and like the two liner better. Nothing wrong with a 4 liner either (throwback to a 5512). But again, I’m a firm believer that tool watches don’t need a novel of text on the dial.

[NigeG]

Personally I have a hankering for a two line dial with a preference for tritium for the vintage vibe. Not much help to the OP I know but as others have said buy the best you can get with regards to service history, condition and price


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[Jackie Daytona]

Some days I like 2 liners the most, others 4 liner. I say just whatever is best in terms of price, service and condition. It’s great either way.

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by Emery

IIRC the 2011 one came with the blue Parachrom hairspring.

Originally Posted by Gerardus

For me the latest series with the RRR rehaut.

Yes and yes. G or Random Serial for me.

[xrole]

Thanks everyone this was a cool thread to read. I think I am anyway going to put my name down for a new No-Date sub and simultaneously check out a 14060M and decide which I want to keep after seeing them on the wrist. :)

[Livermoron]

When I bought my 14060M I could have had 2 or 4 line for same price. I chose 2 becuase it looks cleaner and less cluttered on the dial. No plans to sell and I paid a LOT a less than they trade for now so no big deal to me.

[THC]

I have the date version and i definitely wanted the very latest version I could find . M serial , V serial, or G were my targets .. engraved rehaut, band tightness etc

Happy Hunting

[subtona]

The newer movement 3130 advances the time turning the crown in clockwise rotation
vs
the older movement 3000 advances the time by turning the crown counterclockwise.

Another distinction often overlooked, in the transition to the engraved rehaut a short lived anomaly was born…
Some of the watches during that transition had the serial number, located on both the rehaut and between the lugs simultaneously.



Personally I like the way the 4 line fills out the dial.
The 2 line appreciation remains with the 5513 for me.

I settled on a G for Gus ;)

[Easy Rhino]

Full disclosure: I always wanted a Submariner and when our 25th anniversary came along I upgraded her engagement/wedding ring set as we were poor enlisted sailors when we met and married and her original $800 ring (not kidding) was worn down on the inside to the thinness of a 16 gage copper wire and was close to parting. I had just retired from a 24 year career of being a US Navy submariner and way back then many of the senior submarine officers as well as the Navy SEALs we operated with wore Subs. So my wife gifts me the 14060M 2 line no date that I subsequently wore every day for almost 19 years when I acquired my 2nd Rolex (2 months ago). My only specification was no date - as I eschewed the cyclops. Over those 19 years I would see the new Subs come out; 4-line, engraved reheat, etc., and on occasion would flirt with thinking about trading my older model for a newer one. Now I'm so content that I did not and kept my original to me Sub. YMMV

[AF_Rob]

Turnograph, aka Thunderbird.


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