Rolex stricken with no cure!

[Doctorsti]

I have been primarily a Japanese watch wearer for practically ever. My first watch in the 80's was a G-Shock. I wore Casio Ironmen through the 90's. Got a relatively rare Citizen Eco-drive mid 90's and wore it alone for about 5 years until I picked up another Eco-drive both titanium with sapphire cystals and swapped them on and off for a few years. Back to Ironmen with a Suunto Vector thrown in there which was unsightly large.

This brings me to the around 2008. Lord I think I had about 100 or more watches since then with 2/3rds of which were G-Shocks or various Casio Pathfinder/Protrek models. 10-15 of the Casio's were of the MR-G line, which if you follow G-Shock, are pretty much cream of the crop multi-thousand dollar atomic, digital, analog, solar, DLC coated, pieces of hardened titanium. I picked up another 6-7 Eco-drives, all rare sought after models. I also got the Seiko bug for a bit and picked up the venerable Marinemaster 300 SBDX001, SBBN011 Darth Tuna, SBBN007 Tuna, the classic SKX007, and the crazy Seiko Discus Burger. I'm sure I missed a few but the moral of the story is I think I hit a wall when I saw the new 116610LN!!!!!!


I swung wildly back and forth between sell off most of my collection that I worked 2 years to hone down to many very desirable and rare models or keep most of them and pick up a used Omega Seamaster Professional. We're talking about at least a $5,000 price difference between the two so it's substantial (to me at least).

I literally wear about 5 of my current collection and just stare at the rest thinking to myself how wonderful they are for their own reasons. Not good enough any more. I decided to rid myself of the dead weight and go after my hearts desire. I'm getting a Rolex Sub come hell or high water (although hopefully I see neither).

Now my only dilemma is do I get a 14060M no-date, a 16610 date, a 16600 seadweller, or really go for the gusto with the 116610LN?!

I like the 14060m because it truly is a very timeless elegant sub with a very clean symmetric dial but I really would miss the date as I use it daily.

I like the 16610 date mostly because it's price is nice compared to the SubC but I am a big fan of the SubC bezel, maxi dial, and bracelet.

I like the seadweller because it's just a slightly beafier cousin to the Sub date and I'd say after all the 45mm watches I've been wearing going with a 40mm traditional Sub may shock me too much.

I am obsessed with the 116600LN for the reasons stated above and probably unlike most folks the maxi-case appeals to me slightly more then then traditional case although I think both are great.

Going low range with a 14060M or Sub date would allow me to keep a few rare G's I took a long time to find or an MR-G or two that I like to wear on rare occasions. If I didn't have them it wouldn't be the end of the world and like the Rolex would get a lions share of the wrist time shared with a couple of my Seiko's and one specific G-Shock the GW-5000.

To all the Rolex professionals what should I do?

[evanvito]

Welcome Kevin.
Go for the 116600LN it would be a very good companion for your MM300.
The best of the East and West for me.

[boogiebot]

116610 LN all the way





it really doesnt get any better than that

[Bigboss]

Buy the 116610LN. Its the watch u want. If you go for any of the others you may regreat your decision later. Its a big decision.

[mrbill2mrbill2]

I say go for the 16610.

But, I am confused by the statement "I swung wildly back and forth between sell off most of my collection that I worked 2 years to hone down to many very desirable and rare models or keep most of them and pick up a used Omega Seamaster Professional. We're talking about at least a $5,000 price difference between the two so it's substantial (to me at least)."

A pre-owned SMP is $3,000 to $3,500.

[MortgageGuy]

116610 is my vote too

[Doctorsti]

Originally Posted by Bigboss

Buy the 116610LN. Its the watch u want. If you go for any of the others you may regreat your decision later. Its a big decision.

Yeah I figured that was the best decision. I was sort of hoping to be convinced otherwise as I can afford all of them except the SubC at this time and about half of my collection is still intact.

I really don't need the one's left but it kills me to get rid of them after countless hours searching the forums and auction sites to acquire them just to sell them a year later.

I have been putting off going to an AD and flopped between used market and AD but I think an AD would have to give me at least 10% off for me to swing it in the near future.

I am getting inpatient and I know that is a mistake because it typically makes me buy things I don't really want and that usually ends up in regret.

[Doctorsti]

Originally Posted by mrbill2mrbill2

I say go for the 16610.

But, I am confused by the statement "I swung wildly back and forth between sell off most of my collection that I worked 2 years to hone down to many very desirable and rare models or keep most of them and pick up a used Omega Seamaster Professional. We're talking about at least a $5,000 price difference between the two so it's substantial (to me at least)."

A pre-owned SMP is $3,000 to $3,500.

Well I have been on the fence with a few purchases recently with one being an SMP electric blue dial in stainless steel for about 1500. 3K-3.5K is PO territory in my opinion. I would never buy a Seamaster Professional for anywhere near 3000. It would have to be one actually worn by Bond himself for me to spend 3K on a SMP. I actually have seen plenty black 42mm SMP's stainless steel few years old unserviced go for under $1000. You must mean the PO.

Besides Mr. Bill you are a self proclaimed Retro-grouch-curmudgeon so the traditional sub response is quite predictable!

[buke45]

Buy the one you like!!

[rusminag]

Go for 16610 first... next year go for 116610... at least you have a year to say goodbye to all your little friends....

[Doctorsti]

Originally Posted by rusminag

Go for 16610 first... next year go for 116610... at least you have a year to say goodbye to all your little friends....

That's actually a good point. Thanks. Its not like I'd lose a lot waiting. I could then enjoy a classic for awhile then sell it to fund the SubC. Not a bad thought at all.

[roger0770]

go to the ad and try the watches on. get the one that "sings" to you.

[Doctorsti]

Originally Posted by roger0770

go to the ad and try the watches on. get the one that "sings" to you.

Being a Rolex newbie and so far not spending more then 2K on a watch before it'd be nice if it actually did sing to you for nearly 4x my most valuable watch. I know it pales in comparison to many collections but this for sure will be a hallmark in my collection and will be the end of my watch hoarding for one years time. I am making a no new watch for one year rule after this one to make sure the few left in the collection are truly still seen as keepers and if not off they go and hello replacements!

[Darlinboy]

You can't go wrong with any of the references you're considering. My personal fave is the SubC.

[Puffy]

hmmm tough one... but i'd go 16610

[Art 1]

Any of those except the 16610, unless you get the LV and that was not on the list.

[buddy13]

You can say that I have been down almost the exact same route...though I never had 50 g-shocks I had multiple Japanese watches Seiko/Orient/Citizen/Casio...

I have first trimmed my collection down to about 6 Japanese watches which I really, really liked..among which OS 300m, SBDX001, SBBBN015 etc...

My first Rolex was a 16610. It is a superb watch...the second was a 14060M (COSC). Yesterday I got my 116610LN from Davidsw and cannot tell you how pleased I am with the watch...

In my opinion if you want the ultimate rolex tool watch get the 14060M, if you want the best built watch and a rolex that really feels like a 7000USD watch then get the 116610LN. The maxi dial, blue lume, superb build quality of bracelet and bezel and weight. Not standing whether anyone likes which best, no one can dispute that the 116610LN is the better build watch of the 3 ...

I happen to prefer the 14060M for it's light weight and classic appeal, but I recommend you the 116610 LN ...

I also considered a 16600 SD. But I couldn't fathom paying 6000 USD for a watch that was sold for 4000 USD a year ago. I accepted the fact that
I was late to the game and moved on. Paying much more for a discontinued watch is just not my style. Especially considering the fact that with some more cash I can get an up to date watch...go 116610LN..I believe you will not regret it ;-)...

PS: My collection as it stands consists of 14060M, 116610LN, SBBN015 and GWX-56 'King' G-Shock...I feel relieved that I do not have to think hard which watch to wear everyday (mostly it's the 14060M or 015). I'd like to ad an 8500 caliber new PO soon ;-)...

[nauticajoe]

My vote goes to either the 16600 or 16610 as a 1st.

Good luck!

[Doctorsti]

looks like my dilemma didn't last long. Found a sale on a 116610LN and now the rest is all details. Can't wait to post pics of my VERY FIRST ROLEX!

[glimmer]

Originally Posted by Doctorsti

looks like my dilemma didn't last long. Found a sale on a 116610LN and now the rest is all details. Can't wait to post pics of my VERY FIRST ROLEX!

Congratulations! Hope to see the pics soon....

[buddy13]

Originally Posted by Doctorsti

looks like my dilemma didn't last long. Found a sale on a 116610LN and now the rest is all details. Can't wait to post pics of my VERY FIRST ROLEX!

You did the right choice my friend...it's the best value for money watch among those you listed my friend ...

Tomorrow I'll post some pics of mine so check back on here ...

[A.J.R.]

Get the 116610, you will love it!

[pokpok]

i went with the 16600 over the sub c but thats just me. If you're obsessed with the sub c, then definitely get that.

[Cru Jones]

Yeah, you said you were obsessing about the SubC, so, to me, this was an easy one. Had you gone with the ND or older Sub, you would have always thought of the SubC and either ended up flipping or saving like mad. Congrats and post pix ASAP!

[Grumpy Badger]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Yeah, you said you were obsessing about the SubC, so, to me, this was an easy one. Had you gone with the ND or older Sub, you would have always thought of the SubC and either ended up flipping or saving like mad. Congrats and post pix ASAP!

I agree with the skiing raccoon! (now there's a sentence you don't hear every day!)

Personally, I wouldn't have the SubC free in a lucky-bag, but it does sound like that's the watch which has grabbed you by the 'short and curlies' so anything else, in your eyes, would be second best!

However... If you come to your senses, get the 14060m!

[Dr. Robert]

which sub did you get?????

[vintage69]

Go to your local AD. Buy 2 Rolexes. Go to bed. Send one to me in the morning.

[Doctorsti]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

which sub did you get?????

Got a deal going for a 116610LN in the TRF classifieds! I can't wait! Should have the whole process wrapped up by weeks end and hopefully next week starts with the addition of a special new watch!

I didn't know if I was going to be able to swing it the way most of the 11610's have been selling and with the recent MSRP increases but lucky me I found a way.

Saw a patient today with a 16610 and kept staring at his wrist! I can't wait to have my own Sub! I really hope I don't get bit by the rolex bug after it gets here my finances coldn't tolerate more then one of these suckers, at least this year

[vette boy 52]

Kevin,
I say go for the watch that caught your eye. The AD may be willing to work with you as I have purchased several of my Rolex's on a one year no interest purchase. Good luck.

[Doctorsti]

Originally Posted by vette boy 52

Kevin,
I say go for the watch that caught your eye. The AD may be willing to work with you as I have purchased several of my Rolex's on a one year no interest purchase. Good luck.

One year no interest huh? That sounds interesting. That may be something I research in the future.