Wanting to Buy First Rolex: Submariner

[DKRanger22]

Hello everyone. I have been an observer on these forums for some time, but a first-time poster. I am getting close to making a decision on my first Rolex, which will undoubtedly be a Submariner. I have longed for this watch for a number of years, and finally want to make a dream become reality.

My ideal watch is the 116619LB, as I love the look of the blue dial/bezel on plain silver. However, I am not able to swallow the $25K pill (used) that is associated with this particular model. Rather, I prefer to be in the price point of the 116610LN or 116610LV.

So my question to the experts: Did Rolex ever make a stainless version - essentially a 116610LN or 116610LV with a blue bezel/dial combo? In searching around, it appears that the only way to get this color combination now is to buy a 116610LN and change the dial/bezel, which I really prefer not to do.

Is this my only option? If so, how does this effect the value if I change the dial/bezel? I assume that if I use authentic Rolex parts and have the work done by a certified Rolex watchsmith, that I would not be incurring much of a "hit" to my value, especially if I retain the original pieces?

If Rolex made this color combination in a stainless model in previous years, I would just assume look for a nice used one, but I am unsure if such a model exists.

Thanks for taking the time to read my first post, and for pointing me in the right direct.

Best regards,

--Andrew

[kilyung]

Andrew,
What you're looking for is only available from Rolex in WG. You can mod a LN or LVc to look like a 116619LB if you can find the parts and a watchmaker willing to take the risk of a) losing their parts agreement if Rolex finds out or b) possibly breaking either insert when swapping them. As for value, there's no intrinsic increase/decrease in value by doing this. Just remember you'll never be able to have RSC service it in its modded form. I'd recommend just saving up for it. A modded watch will cost you almost $10k... better to keep saving for the real deal.

[Silverfever]

hi Andrew,
If you choose to change the bezel insert, make sure you get a watchmaker to do this. It's very easy to break the ceramic black insert.

[nauticajoe]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Andrew,
What you're looking for is only available from Rolex in WG. You can mod a LN or LVc to look like a 116619LB if you can find the parts and a watchmaker willing to take the risk of a) losing their parts agreement if Rolex finds out or b) possibly breaking either insert when swapping them. As for value, there's no intrinsic increase/decrease in value by doing this. Just remember you'll never be able to have RSC service it in its modded form. I'd recommend just saving up for it. A modded watch will cost you almost $10k... better to keep saving for the real deal.

X2.

[ltmgeller]

Just keep saving, it will be worth it in the long run.

[Urosfan]

Good luck with whatever you decide

[FTX I]

The Sub-C LN is a perfect everyday watch and would do a great job as your first.

[Dirtaysr]

Just tossing it out there ..... I also wanted / had a sub. Loved it. But then I saw the GMT 2C. Loved the little extra pop with the PCL. The dual time zone is pretty nice to have.

Just check it out. Worst case is its not for you.

Either way good luck.

Beware: these watches are addictive once you start it's hard to stop.

[Trouble15]

Welcome to TRF and best of luck with your decision!

[SWISSAHOLICS]

Andrew, welcome and good luck....two different watches here and price points are north and south. If you feel you love the blue, then save for it. I am not a fan of modifications on Rolex timepieces. Also, the weight difference between the 116610LN & 116619LB is again night and day.

[DKRanger22]

Think I may have found the solution. I am considering a Tudor 79190 (blue of course). I understand that the movement is not Rolex's in-house version, but rather, is made by ETA. Nonetheless a quality timepiece and gets me the color combination that I desire right out of the box. For me, this is a preferable solution to 1.) spending $25k and 2.) creating a "Fraken-watch".

[zion_rasta]

I can't believe I am saying this...

I think what you need is a GMTIIc Blue...

[Tudor66]

Excellent choice, the Tudor offers lots in terms of quality, value etc.

Looking forward to seeing your pictures.

[Sperry]

Greg, at Govbergs in Center City Philadelphia, remarked to me last visit that he could sell a boatload if they made the blue in stainless.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by nauticajoe

X2.

X3 Not worth the hassle.

[NoVaSubowner]

Go for the LV. It is strikingly different. The green gold dial will hook you.

[Jack T]

The WG Sub is not my choice for a first Rolex. There would be nothing else to look forward to.

[DKRanger22]

Originally Posted by Sperry

Greg, at Govbergs in Center City Philadelphia, remarked to me last visit that he could sell a boatload if they made the blue in stainless.

I can't quite understand why Rolex does not offer a blue/stainless version, either. Not everyone who has the disposable income to afford a stainless sub has the coin to move up to the white gold smurf, or even if they did, could justify the price difference. For those who say "just continue to save for one", that is not a small feat.

[DKRanger22]

Originally Posted by NoVaSubowner

Go for the LV. It is strikingly different. The green gold dial will hook you.

While it is striking, it is just not for me. Blue is what I am looking for.

[Fiery]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Andrew,
What you're looking for is only available from Rolex in WG. You can mod a LN or LVc to look like a 116619LB if you can find the parts and a watchmaker willing to take the risk of a) losing their parts agreement if Rolex finds out or b) possibly breaking either insert when swapping them. As for value, there's no intrinsic increase/decrease in value by doing this. Just remember you'll never be able to have RSC service it in its modded form. I'd recommend just saving up for it. A modded watch will cost you almost $10k... better to keep saving for the real deal.

+1

[DKRanger22]

Originally Posted by Tudor66

The Tudor offers lots in terms of quality, value etc.

That is my thought as well. Now if only I could find one!

[DKRanger22]

Originally Posted by Sperry

Greg, at Govbergs in Center City Philadelphia, remarked to me last visit that he could sell a boatload if they made the blue in stainless.

Absolutely! I can't for the life of me figure out why Rolex does not offer a blue/stainless sub. I suppose it is to make the WG Smurf that much more rare/desireable.

[kilyung]

Maybe a nice blue dial DJ2 would be a nice alternative?

[AK797]

I would buy the LNc now and if you stay on here then every few months you will want a new watch and you will probably trade up a few times and soon you will actually be able to stomach paying 25K for a watch and trust me it will happen faster than you think. If you don't plan on being active here then get the blue bezel and dial and have a watchsmith swap them over, its fairly straightforward, as you'll probably never be happy to spend 25K without a lot of enabling from us.

[Cc1966]

Just how close is your stomach's ability to take the $25,000? Perhaps the best bet it to not compromise and save some more to get your "grail". It would truly be special and fulfill your watch heart's desire mate.

[Danny83]

Ya if they made it in stainless that would piss of all the w.g smurf owners if you like the dial and dont want to spent 25k get a two-tone with the same dial color.

[NoVaSubowner]

Originally Posted by DKRanger22

While it is striking, it is just not for me. Blue is what I am looking for.

I would get a ss/18k blue sub then.

[Gaijin]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Andrew,
What you're looking for is only available from Rolex in WG. You can mod a LN or LVc to look like a 116619LB if you can find the parts and a watchmaker willing to take the risk of a) losing their parts agreement if Rolex finds out or b) possibly breaking either insert when swapping them. As for value, there's no intrinsic increase/decrease in value by doing this. Just remember you'll never be able to have RSC service it in its modded form. I'd recommend just saving up for it. A modded watch will cost you almost $10k... better to keep saving for the real deal.

Best answer here Andrew. Save up and get the WG Sub. That extra weight on your wrist will make it all worth the wait.

[Hooper]

Originally Posted by gaijin

best answer here andrew. Save up and get the wg sub. That extra weight on your wrist will make it all worth the wait.

x2

[DKRanger22]

I thought I had made it clear since my opening post that the $25K - $35K cost of entry for the WG sub (smurf) was out of the question. Evidently, that must not be the case because many of the responses are of the "save up and buy the WG sub" variety. So I will now make that clear: I am not spending $25,000 - $35,000 on a watch, ever. Watches are becoming a hobby for me, and I am looking to break entry into the "luxury" watch category with my first Rolex. But regrettably, never do I see this hobby getting to that level for me. The disposable income will be there in the near future, but even if it was here today, it would not be going towards one single timepiece. I would much rather have a number of less expensive Rolex watches accumulated into a $25,000 collection over time than saving up for one Smurf. That's just my opinion, and I certainly do not hold anything against anyone who chooses differently. It's just not an option for me today, nor would it be my decision tomorrow.

Others have suggested a Datejust as an alternative to a Sub. I have taken this into consideration, and feel that it would be my logical next step after acquiring a sub, but I have lusted over a blue sub for so long, I feel as if I have to get that out of my system first. I don't feel as if I would be giving up anything by going the Tudor route, and as previously mentioned, I would be getting everything that I want (blue color and stainless band, desired price point, etc.) right out of the box without having to sell a kidney or butcher a black stainless sub to get exactly what I want.

This exploration process has been a tremendous learning experience into the realm of Rolex and Tudor subs. I have truly taken an interest in the history of this classic timepiece, and have gained an understanding of the differences between not only models, but also the different generations. The Tudor Subs have some very interesting history and every bit as much appeal (to me at least) as do the Rolex subs. I am very excited to get the "hunt" underway, and look forward to my next post, which hopefully, will include pictures and a beaming smile on my face.