SS Sub - Tool or Luxury

[Jason71]

It always cracks me up when someone "wouldn't consider" diving with a Rolex. When you consider things such as dive gear, the cost of a dive trip, mixed gases, etc.........the cost of a Rolex is a reasonable price to pay for such an excellent tool. It will last for at least your children's lifetime if cared for correctly, and can be brought back to "like new" every 5-10 years during a good service. I recommend a pressure test once a year for a Rolex used for diving. I prefer diving with either one of my subs or one of my SeaDwellers.......I don't dive with the DeepSea. Why, some would ask??? IMHO, the DeepSea has taken a step towards jewelry and a step away from tool. The clasp is too expensive to replace, as is the bezel insert if damaged. A good 16600 or sub is much easier to get a flip-lock clasp for a reasonable fee as well as the aluminum bezel insert. The DeepSea is the least like a tool-watch when compared to the other Rolex divers IMHO.

BTW, I don't dive with a computer. A Rolex and my brain is all that I need. I have never had an auto watch fail on me (I know that one can -- flood, stop, etc) but I have had a computer fail on several occasions. The last time I went diving on Grand Cayman, I saw no less then 4 people having computer issues during the week-long diving. No thank you.

Dive with my Rolex?? Hell yes!!!!

[deepsea72]

Of course it's a tool watch, just the same as a Sinn etc. I should say the current model looks like a tool watch, if they stick PCL's on it then it will look strictly like a watch for the board room and the golf course.

The less shiny elements on a dive watch the better, things that reflect light/sun more easily can potentially mimic "movement" and that can attract a few nasties that may just bite you in half. Shiny bracelets on a SS SUB will end it being a tool watch: well maybe it will be a great tool for potentially attracting sharks.

Why the heck purchase a dive watch then baby it and never use it for its intended purpose. If your scared about using it then don't purchase one. I don't see the point in purchasing great watches to just have them sitting in a glass cabinet to show your friends. Just my opinion anyway.

[JToddH]

[Sub'erman]

I started as a proff diver in 92. Since then I have logged more than 1600 dives. Always wearing a Sub(sometimes two; one on each wrist).
It is not required as a commercial diver, but as I am an old school diver I never dive without my Sub.
It has never failed me!! ( knock on wood!!)
On more than one occation it has saved my life, and other's...

Most of my collegues wear Sub or SD, too.

[Wooddog44]

Originally Posted by Polizeifritz

Here is the bottom line...

If you had a 2009 Porsche Cayenne SUV and an old Suzuki beater SUV which one would you take off roading? They are both equally capable and do a great job off road, but one will make you cringe when you brush up against a tree. I look at it the same way when it comes to diving with watches, just because it can do something doesn't mean there aren't different viable options to suit the same purpose. That said, I do swim wearing all of my watches but would probably only take my Oris diving.

I think this is a great way of looking at the issue. I wear my Sub constantly and have done so for vacation diving and snorkeling, swimming, in the hot-tub etc... without a second thought but IMO it comes down to intended use vs. abuse. If I plan to do something that requires wearing a watch, but also carries a high likelihood of incurring some minor damage to the watch, -recently tearing down and rebuilding a stone wall for instance- it would seem less than wise to wear anything other than a beater (for me Casio Pathfinder) despite the fact that the Sub could certainly "take" it. That said there are, I'm sure, some who would consider an SS Sub their beater but, at this time, I hold mine in higher regard than that.

[JBat]

Originally Posted by jclevoy

It always cracks me up when someone "wouldn't consider" diving with a Rolex. When you consider things such as dive gear, the cost of a dive trip, mixed gases, etc.........the cost of a Rolex is a reasonable price to pay for such an excellent tool. It will last for at least your children's lifetime if cared for correctly, and can be brought back to "like new" every 5-10 years during a good service. I recommend a pressure test once a year for a Rolex used for diving. I prefer diving with either one of my subs or one of my SeaDwellers.......I don't dive with the DeepSea. Why, some would ask??? IMHO, the DeepSea has taken a step towards jewelry and a step away from tool. The clasp is too expensive to replace, as is the bezel insert if damaged. A good 16600 or sub is much easier to get a flip-lock clasp for a reasonable fee as well as the aluminum bezel insert. The DeepSea is the least like a tool-watch when compared to the other Rolex divers IMHO.

BTW, I don't dive with a computer. A Rolex and my brain is all that I need. I have never had an auto watch fail on me (I know that one can -- flood, stop, etc) but I have had a computer fail on several occasions. The last time I went diving on Grand Cayman, I saw no less then 4 people having computer issues during the week-long diving. No thank you.

Dive with my Rolex?? Hell yes!!!!

Great post, Jason! Perfectly said!

[snow_rocks]

Calling a Sub a luxury watch,

sorta like a wolf in sheep's clothes.

Till a tool!

[moviefreak]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

I enjoy my Sub and swim with it when I have to. Here I am with my grand-daughter, Annika!!

Nice picture JJ...

[zseriessub]

I swim in mine all the time, I dont dive in it, but I dont dive, period. I would probably drown I try not to call it a luxury watch - it just sounds to froo froo for me.

[Bullyterrier]

JJ, Annika has stolen your glasses!

[datejust1]

Originally Posted by Bullyterrier

JJ, Annika has stolen your glasses!

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

I enjoy my Sub and swim with it when I have to. Here I am with my grand-daughter, Annika!!

Wow! JJ without glasses! He looks like Telly!! This picture may be used against you!

[nko51]

I have a SS Sub date that I wear all the time.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Bullyterrier

JJ, Annika has stolen your glasses!

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by Wooddog44

I think this is a great way of looking at the issue. I wear my Sub constantly and have done so for vacation diving and snorkeling, swimming, in the hot-tub etc... without a second thought but IMO it comes down to intended use vs. abuse. If I plan to do something that requires wearing a watch, but also carries a high likelihood of incurring some minor damage to the watch, -recently tearing down and rebuilding a stone wall for instance- it would seem less than wise to wear anything other than a beater (for me Casio Pathfinder) despite the fact that the Sub could certainly "take" it. That said there are, I'm sure, some who would consider an SS Sub their beater but, at this time, I hold mine in higher regard than that.

These are some very good points.

Often people consider diving as a sport where you are placing your watch at risk for unnecessary wear/tear. Actually, you are just as likely damaging your watch by tripping and doing a face-plant on the asphalt. If while you are sport-diving you touch anything.........You need to work on your buoyancy skills. If I were going diving and was planning to dig through the muck........I would wear something different like a seiko.

[ArcticMoose]

091121-Blue-S.jpg

I use a computer too though, which is also in the photo, an Oceanic DataMask HUD.

[mcjp6]

Originally Posted by jclevoy

It always cracks me up when someone "wouldn't consider" diving with a Rolex.
Dive with my Rolex?? Hell yes!!!!

x100

and with my vintage subs as well