Anyone change from 6 to 5 digit sub?

[mailman]

Originally Posted by rolexpatek363

"not secure" -- absolute nonsense.

I agree. I’ve done quite a bit with the old style clasps and have never had an issue. Never even had one pop open.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by mailman

I agree. I’ve done quite a bit with the old style clasps and have never had an issue. Never even had one pop open.

Of course it’s secure. Never an issue in my 35 years of ownership of many!

[goldboy]

The differences are so minuscule but they get picked apart on forums like this and exaggerated into big deals. I'd say the right answer is to own both if possible.

The differences are a trade off:

Do you want a more classic fit but lack the modern tech such as upgraded movement and non-hollow bracelet with better clasp? Or would you prefer the more robust modern watch in exchange for a slightly heftier fit and tiny changes in details?

[Flyoverguy]

I preferred the less shiny 14060M over the newer iteration. I like the look better and the old bracelets work just fine though the adjustable clasps are nice functionally but too large.

[mr_gray]

i owned 114060, 116610lv and then 116619lb. i eventually got tired of the big clasp and longed for more comfort. on here i read about the 5 digit and traded everything for $ and a 16618lb. 5 digit is much more comfortable on my wrist. no competition. i love the old style clasp. 11xxxx 6 digit sports watches are a bit OTT chunky. i love the look of the new 6 digit range (12xxxx) but hate the thought of having an issue with the 3235 movement as some have had.

all up right now i think 5 digit makes a lot of sense (reliable 3135 movement, lighter, slimmer, more elegant) although 16610ln is arguably the worst looking sub ever made. to be clear i like it alot. i just think any other sub looks better.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by rmagoo57

Had both but traded the 114060 for a 16613 to add a little diversity in my collection. Both are great subs, but thinking ahead 20 years, the 14060M will look better on my 85 year old wrist!

Circling back to this thread and to your photo Ron.

I have to admit, the bezel width on your 5 digit just looks so much better to my eye

[Heater3000]

Originally Posted by mailman

I agree. I’ve done quite a bit with the old style clasps and have never had an issue. Never even had one pop open.

Totally agree with this

[Heater3000]

Originally Posted by rmagoo57

Had both but traded the 114060 for a 16613 to add a little diversity in my collection. Both are great subs, but thinking ahead 20 years, the 14060M will look better on my 85 year old wrist!

This!

[grizzlymambo]

I find it curious that the movement hasn't factored at all in this conversation. I think the Parachrom is a big big big deal. Rolex consumes 50% of the world's Niobium output to create Parachrom and unlike Silicon, it can be shaped into a Breguet overcoil (companies have managed to achieve a breguet overcoil with silicon, but they had to manufacture it in, as opposed to bend it into the shape).

As much as the 5 digits are just classics in appearance, I simply cannot get past the hollow bracelet links and sheet metal clasps when you're comparing it with a 6 digit; I have seen enough stretched Rolex hollow bracelets and even links where the pin started to cut into the middle link where it would bug me every time I put on the watch. I like the feeling of putting on a watch and not worrying about it wearing out. When you throw in the Parachrom, then for me the 6 digit is a clear winner.

The glidelock clasp is so wonderful. I used to be an IWC fan, but eventually gave up on the entire brand because none of their bracelets had microadjustments (now they do, but it's too late for me) - having the perfect fit is so important to me. Glidelock and t-fit claps just allow you to have the perfect fit any time, which is the next level.

As for 11 vs 12, I think given the 32xx issues, then the 11 wins. I look at the whole watch, especially the movement when considering which is better. If it's only looks that matter, why not just buy an homage with an ETA movement? Rolex is more than a set of visible dimensions.

[AllGoldRollie]

Originally Posted by mountainjogger

If so why?

Thanks.

I never bought a 6 because I knew they were not for me. Too big, too bulky. I’m not a fan of the maxi case at all. I did buy a 14060m though, and I wear it a lot. I’m completely fine with the movement in this model. No, I’m not crazy about the bracelet but I honestly feel that way about most neo-vintage and vintage bracelets. Luckily the Sub is a strap monster, so I just took the bracelet off within the first week of owning the watch, and now I just use of my five or so favorite straps, (all of which I really enjoy).


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[csaltphoto]

It's kind of interesting. I went to a store and intended to buy a sub but I knew nothing about the market. Completely struck out of course. In the course of research I learned about the 5 digits and decided I preferred the look. Still do. I've since had the opportunity to try on a 6 digit sub and I don't really like them. But if I had been able to buy one right off, that's what I might be wearing at the moment and none the wiser. I think the bracelet is definitely more comfortable and the adjustment thing is kind of a non-issue. Once I got the fit right I haven't adjusted it in 4 years. The bracelet does seem to have a bit of give. I know it's not "give" since it's steel and doesn't "give" but there is a little play between the links. Very comfortable for a daily.

[Sandpit]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

It's kind of interesting. I went to a store and intended to buy a sub but I knew nothing about the market. Completely struck out of course. In the course of research I learned about the 5 digits and decided I preferred the look. Still do. I've since had the opportunity to try on a 6 digit sub and I don't really like them. But if I had been able to buy one right off, that's what I might be wearing at the moment and none the wiser. I think the bracelet is definitely more comfortable and the adjustment thing is kind of a non-issue. Once I got the fit right I haven't adjusted it in 4 years. The bracelet does seem to have a bit of give. I know it's not "give" since it's steel and doesn't "give" but there is a little play between the links. Very comfortable for a daily.

Pretty much my take on this too but to add..

5 digit subs just have more character to me. There's some very small things which I love like the diagonal brushing on the lugs.

6 digits definitely do feel more robust and are a lot shinier but just seem to lack any form of character to me and are just a bit soulless. But then the same could be said for many new things compared to older designs (cars, watches etc fit into this).

[Old Expat Beast]

I went from 5 (14060m) to 4 (5513) long ago and never looked back.

[mailman]

I like the 6 digit Rolex models. Especially the 126610LV, 226570 and the 126710BLNR/BLRO. Love the maxi dials. The glide lock is great, especially on hot days. It’s huge thou. It isn’t too big for me either. My wrists are 8” on cold days. I like the comfort and size of the 5 digit clasps. I never had had one pop open. I prefer the aesthetics of the bezel on the 5 digit Submariners opposed to the 6, especially on a black one. It just looks like there’s too much empty space on the 11 and 12 series. I like the AR crystals on the 12 series, especially as my eyes get older As far as the bracelet goes, use a little soap and water once in a while and the 5 digit bracelets will last a long time. I haven’t had one fail on me in 22 years. As far as the movements go, we already know the answer 7 years later. YMMV