First Rolex, help me choose!

[Toproll85]

Originally Posted by DougUSMC

Again, I'm new to the hobby, so thanks for all of the info I've already read on this forum. I would really appreciate any corrections to the thought process / assumptions I laid out above.

I don't see anything illogical in your thinking !

You seem to have made your own choice...no matter what others think and do. That's the right way man !

And since you're not in the industry yet, know that Subs are nothing special, there are them "everywhere".
The SD is really more special in addition to having superior qualities in terms of diving.

picture upload

[DougUSMC]

Thanks again for all of the thoughts and feedback. I really dig all the pictures of the beautiful pieces that were uploaded. Especially from my Teufel hunden Scott, that "with suit / with water" was awesome. I "thought" the black with red would look great with cuffs and suitcoat, but now I know!

I measured my wrist this morning and it looks like ~ 7 3/8", which I believe puts me squarely in the SD range.

So, before I decide that everyone here was right, a couple of last questions please!
- Does anyone have any dissenting opinion on why the sub could potentially be better?
- I've heard a couple of times "the SD is easier to get". Is that closer to "opinion" or "nope, definitely fact"?

[DougUSMC]

Sorry, third question: I've seen many recommending the 116600 vs. the 126600. I believe I understand properly that the 11 is one generation older than the current 12 series, but were there any characteristics of the 11 that would lead me to search one out vs. buying a 12 at an AD?

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by DougUSMC

Thanks again for all of the thoughts and feedback. I really dig all the pictures of the beautiful pieces that were uploaded. Especially from my Teufel hunden Scott, that "with suit / with water" was awesome. I "thought" the black with red would look great with cuffs and suitcoat, but now I know!

I measured my wrist this morning and it looks like ~ 7 3/8", which I believe puts me squarely in the SD range.

So, before I decide that everyone here was right, a couple of last questions please!
- Does anyone have any dissenting opinion on why the sub could potentially be better?
- I've heard a couple of times "the SD is easier to get". Is that closer to "opinion" or "nope, definitely fact"?

Welcome aboard and good luck with your decision.

Your question has already been answered above. The Submariner “in general” will be easier wearing than the SD. The Sub is thinner and more comfortable (on my wrist) than the SD. The SD is a thick chunky watch. Nothing at all wrong with that, but by comparison it wears heavy and less comfortably (again this is just me talking here).

Some of us also can’t get past the uncomfortable shape of the SD caseback. It either works, or it doesn’t. There does not appear to be much middle ground.

I’d say they are both about the same in terms of being able to obtain, the SD might be a tad easier to get at an AD because it appeals to less people. You can also buy them now for less than MRSP from gray dealers, so you have more options to choose from.

I owned both simultaneously for about 6 years and ended up letting the SD go. It was a real shame, because I absolutely LOVED that watch, but it just wasn’t comfortable to wear

[samson66]

Originally Posted by DougUSMC

Sorry, third question: I've seen many recommending the 116600 vs. the 126600. I believe I understand properly that the 11 is one generation older than the current 12 series, but were there any characteristics of the 11 that would lead me to search one out vs. buying a 12 at an AD?

The 11 is the preceding generation. It is 40mm while the current SD is 43mm. That SD is actually slightly smaller than the Sub in terms of diameter, but is the same thickness of the current SD. Think if it as a Sub after a big Thanksgiving meal.

With your wrist size I think the SD43 would work well for you but go try one on first if you haven't yet. I've seen it on display at a few different ADs (not for sale).

Some folks have had issues with the protruding case back causing discomfort. Others, like me, have never had any issue at all with it. Very wrist dependent.

It is slightly easier to get vs the newest Sub. I would say if you ask at a few places you should have it on your wrist in <6 months, maybe sooner.

I see you are in Maryland. Check out Radcliffe over in Pikesville. Really nice shop. They may have a display model in stock.

[Gearjockey]

Originally Posted by DougUSMC

Sorry, third question: I've seen many recommending the 116600 vs. the 126600. I believe I understand properly that the 11 is one generation older than the current 12 series, but were there any characteristics of the 11 that would lead me to search one out vs. buying a 12 at an AD?

Hmm

[DougUSMC]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Your question has already been answered above. The Submariner “in general” will be easier wearing than the SD. The Sub is thinner and more comfortable (on my wrist) than the SD. The SD is a thick chunky watch. Nothing at all wrong with that, but by comparison it wears heavy and less comfortably (again this is just me talking here).

Some of us also can’t get past the uncomfortable shape of the SD caseback. It either works, or it doesn’t. There does not appear to be much middle ground.

I’d say they are both about the same in terms of being able to obtain, the SD might be a tad easier to get at an AD because it appeals to less people. You can also buy them now for less than MRSP from gray dealers, so you have more options to choose from.

I owned both simultaneously for about 6 years and ended up letting the SD go. It was a real shame, because I absolutely LOVED that watch, but it just wasn’t comfortable to wear

Thanks for the clarifications, I did see the earlier comments, but I'm still trying to learn what is "opinion" vs. what is "fact" in some of the threads that I'm reading.

My next question in that vein is about the grey dealers you mentioned. At the risk of needing a whole new thread: what are the prevailing thoughts on them? I've seen pros and cons, but my head is still stuck on the idea that building a relationship with an AD will pay off in the long run. Specifically with getting more offerings and the eventual savings of retail over grey prices on other more desirable watches. Is that just wishful thinking or likely to be true?

My other concern is long term implications of having purchased from an AD vs. grey? I know that the warranty is different, but does that really matter past the initial 5 year warranty period?

Originally Posted by samson66

The 11 is the preceding generation. It is 40mm while the current SD is 43mm. That SD is actually slightly smaller than the Sub in terms of diameter, but is the same thickness of the current SD. Think if it as a Sub after a big Thanksgiving meal.

With your wrist size I think the SD43 would work well for you but go try one on first if you haven't yet. I've seen it on display at a few different ADs (not for sale).

Some folks have had issues with the protruding case back causing discomfort. Others, like me, have never had any issue at all with it. Very wrist dependent.

It is slightly easier to get vs the newest Sub. I would say if you ask at a few places you should have it on your wrist in <6 months, maybe sooner.

I see you are in Maryland. Check out Radcliffe over in Pikesville. Really nice shop. They may have a display model in stock.

Thanks for clarifying the differences between the two versions, that cleared it up well.

I have been to Radcliffe, it's only 20 minutes from my house. I was there last week, and did have a chance to try on both a sub and SD. My first comment on the sub was "wow, this is a lot smaller than I thought". I'm not a huge guy, but I guess I'm used to beefier watches? The SA was the one that recommended I'd prefer the feel of the SD on my wrist better and she was right. I "thought" she was hinting that SDs were more available and I would get one more easily, but not being very experienced in the Rolex market I wasn't sure if I were misreading her signals.

The only problem with Radcliffe is that they're moving, across the street, so I have to wait a week or two until they open the new location to see what my options are.

I believe they're combining both of their MD stores to a single, newer location. The SA was the former store manager for the one that closed, and she was telling me (I think) that they're going to be a Rolex flagship for the mid-Atlantic region. That's really why I believe it would serve me well to build a history with them.
I had a really great experience and walked out with a couple of watches that day (one new for our oldest's gratuation, one used for me), dropped my old daily for repair (the Tag w/the stripped stem) and got on the list for a LDJ for my wife's birthday in July. She said she didn't think that would be a challenge at all.
I'm hoping those two purchases (and eventually the LDJ coming in) puts me in a good place for a SD and other potential offerings.

What says everyone? Am I doing it "right"?

[alphadweller]

Higher quantity of dopamine released with the SD43, AFAIC. Potentially more serotonin in the long run too.

[DougUSMC]

Ok, am I doing something wrong that all of my posts have to be reviewed by a mod?

[knighty88]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

He’s absolutely right. The Submariner is useless underwater. Dive with a GMT instead

I thought I was being cool using my GMT to time my BBQ cooking - but you've smashed it there

[DougUSMC]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Your question has already been answered above. The Submariner “in general” will be easier wearing than the SD. The Sub is thinner and more comfortable (on my wrist) than the SD. The SD is a thick chunky watch. Nothing at all wrong with that, but by comparison it wears heavy and less comfortably (again this is just me talking here).

Some of us also can’t get past the uncomfortable shape of the SD caseback. It either works, or it doesn’t. There does not appear to be much middle ground.

I’d say they are both about the same in terms of being able to obtain, the SD might be a tad easier to get at an AD because it appeals to less people. You can also buy them now for less than MRSP from gray dealers, so you have more options to choose from.

I owned both simultaneously for about 6 years and ended up letting the SD go. It was a real shame, because I absolutely LOVED that watch, but it just wasn’t comfortable to wear

Thanks for the clarifications, I did see the earlier comments, but I'm still trying to learn what is "opinion" vs. what is "fact" in some of the threads that I'm reading.

My next question in that vein is about the grey dealers you mentioned. At the risk of needing a whole new thread: what are the prevailing thoughts on them? I've seen pros and cons, but my head is still stuck on the idea that building a relationship with an AD will pay off in the long run. Specifically with getting more offerings and the eventual savings of retail over grey prices on other more desirable watches. Is that just wishful thinking or likely to be true?

My other concern is long term implications of having purchased from an AD vs. grey? I know that the warranty is different, but does that really matter past the initial 5 year warranty period?

[StellarisCollection]

[/QUOTE]

[DougUSMC]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Welcome aboard and good luck with your decision.

Your question has already been answered above. The Submariner “in general” will be easier wearing than the SD. The Sub is thinner and more comfortable (on my wrist) than the SD. The SD is a thick chunky watch. Nothing at all wrong with that, but by comparison it wears heavy and less comfortably (again this is just me talking here).

Some of us also can’t get past the uncomfortable shape of the SD caseback. It either works, or it doesn’t. There does not appear to be much middle ground.

I’d say they are both about the same in terms of being able to obtain, the SD might be a tad easier to get at an AD because it appeals to less people. You can also buy them now for less than MRSP from gray dealers, so you have more options to choose from.

I owned both simultaneously for about 6 years and ended up letting the SD go. It was a real shame, because I absolutely LOVED that watch, but it just wasn’t comfortable to wear

Thanks for the clarifications, I did see the earlier comments, but I'm still trying to learn what is "opinion" vs. what is "fact" in some of the threads that I'm reading.

My next question in that vein is about the grey dealers you mentioned. At the risk of needing a whole new thread: what are the prevailing thoughts on them? I've seen pros and cons, but my head is still stuck on the idea that building a relationship with an AD will pay off in the long run. Specifically with getting more offerings and the eventual savings of retail over grey prices on other more desirable watches. Is that just wishful thinking or likely to be true?

My other concern is long term implications of having purchased from an AD vs. grey? I know that the warranty is different, but does that really matter past the initial 5 year warranty period?

[DougUSMC]

Originally Posted by samson66

The 11 is the preceding generation. It is 40mm while the current SD is 43mm. That SD is actually slightly smaller than the Sub in terms of diameter, but is the same thickness of the current SD. Think if it as a Sub after a big Thanksgiving meal.

With your wrist size I think the SD43 would work well for you but go try one on first if you haven't yet. I've seen it on display at a few different ADs (not for sale).

Some folks have had issues with the protruding case back causing discomfort. Others, like me, have never had any issue at all with it. Very wrist dependent.

It is slightly easier to get vs the newest Sub. I would say if you ask at a few places you should have it on your wrist in <6 months, maybe sooner.

I see you are in Maryland. Check out Radcliffe over in Pikesville. Really nice shop. They may have a display model in stock.

Thanks for clarifying the differences between the two versions, that cleared it up well.

I have been to Radcliffe, it's only 20 minutes from my house. I was there last week, and did have a chance to try on both a sub and SD. My first comment on the sub was "wow, this is a lot smaller than I thought". I'm not a huge guy, but I guess I'm used to beefier watches? The SA was the one that recommended I'd prefer the feel of the SD on my wrist better and she was right. I "thought" she was hinting that SDs were more available and I would get one more easily, but not being very experienced in the Rolex market I wasn't sure if I were misreading her signals.

The only problem with Radcliffe is that they're moving, across the street, so I have to wait a week or two until they open the new location to see what my options are.

I believe they're combining both of their MD stores to a single, newer location. The SA was the former store manager for the one that closed, and she was telling me (I think) that they're going to be a Rolex flagship for the mid-Atlantic region. That's really why I believe it would serve me well to build a history with them.
I had a really great experience and walked out with a couple of watches that day (one new for our oldest's gratuation, one used for me), dropped my old daily for repair (the Tag w/the stripped stem) and got on the list for a LDJ for my wife's birthday in July. She said she didn't think that would be a challenge at all.
I'm hoping those two purchases (and eventually the LDJ coming in) puts me in a good place for a SD and other potential offerings.

What says everyone? Am I doing it "right"?

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by DougUSMC

Thanks for the clarifications, I did see the earlier comments, but I'm still trying to learn what is "opinion" vs. what is "fact" in some of the threads that I'm reading.

My next question in that vein is about the grey dealers you mentioned. At the risk of needing a whole new thread: what are the prevailing thoughts on them? I've seen pros and cons, but my head is still stuck on the idea that building a relationship with an AD will pay off in the long run. Specifically with getting more offerings and the eventual savings of retail over grey prices on other more desirable watches. Is that just wishful thinking or likely to be true?

My other concern is long term implications of having purchased from an AD vs. grey? I know that the warranty is different, but does that really matter past the initial 5 year warranty period?

You’re welcome

It’s all opinion and conjecture to a certain degree when it comes to AD and relationship building.

IMO the SD43 isn’t as difficult to obtain at an AD and if you’re patient I wouldn’t be surprised you could land one inside a year, maybe less. It really does depend on the AD, where you shop and of course how well you hit it off with the Sales Associate.

That said, on that piece I wouldn’t waste my time. I’d just go gray.

Focus on what you want to own and enjoy now. Life is short as they say.

The warranty follows the watch so you have no worry there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[samson66]

Originally Posted by DougUSMC

Thanks for clarifying the differences between the two versions, that cleared it up well.

I have been to Radcliffe, it's only 20 minutes from my house. I was there last week, and did have a chance to try on both a sub and SD. My first comment on the sub was "wow, this is a lot smaller than I thought". I'm not a huge guy, but I guess I'm used to beefier watches? The SA was the one that recommended I'd prefer the feel of the SD on my wrist better and she was right. I "thought" she was hinting that SDs were more available and I would get one more easily, but not being very experienced in the Rolex market I wasn't sure if I were misreading her signals.

The only problem with Radcliffe is that they're moving, across the street, so I have to wait a week or two until they open the new location to see what my options are.

I believe they're combining both of their MD stores to a single, newer location. The SA was the former store manager for the one that closed, and she was telling me (I think) that they're going to be a Rolex flagship for the mid-Atlantic region. That's really why I believe it would serve me well to build a history with them.
I had a really great experience and walked out with a couple of watches that day (one new for our oldest's gratuation, one used for me), dropped my old daily for repair (the Tag w/the stripped stem) and got on the list for a LDJ for my wife's birthday in July. She said she didn't think that would be a challenge at all.
I'm hoping those two purchases (and eventually the LDJ coming in) puts me in a good place for a SD and other potential offerings.

What says everyone? Am I doing it "right"?

My bad for not reading completely. Glad you got a chance to try both on. That should answer your question. Did you take photos by any chance?

Another difference between the previous and current SDs is the current has a cyclops over the date while the previous does not. I prefer the cyclops because it does actually help with reading the date. Others hate it because this is the first generation of the SD to have a cyclops.

I think you should be able to get one relatively quickly, especially given your spend history. The latest Sub was more recently introduced than the SD so I think the SD is still significantly easier to get vs the Sub.

The SD gives you the red text, a small detail that really looks fantastic on the matte black dial. You also get the helium release valve - a great conversation piece. I also prefer the look of the minute markers all the way around the bezel vs the 15 minute graduation on the Sub. It's just a more interesting piece than a Sub which is incredibly common in the wild.

[DougUSMC]

Originally Posted by brandrea

You’re welcome

It’s all opinion and conjecture to a certain degree when it comes to AD and relationship building.

IMO the SD43 isn’t as difficult to obtain at an AD and if you’re patient I wouldn’t be surprised you could land one inside a year, maybe less. It really does depend on the AD, where you shop and of course how well you hit it off with the Sales Associate.

That said, on that piece I wouldn’t waste my time. I’d just go gray.

Focus on what you want to own and enjoy now. Life is short as they say.

The warranty follows the watch so you have no worry there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah, I dig it, thanks for that. I keep going back and forth on grey:

I can be patient, I don't want to just throw away money, I want to have that spend behind me when I go in
vs.
Waiting 6 months is crazy, it's not that much more...

[DougUSMC]

Originally Posted by samson66

My bad for not reading completely. Glad you got a chance to try both on. That should answer your question. Did you take photos by any chance?

Another difference between the previous and current SDs is the current has a cyclops over the date while the previous does not. I prefer the cyclops because it does actually help with reading the date. Others hate it because this is the first generation of the SD to have a cyclops.

I think you should be able to get one relatively quickly, especially given your spend history. The latest Sub was more recently introduced than the SD so I think the SD is still significantly easier to get vs the Sub.

The SD gives you the red text, a small detail that really looks fantastic on the matte black dial. You also get the helium release valve - a great conversation piece. I also prefer the look of the minute markers all the way around the bezel vs the 15 minute graduation on the Sub. It's just a more interesting piece than a Sub which is incredibly common in the wild.

I didn't take photos. TBH, it was my first time looking at Rolex and I was probably overly cautious about making a good first impression. I'd read/seen so many things about the AD and SAs having a lot of control over who gets the watches I didn't want to do anything that would be considered "wrong"...

I'm ambivalent about the cyclops. I think it's cleaner without but I just hit the age where I need the help to see the numbers.

I hope you're right about the wait, I plan to swing by shortly after they reopen, to "see the new place". If the opportunity presents I'll see if there's anything hiding in the back.

It's funny, because the two things you mentioned (markings and red text) are the two aesthetics that most draw me to the SD over the sub.

[paul cbc]

SD if you are using it for diving. Best legibility.

[jimcameron]

Doug, if you are interested in a Rolex as a classy sport type watch the Submariner can't be beat.

If you are interested in recreational diving consider a G-Shock. For about $100-150, they can't be beat.

Hopefully, you will not consider diving in Ellicott City the next time a flood hits.

Thank you for your Service.

FYI, in about 1970, you could buy a Rolex Submariner at the PX Quantico for about $250

[DougUSMC]

Originally Posted by jimcameron

Doug, if you are interested in a Rolex as a classy sport type watch the Submariner can't be beat.

If you are interested in recreational diving consider a G-Shock. For about $100-150, they can't be beat.

Hopefully, you will not consider diving in Ellicott City the next time a flood hits.

Thank you for your Service.

FYI, in about 1970, you could buy a Rolex Submariner at the PX Quantico for about $250

Hey Jim, thanks for the reply. I'm looking more for something to dive in than as a classy watch, I have my eye on a GMT for the "classy itch". The Sub/SD is more for "occasional daily / always dive" watch.

I have a G Shock, it's what I wore 99% of the time in uniform and what I wear now for 99% of the "getting my hands dirty around the house". The main reason I don't think about diving with it is that I don't pack it for vacation. I see the SD as multi use: main daily on vacation AND have it on when I'm doing a dive. I'm a "wear one, pack one" guy on vacation, and the G-Shock would be a second alternate for me.

No, my wife prefers to use her BMW 535 for diving in Ellicott City. The flood on Main Street was ~ 5 mi from us, so we didn't get hit by that. What we did get was a huge washout across a road by us, and my wife's car stalling out about 3/4 of the way across. While 6-7 mos pregnant with our youngest. I was NOT please that she insisted she could "just run out", or that it took almost 1.5 hours to get to her and get back home. There were SO many closed roads during that storm that I was constantly doubling back looking for a route to get to her - 3/4 of a mile away!

You know, it's been a long time since someone told a story that made me feel like "New Corps", but depending on the date I was approx -2 years old in 1970.

"Back in the day" (early 90s) the saltier teams guys used to gripe that they had to buy their first sub because the Navy switched over to issuing G-shocks 10 years or so prior. It's always been an aspirational watch, and likely a good half of the reason for this thread in the first place. If I hadn't been dreaming of one for so long I may have settled on the SD while at the AD...