Which Submariner 14060M to buy?

[hkoengeter]

I am about to buy my first Rolex, and decided to buy a Submariner 14060M, with a two-liner dial. I have always been fascinated by the Submariner, and this seems to be the last vintage-styled Submariner, with reasonable modern features to enjoy the watch for everyday use.

A few things I am not certain of:

1) I read that, if possible, the watch should not be polished. Having looked around for a few months now, I have not seen a watch from that period that has not been polished to some degree. How big of a deal is this? Is polishing a deal-breaker for you?

2) Several posts I read suggested buying a Z serial number, so the last batch from 2006 that has the two-liner dial. Is there any advantage of a Z serial over say any serial number from 2004 or 2005?

I'd be grateful for any insights to avoid any buying mistakes.

[padi56]

As long as any Rolex is polished correctly preferably by RSC no problems as for serial just buy the best condition watch in your price range,and most all used Rolex from say any retail store will have been polished as most buyers don't want to buy a scratched watch.

[joli160]

1. If done correctly very hard to tell and no issue. Like you mentioned almost all are dressed to sell because nobody buys a scratched up watch.
A Submariner of 20 years old without a mark on it without being polished are non existent.

2. I don’t know, personally would not bother me and I would go for the best example I could find regardless the serial

[thesharkfactor]

Buy as nice condition as you can find. If you are in any doubt, post some pics here and we will be your guide. There are many more poor condition than in good condition all for the same money so it's a minefield for the uninitiated.

[Gerry62]

I have a Z 51 series and I have to say that there is no advantage over the other series, in fact the 4 lines (M V and G rrr series) cost a little more because they are the latest.
But I like the 2 lines better and I chose this one.
All the 14060M are wonderful, a great reference, choose it with the complete set, you can't go wrong



We are waiting for you
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=969448

[swish77]

There are still unpolished 14060s out there. Look at enough of them, and you’ll be able to tell the difference. Be patient and you can find one, although I agree that a light professional polish is no big deal. The problem is that so many older Subs have been refinished poorly.

It’s a personal preference, but most Rolex lovers would choose an unpolished Sub over a polished Sub every time, assuming all other factors equal.

There are a couple of NOS and stickered 14060Ms for sale at dealers right now. That would guarantee they’ve never been polished. Easy to find online with a Google search.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by swish77

There are still unpolished 14060s out there. Look at enough of them, and you’ll be able to tell the difference. Be patient and you can find one, although I agree that a light professional polish is no big deal. The problem is that so many older Subs have been refinished poorly.

It’s a personal preference, but most Rolex lovers would choose an unpolished Sub over a polished Sub every time, assuming all other factors equal.

That’s good advice

About all I’d add, is buy the seller.

[Snow-Dweller]

Originally Posted by Gerry62

I have a Z 51 series and I have to say that there is no advantage over the other series, in fact the 4 lines (M V and G rrr series) cost a little more because they are the latest.
But I like the 2 lines better and I chose this one.
All the 14060M are wonderful, a great reference, choose it with the complete set, you can't go wrong



We are waiting for you
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=969448

Originally Posted by swish77

There are still unpolished 14060s out there. Look at enough of them, and you’ll be able to tell the difference. Be patient and you can find one, although I agree that a light professional polish is no big deal. The problem is that so many older Subs have been refinished poorly.

It’s a personal preference, but most Rolex lovers would choose an unpolished Sub over a polished Sub every time, assuming all other factors equal.

There are a couple of NOS and stickered 14060Ms for sale at dealers right now. That would guarantee they’ve never been polished. Easy to find online with a Google search.

Both of our friends have given you good advice here. I bought a 14060M last week….2 liner 2006 D serial full set and lightly polished. It was just the one that spoke to me.

My advice…..don’t overthink it

[hkoengeter]

Thank you for all the quick replies, that's quite re-assuring!

Here is one watch that caught my attention: complete set, from 2005, F serial, from a dealer. Rolex service in 2016, and a complete service in Dec 2024 including polishing.

How would you rate the condition of the watch? Does that seem like a good buy?

[Snow-Dweller]

It looks fabulous to me. If that’s the one that’s calling out to you, and the price feels right, then go for it. We live once….

[thesharkfactor]

Not bad, but you could find a sharper example than that one.

[rohada]

2 lines, lug holes, smaller indices, and an improvement over the 14060. Iconic, clean looking watch. Bonus that it has been recently serviced. I wish you well.

[joli160]

I don’t like how the crown on the clasp is polished off.
There are better ones

[illiguy]

Look for a G or Random Serial 14060M that is complete and unpolished. Should be around $10-11k

[NachoNeal]

That looks pretty good to me. I've got an earlier 14060 that's pretty beat up, but it was my daily for many years and I always opt out of polishing.

[Gerry62]

I like it a lot

[CarlOver]

Thst would be a great watch. Since you brought up the polishing aspect, I feel that you can find a crisper example. Best to you!

[Tennesseehorn]

Originally Posted by hkoengeter

Thank you for all the quick replies, that's quite re-assuring!

Here is one watch that caught my attention: complete set, from 2005, F serial, from a dealer. Rolex service in 2016, and a complete service in Dec 2024 including polishing.

How would you rate the condition of the watch? Does that seem like a good buy?

Looks very nice. Unless I missed it, what is the price point?

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by joli160

I don’t like how the crown on the clasp is polished off.
There are better ones

Good eyes and I agree. That clasp crown is very soft... Does not look like an RSC polish.

If you want a true full set with stickers/never polished be prepared to pay. It will be at least 50% more.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Far too soft for my taste, OP. Not great.

[Andad]

I agree.

My ‘K’ 14060M has been serviced and polished twice by the Melbourne RSC and the clasp crown still looks good.

Was that clasped polished by a RSC?

[csaltphoto]

OK, here's a few things to look for. My 14060M. Bought "unworn" but not NOS. Unpolished at time of buying but worn daily for 6 years. Lots of scratches but they are unnoticeable from normal viewing distances (IE, more than 6 inches).

A couple of things to pay attention to here. Clasp is obvious. The watch has a lot of wear but the clasp crown and "faux bracelet" bevels are sharp. Also, bad polishing often shows up inside of the lugs. The inside edges should be crisp and meet with the bracelet with no gaps. If an overzealous polisher has gone over the lugs a bunch they can sort out the outside but the inside edge should be clean and sharp like in these pics. The inside edge of the lugs on the watch you posted looks rounded.

[shaunylw]

Everything i buy doesn’t get polished. But it’s hard to find a 14060 that hasn’t been polished outside of NOS. As long as it’s thick and done correctly, no worries. I just bought a 16700 that appears to be unpolished, chamfers are really present, that’s good enough for me. It’s likely been touched up at some point but looks like it hasn’t, that’s all i really look for.


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[Old Expat Beast]

Two-liner wouldn’t have a red chrono tag at point of sale, so wouldn’t count on that being an original full set.

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by padi56

As long as any Rolex is polished correctly preferably by RSC no problems as for serial just buy the best condition watch in your price range,and most all used Rolex from say any retail store will have been polished as most buyers don't want to buy a scratched watch.

Listen to Padi. Enough said.

[East of Eden]

Originally Posted by rohada

2 lines, lug holes, smaller indices, and an improvement over the 14060. Iconic, clean looking watch. Bonus that it has been recently serviced. I wish you well.

Nothing wrong with the 14060, mine keeps great time

[rohada]

Originally Posted by East of Eden

Nothing wrong with the 14060

I didn't say there was and I don't disagree.

[effovex]

Others have already said what is important; it’s all about condition, condition, condition!

Unpolished is always preferred, but I end up getting more enjoyment wearing my “well-worn” watches since I don’t need to baby them or feel bad picking up a tiny nick here or there. It is difficult to discern unpolished from a correctly done “light polish”, therefore, don’t get too hung up on the polishing.

Regarding the 2 vs 4 liner - I doubt Rolex will ever go back to a 2 liner sub; that makes me believe that 2 liners will be a rare specimen in the future as compared to the 4 liners (which all modern subs have).

[subtona]

FYI

“14060M” 2 line and 4 line had about the same production run but the “14060” was a 2 line that was available for many more years. Ie the 4 line is significantly lower production of the two looks wise.

Me personally I prefer the 4 line when accompanied with the sapphire crystal.


If it’s the 2 line you prefer then as others have said, less concern about the year than the condition.

Additionally if the older references with the tritium is a consideration, it may be a hinderance down the road when it comes time for service.

I’m not certain what Rolex policy is but it may be to swap out those tritium dials for service dials, if not now then in the future??????

[geoach]

14060m four liner had a four year run I believe reading somewhere get one random serial number very rare