Rolex Submariner vs. IWC Aquatimer vs. Tudor Pelagos

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by rynegne

Hi All,

New member here. I'm looking to buy my first expensive timepiece after wearing cheaper designer watches for years. Although I know my cheaper Movados and Uniform Wares watches are mechanically inferior I really do enjoy the simple aesthetics. My new watch will not really be a part of a rotation, it will be a watch that I wear most of the time from work to out on the town.

While searching for new watches I found a few that stuck out: Tudor Pelagos, Rolex Submariner Date and the IWC Aquatimer Automatic. I can buy either the Pelagos or Aquatimer within the next month or so, but the Rolex will require a few more months of saving.

What would you do if you were in my shoes? Pull the trigger on a Pelagos or Aquatimer right away and risk spending even more on the Sub Date later down the road or just wait it out, save and get the Sub Date. If it counts for anything...if I had the money right now in my pocket I would purchase the Rolex (unfortunately saving for a wedding in Chicago costs a lot more than a couple Subs )

I like the new LE aquatimer auto. It is the same size as the regular aquatimer auto but WR to 200 bars vs 30 bars the same as the Aquatimer Automatic 2000 but in a smaller case. I would choose that over the sub. The regular aquatimer vs. the sub, i would choose sub.

[rynegne]

I keep coming back to this Datejust below and the Sub. I should note I need a watch that I can take for a swim. I won't be doing any diving. I just like the looks of the dive watches in contrast to chronographs which I'm not a fan of. I'm totally new to Rolex and it's probably an unfair question, but, is the Datejust regarded as a cheaper "entry level" piece in comparison to the sub? The Datejust I'm looking at is Steel, 41mm case.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by rynegne

I keep coming back to this Datejust below and the Sub. I should note I need a watch that I can take for a swim. I won't be doing any diving. I just like the looks of the dive watches in contrast to chronographs which I'm not a fan of. I'm totally new to Rolex and it's probably an unfair question, but, is the Datejust regarded as a cheaper "entry level" piece in comparison to the sub? The Datejust I'm looking at is Steel, 41mm case.

Not really. Very nice watch and sporty. I just prefer the SubC to it.

[Mystro]

There are a lot of nice divers but there is no equal to the Rolex Submariner. It's a legend for a reason. Save for the Sub. It will save you money in the long run because any of those other divers isn't a Sub and you will eventually trade them, get horrible resale and move up to the Sub.

[G-F]

The best advice I can give to anyone is to buy what YOU like. If I bought what peolple like I'd have a Subc and a BLNR not that there is anything wrong with that. But thse are not watches that do anything for me. I have a Pelagos and Milgauss and couldn't be happier.

It's all about what makes you feel good. And there are absolutely no bad options with all the models you're looking at.

[KingRichard]

Originally Posted by rynegne

Hi All,

New member here. I'm looking to buy my first expensive timepiece after wearing cheaper designer watches for years. Although I know my cheaper Movados and Uniform Wares watches are mechanically inferior I really do enjoy the simple aesthetics. My new watch will not really be a part of a rotation, it will be a watch that I wear most of the time from work to out on the town.

While searching for new watches I found a few that stuck out: Tudor Pelagos, Rolex Submariner Date and the IWC Aquatimer Automatic. I can buy either the Pelagos or Aquatimer within the next month or so, but the Rolex will require a few more months of saving.

What would you do if you were in my shoes? Pull the trigger on a Pelagos or Aquatimer right away and risk spending even more on the Sub Date later down the road or just wait it out, save and get the Sub Date. If it counts for anything...if I had the money right now in my pocket I would purchase the Rolex (unfortunately saving for a wedding in Chicago costs a lot more than a couple Subs )

Hi and welcome. In my eyes this is an easy question. You like the sub date, you want the sub date more than the IWC or Tudor, so you need to save and buy the sub date. It's the perfect one-piece collection because it can do everything for you (immensely versatile piece) and it's also the perfect collection-starter. It's also by far the best investment of the three (and really the only one that can really be considered an "investment").

A few more months of saving is nothing. If you said a few years I'd still say buy the sub. Buying a more affordable alternative (which, since you like the sub most, is what the other two are) is only going to cost you more in the end because you will end up buying the sub eventually anyways. It's better to buy smart and save for what you really want instead of trying to stave off the desire with some 'filler.' I was in a similar situation having the strong desire to own a sub date, I got distracted with Omega Seamasters (not that there's anything wrong with them) it just wasn't what I truly wanted and I'm SO happy that I didn't make the mistake of buying one.

Btw....116610LN is the reference number. Look it up. Watch videos. Read and post questions on this forum and do your research. Good luck.

[rynegne]

Appreciate the advice guys! Going to go with the Sub Date after my wedding, probably in October. Can't wait!

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by rynegne

Appreciate the advice guys! Going to go with the Sub Date after my wedding, probably in October. Can't wait!

[rynegne]

Following up here. I've been all over the place contemplating my first luxury watch purchase. I ended up deciding that I really didn't like the smaller dive watch in the Rolex Sub and the glossy dial. I realized the Pelagos is what I'd like my first watch to be...matte, larger face. The lume is amazing. Resale price might not be as great, but I think I'm making the right decision here.

I still plan on saving for a Rolex Air King as I'd still like to own a Rolex in the future, but something more unique.

[Smarties]

Pelago has the best bang per buck imo. If 'Rolex' is not must for you, I'll go for Pelago.

Am planning to get one myself.

[Bigsykedaddy]

Originally Posted by rynegne

Following up here. I've been all over the place contemplating my first luxury watch purchase. I ended up deciding that I really didn't like the smaller dive watch in the Rolex Sub and the glossy dial. I realized the Pelagos is what I'd like my first watch to be...matte, larger face. The lume is amazing. Resale price might not be as great, but I think I'm making the right decision here.

I still plan on saving for a Rolex Air King as I'd still like to own a Rolex in the future, but something more unique.

The Pelagos is a cool watch but are you sure you aren't just settling? I only ask because I've made mistakes before and not purchased the watch I truly wanted to begin with and it cost me in the long run.

You said if you had the money in your pocket right now that you would buy the Sub. If you truly want the Sub be patient and you will be much much happier in the long run (if it is truly the one you have your heart set on) and you will also save a good chunk of change and stress. How big is your wrist btw, because you said the sub is small (it's not small at all it wears larger than 40 mm?)

Congrats on the wedding and good luck on your decision

P.S. the Sub is my favorite watch I've ever owned, it's a true classic masterpiece (Out of Rolex, I've owned the SubC ND, SubC Date, SubC LV, BLNR, and Datejust II)

[dave023]

Enjoy the wait for your sub.

[rynegne]

Simply put, I really really dislike like the high gloss black dial of the sub. My wrist is 7.5in.

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[milgauss2232]

I really like how the aquatimer looks, however for eta movement it's probably overpriced?

[Wcdhtwn]

I'm confused... if you dislike the sub's dial so much why consider one at all? The overwhelming advice of buy what you want is spot on, but after that post I have no idea what you want.

DJ is not entry level at all. IMO DJ is 50% the sportiness of the Sub and Sub is 90% the 'dressy-ness' of the DJ. So versatility lands firmly in Sub's camp.

Someone advised earlier to look at Blancpain and Omega... that's good advice. A lightly used Blancpain 50 Fathoms can probably be found for a great price. Omegas are always inexpensive in the secondary market.

[rynegne]

I don't know how I couldn't consider the Sub...It's a great watch and an absolute classic. The high gloss on the newer version's dial is something I came to dislike over time in comparing it to other watches. I'm not big on Omega. I liked the Blancpain, but it's rather pricey. I feel the Tudor is an excellent value and good stand in for the Sub. Although I mnow some will disagree.

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[Tridor]

Buy what you really want. You'll regret "settling" for the Pelagos if it's the Sub that does it for you. Be patient, Grasshopper.

[polaris72]

DJ 41 comes with variety of dials, 2 x bezels, and 2 x bracelet options. You can take it for a swim. Some of us made mistakes (when started collecting watches) and settled for less expensive watches only to trade them in for what we really wanted in the first place. DJ 41 could be your one and only watch for the rest of your life as it will always look sharp in many occasions. On the other hand, searching for the right watch is half of the fun, so enjoy it!

[yxc145]

Originally Posted by Etschell

They are both great I agree

Attachment 873093

which came out first? Tudor looks like a copy of Sub. Or the other way around?

[yxc145]

Just read more carefully that you are in Chicago. So am I.

I just bought a Deepsea SD blue from this nice Independent Rolex and Tudor dealer (Authorized dealer of course). The owner is great, very friendly, personable. Gave me a good deal. If you would like to know the dealer info, PM me.
by the way, Congrats on the wedding. It definitely isn't cheap to get marry in Chi-town.

[gabegd]

"Good things come to those who wait."

If you really want the Rolex I say wait until you are able to purchase it. Trying to fill the void with watches you don't really care for is not going to make you feel better or will it fill the void of the missing watch (rolex). Besides, the Sub can be dressed down or up - it's an all around watch.

[sirish19]

I was in a similar position of wanting to add a diver in the collection and was considering 3 options, Ceramic Submariner (no date), Sea Dweller 4000, and Tudor Pelagos. I wasn't in position where I needed to worry too much about the finances but had really thought the Pelagos was the one I wanted. I liked the versatility of the strap/bracelet, the lume, and it was significantly cheaper than the other two. When I got around to trying on the Tudor, it felt too much like I was settling. It seemed to be a nice watch as a pure diver. In the end though, I felt that the finish and the heritage of the Sub was just so much better than the Tudor. Also, although I have several dress watches, the black on black of the Sub was still versatile enough to wear with a suit. For me, if I had bought the Tudor, it would have been purely a diver/vacation watch where the Sub could be more versatile.

Now you talk about the glossy dial, I was also really leaning towards the SeaDweller 4000 because I really liked the matte dial. It was more expensive than the Sub no-date and that was a consideration but I've got 6.7" wrists and I felt that the SD4000 was just a little too big and a little more highly engineered than I really needed. I ended up going with the SubC and haven't looked back (although after the release of the SD43 and seeing the scarcity of the discontinued SD4000, I sort of wonder if I should have gone with that when I had a chance. That wasn't settling though, the SubC was the watch that I really wanted to there are absolutely no regrets. In terms of the glossy dial, I actually realized that I like it a lot with the glossy ceramic bezel.

If your wrist is that large and you like the matte dial, I would strongly recommend the SD4000.

Either way, as others have said, don't settle and get what you really want. Good luck with your decision and we're looking forward to the incoming.

[Strummer25]

Awkward is my middle name
How about Exp2 cheaper than sub availability not a problem

[rynegne]

I like the SD4000, but personally I really came to like the overall design of the Tudor.

Originally Posted by sirish19

Now you talk about the glossy dial, I was also really leaning towards the SeaDweller 4000 because I really liked the matte dial. It was more expensive than the Sub no-date and that was a consideration but I've got 6.7" wrists and I felt that the SD4000 was just a little too big and a little more highly engineered than I really needed. I ended up going with the SubC and haven't looked back (although after the release of the SD43 and seeing the scarcity of the discontinued SD4000, I sort of wonder if I should have gone with that when I had a chance. That wasn't settling though, the SubC was the watch that I really wanted to there are absolutely no regrets. In terms of the glossy dial, I actually realized that I like it a lot with the glossy ceramic bezel.

If your wrist is that large and you like the matte dial, I would strongly recommend the SD4000.

Either way, as others have said, don't settle and get what you really want. Good luck with your decision and we're looking forward to the incoming.

[Scholar]

Originally Posted by Wcdhtwn

I'm confused... if you dislike the sub's dial so much why consider one at all? The overwhelming advice of buy what you want is spot on, but after that post I have no idea what you want.

DJ is not entry level at all. IMO DJ is 50% the sportiness of the Sub and Sub is 90% the 'dressy-ness' of the DJ. So versatility lands firmly in Sub's camp.

In what world is the Submariner 90% as dressy as a Datejust? The SubC in particular is quite chunky looking, but the diver details on any Submariner will be distracting in a truly dressy situation... which isn't inherently a bad thing, but my point is that it certainly isn't nearly as versatile as a Datejust or OP. The only 'professional' Rolex you can say that about is the Explorer I.

And how is a Datejust only half as 'sporty' (by which I assume you mean rugged) as the Submariner? Shock resistance will be basically the same and water resistance of the DJ is well beyond what any recreational divers do.

Additionally, it could be argued the rotating bezel of the Submariner is one more moving part that could go wrong (particularly if we're talking the ceramic models, which in rare but not unheard-of circumstances will shatter).

[Scholar]

Originally Posted by rynegne

I like the SD4000, but personally I really came to like the overall design of the Tudor.

I'm getting the impression that what you do like is matte dial, toolish Rolex divers when it comes to sports watches. If that is the case, your options are either to go for a vintage matte dial Sub, SD, or GMT Master or to get a Pelagos, which is the only matte dial Submariner Rolex makes at the moment. (The Black Bay dial is somewhere between matte and glossy.)

EDIT: It strikes me that you could get the best of modern and classic Rolex by getting a vintage 36mm (which isn't actually small on the wrist, trust me!) Datejust and new in-house Pelagos, in whichever color, for the cost of the SubC you don't like. Worth considering.

[rynegne]

I ended up going with the Tudor Pelagos with the new in-house movement and Black dial. I did contemplate a vintage Rolex Submariner but didn't want to deal with having to pay to get it serviced or any issues that might arise.

Now, I have to save some more and contemplate my first Rolex purchase. I'm pretty set on either the Air King or Explorer with the new lume 3,6,9...leaning towards the Air King but I have about 6 months to contemplate that after the wedding.

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[Wcdhtwn]

Originally Posted by Scholar

In what world is the Submariner 90% as dressy as a Datejust? The SubC in particular is quite chunky looking, but the diver details on any Submariner will be distracting in a truly dressy situation... which isn't inherently a bad thing, but my point is that it certainly isn't nearly as versatile as a Datejust or OP. The only 'professional' Rolex you can say that about is the Explorer I.

And how is a Datejust only half as 'sporty' (by which I assume you mean rugged) as the Submariner? Shock resistance will be basically the same and water resistance of the DJ is well beyond what any recreational divers do.

Additionally, it could be argued the rotating bezel of the Submariner is one more moving part that could go wrong (particularly if we're talking the ceramic models, which in rare but not unheard-of circumstances will shatter).

I was referring to this world. And this is my opinion... the Sub looks nearly as good in a suit or business casual as the DJ but fares far better in casual, jeans, shorts, etc. than the DJ. I'm not saying the DJ is a versatility failure but it's dressy nature doesn't transcend to casual/ sporty as well as the Sub. Yes it's water resistance is more than adequate, as is its shock absorbtion. I'm speaking from an appearance perspective more than anything. The DJ is a fine watch, I own neither, but you won't convince me the DJ is more versatile than the Sub.

[Scholar]

Originally Posted by rynegne

I ended up going with the Tudor Pelagos with the new in-house movement and Black dial. I did contemplate a vintage Rolex Submariner but didn't want to deal with having to pay to get it serviced or any issues that might arise.

Now, I have to save some more and contemplate my first Rolex purchase. I'm pretty set on either the Air King or Explorer with the new lume 3,6,9...leaning towards the Air King but I have about 6 months to contemplate that after the wedding.

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Good choice! Did you go for the LHD or the original black version?

IMO the Pelagos is actually the closest modern equivalent to those classic Submariners back when they were new (and didn't have the potential issues from decades of use).

[rynegne]

The original black version. Got it here from roach7, the price was right as well for $3099. Can't wait for it to come in!

Originally Posted by Scholar

Good choice! Did you go for the LHD or the original black version?

IMO the Pelagos is actually the closest modern equivalent to those classic Submariners back when they were new (and didn't have the potential issues from decades of use).