Anyone change from 6 to 5 digit sub?

[kenm]

My favorite has always been the 5513 I bought new in Davos in 1986. I wore it non-stop for almost 20 years. I’ve never had it serviced (and can’t now because Rolex no longer stocks the domed crystals). I don’t take it diving anymore. I have four submariners now, and all great for different reasons. It’s nice having the options when deciding what to wear :) Ken

[Cory_Logic]

At times I regret selling my 16610ln. Currently I do have a 126610ln which don’t get me wrong the PR is great but I have a small 6 1/2 wrist. My 36mm OP wears great as does the YM etc. The 41mm Sub is a beautiful watch but the weight (which is subjective) and the thickness (also subjective) I prefer the 5 digits much more. IMPO nothing will ever beat the classics. They set a standard long time ago that I don’t believe will ever be matched.

Yea they will make better, larger, more expensive but that classic 5 digit will always hold a very special place with me.


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[erhein]

Originally Posted by mountainjogger

If so why?

Thanks.

I started with a 116610. Then came a 16713, a 16570 and a 16710. After that, the 116610 started feeling "clunky" on my wrist and I traded it for a 16610. No regrets. I have a 165mm wrist and the 5 digit models feel perfect.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by HarryFlashman

If five-digits were still $3k-$5k I’d be more willing to jump back in, but those days are gone… at $10k-$15k you are paying a hefty premium for charm and nostalgia.

Agree. But one heck of a lot of charm.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by DoctorA

To each their charm! I wouldn’t say I “changed” from 6 to 5 because the 6 has sooooo many advantages which won’t list here. But some 5 have unmatched charm such as my flat 4 kermit and the 16710, compared to their 6 brothers

Love the pics Doc. Definitely unmatched charm.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by kenm

My favorite has always been the 5513 I bought new in Davos in 1986. I wore it non-stop for almost 20 years. I’ve never had it serviced (and can’t now because Rolex no longer stocks the domed crystals). I don’t take it diving anymore. I have four submariners now, and all great for different reasons. It’s nice having the options when deciding what to wear :) Ken

I had wore a late model transitional 5513 for 5 years. Looked just like your pic. Outstanding reference.

But (there's always a but). I sold/traded it. Agree the domed crystal is awesome.

[Gab27]

Originally Posted by rolex16

One thing few mention is the clasp on the newer divers and how big it is. When I had the ceramic 116600 (SD 4k), I noticed how much bigger the clasp was. I never used the glidelock, and did not like the extra bulk of the clasp. I don't think I would ever buy a new sub for that reason alone. I prefer (and kept) my 14060m 2 liner. Super sleek, comfortable, and classic.

For me, I really like the 5-digits, but the lack of Glidelock is a major reason I did not purchase one and instead went for a 6-digit.

The clasp is definitely pretty big, but I use the micro adjustment almost any time I do outdoor activities in the hot summer sun, and I do not think I could go back to a watch without it.

It would be nice if they slimmed its profile some in future versions.

[bezler]

Originally Posted by brandrea

The 5 digit will definitely wear lighter and smaller on the wrist.

My guess would be that if you didn't bond with the 114060, the 124060 might not be substantially different.

Its so tough to make a decision like this when you can't try a 5 and a 6 digit on side by side!

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I tried the 5 digit and 6-digit side by side, and the 5-digit 16610 won easily. But I'd be very open to considering the 126610, as Rolex is moving back towards the classic proportions. That first run of 6-digit subs was a lost generation aesthetically.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by JP.

I only care for the 5-digits.

They're much better looking to my eye.

Agreed. I find them more comfortable, more legit looking as a tool watch...and they don't make people think I went to an AD and begged to get on a waiting list for a silly watch.

Overall, the five digits are cool because they were the apex of tool watches still designed at a time when tool watches were necessary.

[pursang_]

Late 5 digits for me. 14060M, 16700/16710, and 16610LN


The 11 Series is the pimple on the nose of Rolex on school picture day. The case design was a much too late reaction to the 00s big watch fad.

Every Sub before and after the 11s has had eloquent lug and case design.

[pursang_]

Originally Posted by kenm

My favorite has always been the 5513 I bought new in Davos in 1986. I wore it non-stop for almost 20 years. I’ve never had it serviced (and can’t now because Rolex no longer stocks the domed crystals). I don’t take it diving anymore. I have four submariners now, and all great for different reasons. It’s nice having the options when deciding what to wear :) Ken

Please service your 5513.

Throw one of these in it and keep the original crystal

https://truedome.com/shop/p/d19

[HHIslander]

I went from 4 to 5 to 6 and went back to 5. Didn't hate 6 digits but I do prefer the smaller case of the 5 and it does wear better. I also prefer the steel over ceramic, probably just because I'm old and that's what I'm used to.

[domi1]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

I went from 114060 to 14060 because it felt more comfortable on the wrist and fit me better.

for me 14060 is much better then 114060.

[domi1]

Originally Posted by kenm

My favorite has always been the 5513 I bought new in Davos in 1986. I wore it non-stop for almost 20 years. I’ve never had it serviced (and can’t now because Rolex no longer stocks the domed crystals). I don’t take it diving anymore. I have four submariners now, and all great for different reasons. It’s nice having the options when deciding what to wear :) Ken

[domi1]

i very very like 4 and 5 digit model but the worst part of the 4 and 5 digits is the clasp which on the 6 series is perhaps the best in the world of watches!

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by domi1

i very very like 4 and 5 digit model but the worst part of the 4 and 5 digits is the clasp which on the 6 series is perhaps the best in the world of watches!

I still think the new clasp is too big and heavy.

Hilariously, I think the best clasp Rolex ever made was the on the 78690 bracelet for the Exp/Exp II/GMT. Super lightweight and compact with micro adjustments, a safety clasp, and the fun, faux link design.

[garyk]

I originally owned a 4 digit, then another 4, then a 5, now two 6 digits and imo, all wonderful Submariner watches...

[ctzn]

I went from 14060 to 1680 to 16800 to 114060 - and while I prefer the feel of the 4 and 5 digit references, I ended up sticking with the 114060 because of the memories and experiences I had built while wearing it. Since it was modern, I ended up wearing it the most and beating it up the, so now it has the real meaning and the is the only Sub that lasted long term in my collection.

Ironically, I took it in on a trade deal expecting to sell it straight away. I never really got around to it and gradually started to wear it more and more over time and here we are. I've really like all of them for different reasons, but it has to fit practically in my day to day life for it to hang around long term.

[jaisonline]

Yes. Switched to 5-digit Sub and GMTs 4 years ago. While I love the 6-digit Oyster bracelets, the maxi case's lugs just never felt right. Lugs felt too wide. So one day I tried on a friends mid-1990s 16610 and loved how it felt (& looked on my wrist).

Originally Posted by mountainjogger

If so why?

Thanks.

[Gab27]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

I still think the new clasp is too big and heavy.

Hilariously, I think the best clasp Rolex ever made was the on the 78690 bracelet for the Exp/Exp II/GMT. Super lightweight and compact with micro adjustments, a safety clasp, and the fun, faux link design.

As much as I love Glidelock, that clasp is really attractive.

[cwilson13]

Once you go from a 6 to a 5, you will start looking at 4s.

Save yourself some time, and just go straight to a 4!

[Ascari_2]

Had a 2019 Date Sub and happily traded it away after opening it one week.

Now have a 5-digit sub and the watch is definitely staying with me. Such a different feel and look on the wrist.

Mine is on an SEL bracelet and feels absolutely solid.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

I still think the new clasp is too big and heavy.

Hilariously, I think the best clasp Rolex ever made was the on the 78690 bracelet for the Exp/Exp II/GMT. Super lightweight and compact with micro adjustments, a safety clasp, and the fun, faux link design.

Isn’t that a 78790A? Which I absolutely love


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[PO.Victory]

My dream sub is a 5 two liner with 6 bracelet and lume.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

Isn’t that a 78790A? Which I absolutely love


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Yeah, I believe the 78790A and 78690 are essentially the same bracelet, but the SELs have slightly different curvatures for different case sizes, so the former fits the GMT/Explorer II, and the latter fits the Explorer.

The Sub clasp is also a classic. When I think of Rolex sport models, I think about the cool, faux links clasp.

[Divingdeep87]

This was a question and a fair one until the 124060 came. Best of both worlds.

[Spoonage]

I have both an 114060 and a Tudor 79090 with a T39. Comfort and looks, I like the Tudor better than the 114060. Although my Tudor is usually on a NATO (bought head only years ago). I'll eventually get a bracelet for it though.

[IR201]

Interesting thread.

OP my thoughts as someone who has the new 12 series, the 11s and some 5 digits (16610 and 14060m).

12 series has better lugs than the 11 to me, and the AR coating upgrade does not get enough attention. Gives a much more jet black/inky look which I love. That said, that clasp. It's too big for my liking aesthetically. I get that maybe it balances the weight better, and the 12s do feel more balanced on wrist than the 11s. But the clasp looks overly chunky to me.

The 11s have the best bracelet and clasp of the bunch IMO. I find the lugs less imposing on the bluesy version and to some extent the hulk. The black versions I see them more.

The 5 series are the best case shape of them all, and they look most appropriate on my wrist. They suffer on the clasp in terms of no micro adjust. They do FEEL a bit more fragile. Even though many would say they are robust etc. etc. and ceramic can shatter while aluminum can't etc. They still feel more fragile in my head. That said, this does not really bother me. What does get to me a bit is the value proposition. These are going for quite a bit of money now and it's tough to justify that $ over the newer pieces, particularly when you can get a BB58 or a new speedy to fill that same nostalgic itch (as I think Harry said re: speedy - thought it was a good point).

At the end of the day, none are perfect IMO, so I get the tough call. Hope to hear how you wind up.

[Stellite]

I started with the 5 digit series and still own mostly 5 digit series but also own the next two gens. There is no doubt that the newer gens have lots of advantages, but I love the simple, light feel of the 5 digit and it wears on my wrist like a glove. I don't feel the 5 digit series on my wrist, they are so comfortable. Yes, the clasps are flimsy compared to the modern machined versions, but that's part of the allure.
How can you not love this

[1665fan]

Really need to have both…..they both have their pluses