Is the Rolex Submariner the greatest watch of all time?

[omar-rye]

I’m not sure which is the greatest watch of all time but I’m sure it’s not the Submariner

My Sub:



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[watchmavan]

In a word... No.
In two words.... Absolutely not.

[Driver8]

Greatest in terms of what?

Most recognisable? Probably
Most copied? Definitely
Most “iconic”? It’s in with a shout
Most important dive watch ever made? Probably yes
Most complicated movement? Definitely NOT
Thinnest watch ever made? No
Deepest going watch? No
Greatest mechanical alarm? Errr….
Finest perpetual calendar? Hmmmm

Depending on the criteria it either is, or most definitely isn’t the greatest watch ever. All depends on how you judge it.

[sigma089]

Greatest of all time to me would be something like the Graves Supercomplication, but when it comes to the most practical or most rounded watch, I would also give it to the DJ. Just because it's basically the perfect one and only watch for most.

It shines in practically all areas of "normal" use. The oyster case is incredibly robust with its 100m WR being enough for basically everything any sane person will ever do with their watch. A DJ can be worn on all occassions from hiking to the board room, from funeral to night out - it will always look the part - a feat no Sub could ever pull off.

Best or most iconic sports watch however...

[thefollandgnat]

Originally Posted by Driver8

Greatest in terms of what?

Most recognisable? Probably
Most copied? Definitely
Most “iconic”? It’s in with a shout
Most important dive watch ever made? Probably yes
Most complicated movement? Definitely NOT
Thinnest watch ever made? No
Deepest going watch? No
Greatest mechanical alarm? Errr….
Finest perpetual calendar? Hmmmm

Depending on the criteria it either is, or most definitely isn’t the greatest watch ever. All depends on how you judge it.

Yes, but it's possible to assign a value to each and every criterion, tot them up and establish a ranking.

[Krash]

We can debate this ad infinitum, but the Submariner is the only watch worthy of a thread like this.


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[bjdub]

Originally Posted by sigma089

it will always look the part - a feat no Sub could ever pull off.

Gotta disagree here. Think the classic stainless sub might actually be more well rounded than the DJ. It’s sportier so dresses down better.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by amh

Is the Rolex Submariner the greatest watch of all time?

No

[OG1982]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

I feel the DJ beats it slightly in that criteria and the GMT is a better sport Rolex than a Submariner.

But most iconic is likely a Swatch or even a Cartier tank or dare I say a Breitling Navitimer or Speedmaster Pro right up there with a Sub

Why is the GMT a better sports watch than the Sub?

[77T]

Greatest Rolexeses…

DJ for the grey flannel suits and those wanting to know the time and forgets what the date is.

DD for the flash & cash & carried interest in troubled territories and forgets what day it is as well as the date.

OP for the original Rolex purpose - what’s the time? I mean within +4/-6 mate. Just don’t go diving.

Explorer for the mainsail rigger, the mountain climber, the clumsy. Won’t rot, rust or bust or run down the hill backwards.

Sub for divers who can do maths underwater but can’t afford a dive computer. Also for the 99% who never get one wet.

YM for the Captain who needs to yell at the rigger every 10 minutes or so…give or take a minute or two.

[edit] GMT if you can’t subtract or add hours to local time. Nevermind, you’re gonna end up calling that friend, co-worker or spouse at 3am reference time regardless…

These are the bestest Rolexeses


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[Time2Travel]

I’m sold on the submariner.


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[Thomas Brown]

Definitely.

[javier]

Absolutely.
Mine in particular 16610 serie Z. Ha

[Bobcat Sig]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

I’m not sure which is the greatest watch of all time but I’m sure it’s not the Submariner

My Sub:



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Nice!

Let's see how good at identifying Rolex references; is that an 11-series Sub Date?

[Time2Travel]

It’s one of my favorites.

[Torshalla]

It sure is the one I lile most :)

[Llamathurst]

I like mine...

[Gladiat0r]

For me, yes, it’s the best. I can see why it’s not everyone’s first choice though.

[Gearjockey]

Originally Posted by Gladiat0r

For me, yes, it’s the best. I can see why it’s not everyone’s first choice though.

It is tho.
It’s most Rolex aficionados’ first and last Rolex model.
The premise is rhetorical.
The Sub is the keystone upon which all other Rolex models rely.

[Torshalla]

Here is mine :)

[ml91]

Would be the greatest if Rolex didn’t steal the design from Blancpain

[Geckobros]

Originally Posted by ml91

Would be the greatest if Rolex didn’t steal the design from Blancpain

Shots fired!

[Llamathurst]

Originally Posted by ml91

Would be the greatest if Rolex didn’t steal the design from Blancpain

This thread is about the best Rolex, not Swatch.

[Gearjockey]

Originally Posted by ml91

Would be the greatest if Rolex didn’t steal the design from Blancpain

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

Oscar Wilde

[ml91]

Originally Posted by Llamathurst

This thread is about the best Rolex, not Swatch.

I guess my comment struck a nerve lol

[codecow]

Originally Posted by Kingranch

Threads like this make my sides hurt, from laughing.

[georgew]

Originally Posted by Driver8

Greatest in terms of what?

Most recognisable? Probably
Most copied? Definitely
Most “iconic”? It’s in with a shout
Most important dive watch ever made? Probably yes
Most complicated movement? Definitely NOT
Thinnest watch ever made? No
Deepest going watch? No
Greatest mechanical alarm? Errr….
Finest perpetual calendar? Hmmmm

Depending on the criteria it either is, or most definitely isn’t the greatest watch ever. All depends on how you judge it.

yeah, these are great questions when someone says "best ever".... But, I am kind of fond of them personally

[img]

[Calatrava r]

It could well be.

[Gladiat0r]

Originally Posted by Gearjockey

It is tho.
It’s most Rolex aficionados’ first and last Rolex model.
The premise is rhetorical.
The Sub is the keystone upon which all other Rolex models rely.

Sub was my first Rolex. Sold that and went through Daytona, DJ, SD43, DSSD black, DSSD JC, skydweller, and I think a few others…all gone. Went back to the sub. Realized it was perfect. First and last like you said.

[BraveBold]

No. Not even close.