New 11660LN Submariner

[Dazzle]

Hi guys,

A few questions from a newbie regarding this model:

Does anybody know what the UK RRP is going to be?
Does anybody know when it's going to be released in UK?
What's so good about 904L Steel?

Thanks in advance

Dazzle

[The GMT Master]

Firstly, welcome to the forum, I hope you enjoy your time here

1) Roughly £4600 (essentially the same as a GMT IIc) at current prices, but could be subject to change if there is a price rise

2) No one knows for sure, I'm saying August/September, going on previous form of Basel releases. However, if you're not already on a waiting list, it could take quite some time for you to actually get hold of a new one. Where I work, there are already four or five names down, and at an estimated one every other month, it's going to take some time to clear.

3) 904L is a very high corrosion-resistant grade of steel, usually used in chemical industries. Rolex, AFAIK, are the only watch brand that uses it, the industry standard is 316L. In real terms, there's very little difference, bar the fact it polishes up very nicely.

Hope this helps

Chris

[esm]

good stuff Chris.

In case the OP was wondering - the Sub LV-C should be about £4900 at current prices.

[Dazzle]

Perfect, those answers are exactly what I was looking for.

"one every other month" - really!!! So I could be waiting for 6 months after it's been released?? I had no idea, I assumed AD would get a decent batch when the new model is launched.

I was originally thinking of getting the gold and blue submariner but has recently swayed towards the 11660LN - trying to work out what the £2k price difference is and I can only think it's the solid 18k gold bracelet - which would you go for?

Thanks

[esm]

the bezel would be 18k and there should be gold bits in the ceramic insert also as far ad I know.... For the TT Sub

[Dazzle]

Thanks esm -

Being a newbie and with the risk of sounding stupid - what is the "Sub LV-C" - cant see that model on their website?

[esm]

Sub LV-C is the new reference to the green Sub with ceramic bezel insert (the Sub LV being the original 50th Anniversary model)

[Sponon]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

3) 904L is a very high corrosion-resistant grade of steel, usually used in chemical industries. Rolex, AFAIK, are the only watch brand that uses it, the industry standard is 316L. In real terms, there's very little difference, bar the fact it polishes up very nicely.

What`s the rate on the 904L at Vicker`s scale? The 316L is about 220-240HV.

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by Dazzle

Perfect, those answers are exactly what I was looking for.

"one every other month" - really!!! So I could be waiting for 6 months after it's been released?? I had no idea, I assumed AD would get a decent batch when the new model is launched.

I was originally thinking of getting the gold and blue submariner but has recently swayed towards the 11660LN - trying to work out what the £2k price difference is and I can only think it's the solid 18k gold bracelet - which would you go for?

Thanks

Could be 6 months, maybe even 12 months depending on supplies and demand - I have the feeling this is going to be a highly sought after watch, the Sub Date is Rolex's best selling sports watch. ADs only ever get offered certain watches per allocation (it's not a case of phoning Rolex and saying "I want X number of Submariners"), and in my experience, I've never seen more than one identical sports watch offered per month. You also have to take into account that supplies could be limited to begin with - Deepseas and Milgauss GVs took quite a while to get a steady, regular supply.

The problem is with Rolex is that they can be quite secretive - no one is really in the know, we just wait for the allocation sheets and hope the ones that you want turn up.

Now, as for the 116613, availability is much more reasonable, plus there's scope for discount - I seriously doubt 116610s will be discounted any time soon. It's a striking watch, the blue might not be as rich as the blue on the 16613, but you can trade that off against the beautiful ceramic bezel and the much improved bracelet. The only difference between the 116610, 116613, 116618 and 116619 is the materials used - mechanically, and from an engineering point of view, they're identical, and do exactly the same thing. They all use the cal. 3135 with parachrom hairspring, all waterproof to 300m, and all feature the simplified glidelock clasp.

I suppose you have to decide whether you want a watch now, or whether you could wait potentially over a year. They're both essentially the same, the steel Sub will probably hold it's value better in the long run, but the TT will be more exclusive. They're both great watches, either one will be a good choice

Originally Posted by Sponon

What`s the rate on the 904L at Vicker`s scale? The 316L is about 220-240HV.

According to this thread, the rating is around 490HV - in real terms, the Rolex bracelets I've seen seem to have less wear over extended periods of time than equivalent Omega bracelets using 316L

[CoopJr]

Great write up Chris!

[Dazzle]

I'll get onto my local dealers now and let you know what reply I get (o:

[Dazzle]

Called 2 AD's - one had a waiting list of 12 people and the other one had a waiting list of 2 so I am now number three!!

I wanted it in time for my 30th which is the end of Sept so I'll have to cross my fingers!

I just wish that everybody I met appreciates how exclusive my new watch will be (o:

Thanks for the help guys

PS: They said RRP would be roughly £4880.00 but may still change - Rolex have us eating out of the palm of their wealthy hands!!