The last watch you'll ever need

[marcs1]

I bought a 14060M random serial Rolex Submariner about a month ago. My first Rolex and purchased it brand new from the AD who gave me an insanely good deal and also probably the best and nicest customer service I've ever received in ever buying anything. The reason I'm writing this is because I've been reading and looking at this great forum for a couple months now and I thought I'd contribute something now that I've had and been wearing a submariner for a month. First of all I feel that if they can every man should have one good watch in his life. No jewelry no nothing just one good watch. That's why about six years ago I bought my first one good watch which was an Omega Speedmaster Schumacher 3520.53.00. I recently flipped it for a small profit which was pretty cool mostly due to the fact that it was in almost mint condition. The thing is and part of the reason I'm writing this is that I wore that watch for only about a year until I noticed how delicate it really was, not too happy about it's very weak water resistance, and most importantly I noticed my friends Speedmaster which was the exact same one which he had for a few years and how wrecked it had gotten. Unlike the ND submariner's of the past and future alike which no one could deny look amazing with its patina, this watch did not age well. The numbers turned yellow, the band and case get scratched up pretty good and after a while even the tachometer just looks pretty horrible. Which kind of sucked since I wanted one good watch to age with and to have and to wear. Kind of like a good wife I guess. Not too sure how I feel about that, but I know how I feel about it for a watch. So I literally stopped wearing the speedmaster. And on a side note it's funny but being as the Speedmaster is a great stopwatch, the honest-to-goodness truth is that in a year I probably used it as a stopwatch no more than 5 times where I've used the bezel on my submariner about 20 times to time various things in just the last month. Plus I'm a diver but I haven't got wet yet since I've had the watch. Anyway, back to my watch story. That ND submariner is a tank. I love the way it looks, how light and comfortable it is, and also it doesn't have any of the few things that I worried about with my Speedmaster. In fact quite the opposite. Ages very well, extremely waterproof, and of course the thing I think I like most about it including the history, the original ND submariner's first tagline "The last watch you'll ever need."
Heck it was good enough for Mr. McQueen, and I dig that very much.
And I recently learned that James Bond wore it. Sheesh. How cool is that?!



P.S. I still think the Omega speedmaster is a great watch. Especially the Speedmaster professional, "Moon watch."
It's just not an ND submariner is all...

[KZZN]

Hi,

I can certainly concur with your sentiments about Omega. A few years ago I bought an Omega Constellation, and it is nowhere near as hard-wearing as my Datejust was. After only two years of being worn occasionally for a few weeks at a time, it looked far, far worse than my Datejust did after two years of being on my wrist almost constantly. There were gouges and dents in the case, not merely scratches, and the bracelet has many very noticeable scratches on it. And that's with only wearing it around the house and at the office, and doing nothing different to it or with it than I did with my Datejust.

I don't know if it's the difference that the steel Rolex use makes, or if it's just a general build quality issue. But my own personal experience - admittedly with only one model - has definitely been that Omega is nowhere near as hard-wearing as Rolex, and I would have to seriously think about making another Omega purchase in the future.

[superdog]

Is that all one paragraph?

[jimbones43]

For me Sub C!

[azguy]

Originally Posted by superdog

Is that all one paragraph?

yup.....

OP, if you're happy, we're happy

[Tudor66]

Yes, you will find plenty of folks here who really like the 14060, myself included.

I've grown accustomed to presence of the date on my other watches, and I am a big cyclops fan. Oddly enough, I just picked up a omega speedmaster moon watch from 1974. I can't decide if it will be be just trade bait, or if I will keep it long term.

Thanks for the perspective, Hey, maybe I'll trade up from the 74 Speedmaster to a 14060 thereby creating a Tri-Sub collection....thinking....

[kilyung]

I call the 14060M the TEOTWAWKI watch... It'll be the last one standing. Post a pic of your's!

[karmatp]

The 14060 is the ultimate tool watch, enjoy for life.

[GradyPhilpott]

[marcs1]

Very nice pic GP! Thought it was a 5512 for a second... Or is it?

[marcs1]

Wow, you guys are all awesome! In fact I'd like to write a little more if none of you guys mind.
I actually love the Omega Speedmaster professional and I really liked my speedmaster too. The history and just everything about it. But I'm a pretty simple guy and shortly after having the watch I realized something. Although space is a very harsh and amazing environment, in actuality it's quite a clean and sterile environment. Not including moon dust from the "Moon" of course. Now one would say, why would I think of or just say that? Well I'm going to explain why. After having the speedmaster for a little while I quickly realized what exactly it was made for, and where it was made for. Amazing split-second chronometer timing and the ability to work up in space in a pre-digital/G-Shock era, and with great style. No one can deny what a stylish watch/tool it really is. But soon after having it on earth I quickly realized some basic things. And please, nobody get me wrong. If I find out tomorrow I'm going up into space, the first thing I will absolutely do is to go to an Omega AD and purchase a speedmaster professional with a smile on my face and put my Rolex in a drawer. But here on earth it's a different story. The first thing you realize is that most of the time you don't need split-second stopwatch timing like all those bad asses did on the Mercury, Gemini or Apollo missions. And they were badasses. Very intelligent, physically fit and cool under pressure guys who got it done with that watch. Who could deny how cool it was to watch Commander James Lovell make those decisions and timing of when to do a burst, or even extremely complex math equations during those trying times in that harsh environment on Apollo 13. Amazing. But that's the thing, the environment. You see here on earth it's very wet, sandy, cold and hot, jungly and just all sorts of messy. And we love it. So it's kind of upsetting when you first realize on your omega speedmaster that those pushbuttons really are very delicate in a way. The click and feel and sound of it is great, but to put it frankly those buttons and that watch has to be pretty clean and dry. Any moisture or fine dirt or sand can really start to damage it after while. And it's just a bit sad because you realize it just won't hold up here on earth after a while in most adventure type settings. And I'll explain. But first on a side note, the speedmaster is a great and pretty tough watch but do any of you know why the speedmaster 50th anniversary limited series at double the price is water resistant to 100 m as opposed to the speedmaster professional with its 50 m water resistance. I mean why couldn't they all be like that? I don't know what technology they used for that but it could've been cool if they were all water resistant to 100 m.
Anyway, one just really has to look at the history of Rolex and realize why it's really one of the best on earth and why it's probably the best watch to have while here. Sir Edmund Hillary. Do you think he would've made it to the top of Everest if he had a Speedmaster professional back then on his wrist as opposed to a Rolex Explorer? I doubt it. I doubt it would've held up at all. And try miscalculating your timing on an ascent on Mt. Everest and see how that works out for you. Or Chuck Yeager. Major General Charles Elwood Yeager. You don't think he wanted an Omega speedmaster like all those NASA boys at the time. Sure. But he was an amazing test pilot and a professional, and he knew here on earth, he needed a Rolex.
Jacques Cousteau, Winston Churchill, President Eisenhower, heck I could go on and on. What if General Dwight D Eisenhower's watch broke down and miscalculated the invasion of Normandy. Maybe we'd be speaking German right now. But we don't, because he wore a Rolex. So if you want a watch/tool with precision timing and great style that won't breakdown caused by the rigors of earth I think you know what to get.
And the next time you wear your Rolex, think of the history while it sits there on your wrist, and the way it demands respect.

[gargamel647]

I've been wearing a sub almost every day for the last two years. I am always banging it into things and it never has a mark on it. I was thinking of getting an omega seamaster oceans planet. Now I'm starting to reconsider.

[Bangel]

Originally Posted by marcs1

It's just not an ND submariner is all...

That's an undisputed fact!

Glad you like your 14060. Great choice!

[btinl]

What was the deal on the 14060M?

[thechoson]

TBF, I don't think that's a fair comparison, as a 14060 is probably THE ultimate tool watch, period. I think you'd need to compare a similar toolish diver watch, I'd say the 2254 Seamaster (as opposed to the Bond Seamaster, just because that Bond bracelet is a scratch magnet).

That being said, I've owned several Seamasters and other Omega models over the years, and I'll agree with your general premise. My daily wearer for the last 4 years has been a 16610 Sub and everytime I wash the watch it basically looks new. I've dropped it on the floor from at least 4 feet twice, banged it against countless desks, walls, etc.

Plus I just thought that Rolex watches are meant to be worn and can take a pounding, so I haven't been exactly careful with it either. Yet keeps on ticking and looks wonderful to boot. Terrific watch.

[G.J]

I am very lucky to own both

In fact the Speedmaster was my first serious watch I bought after my daughter was born.
Bought it th mark this special event, and I must say that I do like the way how it ages.
Very nice patina on the dial and not beaten up or over-scratched or such.
And the first few years I wore it 24/7, note that I do not baby my watches...



The Submariner 14060 I bought the week we found out our daughter was going to get a brother or sister
Needless to say this watch is a keeper as well..



I really like the ''perfect'' 40mm size of the Submariner, IMHO Rolex should stick to this size.
40 mm fits everybody.

Two classic pieces that stood the test of time.
Both have a great design and wear very comfy.
And last but not least, the movements inside are bomb-proof





P.S. I do think a Speedy Pro fit's perfectly in any watch collection...

[chiko323]

Aaah!!! Now your making me miss my 14060 which is getting serviced right now :(

[marcs1]

I really like the Speedy Pro and those are great pics! My speedmaster had big numbers on the dial. Horrible patina... You could see examples of it online I'm sure. That's why after I saw my friends I basically stopped wearing it and kept it mint until I sold it. Which was nice since I made a small profit from it. But it's funny because I basically wrote a "short story" comparing the two, rolex and speedy pro, and it wont post for some reason. I wrote it earlier today and it said it had to be approved by moderator or something. And it was on this thread. Oh well...

[HRV]

Glad you enjoy your watch OP

[marcs1]

Maybe if I posted in two parts.

[marcs1]

Part 1-

Wow, you guys are all awesome! In fact I'd like to write a little more if none of you guys mind.
I actually love the Omega Speedmaster professional and I really liked my speedmaster too. The history and just everything about it. But I'm a pretty simple guy and shortly after having the watch I realized something. Although space is a very harsh and amazing environment, in actuality it's quite a clean and sterile environment. Not including moon dust from the "Moon" of course. Now one would say, why would I think of or just say that? Well I'm going to explain why. After having the speedmaster for a little while I quickly realized what exactly it was made for, and where it was made for. Amazing split-second chronometer timing and the ability to work up in space in a pre-digital/G-Shock era, and with great style. No one can deny what a stylish watch/tool it really is. But soon after having it on earth I quickly realized some basic things. And please, nobody get me wrong. If I find out tomorrow I'm going up into space, the first thing I will absolutely do is to go to an Omega AD and purchase a speedmaster professional with a smile on my face and put my Rolex in a drawer. But here on earth it's a different story. The first thing you realize is that most of the time you don't need split-second stopwatch timing like all those bad asses did on the Mercury, Gemini or Apollo missions. And they were badasses. Very intelligent, physically fit and cool under pressure guys who got it done with that watch. Who could deny how cool it was to watch Commander James Lovell make those decisions and timing of when to do a burst, or even extremely complex math equations during those trying times in that harsh environment on Apollo 13. Amazing. But that's the thing, the environment. You see here on earth it's very wet, sandy, cold and hot, jungly and just all sorts of messy. And we love it. So it's kind of upsetting when you first realize on your omega speedmaster that those pushbuttons really are very delicate in a way. The click and feel and sound of it is great, but to put it frankly those buttons and that watch has to be pretty clean and dry. Any moisture or fine dirt or sand can really start to damage it after while. And it's just a bit sad because you realize it just won't hold up here on earth after a while in most adventure type settings. And I'll explain. But first on a side note, the speedmaster is a great and pretty tough watch but do any of you know why the speedmaster 50th anniversary limited series at double the price is water resistant to 100 m as opposed to the speedmaster professional with its 50 m water resistance. I mean why couldn't they all be like that? I don't know what technology they used for that but it could've been cool if they were all water resistant to 100 m.

[marcs1]

That didn't work. 3 parts...

[marcs1]

Part 1
I actually love the Omega Speedmaster professional and I really liked my speedmaster too. The history and just everything about it. But I'm a pretty simple guy and shortly after having the watch I realized something. Although space is a very harsh and amazing environment, in actuality it's quite a clean and sterile environment. Not including moon dust from the "Moon" of course. Now one would say, why would I think of or just say that? Well I'm going to explain why. After having the speedmaster for a little while I quickly realized what exactly it was made for, and where it was made for. Amazing split-second chronometer timing and the ability to work up in space in a pre-digital/G-Shock era, and with great style. No one can deny what a stylish watch/tool it really is.

[marcs1]

Part 2
But soon after having it on earth I quickly realized some basic things. And please, nobody get me wrong. If I find out tomorrow I'm going up into space, the first thing I will absolutely do is to go to an Omega AD and purchase a speedmaster professional with a smile on my face and put my Rolex in a drawer. But here on earth it's a different story. The first thing you realize is that most of the time you don't need split-second stopwatch timing like all those bad asses did on the Mercury, Gemini or Apollo missions. And they were badasses. Very intelligent, physically fit and cool under pressure guys who got it done with that watch. Who could deny how cool it was to watch Commander James Lovell make those decisions and timing of when to do a burst, or even extremely complex math equations during those trying times in that harsh environment on Apollo 13. Amazing. But that's the thing, the environment. You see here on earth it's very wet, sandy, cold and hot, jungly and just all sorts of messy. And we love it. So it's kind of upsetting when you first realize on your omega speedmaster that those pushbuttons really are very delicate in a way. The click and feel and sound of it is great, but to put it frankly those buttons and that watch has to be pretty clean and dry. Any moisture or fine dirt or sand can really start to damage it after while. And it's just a bit sad because you realize it just won't hold up here on earth after a while in most adventure type settings. And I'll explain. But first on a side note, the speedmaster is a great and pretty tough watch but do any of you know why the speedmaster 50th anniversary limited series at double the price is water resistant to 100 m as opposed to the speedmaster professional with its 50 m water resistance. I mean why couldn't they all be like that? I don't know what technology they used for that but it could've been cool if they were all water resistant to 100 m.

[marcs1]

Part 3
Anyway, one just really has to look at the history of Rolex and realize why it's really one of the best on earth and why it's probably the best watch to have while here. Sir Edmund Hillary. Do you think he would've made it to the top of Everest if he had a Speedmaster professional back then on his wrist as opposed to a Rolex Explorer? I doubt it. I doubt it would've held up at all. And try miscalculating your timing on an ascent on Mt. Everest and see how that works out for you. Or Chuck Yeager. Major General Charles Elwood Yeager. You don't think he wanted an Omega speedmaster like all those NASA boys at the time. Sure. But he was an amazing test pilot and a professional, and he knew here on earth, he needed a Rolex.
Jacques Cousteau, Winston Churchill, President Eisenhower, heck I could go on and on. What if General Dwight D Eisenhower's watch broke down and miscalculated the invasion of Normandy. Maybe we'd be speaking German right now. But we don't, because he wore a Rolex. So if you want a watch/tool with precision timing and great style that won't breakdown caused by the rigors of earth I think you know what to get.
And the next time you wear your Rolex, think of the history while it sits there on your wrist, and the way it demands respect.

[FNFZ4]

mine will be an Explorer 2 42mm black face and GMT II C

[marcs1]

Interesting, looks like it posted what I wrote a bunch of times now, so just ignore I guess. And it wont give the option to edit or delete. What up with that...

[Bangel]

Interesting read marcs1.

Seeing as I don't plan on going in a vacuum any time soon, I'm glad I chose a Rolex too!

[mjclark32]

Congrats in your sub!

[judodave1964]

Yes good choice, the no date sub is a fab watch. I've had quite a few omega's over the last twenty years and the moon watch was always my favourite, I'm sure I will end up getting another one.