14060 (Unpolished) vs 14060M (Polished) -- what would you do?

[JPMTO]

I'm considering a few different options for purchasing a 14060/M.

I'm wondering -- if price were the exact same -- which would you purchase and why?

Unpolished 14060 (with Luminova, early 2000) or Polished 14060M?

I'm guessing folks would say go for the unpolished bc the "M" doesn't add *that* much in terms of improvement, or does it?

Thanks again, you guys are great!

[beshannon]

Depends on who did the polishing and the service history of each piece

[Touring]

I'd take the one that's got 2-lines and lug holes...if present on both, then the unpolished example.

[The Libertine]

"M" would get the upgraded movement, as well as ROLEXROLEXROLEX rehault engraving.

So, although the two models are not necessarily the same, my preference would be the unpolished watch - presuming it was well cared for and not full of scratches, etc.

[RGAmos]

Polishing is the one thing that cannot be reversed. You can change dials, hands, etc at your will but you can not add metal.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by JPMTO

. .

Unpolished 14060 (with Luminova, early 2000) or Polished 14060M?

I'm guessing folks would say go for the unpolished bc the "M" doesn't add *that* much in terms of improvement, or does it?

Thanks again, you guys are great!

You get the one in the best condition for the money. "Same price" is meaningless if one is over-priced.

The 14060 ran from 1989 to '98 when the 14060M was introduced. I might wonder if that 14060 had a dial change; very few would have been Luminova.

What is this sudden idea that somehow an "unpolished" (whatever that really means) watch is a good buy.

In my view, if the 14060 is banged up, and the 14060M has been taken care of, and they are the same price, the 14060 is overpriced.

If they were in identical condition, the older watch should always be cheaper than the newer one.

[tvad]

From this link: Wound For Life:Hall of Fame Rolex Submariner 14060

"The 14060m had the same external features as its predecessor but with the updated caliber 3130. This new caliber was improved with a Breguet overcoil, as well as a full balance bridge which offered a greater degree of stability and shock resistance. If you’re looking for that extra bit of toughness and resiliency, you can’t go wrong with the 14060m. The fit and finish of the new references with their solid link bracelets and polished cases are superb, but we still enjoy the brushed 904L steel of the 14060 and the 14060m — it just seems to handle scratches and dings better."

I had the same decision to make, and I went with a 14060m (c.2005 2-line without engraved rehaut).

[goldenpauls]

Originally Posted by The Libertine

"M" would get the upgraded movement, as well as ROLEXROLEXROLEX rehault engraving.

So, although the two models are not necessarily the same, my preference would be the unpolished watch - presuming it was well cared for and not full of scratches, etc.

I believe only the last of the 14060M's will have the ROLEX rehault engraving..........most will not.

[guy369]

Originally Posted by goldenpauls

I believe only the last of the 14060M's will have the ROLEX rehault engraving..........most will not.

When I had my 14060M it did not have engraving, I do miss that watch, but am enjoying the new SubC much more

[JPMTO]

Originally Posted by goldenpauls

I believe only the last of the 14060M's will have the ROLEX rehault engraving..........most will not.

Yes, in this case, it doesn't say ROLEXROLEXROLEX on rehault on the M version. And I'm assured that the non M is luminova

[tifosi]

If it were me, I'd be looking for an unpolished 2 line dial. If it was polished, it would have to have been done by Rolex.

[JPMTO]

Originally Posted by tifosi

If it were me, I'd be looking for an unpolished 2 line dial. If it was polished, it would have to have been done by Rolex.

I think I agree. The polished option is not done by Rolex (that can be proved).

[Watchgeek5000]

An early 2000's 14060 is a 14060m.

[sensui]

If the condition is good (not significant dings in particular, scratches are ok as long as no deep gashes) on the unpolished piece....certainly go with that. But a watch being polished vs unpolished is so overdramatized imo....if a watch is lightly polished/in good shape, doesn't make it any less desirable vs an unpolished piece. Sometimes I truly wonder how many pieces people advertise as unpolished are unpolished....perhaps this is why a lot of sellers are now covering their @$$es in saying "seems unpolished" in most cases. You'd never know unless you were the original owner IMO with the finishing techniques out there now.

[JPMTO]

Originally Posted by Watchgeek5000

An early 2000's 14060 is a 14060m.

Even if it is literally a "2000"? Thanks

[HogwldFLTR]

I'd prefer the better looking one.

[Big Jay]

In this case it's whatever you like better. Both have the Luminova which would be a deciding factor to me so that would be a non-issue.

People say polished isn't as desired as original brushed. In my opinion, the M is a slightly better movement but that's about it.

[subtona]

Keep looking

[Kevin of Larchmont]

My 14060m has clearly been polished and has a ding on one of the lugs but I don't care. I bought it right and it came with a long list of new parts installed at a fresh service. Should run forever and I'm not afraid to wear it. Couldn't be happier.

[Watchgeek5000]

Originally Posted by JPMTO

Even if it is literally a "2000"? Thanks

Yes, it should be. Keep in mind, it may have been purchased in 2000 but produced earlier. If it's a P serial number it should be a 14060m.

[mtgjr]

I would get the 16710.

[sea-dweller]

I'd get the 14060.

[Kingsking]

pictures would make a world of diference here

[jpgreenwood]

The 14060 ran from 1989 to '98 when the 14060M was introduced.

I am to believe my A serial 14060 2 liner is 1999?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Touring

I'd take the one that's got 2-lines and lug holes...if present on both, then the unpolished example.

All 14060 and 14060M will have lug hole cases all the M stands for is modified movement the change from the cal 3000 to cal 3130 around 2000.And today there is far to much fixation about polishing as long as its done at normal routine service only by RSC, or authorised Rolex service then there should not be a problem with any polishing.

[mike]

Originally Posted by padi56

All 14060 and 14060M will have lug hole cases all the M stands for is modified movement the change from the cal 3000 to cal 3130 around 2000.And today there is far to much fixation about polishing as long as its done at normal routine service only by RSC, or authorised Rolex service then there should not be a problem with any polishing.

The voice of reason.

[Jcy90]

I used to be a freak when it comes down to unpolished watches seeking only the most mint unpolished ones. After seeing some of LA Watch Works refinishing jobs on some cases and bracelets it is no longer a factor for me. If watch is unpolished but isnt in great condition than the fact that it is unpolished doesnt really mean much. Condition is everything. I would go for the M since both have a luminova dial and in 20 years if you keep the watch clean the one with the engraved rehaut will command more of a premui
m in the future.

[m j b]

Originally Posted by Tools

What is this sudden idea that somehow an "unpolished" (whatever that really means) watch is a good buy.

That's my feeling as well. Nothing wrong with a polished watch if it was well done.