Rolex Submariner 14060m: Dilemma

[lawler]

Apologies for starting another topic but I wanted to get some advice on a purchase I am looking at over the next few days.

I have settled on purchasing a Rolex Submariner 14060m and I have found two possibilities but I cannot decide between them:

Option 1:

V Serial - 2010 - good condition but some very slight scuffs but remains in unpolished condition

No service history

Full B&P including the original receipt (although the box is slightly marked)

Asking price: £6,400

To be bought by bank transfer and posted special delivery (seller seems reputable, has provided plenty of pictures/videos and is willing to provide ID / agree to a contract of sale)

Option 2:

M Serial - 2008 - pristine condition as it has never been worn. Not true NOS but as close as it will ever come to it

No service history (as it's just been sat in the box)

Full B&P including original receipt (again all pristine)

Asking price: £7,250

To be bought by bank transfer but picked up directly (as soon as we are able to).

What I like about this watch is it has the rare 'long f' on the dial in the 'ft' marker which although may not add to the value, it does make it a rarer piece as this was only done on transitional models around 2007/2008 and is not seen very often.

Dilemma:

My dilemma is that both watches will require a service due to the age and the fact this has never been done.

I know that people on the forum have differing views between RSC and independent watch servicers but I would likely go down the RSC route just for piece of mind on this which will cost the best part of £600.

My head is saying go for the cheaper one as it's a newer serial by two years and will likely look just like the more expensive one after a full service but my heart is saying get the more expensive one due to the pristine set and quirk with the dial variant.

What would you do in this position?

Appreciate any advice!


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[herts9]

To me, the dial variant doesn't warrant the premium you'd pay. Go with option 1, unless you don't plan on ever wearing it.

[CorradoBrit]

Not sure why this question was posted in Watchout. I'd put it in the General Discussion forum to get more eyes on.

[Uhtred59]

Originally Posted by herts9

to me, the dial variant doesn't warrant the premium you'd pay. Go with option 1, unless you don't plan on ever wearing it.

+1

[Swiss Mad!]

I’ve never bought a used watch, but if I did, one of the main things I would be looking for is a full set including the original purchase receipt which it looks like both these watches have which is good.

Also, buying off the original owner would be desirable - you don’t say whether these are dealer watches or private sales?

I’m like you, a bit of a font freak so the long F would also be appealing to me.

That said, are you sure this long F is really that ‘rare’ and only found on certain transitional models?

Rolex constantly mess with fonts, even today its possible to get a Submariner with either a short or long F.

Do you have a pic of the one your interested in and a comparison shot to a standard F?

The other question is does the long F really warrant the additional cash?

Cheers


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[Pim]

Option 3, keep looking for the special one with box and papers. Don't settle if you don't have to

Otherwise, follow your instincts

[lawler]

Originally Posted by Swiss Mad!

I’ve never bought a used watch, but if I did, one of the main things I would be looking for is a full set including the original purchase receipt which it looks like both these watches have which is good.

Also, buying off the original owner would be desirable - you don’t say whether these are dealer watches or private sales?

I’m like you, a bit of a font freak so the long F would also be appealing to me.

That said, are you sure this long F is really that ‘rare’ and only found on certain transitional models?

Rolex constantly mess with fonts, even today its possible to get a Submariner with either a short or long F.

Do you have a pic of the one your interested in and a comparison shot to a standard F?

The other question is does the long F really warrant the additional cash?

Cheers


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Here are two pictures showing the dial difference, first one with the 'long f' and the second with the normal dial for 2007+ 14060m's until they stopped production:





There is also a link to an article below which explains the difference and talks about the transitional dates / rarity of the 'long f' dial on these:

https://www.watchprosite.com/rolex/i...4316.10176761/

It's not a big difference and I don't think it will add value, but to find this on a pristine model for sale just adds to the appeal for me.

[1William]

Of the two I would go with the second option as the watch, while not NOS, is about as close as you can get. I would also wear the watch for a bit and see if it needed service based on how the timing is and the power reserve. I think a service might be needed but you don't know.

[Swiss Mad!]

Ok

To be honest, those font styles for the long & short F you’ve shown don’t look any different to modern Submariner fonts in my opinion.

Below is a link to an old thread that discussed this in a little more detail, with pictures of the modern dials that look pretty similar to the ‘transitional’ ones you refer to - in my eyes at least.


Submariner Font Styles
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/top...ink_source=app


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[DM101]

V series - that serial is towards the tail end of this watch before it was retired.... I would had gone for option 1. Hope my input helps.

This 14060M 4 liner dial was out only about a few years before it was discontinued - great choice !

[Milsub114060]

114060? Not an option I’d go with this

[lawler]

Originally Posted by Milsub114060

114060? Not an option I’d go with this

Too big for my wrists unfortuantely


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[AF_Rob]

Option 1. Both watches will come out looking the same after a service, if you choose to polish. Fonts really mean nothing to me. Plus, if you plan on wearing it, the slight condition differences are a non-factor really. I have the same model, great choice!

[El Cascarrabias]

My F serial bluesy 16613LB with a November 2004 warranty has the long f.

Wonder if that's rare.







Thanks for sharing.

I really like the look of the long f !

[illiguy]

I would go as late as serial as you can go with 4-liner. I believe G and Random Serials have the parachrom blue hairspring.

[campfire]

I've never bought used. But if it's a lifetime watch (or you intend to wear it for a while at least), I'd get the newer, close to NOS one. I think I will forget about the premium in 5 or so years.

By the way, my Sub was purchased new in 2002. And it has never been serviced. Most days, I think it's within 5 spd, but don't really check closely. It's probably not the smartest thing to do, but take that one data point for what it's worth.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

[csaltphoto]

I doubt you will see much practical difference between the two in general. FWIW I have a V series 14060M that was basically unworn. But it needed a service (Running fast, low amplitude, high beat error). The difference in price is about the price of a service so there is that...

The only issue with RSC service that I can see it that polishing is a part of it and that people who request no polish sometimes get watches back with new scratches...

While 10 years is the recommended service interval it seems to be a complete crap shoot as to when it needs service. Some watches go 20 years and some need it after 5.

[worldofoyster]

go with 1

[m j b]

Is it just me, or is either one just a heck of a lot of money for an old watch? But then I think prices are a bit higher in the UK than in the USA.

Regardless of which one you get, wear it for a while before spending the money on a service. It may not need it.

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by m j b

Is it just me, or is either one just a heck of a lot of money for an old watch? But then I think prices are a bit higher in the UK than in the USA.

Regardless of which one you get, wear it for a while before spending the money on a service. It may not need it.

About what they are going for in the US for excellent condition with B+P.

[SA1]

I lean toward one,But only if you are absolutely confident in the seller.
Its newer... and if you are thinking about RSC service soon they will polish it, but I, would wear it for a while first and see if it needs it.