Rolex Submariner - date or no date?
welshboy78
Posts: 10,321MI6 Agent
Firstly I'm a complete watch novice but getting hooked after my purchase last year of the Latest Omega Seamaster (Daniel Craig version in Casino Royale but not the ltd edition version with 007 logo etc)
Anyhow naturally my eyes are wandering over the PO but now picking up the attention of the Rolex Submariner.
Look wise I personally prefer the date version, how about everybody else?? I know Bond typically used the non date versions however is it true Dalton's was a date version?
Anyhow naturally my eyes are wandering over the PO but now picking up the attention of the Rolex Submariner.
Look wise I personally prefer the date version, how about everybody else?? I know Bond typically used the non date versions however is it true Dalton's was a date version?
Instagram - bondclothes007
Comments
your questions are not really easy to be replied:
1. Yes, Dalton had a Submariner Date in his movies. Ref. 16800 or 168000
2. The non-date Submariners (5513) from the Lazenby/Moore age had a different model number and the dial was very different ( matte, no white gold surroundings for the markers).
3. The non-date Subs from the SC (6538) age where very different
4. If you want a screen-accurate Sub, you have to go used. Not one of the recent Rolex Submariners is screen accurate.
I am a huge Bond fan, but I chose the present Submariner Date (116610 LN) with the ceramic bezel for my personal watch. It's so much better in many ways compared to the old model - it's worth it.
For more infos, also about a self-proclaimed expert, you may want to read here:
http://rolexblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/list-of-all-watches-worn-in-james-bond.html
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGcqnbT2vlg&feature=player_embedded
Reflections in a double bourbon...
http://apbateman.com
Bondtoys - many thanks of your reply, clears a lot up for me!!
I am leaning towards a new ceramic model as I feel if I am going to go for a top end watch that I will never sell and hope to have on my wrists forever then I might as well have the pleasure of a new one, which I will bond (excuse the pun) with 100%.
As I am a bit of a watch novice can I ask why your opinion is that its better then an older models (I guess its because of onbious things like 1) Its new, 2) Rolex Newest movement, 3) Ceramic bezel more scratch resistant
One last question - do you own any other watches like Omegas etc, do you rotate watches, if so how much wear time does your Rolex get or is it for special occasions etc
Will read up on your link - looks like a lot of info
Wow - sounds like that watch has some stories!!
I own several Rolex watches, a Bedat & Co. elegant watch and a Vacheron Chronograph.
In my collection, there are several Omegas and Seikos, but I never wear them.
I do like the PO with the rubber band, I don't like all metal bracelets from the PO or SMP line because of it's construction.
I seldom rotate my watches, if I do, I realize, that my best watch is not on my wrist - so get my wearer on as fast as I can. So basically, I am wearing 99% one watch.
For over 25 years, it has been a GMT Master II until I came across with the new Sub in April.
At first, I have not been a fan of the new model for several reasons:
1. Case
I don't like the Supercase with the plumb crown guards and the thick lugs which leave a huge gap to the bracelet, which looks too small now. I am also missing the lugholes
2. Bezel
I am still not convinced, if the change for the ceramic insert - which appears to have the same width like the old one by the way was a good one. Cermamic can break and is very expensive to replace.
I don't like the new GMT Master with the ceramic bezel because the numerals are too big, they distract from everything else imho.
So, the chances, that I'll like the new Sub have been almost zero!
What caught me, was the smooth turning and the clicking of the bezel when you turn it! It's fabulous, it can't be described - you have to experience it! Together with the fact, that the numerals in the bezel have the same fonts and size like with the old one brought me to the decision to buy it instantly.
It has not left my wrist ever since and I'll write a longer review a bit later.
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
The non-Date 14060 Submariner is still available, but the dial is very different to the 5513/5512 Subs from the Moore/Lazenby times (white gold surroundings, smaller markers).
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
if the question is directed to me: Yes and no.
When I grew up, Seiko and Rolex where the Bond watches. I have had Seikos and still have some of them (particularly the 007 models).
Rolex have been out of reach until I turned 20, but I always wanted a Rolex. Omega did not mean anything to me and until the SMP came out, I did not like their products.
What I don't like on the recent Omega line is the construction (friction pin) of the metal bracelets.
I think, that the PO with the rubber bracelet is a phantastic product, but I prefer my Rolex watches over them for emotional (sentimental) reasons.
I'll come to this later: If I can give an advise for a Submariner, get one with a Maxidial!
That means, that the hour markers are larger than we have seen it for decades.
And that will consequently mean:
Get a 16610LV (Anniversary old model with the green bezel) and get a black bezel insert installed.
These are getting very rare now in perfect condition but they are still available
Alternatively: 116610LN New model with the ceramic bezel
Prices:
16610LV retail US$ 6.400,-- and no dicount is possible
116610LN retail US$ 8.000,-- but you can get them for US$ 7.200,-- realisticly.
If you are asking me, for an US$ 800,-- price difference, you get a far better watch with the Sub C, but the "old" model 16610LV is prettier, simpler and well proven. Also more similar to the Bond watches.
Everybody to do his own decision.
My decision was:
get both of them
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
Here is Donald Grant's excellent article to the topic:
http://jamesbond.ajb007.co.uk/rolex-submariner/
And a book:
http://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Rolex-Sports-Models-Unauthorized/dp/0764329812/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316767560&sr=8-1
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
Well...I'm sure there are some qualified watch specialists out there {:)
Sir Miles,
and we went so well together so far...... {:)
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
We did...and I'll convert you to a Dalton fan yet :v
That will fu@king never happen!
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
We don't need Guantanamo in the UK...we just make you watch X-Factor - it's amazing how people crumble after an hour or so
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
If you don't...then we get out the tapes of Red Or Black....you wouldn't last five minutes
And I'd love to hear your sentimental reasons as well. I personally am hoping for one of the watches as a college graduation present to make it a special landmark gift from my family.
I grew up with Bond wearing Rolex and Seiko watches. At this time, Omega was almost dead.
Rolex was the holy grail for me, including the Submariner and I guess, that this will never change - no matter which watch Omega will be launching.
When I purchased my first Rolex, I chose the GMT II because the Sub still had the plastic crystal and this was something, I could not imagine being happy with.
And no matter, which other watch I bought later (and I had them all: Patek, IWC, Audemars, Omega, Corum, Ebel to name some of them), I have sold them all and went back to Rolex
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
(And always remember back then, few of us "civvies" were able to differentiate between the 5513 and the Connery Rolex from DN-TB).
I have lived with the 5513, then, for nealy 30 years. It's on my wrist now. Bit battered (though I confess its not been through the conditions described here by thesecretagent, its been round the world a few times) and in need of a service. Been regularly back to Geneva over the years. Runs as well as you'd expect a Rolex to.
I have other watches, the Craig Plant Ocean rubber strap though being the only other Bond watch I've been tempted to. But my old 5513 is my favourite.
And while I am no jeweller, I know the 5513 is the only watch I'd consider I'd REALLY need. Shame for "younsters" they aren't readily avialable anymore.
Sounds like a great sub you go there! Any pics of it?
Ah yes I see that now. Depending on finances this model might be in the mix, I'm still unsure on the date / no date thing. Im pretty isolated where I live until I hit the mainland. I think on my holidays in Dec I will be spending a fair bit of time checking out the various models in the shops!
DG
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
Until December, there will be very much certain another price hike for Rolex.
If you can act quicker, you should do it.
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
cheers, DG, I did not know that!
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
Thanks for sharing your stories everyone!
Why is there a price hike? Has it been a long time and it is a bit of an inflation hike, or is this and image solidifying hike for the name's value to increase?