Long winded...thoughts about my new ceramic Sub and old SD
Long winded...thoughts about my new ceramic Sub and old SD
I recently picked up the 114060, and wanted to share some thoughts about this piece in comparison to my 16600.
I was initially very resistant to the new supercase, preferring the classic case shape of previous SDs and Subs. It just looked wrong to me in pictures, although I must admit that when I tried on Ceramic Subs over the years, they looked quite good on the wrist. For whatever reason, when the 114060 was announced, this new reference just clicked for me. I had the opportunity to acquire one a few days ago (thanks Matt), and couldn’t help myself.
The most striking differences between the ceramic and previous generation Subs/SDs are the supercases and maxi dials. The blockiness and fat lugs of the supercase make for a watch that wears considerably larger than 40mm. To me, the 114060 feels and looks like a 42mm piece. The increased wrist presence is augmented by the maxi dial and the maxi hands. The overall look is much sportier than my 16600.
The ceramic bezel is much more reflective than the old aluminum inserts. I enjoy the way in which the ceramic reflects light differently, with the appearance ranging from dark black to light grey, adding visual interest to the piece.
The slimmer, more tapered lugs of the 16600, along with the non-maxi plots and hands, give it a more restrained, sober appearance. It doesn’t scream “sporty” as much as does the 114060. For me, this has always been a positive attribute of the previous generation, gloss dial Rolex diver. The versatility and broad wearability of these watches is among the best of any dive watches ever produced. I think some of this is lost with the new generation Rolex divers. I doubt we will ever see another 1000+m-rated dive watch as elegant in appearance as the old SDs. The 114060 is significantly heavier than the prior Subs (I suspect much of this increased weight is in the bracelet), and surprisingly outweighs my 16600 by a couple of grams.
I am not generally a fan of metal watch bracelets, but I absolutely love the look of Rolex oyster bracelets. The new glidelock clasp moves a great looking bracelet forward into a place among the best sport watch bracelets on the market. I much prefer the look of the glidelock clasp over the old stamped clasps (the stamped clasp on my 16600 has always bothered me a bit). The glidelock itself is a thing of utter beauty, as anyone who has ever used one can attest.
My overall impression of the 114060 (granted, just a few days into ownership) is overwhelmingly positive. Whether or not you like the style of the new Subs, I think it’s hard to argue that it is a quality piece. To me, it has a higher-end feel than the prior generation Rolex divers, and this makes the eye-watering MSRP a bit more palatable.
I’ve always had a bit of an irrational hang up about Submariners, due to my issues with their ubiquity, amongst other things. When a watch is this good, however, I don’t care how common it is. I think there is a place for both the 114060 and the 16600 in my collection. The 16600 isn’t going anywhere, and the 114060 is different enough that I can see the two watches complementing and not duplicating each other.
I was initially very resistant to the new supercase, preferring the classic case shape of previous SDs and Subs. It just looked wrong to me in pictures, although I must admit that when I tried on Ceramic Subs over the years, they looked quite good on the wrist. For whatever reason, when the 114060 was announced, this new reference just clicked for me. I had the opportunity to acquire one a few days ago (thanks Matt), and couldn’t help myself.
The most striking differences between the ceramic and previous generation Subs/SDs are the supercases and maxi dials. The blockiness and fat lugs of the supercase make for a watch that wears considerably larger than 40mm. To me, the 114060 feels and looks like a 42mm piece. The increased wrist presence is augmented by the maxi dial and the maxi hands. The overall look is much sportier than my 16600.
The ceramic bezel is much more reflective than the old aluminum inserts. I enjoy the way in which the ceramic reflects light differently, with the appearance ranging from dark black to light grey, adding visual interest to the piece.
The slimmer, more tapered lugs of the 16600, along with the non-maxi plots and hands, give it a more restrained, sober appearance. It doesn’t scream “sporty” as much as does the 114060. For me, this has always been a positive attribute of the previous generation, gloss dial Rolex diver. The versatility and broad wearability of these watches is among the best of any dive watches ever produced. I think some of this is lost with the new generation Rolex divers. I doubt we will ever see another 1000+m-rated dive watch as elegant in appearance as the old SDs. The 114060 is significantly heavier than the prior Subs (I suspect much of this increased weight is in the bracelet), and surprisingly outweighs my 16600 by a couple of grams.
I am not generally a fan of metal watch bracelets, but I absolutely love the look of Rolex oyster bracelets. The new glidelock clasp moves a great looking bracelet forward into a place among the best sport watch bracelets on the market. I much prefer the look of the glidelock clasp over the old stamped clasps (the stamped clasp on my 16600 has always bothered me a bit). The glidelock itself is a thing of utter beauty, as anyone who has ever used one can attest.
My overall impression of the 114060 (granted, just a few days into ownership) is overwhelmingly positive. Whether or not you like the style of the new Subs, I think it’s hard to argue that it is a quality piece. To me, it has a higher-end feel than the prior generation Rolex divers, and this makes the eye-watering MSRP a bit more palatable.
I’ve always had a bit of an irrational hang up about Submariners, due to my issues with their ubiquity, amongst other things. When a watch is this good, however, I don’t care how common it is. I think there is a place for both the 114060 and the 16600 in my collection. The 16600 isn’t going anywhere, and the 114060 is different enough that I can see the two watches complementing and not duplicating each other.
Re: Long winded...thoughts about my new ceramic Sub and old
Nice Rahul! I absolutely love my SubC and it is a perfect watch for work, but I know it is just a matter of time before I end up with the No Date version as well to keep on a nato strap. I have tried the SubC Date on nato from time to time, but the date cyclops just looks a little off to me when on a utilitarian nato strap. My older Sub No Date is perfect on Nato and I think the SubC No Date will be even better with more wrist presence, etc... to kick it up a notch.
Congrats, and enjoy!
Congrats, and enjoy!
Re: Long winded...thoughts about my new ceramic Sub and old
Your last pic really tells the story. Hard to believe those 2 watches are about the same diameter. The ND definitely looks bigger.
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Re: Long winded...thoughts about my new ceramic Sub and old
Good info as your insight is valuable. I'm still at the adjustment to the supercase and maxi dial stage wondering if I'll ever get past it. The ceramic sub has been a candidate to be the one and only-although so is the SD.
"I prefer the tumult of liberty to the quiet of servitude."
Re: Long winded...thoughts about my new ceramic Sub and old
Awesome write-up, Rahul. I agree completely.
Re: Long winded...thoughts about my new ceramic Sub and old
Valuable insight .. Thanks for sharing !
- Grahamcombat
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Re: Long winded...thoughts about my new ceramic Sub and old
Great write up...as someone who doesn't know a thing about Rolex I appreciate experiences and opinions like these. Thanks.
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Re: Long winded...thoughts about my new ceramic Sub and old
Very nice! Thanks for the write-up.
Re: Long winded...thoughts about my new ceramic Sub and old
Excellent write-up! Love those two the SD is on my want list and the SubC ND is just gorgeous!
Re: Long winded...thoughts about my new ceramic Sub and old
Enjoyed the write up Rahul...
Re: Long winded...thoughts about my new ceramic Sub and old
Good stuff, Rahul. Would love to add a SD to my small collection.
Re: Long winded...thoughts about my new ceramic Sub and old
SubC no date will be my next Rolex. Great write up!
Re: Long winded...thoughts about my new ceramic Sub and old
I was ready to blow off the new subs as I was not sure I liked the case, but coming from an SD owner I will have to take a look.
Regards
Barry
Barry
Re: Long winded...thoughts about my new ceramic Sub and old
Fantastic write up!
Wow, that sure is a beautiful watch. I've been able to play with a couple of them recently and they are VERY impressive.
Wow, that sure is a beautiful watch. I've been able to play with a couple of them recently and they are VERY impressive.
VR/
Paul
SI VI PACEM, PARA BELLUM
Paul
SI VI PACEM, PARA BELLUM
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Re: Long winded...thoughts about my new ceramic Sub and old
Great write up!
My other hobby. My 1954 Lincoln Capri Full Custom.
“The Royal Oak was the first of its kind. 40 years later, it remains unmatched amongst prestige sport watches. This is only the beginning of an authentic icon that is making an indelible imprint on the history of modern watchmaking."
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Re: Long winded...thoughts about my new ceramic Sub and old
So true...aboen wrote:Shit I want one!
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Adam
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Re: Long winded...thoughts about my new ceramic Sub and old
It's so great seeing these side by side like this duker. You can
really appreciate both watches, and see what makes them so
similar, but also so different. Thanks for taking the time to do
this, and congratulations also !
really appreciate both watches, and see what makes them so
similar, but also so different. Thanks for taking the time to do
this, and congratulations also !
Re: Long winded...thoughts about my new ceramic Sub and old
Wow... thanks for laying down some knowledge!
I enjoyed reading your thoughts. Very interesting.
I enjoyed reading your thoughts. Very interesting.
-luke
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