Rolex Submariner - no offence but underwhelmed

[technicalfoamboy]

I have been lusting over a Rolex for a long time and today I finally plucked up courage to pop into my local Rolex AD.

Tried on the submariner and I mean no offence to anyone who has and loves theirs, but I wasn't impressed.

It felt small, light and just not what I expected. I expected it to wow me and it just didn't.

I did try on the sea-dweller and that felt more like it.

I've put myself down for both watches and I'll see nearer the time. Probably need to revisit them both and I might feel different next time around.

Am I mad or was/is anyone else underwhelmed by the submariner?

[LordGrover]

To me, it's one of the benefits - decent quality, depth rating and accuracy and fairly subtle with it.
amongst others, I've had SMPO and Tudor North Flag and while I quite liked them, they were just too chunky and heavy for everyday wear. Haven't tried current submariner, but the 14060 is great.

[Regbuser]

If too small and light for you, try on a 45mm steel Blancpain fifty fathoms, much more substantial.

[Deep]

technicalfoamboy said:

I have been lusting over a Rolex for a long time and today I finally plucked up courage to pop into my local Rolex AD.

Tried on the submariner and I mean no offence to anyone who has and loves theirs, but I wasn't impressed.

It felt small, light and just not what I expected. I expected it to wow me and it just didn't.

I did try on the sea-dweller and that felt more like it.

I've put myself down for both watches and I'll see nearer the time. Probably need to revisit them both and I might feel different next time around.

Am I mad or was/is anyone else underwhelmed by the submariner?

I own the SD and a couple of subs. I prefer the initial heft and size of the SD but after a few hours I appreciate the comfort of the sub.

YMMV

[Miguel Alvarez]

I had a bi metal one for about a year before part exchanging it for a day date. I have small wrists so found it quite chunky. Couldn’t imagine anything larger personally. I vaguely remember swapping with a mates steel one and that being a tad lighter.

Not sure what I’m adding to this convo. Meh. Maybe get some bling. It’s heavier. Haha.

[megenzo]

I love my Deepsea, I miss not having the weight of it on the wrist

[Doggleg]

Regbuser said:

If too small and light for you, try on a 45mm steel Blancpain fifty fathoms, much more substantial.

Totally agree. Had a couple of subs over the years and sold them both as they are underwhelming. The fifty fathoms is so much more of an occasion to wear. On a black sailcloth strap the contrast of the colours is fantastic. Also have a Bamford black DSSD which is a lovely watch but tends to get used as a 'normal' watch while the Blancpain is kept for special.

Edited by Doggleg on Tuesday 24th February 05:45

[technicalfoamboy]

Thanks for all your comments, much appreciated.

I'm on the waiting list, so we'll see in a year or two!

In the meantime I'm really liking the Omega seamaster planet ocean 600m, especially the Master Chronometer version.

Edited by technicalfoamboy on Tuesday 24th February 09:13

[BrokenSkunk]

Mad for bothering to add yourself to a waiting list to be honoured with the opportunity to spend circa £10K on a watch that doesn't impress you?
No, it's just a waiting list, you have no obligation.

Mad for not being that impressed by the watch?
No, no really. They are good watches, but there are other options around that price bracket that you may feel offer a better finish. Sadly the bloke stood next to you at the bar won't instantly know how wealthy you are should you stray from that crown logo.

Mad to actually spend that much money on something that you aren't blown away by?
Yes, quite possibly. To most people that's a huge chunk of change, not exactly throw away money. You may be PH enough to blow that kind of money on a night out, in which case, why hesitate?

TLDR?
I'm not that surprised you weren't blown away. Shop around, there are lots of alternatives, you will almost certainly find the wow factor elsewhere if you look hard enough.