Submariner going - it was lust, not love
Discussion
I've had my Sub date 16610 for four weeks, and after chasing this model for many months so as to join the "Sports Watch" clan, I'm afraid I don't love it, so I'm going back to a DJ after my 15 years with my 36mm TT...
I never thought the 36mm too small on my 7 1/2" wrist until I entered the world of big-ness that watch buying has become. But somewhere along that journey my head has been turned to the big watch fashion and so when I tried my DJ on after three weeks of the 40mm Sub, it cemented my new view that it was too small. Strange how the mind works!
Anyhow, the Sub of course is a completely different look. Silver and black instead of silver and gold, and it's this two tone look, as well as the beauty and robustness of the jubilee bracelet and fluted bezel over the plainer, more damageable, parts of the Sub ("tool" watch. how?) that has me back at my AD once more.
The new 36mm DJ is also too small for me, the DJ2 (they had one) a little too chunky. But the newer DJ41 fits the bill (and my wrist) fine and gets me back to where my subconscious thinks I should be... with something a little more classy, classic, and shiny gold on my wrist.
It will be TT again, jubilee & fluted, and I'm rather liking the quirkiness of the "Wimbledon" dial, just back out on the DJ41 after being seen on the DJ2...
The other dial I'm quite liking is plain silver, but I'm not sure about the over-lumed white batons with gold edges. White on silver looks a little mis-matched. What do you think?...
Having said that, the Wimbledon has the odd single lumed baton at 9 O'Clock. What's that all about? I have my own theories, of which there are three. But what do you think was going on in the mind of the designer?
I have the Wimbledon on hold for me at present. Will it stand the test of time, it being "unusual", or am I better buying a classic, albeit rather more plain and staid?
Although I won't lose money on the Sub, I have to get it right this time. Oh... and I know I'll lose thousands on the DJ, but over the next 15 years or so this won't hurt so much. Better to love what I wear. Of course my wife's purchase of her first new Rolex a few weeks back has had no influence on me whatsoever!
I never thought the 36mm too small on my 7 1/2" wrist until I entered the world of big-ness that watch buying has become. But somewhere along that journey my head has been turned to the big watch fashion and so when I tried my DJ on after three weeks of the 40mm Sub, it cemented my new view that it was too small. Strange how the mind works!
Anyhow, the Sub of course is a completely different look. Silver and black instead of silver and gold, and it's this two tone look, as well as the beauty and robustness of the jubilee bracelet and fluted bezel over the plainer, more damageable, parts of the Sub ("tool" watch. how?) that has me back at my AD once more.
The new 36mm DJ is also too small for me, the DJ2 (they had one) a little too chunky. But the newer DJ41 fits the bill (and my wrist) fine and gets me back to where my subconscious thinks I should be... with something a little more classy, classic, and shiny gold on my wrist.
It will be TT again, jubilee & fluted, and I'm rather liking the quirkiness of the "Wimbledon" dial, just back out on the DJ41 after being seen on the DJ2...
The other dial I'm quite liking is plain silver, but I'm not sure about the over-lumed white batons with gold edges. White on silver looks a little mis-matched. What do you think?...
Having said that, the Wimbledon has the odd single lumed baton at 9 O'Clock. What's that all about? I have my own theories, of which there are three. But what do you think was going on in the mind of the designer?
I have the Wimbledon on hold for me at present. Will it stand the test of time, it being "unusual", or am I better buying a classic, albeit rather more plain and staid?
Although I won't lose money on the Sub, I have to get it right this time. Oh... and I know I'll lose thousands on the DJ, but over the next 15 years or so this won't hurt so much. Better to love what I wear. Of course my wife's purchase of her first new Rolex a few weeks back has had no influence on me whatsoever!
Luckily we all have different tastes - and Rolex cater for most in their lineup.
I did the same years ago, in the mid/late 2000's I spent a few years wearing my late fathers TT DJ which he had since new in 1986. I was wearing it for sentimental reasons though, as I was never a fan of the bi-metal look, and after a few years found myself wearing my titanium Omega SMP instead, but that turned out to be far from a tool watch as well, as the titanium lacked the mass for shock protection of steel. Always had a hankering after a Sub, and so after the 3rd time the Omega had been back for warranty repair for the same problem, I went a bought a new 16610 Sub when the new SubC was announced in early 2010.
It was my daily for the next 5 years until a skin problem meant it had to be cast aside for 12 months. Hated not being able to wear it. When I could again, it's 12 month of inactivity and age, showed up the need for a service as it's timekeeping was now awful, gaining about 5-6 mins a week, plus it was looking like the daily beater it had been used as
. Had it serviced early this year, and it came back looking like new, but have left all the service stickers on it as not worn it since as contemplating chopping it in for something else - just can't decide what!!
As you say, with current Sub demand, you'll not loose out on the change.
I did the same years ago, in the mid/late 2000's I spent a few years wearing my late fathers TT DJ which he had since new in 1986. I was wearing it for sentimental reasons though, as I was never a fan of the bi-metal look, and after a few years found myself wearing my titanium Omega SMP instead, but that turned out to be far from a tool watch as well, as the titanium lacked the mass for shock protection of steel. Always had a hankering after a Sub, and so after the 3rd time the Omega had been back for warranty repair for the same problem, I went a bought a new 16610 Sub when the new SubC was announced in early 2010.
It was my daily for the next 5 years until a skin problem meant it had to be cast aside for 12 months. Hated not being able to wear it. When I could again, it's 12 month of inactivity and age, showed up the need for a service as it's timekeeping was now awful, gaining about 5-6 mins a week, plus it was looking like the daily beater it had been used as
. Had it serviced early this year, and it came back looking like new, but have left all the service stickers on it as not worn it since as contemplating chopping it in for something else - just can't decide what!!As you say, with current Sub demand, you'll not loose out on the change.
I realise the Sub is a special watch. Special for its heritage and being one of the early dive watches, as well as being well made.
But its look, to me, is a little too anonymous. So many "homage" versions from other manufacturers. It has become just another Sports Watch to me. Before I changed to one, I bought a few of said "cheapies" to see if I liked the look...
That I never wore any of these out of the house was, I thought, because I'd rather be wearing my old DJ. But I'd thought that was because I'd hate to be wearing a cheap watch when I could have a Rolex on my wrist. However now, on reflection, I'm sure it was more to do with the look of the DJ and that I'd worn it for so long my subconscious was telling me that it was the norm so why wear a strange looking watch?
This has turned out to be the case with the Sub. It's not that it looks bad, just different to what I've become used to and I just can't get away from the DJ look. It is also fair to say from a practical perspective the oyster bracelet shows scratches far, far, more than the cleverly rounded and intricate jubilee. The latter does a conjuring trick on the eyes to look pristine even after 15 years of daily wear, as does the fluted bezel.
At least I've got the Sports Watch "thing" out of my system. It's been at the expense of my 36mm DJ, which I p/ex'd for £1,000 more than I paid for it in 2002 (2nd hand), but trying on a new 36mm DJ last week it looked like a woman's watch to my "altered" mind on the subject of size, and I was happy to concede that 36mm doesn't fit my new perspective.
It'll also be at the expense of buying a new Rolex when my old DJ had plateau'd depreciation-wise. Still, most things we enjoy cost money; cars; women; holidays... why not a rather lovely watch?
But its look, to me, is a little too anonymous. So many "homage" versions from other manufacturers. It has become just another Sports Watch to me. Before I changed to one, I bought a few of said "cheapies" to see if I liked the look...
That I never wore any of these out of the house was, I thought, because I'd rather be wearing my old DJ. But I'd thought that was because I'd hate to be wearing a cheap watch when I could have a Rolex on my wrist. However now, on reflection, I'm sure it was more to do with the look of the DJ and that I'd worn it for so long my subconscious was telling me that it was the norm so why wear a strange looking watch?
This has turned out to be the case with the Sub. It's not that it looks bad, just different to what I've become used to and I just can't get away from the DJ look. It is also fair to say from a practical perspective the oyster bracelet shows scratches far, far, more than the cleverly rounded and intricate jubilee. The latter does a conjuring trick on the eyes to look pristine even after 15 years of daily wear, as does the fluted bezel.
At least I've got the Sports Watch "thing" out of my system. It's been at the expense of my 36mm DJ, which I p/ex'd for £1,000 more than I paid for it in 2002 (2nd hand), but trying on a new 36mm DJ last week it looked like a woman's watch to my "altered" mind on the subject of size, and I was happy to concede that 36mm doesn't fit my new perspective.
It'll also be at the expense of buying a new Rolex when my old DJ had plateau'd depreciation-wise. Still, most things we enjoy cost money; cars; women; holidays... why not a rather lovely watch?
desolate said:
If you are going back to a DJ why only consider Rolex?
Plenty of lovely watches that do a similar job.
Fair point, but to open up that can of worms may kill me!Plenty of lovely watches that do a similar job.
No, I'm a Rolex fan for now, and I don't see that changing.
My wife also, especially after her brief Cartier fling. She couldn't love the Tank Francaise either.
I fully understand. I'm wearing my Sea Dweller 16600 as I type at work and it just doesn't look or feel right in this context. I love it on an evening or at the weekend where I dress more casually but for work, my blue faced DJ36 is the perfect watch for me.
I understand the fashion for bigger watches and the DJ41 fits the bill in my humble opinion, perfectly.
I'm keeping my SD as an investment truth be told, it was after all my daughters first birthday present but as beautiful as it is (and I really do love it) it is a casual watch.
The Datejust (again, in my humble opinion) is the daddy, the quintessential Rolex. I'm only not buying a DJ41 as it will render my DJ36 a safe-queen and there seems no point in that.
I do like that Wimbledon face one, but it would appear a more feminine colour scheme to my eyes. The Rolesor 41 in blue however..
(also available with jubilee bracelet)
I understand the fashion for bigger watches and the DJ41 fits the bill in my humble opinion, perfectly.
I'm keeping my SD as an investment truth be told, it was after all my daughters first birthday present but as beautiful as it is (and I really do love it) it is a casual watch.
The Datejust (again, in my humble opinion) is the daddy, the quintessential Rolex. I'm only not buying a DJ41 as it will render my DJ36 a safe-queen and there seems no point in that.
I do like that Wimbledon face one, but it would appear a more feminine colour scheme to my eyes. The Rolesor 41 in blue however..
(also available with jubilee bracelet)
LaurasOtherHalf said:
I do like that Wimbledon face one, but it would appear a more feminine colour scheme to my eyes. The Rolesor 41 in blue however..
My wife bought me a DJ as an engagement present in 1999... blue face, same as above, but with Jubilee bracelet. I still love it, but they are so tiny. I hardly ever wear it nowadays... maybe I should chop it in for a 41.DJMC said:
Having said that, the Wimbledon has the odd single lumed baton at 9 O'Clock. What's that all about? I have my own theories, of which there are three. But what do you think was going on in the mind of the designer?
I've always presumed that they did it to balance up the dial - the lume plot matches the white date window on the other side. But it doesn't quite work for me.FWIW I had a Datejust II and got shot of it because it was just too big on my 7 1/4" wrist.
DJMC said:
That I never wore any of these out of the house was, I thought, because I'd rather be wearing my old DJ. But I'd thought that was because I'd hate to be wearing a cheap watch when I could have a Rolex on my wrist. However now, on reflection, I'm sure it was more to do with the look of the DJ and that I'd worn it for so long my subconscious was telling me that it was the norm so why wear a strange looking watch
Aren't you embarrassed when you read back stuff like this? ou sont les biscuits said:
I've always presumed that they did it to balance up the dial - the lume plot matches the white date window on the other side. But it doesn't quite work for me.
FWIW I had a Datejust II and got shot of it because it was just too big on my 7 1/4" wrist.
I tried the DJII as well, side by side with a couple of DJ41's but it was too chunky on my 7 1/2" wrist. DJ41 fitted perfectly.FWIW I had a Datejust II and got shot of it because it was just too big on my 7 1/4" wrist.
LaurasOtherHalf said:
I do like that Wimbledon face one, but it would appear a more feminine colour scheme to my eyes. The Rolesor 41 in blue however..
Can't see the feminine look of the Wimbledon dial personally? Can't get blue dial on the DJ41 on the configurator - are you sure it's available in that mix?Chris Stott said:
My wife bought me a DJ as an engagement present in 1999... blue face, same as above, but with Jubilee bracelet. I still love it, but they are so tiny. I hardly ever wear it nowadays... maybe I should chop it in for a 41.
I got a great p/ex price for my DJ36 when traded against my wife's new DJ31 a few weeks back. Why not ask?terrydacktal said:
Aren't you embarrassed when you read back stuff like this?
A little, yes. But if it helps others not to make the same mistake that's fine. Just being honest about my "journey"!
DJMC said:
Can't get blue dial on the DJ41 on the configurator - are you sure it's available in that mix?
For some reason it doesn't show on the online configurator, but it is available. Goldsmiths had one in the back awaiting collection and let me have a look (although obviously this one was ordered without the fluted bezel), price on jubilee and fluted bezel jumps to £6900
You seem to be very honest and I think you admit to things that I most people wouldn't
With that in mind, and not wanting to offend you I must say that the very first time I saw one of your posts I was struck by what a Rolex might mean to you, I seem to remember a sense of desperation, but more about the brand in general and today you've reminded me of that feeling, it's what reminded me of the first of your posts that I read!
With that in mind, and not wanting to offend you I must say that the very first time I saw one of your posts I was struck by what a Rolex might mean to you, I seem to remember a sense of desperation, but more about the brand in general and today you've reminded me of that feeling, it's what reminded me of the first of your posts that I read!
don logan said:
You seem to be very honest and I think you admit to things that I most people wouldn't
With that in mind, and not wanting to offend you I must say that the very first time I saw one of your posts I was struck by what a Rolex might mean to you, I seem to remember a sense of desperation, but more about the brand in general and today you've reminded me of that feeling, it's what reminded me of the first of your posts that I read!
Interesting. I wonder what I was (am) desperate for? A change maybe, or a constant change? I was perfectly happy with my DJ36 for 15 years, never looked at another watch or had any interest in doing so, and then about four months ago found myself researching the Rolex sports models after my son expressed an interest in a Tag sports watch and we persuaded him to look at Rolex as "better value." Then of course I became sucked into those models, and the online "hype" around them, which led to where I am now.With that in mind, and not wanting to offend you I must say that the very first time I saw one of your posts I was struck by what a Rolex might mean to you, I seem to remember a sense of desperation, but more about the brand in general and today you've reminded me of that feeling, it's what reminded me of the first of your posts that I read!
I do have a habit of "collecting" so as to find the perfect item within a new hobby. Over the years I've bought loads of cameras, and ended up with one, perfect for me. Then target rifles and pistols, up to around 30 at one stage, until I selected one of each which suited me. Saxophones next, trying 50 or 60 until I found the right one, well two, alto and tenor. But I didn't feel "desperate", in fact I enjoyed the research and "hunt" for all of these. But we're only talking £100 to £2000 for any of these items, not £9,000-10,000 for a new Rolex, so doing the same when watch hunting is not an option.
But then ONE watch isn't a hobby is it. It's a day to day item for telling the time. So the only desperation I feel is that I now choose a watch which I'll be happy with for another 15 years, and don't keep chopping and changing which will lose me money, especially with something like a DJ. I have no compulsion to own more than one high end watch anyway.
What other desperation do you detect? Throughout this process I've thought more and more about the subconscious and psychological side of watch buying and so I'd be interested if you could expand on your observations as it may help with what choices I now make.
You're a funny guy!
What I meant buy desperate was that you have seemed desperate to buy a Rolex in particular but didn't really know which one which then gave me the IMPRESSION that you only needed a reason why someone else thinks a particular model is a good idea to give you the green light!
I read the whole GMT thread as it was evolving and I kept thinking - does he actually like anything or does he just want to buy another Rolex for Rolex sake, I also thought you were a massive Rolex snob!
What I meant buy desperate was that you have seemed desperate to buy a Rolex in particular but didn't really know which one which then gave me the IMPRESSION that you only needed a reason why someone else thinks a particular model is a good idea to give you the green light!
I read the whole GMT thread as it was evolving and I kept thinking - does he actually like anything or does he just want to buy another Rolex for Rolex sake, I also thought you were a massive Rolex snob!
Edited by don logan on Tuesday 22 August 18:44
don logan said:
You're a funny guy!
What I meant buy desperate was that you have seemed desperate to buy a Rolex in particular but didn't really know which one which then gave me the IMPRESSION that you only needed a reason why someone else thinks a particular model is a good idea to give you the green light!
I read the whole GMT thread as it was evolving and I kept thinking - does he actually like anything or does he just want to buy another Rolex for Rolex sake, I also thought you were a massive Rolex snob!
What defines "snob"?What I meant buy desperate was that you have seemed desperate to buy a Rolex in particular but didn't really know which one which then gave me the IMPRESSION that you only needed a reason why someone else thinks a particular model is a good idea to give you the green light!
I read the whole GMT thread as it was evolving and I kept thinking - does he actually like anything or does he just want to buy another Rolex for Rolex sake, I also thought you were a massive Rolex snob!
Edited by don logan on Tuesday 22 August 18:44
Blinkered to every other brand perhaps?
desolate said:
Surely it's fair to say you don't want a watch, you want a Rolex?
Yes, that's correct. Does that make me a Rolex snob? I think it still does, as I disregard every other high end brand, mostly through ignorance. But having owned one for 15 years surely makes it a little more acceptable? We've had 10 BMWs over 31 years too. Could I be a BMW snob also?
DJMC said:
Yes, that's correct. Does that make me a Rolex snob? I think it still does, as I disregard every other high end brand, mostly through ignorance. But having owned one for 15 years surely makes it a little more acceptable?
We've had 10 BMWs over 31 years too. Could I be a BMW snob also?
It probably does make you a snob, but it's not the end of the world.We've had 10 BMWs over 31 years too. Could I be a BMW snob also?
"whatever gets you through the night, is alright"
DJMC said:
desolate said:
Surely it's fair to say you don't want a watch, you want a Rolex?
Yes, that's correct. Does that make me a Rolex snob? I think it still does, as I disregard every other high end brand, mostly through ignorance. But having owned one for 15 years surely makes it a little more acceptable? We've had 10 BMWs over 31 years too. Could I be a BMW snob also?
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