Rolex Submariner - no offence but underwhelmed
Discussion
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.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?
YMMV
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.
Not sure what I’m adding to this convo. Meh. Maybe get some bling. It’s heavier. Haha.
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
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.
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.
BrokenSkunk said:
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.
Thank you BrokenSkunk for your thoughts.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.
Don't get me wrong, I'm only interested in a Rolex due to its "mistique" which after trying on the SM dwindled slightly.
The sea dweller felt much more like it for me and preferred that model over the SM.
This purchase is very personal to me as I wanted something to remember my recently deceased Dad with, not to show of to mates or someone in the pub!
So you want a Rolex because it's a Rolex, not because you'd like it if it didn't carry that logo? I don't think you are either alone or (and I mean this in the nicest possible way, with no offence intended) sane.
That demonstrates nicely the power of Rolex's advertising and brand awareness.
I really don't mean to judge. If owning a Rolex just because it's a Rolex will make you happy regardless of whether or not you actually like it as a watch, then go for it (assuming you can afford it without consigning yourself to a five year diet of supermarket baked beans & lentils.)
Well done for recognising that this is actually what you want and being brave enough to say so.
Don't let the fact that some random on t'internet (i.e. me) doesn't share or understand your motivations stand in your way!
That demonstrates nicely the power of Rolex's advertising and brand awareness.
I really don't mean to judge. If owning a Rolex just because it's a Rolex will make you happy regardless of whether or not you actually like it as a watch, then go for it (assuming you can afford it without consigning yourself to a five year diet of supermarket baked beans & lentils.)
Well done for recognising that this is actually what you want and being brave enough to say so.
Don't let the fact that some random on t'internet (i.e. me) doesn't share or understand your motivations stand in your way!
I can understand why the SD43 would be more "impressive" to the OP I had a Bi-metal SD43 and it's a chunky thing, but I wouldn't be bothering with a AD waitlist dance to buy watch that is available at well below list elsewhere used/unworn etc...I've seen steel SD43s go through auction for £7500.
I would imagine they will have an SD43 pretty quickly for you once they have waited a few weeks so they can call you up to say how lucky you are etc...
I would imagine they will have an SD43 pretty quickly for you once they have waited a few weeks so they can call you up to say how lucky you are etc...
Edited by Wills2 on Tuesday 24th February 11:32
Doggleg said:
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.
The FFs on a steel bracelet is £18k, so twice the price of a steel sub.Edited by Doggleg on Tuesday 24th February 05:45
I appreciate the heritage of the Blancpain FF but the price means it's not comparable to a sub
Doggleg said:
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.
The FFs on a steel bracelet is £18k, so twice the price of a steel sub.Edited by Doggleg on Tuesday 24th February 05:45
I appreciate the heritage of the Blancpain FF but the price means it's not comparable to a sub
BrokenSkunk said:
Don't exclude Blancpain, JLC, Grand Seiko. My favourite GS "tool" watch is the Lion SBGA403, although it was a special edition I think, so you'll probably be sourcing second hand.
Take your time, there is lots of choice.
If you’ve a spare weekend, this place is worth a look.Take your time, there is lots of choice.
Watches from low four figures to low six figures. There’s a GS place close by along with a Rolex shop.
BrokenSkunk said:
Don't exclude Blancpain, JLC, Grand Seiko. My favourite GS "tool" watch is the Lion SBGA403, although it was a special edition I think, so you'll probably be sourcing second hand.
Take your time, there is lots of choice.
This is beautiful. Love GS and have been investigating for a while. What model is it please?Take your time, there is lots of choice.
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