[Devildog]

Originally Posted by wxflyer

The Sub is an icon, no question. But an older Sub like the 14060 is arguably inferior to the Tudor Black Bay 58. Or is it?

The newest 14060 is a decade or more old, so I’m guessing the movement isn’t as good as the BB58. Accuracy? Anti-magnetism? And the 14060 bracelet is objectively inferior to the BB58’s.

So what are your thoughts, Rolex enthusiast community? I’m ready to buy, but I’m having a hard time justifying a Sub 14060 at 3-times the price of a new BB58. Thanks for your input!

Having had both a 5 digit sub and owning a BB58 (blue) the BB58 is objectively the better watch. There is no debating that, it just is.

I also own a (was NOS) 16600 so have a direct comparison to the best built of all the 5 series Rolex divers.

The 14060 is unquestionably an icon. But, and here's the thing, if it didn't say Rolex on the dial, you wouldn't take more than a few seconds to dismiss it if you held both it and a BB58 in each hand.

As part of a collection, yes. As your one and only? Unless you want the icon. the "Rolex", then in you may be disappointed in how "cheap" the 14060 will feel compared to the much more modern BB58. It's completely functional. And its a great watch, but its hollow link folded endlink bracelet, stamped and folded clasp and effectively bent piece of wire bezel click spring are no comparison to the modern offerings. And that's comparing new with new.

My 16600 is the watch that will never leave my collection, but a $400 seiko diver has a materially better bezel action (in terms of quality feel)

This may be an unpopular opinion on a Rolex forum but in terms of objectivity, it is 100% correct.

But this is not always an objective process.

Owning the 16600, I'd take the BB58 all day every day. In fact, you could have the black, the blue and the BB Pro for less than a mint full set 14060.

Having owned a 16610 I'd do the same.

If I'd not owned either (the sub is what got me interested in in the Sea Dweller) then I might have a different view because I'd not scratched that itch.