Purchase advice - submariner 16610 vs 126610

[1William]

The newer 12 series is the one. Looks better on your wrist based on size of both your wrist and the watch. The newer model has an arguably better movement, power reserve, case, bracelet, clasp, visible dial and a warranty. I have been involved with the watch game for over thirty years and I started with a five digit submariner. There is no comparison for me. As far as the NATO straps go there are some out there that will work but I find it hard to put a modern Rolex on a non-OEM strap/bracelet because the bracelet is the best, or one of the best on the market. If you want a NATO strap look and a vintage vibe, look elsewhere as the Rolex is an expensive way to go. You will also have to contend with possible service for the five digit. I would figure that cost, starting at around $850, into the cost of the five digit should you buy it. Many on here will respond buy what you want. Good advice but not the point of your question. Good luck.

[DavidUK]

I have a 7.5" wrist. I had the same choice, old Sub 2nd hand or or new Sub brand new.
The £500 difference wasn't an influencing factor.

I chose the older Sub Date as it sat better on my wrist, as it does yours, and seemed a more cohesive design.

Subsequently I bought a DJ41 on jubilee. I can appreciate the more modern bracelet appeals.

[KatGirl]

16610 is just classic!



My favorite, so I’m biased. I’ve tried on the newest one. It’s just not the same.

Kat


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[7enderbender]

5 digit. Disproportioned case shape, shiny bezel, AR coating, unresolved movement issues - all that works against the modern versions.

[jgottsman11]

That particular 16610 looks pretty polished. I wouldn't go for that one

[Brian Page]

I have to vote 5 digit

[Jocas712]

Originally Posted by georgew

I have versions of the last 3 models of subs: 5 digit (16610), 116610, and 124060 - and I like them all - but not equally. My favs are the 5 digit and 12 series. The 16610 is iconic and wears extremely well/comfortable on my 6.75 in wrist. The 124060 is almost as comfortable, but has substantially more wrist presence. From your pics, the 12 series seems to fit your 7.5 in wrist perfectly - but both look great on you. Given how hard it is to get a 12 series, for that reason alone I'd lean towards that. But get what gives you the biggest grin

We have the same wrist size but for some reason the 12 doesnt fit me well 🥲

The 11 and the 16610LV fits me perfect.

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[illiguy]

5 digits are so damn good.

[Yobber76]

I would pick the 6 digit

[Roddypeepa]

I would also take the 6. I feel the movement is better in the 5 but owning an 11 the build quality is terrific. I really value glidelock and I know it’s not for everybody but the engraved cerachrom with Pt inserts do it for me. Add the AR coating, longer power reserve, and some remaining warranty then I’d pick modern. However both are terrific and you won’t be disappointed. For me the sub is one of the greatest three handers around. GODA watch.


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[Refegotos]

Welcome to the Forum!

[WmSwatches]

I'd personally go for 16610.

[lawyerdude]

I had a pre ceramic for 8 years and decided to sell it this year and get the ceramic. I feel the bracelet seems a little sturdier. I liked the feel of the old one, but i was ready for a change. I was able to use the profit on my old sub to make my total cash payment for the new grey sub the equivekant of buying at retail. Plus i used the other watch every day for 8 years.

[csaltphoto]

My wrist is about your size and I prefer the 5 digits, even if I could get away with the 6. I think they are more comfortable for the long term. I also prefer they way they look; wrist presence is a funny thing. Yeah the 6 digit is bigger and shinier but I think the more classic 5 digit has a different kind of wrist presence that suits some people better.

[Eric88]

16610 isn’t vintage, you might want to look at older watches if you’re truly seeking vintage vs. the prior non-ceramic option. Still a great watch.

I love the newest Sub. It’s a perfect companion to a vintage 1680.

[Robf52]

Modern, for sure.

[ufboy73]

I'd go for both.

[ironchips]

Originally Posted by georgew

I have versions of the last 3 models of subs: 5 digit (16610), 116610, and 124060 - and I like them all - but not equally. My favs are the 5 digit and 12 series. The 16610 is iconic and wears extremely well/comfortable on my 6.75 in wrist. The 124060 is almost as comfortable, but has substantially more wrist presence. From your pics, the 12 series seems to fit your 7.5 in wrist perfectly - but both look great on you. Given how hard it is to get a 12 series, for that reason alone I'd lean towards that. But get what gives you the biggest grin

Biggest grin for the win! There is no object in this world that will satisfy the soul, but getting the watch you really want to wear can make the days a little brighter.

IMHO
16610 = best proportions of all time
126610/124060 = best bracelet feel to date

[lawyerdude]

As someone who replaced the 16610 with 126610 in the past 60 days, i will say the bracelet feels so much more secure and comfortable. I was always afraid the little metal piece that attached the bracelet to the clasp was going to snap. Also, the glidelock has been an amazing addition. I also think the lume is much stronger on my 126610.
That being said, the 16610 did have a nice sizing feel.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

16610 is just classic!



My favorite, so I’m biased. I’ve tried on the newest one. It’s just not the same.

Kat


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Great fit Kat

My wife wears a Submaruner too

[ltmgeller]

I'd go with the 5 digit. I think its more fun to change the straps and the insert.

[Mario3252]

Modern for sure

[phillyEagles]

The modern dial has larger indices which I find are easier to read at a glance. My eyesight is not as good as it once was.

[georgew]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

My wrist is about your size and I prefer the 5 digits, even if I could get away with the 6. I think they are more comfortable for the long term. I also prefer they way they look; wrist presence is a funny thing. Yeah the 6 digit is bigger and shinier but I think the more classic 5 digit has a different kind of wrist presence that suits some people better.

this is well said - wrist presence is subjective and quite personal.

[Watchdog]

Ceramic for me but depends on the look on your wrist (both good) and the feel of the bracelet to you.

[worldofoyster]

why not get the 116610? best of both worlds, reliable movement, max case and 40mm.

[Maiden]

16610
16610


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[RolexSocial.Club]

Another vote for the 16610 sub w ceramic bezel! I wish I still had mine *tear*

[Dauntless]

I have worn both of them. I currently have the 126610LN. I have seen posts which are negative regarding the size of the glidelock clasp. I find that the glidelock actually makes it more comfortable. Once you get the bracelet correctly adjusted for length on the side near your thumb, the glidelock acts as an anchor and does not allow the watch head to move around when you twist your wrist in the direction of your little finger. It also allows relatively simple adjustment of the bracelet. Even though the watch is bigger, the watch head stays in place and it is very comfortable. My wrist is 6.75 inches in circumference.

[Ontime]

Its the as Sub for me but i think you know best what you really want.