40M vs. 41M Submariner

[Nads786]

I'd like the group's opinion on purchasing these two watches. As some of my previous threads indicate, I've been waiting to acquire a 41M Sub since March with the hope of getting this watch by October for my Birthday.

I recently had the chance to try on a 40M sub and was surprised at how much lighter it felt vs. the 41M.

Here is my personal pros / cons but hoping the forum adds things I've missed.

41 Pros:
- AR coating
-Slimmed down profile
- Larger dial allowing the date function to breathe

40 Pros:
- lighter
- smaller clasp
- 31 series movement
- Available now at a lower price point

41 Cons:
- 32 series movement
- Size / weight of watch in comparison
- Wait time

40 Cons:
- Lack of AR coating
- Older model
- Limited warranty


I think if all things were even, I would go with the 31 movement series for simply piece of mind. The availability of the 40M version is also a big appeal, but I did feel the date function and dial real estate was visually smaller than the 41.

The movement topic is contentious, I know, but that risk should be build in to this purchase IMO. I'd hate to get a 41 watch and pay additional servicing costs or lose the watch for long periods of time.

[Calatrava r]

Sounds like you prefer the 40mm. Personally, I am not a fan of the maxi case and would do the 41mm.

[Easy E]

First, the 41 is really only like .3mm larger. The clasp is wider and depending on your wrist size that may or may not make a difference. However, for me, your Pros on the 40 are most valid. 116610 for the win.

[geoffreyis]

The 41 wears completely different. After owning both, I much prefer the 41.

[Oytun]

Own both 41 & 40 of same subs, absolutely 41. Looking way better, more aesthetic than 40. Never had any issue with 3235.

[Llamathurst]

I had the 40mm maxi case. I swapped it for a 41. It wears very differently and as much as I like the 40 the 41 is a significantly better wearing watch. As for the movement concern, I think it's pretty overblown. I've had a lot of 31 and 32 movements and never had an issue with anything.

[sevykor]

Trying both on would be a better indicator as to which to go with in this case. Sounds like more prefer the 41 for wearability. Many ADs will let you try on the 41 display model. You will just have find a 40 for comparison.


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[gegtool85]

I own 114060, 124060 and even a 126610LN. The 41 case with new lugs is just a better wearing watch. The 114060 has become my “beater” lol. No issues with the 3130, 3230 or the 3235. Go for the 41mm.

[AD337]

Own both.. only and i mean ONLY reason I own the 40 is because mine is an LV hulk dated 09/07/2020 with a new style warranty card.. So it is indeed a very special one


But I say all that to say, that the 41mm is SO MUCH nicer overall.. your pros and cons are well said, but again overall the 41 is a really great improvement and such an amazing watch.. worth noting, if you want an LV Ill just add in that the new mark 2 bezel is very awesome !!

[brandrea]

Weight wise they aren’t discernible… I think they are within a few gms of each other

[Mick006]

I own the 40. Take the bracelet/clasp out of the picture. Are the slimmer lugs and 1 mm size that significant? Is there a difference aside?

To me they seem basically the same. I prefer the taper and clasp of the 40. But I haven’t worn a 41. Maybe I’m missing out.

[gegtool85]

Originally Posted by AD337

Own both.. only and i mean ONLY reason I own the 40 is because mine is an LV hulk dated 09/07/2020 with a new style warranty card.. So it is indeed a very special one


But I say all that to say, that the 41mm is SO MUCH nicer overall.. your pros and cons are well said, but again overall the 41 is a really great improvement and such an amazing watch.. worth noting, if you want an LV Ill just add in that the new mark 2 bezel is very awesome !!

That LV is indeed a beauty that I would keep forever, too. I’m still mad I missed the bus on one years back.

[phillyEagles]

I've owned both, I'd wait for the newer reference. It presents itself more evenly on the wrist. The slimmer lugs make for a more orderly transition from case to bracelet. AR in the 41mm crystal is hard to notice IMO.

[cts]

41mm for me..

[Nads786]

Originally Posted by sevykor

Trying both on would be a better indicator as to which to go with in this case. Sounds like more prefer the 41 for wearability. Many ADs will let you try on the 41 display model. You will just have find a 40 for comparison.


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Agreed - I’ve tried the 41 on numerous times but the 40 only once. Having an unsized watch on your wrist for a few minutes makes it so hard to tell which one would be the better fit after a week.

My gut reaction on putting the 40 on was oh wow this feels lighter / less bulky but the dial real estate shrunk big time.


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[Golfbone]

I have both as well and prefer the 41.

[502 to Right]

I cannot abide the 6 digit 40mm Sub lugs. Too thick. Bought a no date and sold it within a month.

The 5 digit Sub? Perfection.

[Gab27]

I honestly don't consider them to be all that different. They look pretty similar if you're more than a foot away IMO, they both wear well, and they both have Glidelock. The 41mm represents minor proportion changes from the 40mm, but these are evolutionary refinements rather than revolutionary changes. The external lug proportions on the two are pretty similar, whereas the 41mm has a wider bracelet and less material on the inside of the lugs.

I'm still baffled by people who say they love the look of one and hate the other. They're both handsome watches.

[Mick006]

To me, it seems like minute differences that can’t be differentiated without comparing two side by side.

5 vs 6 digit differences are more obvious. I’ve come to really appreciate the 5 digit refs.

[Moskus99]

Originally Posted by 502 to Right

I cannot abide the 6 digit 40mm Sub lugs. Too thick. Bought a no date and sold it within a month.

The 5 digit Sub? Perfection.

I thought the thread was about 5 digit vs 12 series but it appears it’s 11 vs 12 series? I haven’t tried on the 11 but I’ve tried 12 series and 5 digit and 5 digit felt much better on my wrist. I love the adjustability of the new clasp but it’s really large.

As someone who is also interested I am currently leaning towards the 5 digit reference however also thinking about a 12 series as my AD has indicated this is not outside the realm of a reasonable request and I’d love to purchase BNIB. I just picked up a dj36 about a month ago so am taking my time and hoping the prices on preowned 5 digits come down a bit.

[Oytun]

Originally Posted by 502 to Right

I cannot abide the 6 digit 40mm Sub lugs. Too thick. Bought a no date and sold it within a month.

The 5 digit Sub? Perfection.

Always 41 over 40 for 6 digit, but for 5 digit, its tough

Having hard time deciding which one to keep. 5 digit has 14 years of non stop use, never polished as seen, still looks perfect next to newer one

[Gearjockey]

I love the 40mm and cannot tell much of a difference between the two. Here is a picture of 16610-116610 (mine)-126610 side by side comparison because I was trying to decide whether to list for the new reference after hearing these comments but after seeing and trying on, I decided the difference wasn’t significantly apparent. After reading through comments on TRF, I also decided the new movement wasn’t for me as well.

AR? Meh… never had a problem. Kinda like the 32xx ��.
Always an internet favorite.

[slide13]

If you’ve tried them on and like the 40mm better you should go for it.

Personally the thick lugs just never looked right to me, had a very square boxy feel on my wrist. Owned an 114060 for a year or so before deciding it just wasn’t for me. Have a 126610 now and I find the proportions of it so much better, wears fantastic.

I would take the 31xx movement over the 32XX at this point, but for me that is the only Pro for the 40mm over the 41mm and wouldn’t be enough to sway me.

But in the end it’s all how it looks to you and I could totally see some people preferring the stouter look of the 40mm.

[whatsthetime?]

Owned the 40 and now own the 12 and I strongly agree with most here that the 41 is definitely a better fit, amongst other things in comparison to the 40.

[David5807]

Originally Posted by geoffreyis

The 41 wears completely different. After owning both, I much prefer the 41.

Same here, and I used to swear by the 11 series.

[Zuger]

41

[Llamathurst]

Although, while I'm enamored with the 41 as I've mentioned above, I've enjoyed my 40. I moved this one on, but plan on replacing it with the 41 version soon. I've also had the Hulk and the 40 in steel. Really you can't go wrong whichever direction you go.

[Harry-57]

The 11 series addressed everything I didn't like about the 1 series and threw in a unique dial. The 40mm fits me fine and after adding the 116613LB my attention moved on.



I've seen the 40 and 41mm side by side. I don't agree with your comments about the date window, but different people have different eyesight. I thought the 41mm bracelet
and clasp too bulky for my wrist but this is because I'm so happy with the fit and comfort of the 40mm.

If I was in your position I couldn't say for sure until I had tried them both on, although as far as desirability goes the 11 would be my first choice on paper. The AD coating difference doesn't bother me. The different movement may never bother me or be the bane of my life, there's no way to know. The 31 is a safer bet IMO. You do you.

[HogwldFLTR]

On the wrist the 12 series just feels much better to me, Easy choice.

[mario1971]

My subjective opinion says that the 116610LV is the best Sub in the era of ceramic bezels. Why this one? Because I've always wanted one, and AD gave me a Hulk substitute in the form of 126610LV. I will not say, 41mm Cermit was not bad, but something was missing in it, maybe the feeling - the spirit and life that I see looking at the green dial.

These are my thoughts, but they are mine and mine alone. The second rabbi will say that the newer spline is the best, and he certainly won't be wrong... If it's 41mm, the black bezel is more consistent than the green one.