Gold submariner preferences

[logo]

Just doing a bit of a Saturday morning browse, and have been looking into gold submariners today. Looking at the original 4 digit gold subs from 1969-1970s, they seem to be quite elegant - tapered lugs, some with matte (black) dials, gold text on the dial to subdue the dial from being to busy and champagne date wheels. Some even with original president bracelets, and to my eye the fact it’s a bezel insert seems like more gold shows on the outer edge of the bezel compared to modern ceramics. A lot of this aesthetic seems carried over to the 5 digits as well.

All that contrasts with the modern ceramics where there’s definitely a more prominent sporty vibe - bigger maxi case, bigger hands and dial markers, more bold white dial text, bold white date wheel, plus the glide lock and solid links for added practicality and heft.

Both beautiful and tough to choose a winner. For me currently, I think I like the black dial variants as the 4 and 5 digit gold subs, whereas I prefer the blue dial as the modern 6 digit. I think...

Anyone with preferences when it comes to gold subs?

[cerendigit]

Yes 6 digit over 5 digit.

Have you had the opportunity to compare the build quality of the bracelets and clasps of the 5digits vs 6digits subs? The 6digit bracelet and clasp is on another league compared to the 5digits'. That's a deal breaker for me.

[logo]

Originally Posted by cerendigit

Yes 6 digit over 5 digit.

Have you had the opportunity to compare the build quality of the bracelets and clasps of the 5digits vs 6digits subs? The 6digit bracelet and clasp is on another league compared to the 5digits'. That's a deal breaker for me.

Yes I have compared the two. There’s definitely a feeling of greater security and heft with the 6 digits.

[ronricks]

Originally Posted by logo

Yes I have compared the two. There’s definitely a feeling of greater security and heft with the 6 digits.

I hear you and love my 116610 but for some reason I kinda want a 16618 they can be had pretty cheap these days.

[Onikage]

Old 16618 for me.

[Bigblu10]

I am a bit biased as this is my daily driver.

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[Boaters]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

I am a bit biased as this is my daily driver.

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Yea Yea The 6 is the best

[AK797]

On the 6 digits I do really like the blue sunburst dials, but I am flirting with a TT SD43 and have to say the black and gold bezel combo works really well.

[joli160]

Flat blue works for me, the allure of any 4 digit I can understand whilst almost anything 5 digit is just an old watch

[JSolution]

16618 is a nice reference and you can save yourself thousands. I have a black dial I’ll probably purchase a blue dial 116618 at some point and I own a newer gold sky dweller. It doesn’t take anything away from the 5 digit from me it’s lovely every time I wear it.

[Wcdhtwn]

Originally Posted by AK797

On the 6 digits I do really like the blue sunburst dials, but I am flirting with a TT SD43 and have to say the black and gold bezel combo works really well.

I finally saw one of these in the metal before my AD closed due to Covid. I liked it much more than I thought I would. I wouldn’t give up my SS version for one, but if I couldn’t get a SS version and the TT was available the chances I’d buy it are much higher than not.

[MTdweller]

Looked at both 5 and 6-digit, bought the 6-digit.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by MTdweller

Looked at both 5 and 6-digit, bought the 6-digit.

Beauty

[nick800]

[Early_L]

Originally Posted by nick800

Maybe I've just been blind to this all along... but are your hands and indices actually white gold?

[garbanzo]

Probably not surprisingly, I prefer mine

[Maiden]

I decided on the five digit. Love my Subc but prefer the five in solid gold. No bad choice here.


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[Kostas]

I’d post a pic but most of my fellow 18lb friends have already covered it :)

[Bladeshot]

I have a 116619. Love it. Glidelock is wonderful. I’m expecting a 16618lb in the coming weeks. That will be a fun one too. 6 digit is probably my preference but they are so different.

[nosignalbmwdriver]

the 16618 black dial looks pretty modern even with the yellow date window. Good value vs the 116618. Mulling that over myself.

[logo]

Thread from the dead! Thanks everyone for your thoughts and photos! Posted a recent thread on this as well where I had the opportunity to try on a 6 digit LB recently: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=739397

I think I’m convinced in 6 digit it’s gotta be the LB. In 5 digit, not sure yet but might prefer the black. The 6 digit LB is definitely on my short list for a potential acquisition at some point TBD.

[Maiden]

Originally Posted by logo

Thread from the dead! Thanks everyone for your thoughts and photos! Posted a recent thread on this as well where I had the opportunity to try on a 6 digit LB recently: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=739397

I think I’m convinced in 6 digit it’s gotta be the LB. In 5 digit, not sure yet but might prefer the black. The 6 digit LB is definitely on my short list for a potential acquisition at some point TBD.

I chose five digit in gold as I preferred the more subtle case lines for an all gold piece. I love the maxi case on my sporty 114060 though. Either way you can’t go wrong. I would tell you to go for it. I have zero regrets on owning a solid gold sub. A few more pics for enablement.




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[Phrank]

Originally Posted by Maiden

I chose five digit in gold as I preferred the more subtle case lines for an all gold piece. I love the maxi case on my sporty 114060 though. Either way you can’t go wrong. I would tell you to go for it. I have zero regrets on owning a solid gold sub. A few more pics for enablement.




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Yes, that's a classic reference, was selected in a video I saw as one of the most suitable and classy watch for a man if you were to wear only one watch.

Personally, I prefer the 5 digit refs, and the one on your wrist is in my top 5, and one I hope to add one day.

[Jona]

I prefer, and bought, the 6 digit black. I don't like the blue (or green) Sub dials. I like the blue dial on the Pelagos and on the DJ41.

[timepiecegentleman]

Once you go 6-digit you never go back. It just doesn’t feel the same.

I can appreciate the older 4-digit 1680 and 5-digit 16808 but there’s really no comparison to the look you get from that ceramic bezel and maxi case.


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[mkruger311]

A nice condition 16618 is a beautiful, timeless and comfortable piece. It wears a little lighter while still having an excellent weight distribution throughout the entire piece. The 6 digit is a little heavier and can take a toll on an average sized wrist for all day wear. Having had 6 and 5 digits in both colors, the black 16618 no holes is my favorite.

[T01]

I have the 116618LB sunburst, love it. Can't go wrong.

[faimag]

I went with blue sunburst 16618, and if I could find a good example, a nipple dial 16808 or even 1680-8 would be my choice. Unmatched character and charm.

[Vvvlllooo]

[Rori]

Originally Posted by Vvvlllooo

I’m not into yellow gold yet but this one looks stunning. Love how the black bezel and dial contrast with the gold.


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