14060 vs 114060

[Breizh]

Since I’ve been looking at Submariners, I always thought the 5 digit was better looking and more balanced than the new one. This was mainly based on pictures and online videos.

Today I visited an AD who had both (pre-owned), so I was able to compare them side by side in the flesh for the first time. And to my surprise I much preferred the maxi case
What’s more bizarre, is looking back at the picture I took, I find the 5 digit better looking...makes no sense!

So I’m not trying to start another “which one is better” thread, I just wanted to share how different things are when you actually see a watch. I never expected to change my preference so quickly. Seeing IS believing :-)

[JRell]

Buy them both! Can’t believe they are both in the case. It is like seeing a mirage in the desert.

[nyyankees]

Both great. You’ll like the glide lock.

[Brny11]

14060. 114060 is so modern, it loses the “classic” appeal IMO with no date. If you go modern, do it right with the 116610.

I got the 114060 based on TRF. Sold it after a few months for 116610. Never looked back. I do lust after a 14060 every now and then. I think it is the perfect watch whereas 116610 has the controversial case (which is no where near as bad as some make it out to be). Regardless, once I went 6 dig, I couldn’t go back.

116610 and black bay 58 (original) is my perfect combo.

[JohnnyM]

Side by side the 5 digit seems like an inferior watch. The bracelet and clasp on the 6 digit put the 5 digit to shame, and the 6 digit case is so much more substantial. That's why you liked the ceramic version.

However... the 5 digit is SO much cooler and has so much more character, that on it's own, it's the winner. I had a choice too, and went with the 14060 holes case, hollow end links, tritium.

[JohnGingerwood]

The new one is better, unless you like the old school look.

[Breizh]

Originally Posted by JohnnyM

Side by side the 5 digit seems like an inferior watch. The bracelet and clasp on the 6 digit put the 5 digit to shame, and the 6 digit case is so much more substantial. That's why you liked the ceramic version.

However... the 5 digit is SO much cooler and has so much more character, that on it's own, it's the winner. I had a choice too, and went with the 14060 holes case, hollow end links, tritium.

That's a very good point

[Henrimontgomery]

I’m in the same boat, but with the two tone sub.

Basically for me, I’d rather save money and get the 5 digit, then once the new sub is released, get it. Not really wanting to spend full price on a model which will get new caliber in a few months / years.

[JRell]

Originally Posted by Henrimontgomery

I’m in the same boat, but with the two tone sub.

Basically for me, I’d rather save money and get the 5 digit, then once the new sub is released, get it. Not really wanting to spend full price on a model which will get new caliber in a few months / years.

Yeah but the current caliber is great. Doesn’t the 114060 have an upgraded movement from the 2 liner? Once a new model comes out, this one will be discontinued, and will only push the value up on the existing one. I like them both but the 114060 is a stunner.

[jjackson99]

I got a 5 digit and put a glidelock clasp on the bracelet. Best of both worlds. That 6 digit is super overpriced though if 10k is the ask

[WatchNutcase]

Originally Posted by JohnnyM

Side by side the 5 digit seems like an inferior watch. The bracelet and clasp on the 6 digit put the 5 digit to shame, and the 6 digit case is so much more substantial. That's why you liked the ceramic version.

However... the 5 digit is SO much cooler and has so much more character, that on it's own, it's the winner. I had a choice too, and went with the 14060 holes case, hollow end links, tritium.

114060 is cool enough for me, and with the case, bracelet and maxi dial improvements it's a no brainer

[JRell]

Originally Posted by WatchNutcase

114060 is cool enough for me, and with the case, bracelet and maxi dial improvements it's a no brainer

That is what they are going for now, even more, after market. A very much wanted watch.

[WatchNutcase]

Originally Posted by jjackson99

I got a 5 digit and put a glidelock clasp on the bracelet. Best of both worlds. That 6 digit is super overpriced though if 10k is the ask

If this 6 digit is super overpriced at 10k then what is the hulk?

[JRell]

Originally Posted by WatchNutcase

If this 6 digit is super overpriced at 10k then what is the hulk?

After market hulk is going for like 15k

[JRell]

One more point, consider the lug size. I personally like the 114060 with the wider lugs, makes it feel more solid on the wrist. Some like the tapered lugs. Try them both on, your wrist size might determine this. There is speculation that when they update the sub (will be the date first) Rolex might taper the lugs along with the new movement. For me that would not be good as I like a diver watch oversized, but like my datejust lugs tapered.

[csaltphoto]

You really have to try them on. While I liked the 6 digit at first glance and thought the glidelock was a nice bit of mechanical design there were minor design details I preferred on the 5 digit. The 5 digit is overall more low-key. I prefer the somewhat smaller bezel and metallic vs white numerals and markers on the bezel. Don't like the shine of the ceramic at all. The case size difference was not that apparent in person though.

[JRell]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

You really have to try them on. While I liked the 6 digit at first glance and thought the glidelock was a nice bit of mechanical design there were minor design details I preferred on the 5 digit. The 5 digit is overall more low-key. I prefer the somewhat smaller bezel and metallic vs white numerals and markers on the bezel. Don't like the shine of the ceramic at all. The case size difference was not that apparent in person though.

The shine is what I love most about the 114060! I don’t know if I can go back to pre-ceramic. But I get the preference within the shine and the more subtle look.

[Crazy Lugs]

Originally Posted by WatchNutcase

If this 6 digit is super overpriced at 10k then what is the hulk?

$17,975

https://davidsw.com/watches/rolex-wa...submariner-71/

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by JRell

The shine is what I love most about the 114060! I don’t know if I can go back to pre-ceramic. But I get the preference within the shine and the more subtle look.

And I totally get that!

[Saltzy]

Why don't people ever talk about the hour markers on the 6 digit Subs when comparing them to the 5 digit ones.

Not only do I prefer the maxi case, ceramic bezel, and better bracelet, the hour markers are so much more bigger and pronounced on the 6 digit, which makes it easier to tell the time IMO.

[subtona]

Both great.

Older version for me but newer bracelet is cool.
Can’t go wrong with either.

[Nurseford25]

I went 114060. Never owned a 14060 but always wanted one. However when I finally got my sub I ended up wanting a new one and we’ll now days if you want new you have to get the supercase. I haven’t looked back and have worn it almost every day for the last two years. Really though these guys are right...you can’t go wrong with either.

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by JRell

Buy them both! Can’t believe they are both in the case. It is like seeing a mirage in the desert.

It’s a preowned dealer......most of them have subs in stock, that’s their job

[DCheeta]

Yeah, that’s a funny thing about the modern Subs - they look great in person but look bad in photos. The camera really does add the proverbial 10 lbs to the maxi case.

[travisb]

114060 ticks all the boxes for me.
Sturdier feel, ceramic bezel, bigger dial indices and case, glidelock to name a few. Can't go wrong with either but I prefer everything on the modern version.

[nighthawk77]

The older 5 digit models do have a certain charm about them, but imo are overpriced on the secondary market where costs are more or less equal to MRSP for a new 6 digit.

The 6 digit refs are an upgrade in virtually every way.

[brandrea]

I agree OP seeing in real life is much preferred over photos

[Yess]

114060 is the quintessential Rolex I feel.

[Crazy Lugs]

Speaking as an owner of both, the 14060 is worth every penny of $3,500...but not $7,500, which is what my 114060 cost me a year ago from AD. The fatal flaw (for my wrist) is the minimum of five links on the 6 o’clock side for the 14060- I need four which the six digits allow.

I find the handset on the 14060 a bit weak- and I have 20/20 vision. Likely just personal preference for the maxi dial. This is why I love the Kermit- best of both worlds.

I totally agree the six digits don’t photograph well. They look so much better on wrist, and the 114060 just oozes quality and timeless style. It’s worth every penny of $7,500 and then some. Also, these are quick and easy to set if worn in rotation with other pieces- something you’ll appreciate if having dealt with the annoyance of constantly getting a GMT going again after a few days off...

[Xenon]

The 5 digit is so much more comfortable to wear and some members have had issues with the comfort of the new Sub:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...+uncomfortable

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...+uncomfortable

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...=uncomfortable

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...=uncomfortable