Heavy 5 digit reference love on the forum! Why?

[Jcy90]

Good Afternoon. I am a 5 digit owner. Absolutely love my GMT 16710. I think the Pepsi GMT is one of the most beautiful Rolex's a man can own. But from now on I will be solely purchasing 6 digit models, love the upgrades. The newer watches feel much sturdier and of a much higher build quality. (Not taking anything away from the 5 digit models which have stood the test of time and are all icons) Would love to know why my fellow members lust after the 5 digit models over the 6? Thanks!

[mfer]

You need to own both and make your own decision. Simple as that. I love/own both. Each has pros/cons.

[douglasf13]

Watches are already an anachronism, so I don't see much point in pursuing technical upgrades. Plus, I prefer the lighter/sleeker bracelets and the aesthetics of the 5 series (and lower.) The 6 series is too flashy, bold and Omega-like for me, rather than being subtle with more of a vintage vibe like the 5 series.

[Steve36Efc]

I really like both, my first was a 16710 Gmt 2, which I thought I'd have for ever. But since buying a 114060 in 2012 it basically became redundant, I still loved the look but the more solid feel of the 6 digit models just grabbed me, I have recently flipped the 16710 In favour of a 116610LV. I don't see any more 5 digit models in my future. Here's a nice side by side of my 16710 and BLNR
image.jpg

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by Steve36Efc

I really like both, my first was a 16710 Gmt 2, which I thought I'd have for ever. But since buying a 114060 in 2012 it basically became redundant, I still loved the look but the more solid feel of the 6 digit models just grabbed me, I have recently flipped the 16710 In favour of a 116610LV. I don't see any more 5 digit models in my future. Here's a nice side by side of my 16710 and BLNR
Attachment 741425

It's a bit like comparing the following. The new one is fantastic and a technological leap, but I'd pick the old one all day:

[mtgjr]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

Watches are already an anachronism, so I don't see much point in pursuing technical upgrades. Plus, I prefer the lighter/sleeker bracelets and the aesthetics of the 5 series (and lower.) The 6 series is too flashy, bold and Omega-like for me, rather than being subtle with more of a vintage vibe like the 5 series.

This

[Cru Jones]

^^ But they are both Porsches and both awesome.

For me, for both Porsche and Rolex, I prefer new/recent. When comparing 5 and 6 digit references, 6 will almost always win (GMT being the exception). 4 vs 6? That's more difficult..

[Jack T]

The only improved 'feel' of sturdiness I notice in the newer models is the bracelets.

[Ckci]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

It's a bit like comparing the following. The new one is fantastic and a technological leap, but I'd pick the old one all day:

Me too!
image.jpg
('97 air cooled 911TT w/23,237 miles).
And I like the vintage Rolex watches more too for their beauty and history!

[77T]

I think you'll see a different kind of love for 4 digits if you went to the Vintage threads. So the impression one gets is based on where you habitually linger here.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

^^ But they are both Porsches and both awesome.

For me, for both Porsche and Rolex, I prefer new/recent. When comparing 5 and 6 digit references, 6 will almost always win (GMT being the exception). 4 vs 6? That's more difficult..

Yeah, I guess we all draw our own line in the sand. I drew mine with the electric steering and larger size of the 981/991, while others draw theirs at air cooled engines, and others still may draw their line at the new turbo engines. So, for me, the 5 series Rolex and the 987/997 series Porsche are the end of the road. I have no interest in upgrading my Sub, and, if I ever want to upgrade my Porsche, I may have to look at Lotus. Actually, I'll probably go older with my next Porsche, just like many 5 series users often go to 4 series and older.

FWIW, I'm surprised the polls in the other thread came out with the 5 series a little ahead. Based on comments, I would have thought the 6 series would kill the 5 series in favor. I guess it's because new 6 series buyers post more frequently.

[speedolex]

Two reasons. First, the 5 digits are in the very recent past, most forum members own these in significant numbers more than any 4 digit or 6 digit reference.

Second, the Sport 6's look too bulky to me, in fact, when I wear my 1016 or 1601 for a week and then put my 16610 back on it feels gigantic, couldn't imagine anything bigger. The trend for humongous, oversized watches is nearing its end and the boxy Sport 6's are going to be forever associated with that short trend and not in a good way.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by Ckci

And I like the vintage Rolex watches more too for their beauty and history!

Oh man, congrats on such a beauty. My next will likely be a 911sc or 3.2 Carrera, but a Turbo is bonkers!

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by Jack T

The only improved 'feel' of sturdiness I notice in the newer models is the bracelets.

Bracelets, case everything different Jack.

[Steve36Efc]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

It's a bit like comparing the following. The new one is fantastic and a technological leap, but I'd pick the old one all day:

It's the same with cars, I appreciate both new and old, but out of those two I'd pick the new.

[kirksingleton]

I think it is a play on retro without paying vintage prices.

[FTX I]

Most important thing on 6 digit Subs for me is more removable links at 6 o'clock. Now I can adjust the bracelet (small wrists) and this is something huge.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by FTX I

Most important thing on 6 digit Subs for me is more removable links at 6 o'clock. Now I can adjust the bracelet (small wrists) and this is something huge.

To be fair, removing permanent links isn't a big deal.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

To be fair, removing permanent links isn't a big deal.

Agree on 14060, SD and GMT but not on Sub date. Those will have a visible gap but it works. The Sub date has 4 + 1/2 and if you remove one permanent there will be 3 + 1/2 and it's too short.

[Hollister]

My spidey-sense tells me that this one has probably been done to death on this and other watch forums.

My reason for preferring the four and five digit references to the six digit ones is that the older ones look like Rolexes to me, and the new ones look like tasteless bling. That's all.

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by mfer

You need to own both and make your own decision. Simple as that. I love/own both. Each has pros/cons.

Would agree - pros and cons with both. Little doubt that the six digit models enjoy the latest technology and construction methods but they are not for everyone. Have tried nearly all the six digit sports models and ended up retaining only the SubC. The rest are all four or five digits. Great thing is though that you can still pick up some very nice five digit models that were still in production well into the 2000s so they are still well up to date.

[sickened1]

Originally Posted by Jcy90

Would love to know why?

Why not?


What's not to love. Classic size case (more proportionate), customizeable (try changing bezel on the ceramic model), etc.

[landroverking]

Many here fell in love with Rolex years ago.
The Maxi Dial and Case is just not we care about.
For us, I hope I'm not speaking out of turn, Vintage is more important.

[DCheeta]

I love them both for different reasons. I can't imagine having only one or the other, there's a place for both in my collection.

[joli160]

I really prefer the 6 digit, having 2 five digit and 3 six ones, the difference is huge in favour of the 6.

[Hollister]

Why is the difference huge in favour of the 6?

The opposite is true, IMO. Aesthetically, there seems to be a "disconnect" between watch case (huge) and bracelet (slim) which once seen, cannot be unseen. And that kills it.

[Timesurfer]

Not sure, there seems to be a certain nostalgia brewing in favour of the ¨old School¨ Cases... Dials, etc.

[red1108nyc]

I am also in the "need both" camp. Both hot for different reasons and if you sell one, you will miss it guaranteed.

[KG0003]

5 digit just fits my wrist better. 6 digit always feels top heavy when on the wrist.

[Daytona88]

A lot of people cannot deal with the larger lugs. It does seem a little less proportionate but more so in photos than on the wrist, IMO.