Submariner 16610 or Explorer 214270?

[spursfannn]

Hello everyone, newbie here.

So I used to wear an Apple Watch until my father gifted me his 2009 Submariner 16610 last year.
At the time, he knew that I really liked the explorer 214270 and said that if I liked it that much, to sell the Sub.

I have been wearing the Sub since, but can't get the Explorer I out of my mind and find myself constantly looking at pics and prices online.

Putting aside any sentiments, if you had a choice between a Submariner 16610 or an Explorer 214270 as your only watch, which would you choose? and why?

Also, when he first gave me Sub, I checked the market value and for a similar model, they were going for about £6500.
I checked today on Watchfinder and they have a 2009 model for £8650, has prices really gone up by that much for the older reference Submariners?

Mine is a 2009 piece with the engraved rehaut and serviced in 2017.

[cop414]

All sentimental feelings aside if I had to do it again the Explorer would have been hard to beat. Not to confuse things even more have you considered the Tudor Ranger? About half the price and a definite nod to the vintage look. Right now I’m quite torn between the Explorer and the Ranger for my next watch, good luck.

[Crazy Lugs]

Have you tried on a 214270?

IMHO, you’d be crazy to let go of the 16610 without first trying on a 214270 in person and confirming your desire to upgrade.

I can’t tell you how many pieces I’ve appreciated in photos that did absolutely nothing for me when trying on- 16570 polar for example. I love it in photos and on others, but just not for me.

[pigman08]

I prefer my 214270 more than my 16610 due to the legibility and simple design of the Explorer, but I’d never trade a gifted watch that I like for one that I like even more.


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[spursfannn]

I haven't had the chance to actually try the Explorer on, since none of the stores have one in stock.
So I've basically been lusting over them on Instagram or Youtube.

I so like the Sub as it's such an iconic Rolex watch, but if my father gifted me £6000 instead of the watch, I probably would have purchased an Explorer.
I initially planned to sell the Sub when he first gave it to me, but after wearing it for a period I grew to like it more.
Also, another reason why I am reluctant to sell it (my father doesn't mind if I do, he just wants me to have a watch that I'd be happy wearing everyday) is because of how the price is rising for this particular reference.
Worried that if I sell it, it maybe harder to replace in the future as the Explorer is cheaper.

[tahitianmoon]

Originally Posted by pigman08

I prefer my 214270 more than my 16610 due to the legibility and simple design of the Explorer, but I’d never trade a gifted watch that I like for one that I like even more.


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100% in agreement

[importstunna]

Sentimental values aside, I would still keep the Sub as your only Rolex. IMO it's the most iconic Rolex and more functional with a date.

And yes, price has gone up that much for that most SS models!

[docmarioce]

Keep the sub. Your father most likely wouldn't want you to sell it. I might be sentimental but I sold something my dad gifted me when I was in my 20s and my dad did not like it and told me. I would not sell anything of that sentimental value again. I have sold like 4 subs already and always end up buying another one.

[Brny11]

16610. 214270 got boring to me after a few months. Got rid of it. Not even a question IMHO.


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[Oldfellow]

I would hold onto the Sub.
As the years pass, you will appreciate the legacy from your
father even more.
The Explorer is a great watch, but suggest you save and get it when you are able.

[Sub Capt.]

Originally Posted by Oldfellow

I would hold onto the Sub.
As the years pass, you will appreciate the legacy from your
father even more.
The Explorer is a great watch, but suggest you save and get it when you are able.

This 1000%. Its your fathers watch! Start saving your $$

T

[ancientmariner]

OP, suggest you go to a grey and try on the Explorer as your next step.

This will guide you on your next move.

[faimag]

The 16610 is the most classic watch from Rolex, goes with everything, from suits to sweats! Stick with the sub.

[rjstuf001]

NO. WAY.

Keep the Sub.

[JP.]

16610 is the coolest Rolex ever made, imho. If I had to own only one, 16610 would be the last to leave.

[Jamie1111]

Keep the sub, if you need an explorer buy one or save and then buy one.


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[JDR888]

Originally Posted by Sub Capt.

This 1000%. Its your fathers watch! Start saving your $$

T

+2

You simply can’t sell your Dad’s watch irrespective of how nice he’s being about it. If you don’t like the Sub give it back to him and buy your own Explorer.

JMHO but selling a gift is a bit classless more so your old man’s watch?? Just remember scenarios like this are once in a lifetime significant milestones and don’t get repeated.

[spare]

Yes, totally agree with what was said above. If you really want that explorer, start saving and get it with your own money. They are not exactly unreachable if it is a true ambition. If you sell your father's watch, it will likely gnaw at your forever.

Regardless of sentiment, I'd still 100% keep the sub.
I've owned an Explorer, a 14060 and the 116610. The only one I sold is the explorer. In my mind, the Sub is the quintessential rolex. I liked the idea of the Explorer, but in the flesh I just found it too plain.
Obviously, that's a personal design question, but please don't sell a watch with that history, prior to having put on a 214270.

[VegasMilgauss]

I much prefer the explorer but goodness me man you do not sell/trade your fathers watch

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by Oldfellow

I would hold onto the Sub.
As the years pass, you will appreciate the legacy from your
father even more.
The Explorer is a great watch, but suggest you save and get it when you are able.

This.

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by spursfannn

Hello everyone, newbie here.

So I used to wear an Apple Watch until my father gifted me his 2009 Submariner 16610 last year.
At the time, he knew that I really liked the explorer 214270 and said that if I liked it that much, to sell the Sub.

I have been wearing the Sub since, but can't get the Explorer I out of my mind and find myself constantly looking at pics and prices online.

Putting aside any sentiments, if you had a choice between a Submariner 16610 or an Explorer 214270 as your only watch, which would you choose? and why?

Also, when he first gave me Sub, I checked the market value and for a similar model, they were going for about £6500.
I checked today on Watchfinder and they have a 2009 model for £8650, has prices really gone up by that much for the older reference Submariners?

Mine is a 2009 piece with the engraved rehaut and serviced in 2017.

So you have to figure out if this is just new watch itch or you really like the exp more? For me it comes down to function. I need a date and the ability to measure elapsed time as part of my job, everyday. I wear my watches as tools not as jewelry so function is key.

If you don’t have a need for the functions of the 16610, and really prefer the style of the exp, than go for the exp.

I can’t speak for value, but the 16610 will in my opinion go up. Why, because it’s simply more balanced than the maxi case, more restrained and less flashy than the ceramic bezel, and sorry as adjustable as the new version and more versatile. The only updates to the ceramic sub was that they wanted to make it more noticeable to others, something that many that blow 9 grand on a watch value. This as well as the fact that the new ones are hard to source, has lifted the tides of the 5 digit references. The 16610 was the line in the sand when Rolex switched from function over form to the other way around.

[sillo]

16610. I don't like the proportions of the 39mm Explorer and it wears a little large since it's all dial.

[kegan]

You have maybe the greatest reference ever made and your father gave it to you. Sorry
just gonna have to shell out some cash and own more than one if you need the explorer.

[TreiseKL]

Originally Posted by spursfannn

Mine is a 2009 piece with the engraved rehaut and serviced in 2017.

Nope, do not let go of this one. Trust me on that, you will forever regret it.

[Little machines]

The explorer is a beautiful watch . I would keep the sub you will not regret it .

[Captain Lee]

The Sub is better in all aspects in my opinion and the fact your dad gave it to you makes it even better. The Explorer is nice but the sub is a classic. No comparison.

[JP.]

It's like asking:

I have this air cooled classic Porsche 911 and then I have this 944. Which one to keep?

Haha... maybe exaggerating a bit but you know what I mean.

[nicon]

Do NOT sell the Sub. Explorers are not rare and you can buy one any time in the future.

[DoctorA]

A sub wins against an Explorer any day!

[Henry.hoe]

That sub is a ckassic. Keep it.