Is the sub boring or perfect?

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by RyanJ

For people who understand watches they aren't the same.

However I bet for the masses they could care less. They buy the name on the dial first. That is my point.

I show friends (non-watch people) a Rolex Explorer and an ALS 1815 up and down. They think right off the bat that the Rolex is the more expensive of the two because it is a Rolex.

Asking non-watch people to distinguish between multi thousand dollar watches is maybe a tall order.

[zengineer]

Originally Posted by RyanJ

Better test:

Take a Submariner and remove the Rolex name. Take an Invicta and put Rolex on the dial.

Watch people pick the watch with Rolex on the dial because it isn't about the watch. It is about the name on the dial for the vast majority of people.

How is that even remotely relevent to this particular topic? And trust me, most here would not be fooled.

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[Mystro]

“ Is the sub boring or perfect?”……. Yes.
That said that is why there is the LV and other variations to offer a more unique take on the classic look if you need it.

[christian-h]

Originally Posted by RyanJ

Better test:

Take a Submariner and remove the Rolex name. Take an Invicta and put Rolex on the dial.

Watch people pick the watch with Rolex on the dial because it isn't about the watch. It is about the name on the dial for the vast majority of people.

The thing with Rolex (pre ceramic) is that they got everything right, in a what some people call a boring way. They just sit so comfortable on the wrist.

My point is that many people end up choosing Rolex because they are (where?) nailing every detail, in the right way. Sure, we have AP and Patek, but that's a different leauge. And to me, the ability to take of the bracelet and strap it to a nato, is much appreciated.

[MrMercedes]

perfect for me!

[Wcdhtwn]

Originally Posted by daveswordfish

Uhhh, no, it’s not “essential for ANY collection.” I’ve been collecting for nearly 20 years, focused exclusively on tool watches, especially divers. I really can’t think of a watch I want less than a black sub.

To me, the sub has become too commonplace, too copied, too “status” oriented. It’s a fashion watch at this point. No? Rolex has not one, but two, technically superior divers in the lineup. They’ve had one superior diver in the lineup for 50 years.

Design wise, it’s overly glossy and bloated. History wise, yes, it’s an icon, but what history is there really? First diver, no. First “modern” diver, no. Technical firsts in the watch, not really other than the triplock. In fact, from a historical perspective it’s biggest claim to fame is James Bond. Yuk.

I’m being overly harsh, but the notion that the Sub is the be all, end all of divers is absurd. Great and iconic, yes. Perfect or a “must,” nope.

Sea Dweller 43…better tool watch history, better case lines, better bracelet, better dial, better technically. Also less ubiquitous. Way less likely to find your newly promoted coworker sitting next to you with it on her wrist.


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When I saw your name I knew you were smart. My name is David.

Agree! Wearing my SD43 as I type this.

[Bmats]

Both? I think it’s great, and then it gets a bit boring so I switch to something else.

[TheVTCGuy]

Perfect

[G3Z]

Pre-ceramic, it’s perfect..! After… boring jewellery..

[RolexDave68]

Perfect for me, enjoying the journey

[effovex]

Sub has a very classy layout and style. If I had to choose, it would lean more towards perfect than boring.

Now, I certainly don’t think any iteration of the sub is perfect (each reference has its own pros/cons).

In my opinion, the perfect sub would be:

-5 digit case size
-Maxi lume plots and hands (sans WG surround on plots)
-Full chapter ring on dial
-Slightly domed sapphire crystal
-Ceramic bezel
-lug holes
-3130 movement

[IR201]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

The problem with most of us, if not all of us, is that we are watch addicts. Any watch can and will get boring, since watches is what we occupy and overload our free time with. Common folks will usually buy a nice watch, like a Sub, put it in their wrist, and go one with their life. But we, on the other hand, will stare at our damn wrist 300 times a day, and then wonder why we became bored of said watch. Heck, even the nicest/most complex time pieces are going to get boring after awhile, and they do. That is why you hear of folks trading away their grail AP’s, Rolex Platona’s (and other heavy hitters), FP Journe’s for other pieces in a repeated cycle. You’ll never be fully satisfied in this hobby unfortunately. In conclusion; the Sub is not boring, you’re boring

I appreciated your response and I know the conclusion was said in jest. For me, and I suspect many, I've come to realize I probably love trying new watches, experiencing the next one, more than any one watch itself. Its an exploration. Ironically, I recently moved my Explorer 1 (what many have as their forever one and only) to try new things in the hobby. I fail to see how that makes me boring. Though I'm sure many other things would qualify me :)

[njlam]

I am sure it is a great watch, but so many people have them, it is boring to me.

Sort of like the Tesla S. Fantastic but everyone seems to have one.

Ultimately, I would like to own a Sub, possibly one that is not all black (Starbucks or something newer), but there are at least 3-4 other Rolexes I would rather get first.

[Nova1]

A 16808 nipple dial is the only perfect sub.

[KeithP]

It’s both.

[Toproll85]

Originally Posted by Madison1

I was recently in Paris and found myself, as usual, watch spotting. In restaurants over the few days, I counted approx. 10-12 subs (may have been some seadwellers as I wasn't close enough to see), one batman, one pepsi and one AP but didn't see which one.

It got me thinking. Is the sub so popular because of it's versatility or is it so common now that it's become a little dull vs other references?

For context I was wearing an SD43. I appreciate it shouldn't matter what other people wear but it just seemed a little "samey".

Not really surprising to me.
In addition, it is the most copied model (there are like 7x more copies in circulation than real ones), not to mention the low-midrange homages taking up the design.
If you want to stand out, you've failed, you can't choose worse.
Otherwise it is also a success for good reasons (quality, timelessness, history and this iconic side).

For my part, I'm happy to have a version with a bezel and a sunburst green dial, it's still "apart".
So it's not boring. I think a classic black version is more likely to become, well let's say rather banal in the end.

For the SD43, good pick, I also have one, and it is indeed something much more special, honoring the exploits of the brand in research for resistance to pressure (period of Comex etc).

[ndrs63]

Kinda boring these days, especially after wearing a Breguet and anArnold & Son. But when I look at the dial with a loupe, I see both simplicity and perfection.


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[shaunylw]

Great watch, can very easily be a one and only but a bit boring. Everyone has one, which is also fine. It fits a lot of needs, hard to find something better.


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[HL65]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Vintage Subs are pretty cool.

X2

[Bigsoftee]

Dull for me, with exception of the YG blue faced beauty

[brandrea]

You tell me


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[warrior]

A GREAT looking watch

Originally Posted by brandrea

You tell me


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[mailman]

Originally Posted by HL65

X2

X3

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by warrior

A GREAT looking watch

[Watch Rob]

Both

[tphan]

yup they are very boring...my first Rolex was a sub 15 yrs ago...end up bought 3 more. Would wear the Hulk over the 116520 any day of the week.

[Mal H.]

As boring (and perfect) as the rest of my dive gear.

[Madison1]

This has been a great thread. It's super interesting to read about the fact people enjoy the variety of colurs and that the majority seem to prefer the pre-ceramic, neo-vintage and vintage models. I must say I would certainly rock a red 1680. That said the SD counterpart continues to dominate my mind so in fantasy land I would prob lean to a Double Red SD. I would probably wear it on a nato but that's a whole other discussion:)

[actionkwj]

Originally Posted by Tim Plains

Perfect but has been around for so long and copied by so many that some people are bored of it.

^this


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[Craigdwh]

boring