14060M or 114060 for first Rolex?

[Hulley]

Hello all, I'm close to purchasing my first Rolex! I'm wanting to go pre-owned to save a few bucks as this will be my daily wear and I have another Rolex picked out that will be my special (to me) watch.

As far as pre-owned prices go, there's not much difference between the two assuming the 14060M is a newer with box/docs but I do know there are some physical differences.

Is one considered more desirable and would make a better long term purchase? I understand this is subjective and hope not to offend anyone, as these are uncharted waters for me.

I fully understand the "buy what appeals to me the most" view and I agree but, I do try to justify my purchases and the illusion of the smarter buy would make me sleep a little better!

The reason for this thread is, in researching the models, I came across a thread here discussing the then new 114060 and many people complained about the bulkier case, lugs,etc. That was a few years ago and wondered if opinions changed.

Thank you so much,

Steve

[FTX I]

I own and love both, but as your first Rolex a brand new 114060 gets my vote.

[JR16]

Forget others' opinions-
The watches are different and you should buy the one that feels like a better fit after trying them on several times. I have a SubC and in retrospect I wish I had gone w a 5 digit but at the time didn't know any better


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[RastabanStar]

This one doesn't have a wrong answer, but I've switched from preferring 6 Digit to 5 Digit models.

[mps354]

All comes down to personal preference, there is no wrong answer. For me, I prefer 5 digits

[Sky21]

Also prefer the fit and feel of the five digit models, but I agree that you should try on both models at least once and buy the one that feels right to you. Don't try to play the long term value guessing game, neither watch is rare or limited, just buy the one you like better.

[psv]

Depends on if you are an old school or new school guy. Can't go wrong with either.

[slide13]

Try them both on if you possibly can.


Having worn both, I went 114060. I appreciate the appeal of the older 5 digit cases, they're great classic watches but they have their downsides. The bracelet, while adequate, does not feel comenserate with the cost of the watch. The 6 digit case is bigger, but I find it's more noticeable in pictures. On the wrist I actually find it a joy to wear and absolutely appropriate looking. The bracelet clasp is so much better and I really appreciate the maxi dial. I'm incredibly happy with my 114060 and would highly recommend it.

[subsurface]

The 5-digit gets my vote but I'm not a fan of the engraved rehaut. Try both on before you buy - comfort and fit should come first.

[HogwldFLTR]

I owned both and traded in the six digit on another watch while maintaining the 14060. The 14060 has much going for it including through hole lugs, lighter more comfortable fit, and traditional Rolex styling. The larger ceramic model features the glide lock bracelet, the never changing ceramic bezel insert, and the maxi dial. Know what you want and buy that watch.

[elkaholic]

I've had both in the past, but do not currently own either of them. I'd recommend the 114060 for several reasons:

1. Prices on the 14060 with box and papers (and even some 4 liners without) are within a few hundred dollars of a mint 114060.

2. The 14060 for some is not easy to get as comfortable of a fit as a 114060-this is especially true for those with wrists under 7". The 114060 has an additional removable link on the 6:00 side that the 14060 doesn't have, and it also has the half link that the older version never had. My wrist is around 7" and I found my last 14060 was always either too tight or too loose, which could be due to the shape of my wrist, but the 114060 never gave me this issue.

3. The more pronounced lugs of the current version 114060 are exaggerated in photos seen here and elsewhere, they're not so glaring of an issue in person on your own wrist. This is coming from someone who generally prefers the 5 digit case designs by the way.

The only other thing I'd mention that is relevant to me is that the bracelet on the 14060 with its hollow end links feels quite flimsy for a watch that will cost you $5500-$6500. But, it is a proven and time tested design that won't fail you if you go that route.

[run23]

I went through the same dilemma earlier this year and went with the 14060m. Luckily I had the opportunity to try both before buying. While the 114060 is technically the 'better' watch, I didn't like the chunkier lugs, the bigger dots on the face or the shiny bezel when compared to the pre-ceramic.

The 14060m just felt right the moment I put it on my wrist and, once I went with what my heart wanted, as opposed to looking as specs, the choice was easy. Along that same vein, I went with the 2-line non-COSC version as I loved the cleaner look and it reminded me of the Connery watch in Goldfinger. COSC-certified doesn't matter once it gets regulated anyway, and my watch is on average pretty deadly accurate (under 0.5 sec/day over the course of a month).

I even like the cheap feeling bracelet as it is light and incredibly comfortable-- it just melts into my wrist and I forget I have it on. I got an after-market unbranded glide-lock style clasp, which I HIGHLY recommend for anyone with the 14060-- the clasp made this the perfect watch for me, although I know putting anything non-Rolex on a Rolex is blasphemy to some here (-;

[edit]-- also the lug holes are great if you like to change straps and slap a NATO or something on the watch to give it a different look.

[No SUBctitute]

Originally Posted by Hulley

Hello all, I'm close to purchasing my first Rolex! I'm wanting to go pre-owned to save a few bucks as this will be my daily wear and I have another Rolex picked out that will be my special (to me) watch.

As far as pre-owned prices go, there's not much difference between the two assuming the 14060M is a newer with box/docs but I do know there are some physical differences.

Is one considered more desirable and would make a better long term purchase? I understand this is subjective and hope not to offend anyone, as these are uncharted waters for me.

I fully understand the "buy what appeals to me the most" view and I agree but, I do try to justify my purchases and the illusion of the smarter buy would make me sleep a little better!

The reason for this thread is, in researching the models, I came across a thread here discussing the then new 114060 and many people complained about the bulkier case, lugs,etc. That was a few years ago and wondered if opinions changed.

Thank you so much,

Steve

Why buy either? Just get your special watch. Will your special watch not be a daily wear watch?

[Ruud Van Driver]

No wrong answer but I'd go 114060 for the Glidelock

[run23]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

No wrong answer but I'd go 114060 for the Glidelock

Best thing is even if you go for the 14060 you can get an after-market clasp, so you really can't go wrong with either choice.

[Shamorai]

I used to dislike the newer case shape, but that was from looking at Internet pictures. After seeing them in person and trying them on, I completely changed my mind. Wide angle lenses found in smartphones make whatever is closer to the camera look bigger, like a lug-first angle pic of a watch. I recently bought a new sub and love the way the lugs seem to frame the bezel. It is also close to the squarer shape of early sub models. So I vote for the 114060.

[doramas]

14060m is more beautiful

[Robrob777]

6 digits. The 5 digits sub feels like any other watch. 6 digits is something more special

[dave023]

As a first take a 114060.

[The Libertine]

Case shape is different. Height is different. Weight is different. Bracelet design is different.

As others note, you really need to try on to see which style you like and which one fits you best.

Personally, my preference is for the 5-digit. 14060m was my very first Rolex, and if I was considering choices now would still pick it over the 6-digit.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by FTX I

I own and love both, but as your first Rolex a brand new 114060 gets my vote.

Research trusted sellers here, better discount than ADs usually.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by No SUBctitute

Why buy either? Just get your special watch. Will your special watch not be a daily wear watch?

Yes, which watch is this?

[1William]

I have owned both and they are great watches but if I had to pick it would be the 114060. I prefer the way the watch wears and the Glide Lock clasp are worth the price of admission. Not to mention if you buy slightly pre-owned it will have the remainder of the 5 year warranty. You never know on watches and depending on the age of the 5 digit it could need service and if you added that cost in you are above the cost of the 114060.

[Hulley]

Originally Posted by No SUBctitute

Why buy either? Just get your special watch. Will your special watch not be a daily wear watch?

My special watch is a watch that I will buy when I meet a few specific goals I have set for myself, so more than likely I'm not going to wear the watch everyday, I will wear it often though.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by FTX I

I own and love both, but as your first Rolex a brand new 114060 gets my vote.

Agree. My first rolex was a SubC and I'll still own it. Best sub ever imo.

[brandrea]

Tough call, have you tried a 5 digit before?

They wear quite differently, so only you can decide. Good luck and either would be a fantastic choice.

[Hulley]

Originally Posted by AK797

Yes, which watch is this?

I'm leaning towards a Sub 116613LB or Daytona 116500LN. Both are kinda flashy, especially the Sub and sometimes I don't want to draw too much attention even though I'm sure most people won't notice.

[Hulley]

I have only tried on the 6 digit Subs and they felt great. For some reason a mod has to approve a response about what my special watch will be but it'll be a brand new Rolex so that will have the updated bracelets, bezel, etc.

[Old Geezer]

OP, elkaholic's post has a lot of good information about the differences between the two series.
FWIW, I have a 5 digit Sub, my first that I still quite enjoy. I also have a new Sub. After wearing the new one, rotating to the older Sub makes it feel like a toy. That feeling goes away after a few hours as my brain adjusts to the different watch. I personally really like the upgraded feature of the 6 digit pieces and the slightly more robust feel and weight compared to the 5 digit sub.
Good luck with your decision.

[chrisb57]

Having previously owned a 14060M and now owning a 114060 .I certainly like the bracelet more ,but prefer the aesthetics of the 14060M