1016 or 124270

[dawalsh]

I know it’s probably a dumb question, but want to see if someone that own or handle them both can give me some opinions. Which one would you pick? I have a 1680 and a new Root Beer (waiting for a Pepsi) in my collection. I love the look and feel of 4 and 5 digits Rolex more than newer ones (except GMT line) for my 6.5 wrist. Older bracelet doesn’t bother me, I even like older bracelets more. $10k-$14k different worth going for 1016?

[doramas]

I would never do that. A 1016 is irreplaceable

Enviado desde mi SM-G781B mediante Tapatalk

[Juhuatai]

1016 all the way if you can afford it. The WG surround and numeral font doesn’t do it for me with the 14270.

[L.K Johnson]

The 6 digit ref will give you a really solid, heavy and tight watch that is water proof with lume which makes it a perfect watch for 24/7/365 use…on the other hand, if you want patina, charm, a watch that has been around for 60 plus years where every scratch tells a story…then go for the 1016! Posting this in the vintage section will of course get you more votes on the 1016 : )
If I were you, I would get both…which would be my normal strategy when it comes to matters likes this : )

[L.K Johnson]

When it comes to esthetics…IMHO, the composition of the 124270 isn’t good compared to the 1016…the Rolex text is too big, the 3, 6, 9 digits are too big…it’s just a mess : )

Compare it to 1016 which has a perfectly balanced dial! It’s like a piece of art!

You also have to decide if you like glossy (124270) or matte dial (1016)…

[L.K Johnson]

124270 feels cramped…sorry, will leave this topic for others to comment : )

[Dr.Smellody]

1016 or even a 6610 if you can find one!!

[dawalsh]

Originally Posted by L.K Johnson

The 6 digit ref will give you a really solid, heavy and tight watch that is water proof with lume which makes it a perfect watch for 24/7/365 use…on the other hand, if you want patina, charm, a watch that has been around for 60 plus years where every scratch tells a story…then go for the 1016! Posting this in the vintage section will of course get you more votes on the 1016 : )
If I were you, I would get both…which would be my normal strategy when it comes to matters likes this : )

That’s the thing. I can’t get both so I try to decide which one to get.

Submariner, I like 4 digits (which is what I have).
Day Date, I think older ones are better value (I gifted one to my dad)
GMT (I own a Root Beer for now) I don’t mind the new ones.
Datejust, Daytona and other models are not my cup of tea.

I plan on keeping only 3 Rolexes and to me which Explorer to get is my toughest choice. I admit I like 1016 more, but I don’t hate the new Explorer plus $12k different is a lot for me.

[DavidSB]

I have both and I'd go for a 1016 for a smaller wrist. It's a gem. Photo is on my 6.9" wrist. You have to accept scratches on the acrylic crystal but if not too deep, they're pretty easy to polish out with the inexpensive scratch removal kits.

Edit: Mis-read OP subject. Photo is of my 214270 and 1016, so not relevant to question asked.

[L.K Johnson]

The 124270 looks like a tank compared to the 1016…just look at the lugs…quite a big difference…

[mbc]

Originally Posted by L.K Johnson

The 124270 looks like a tank compared to the 1016…just look at the lugs…quite a big difference…

think that's a 214270 in the comparison pic..

[dawalsh]

Alright guys how about this? The new 124270 vs 1016 vs 1016 with service dial, hands and bracelet? 7.5k vs $19-20k vs $14-15k?

Edit: I talked to my buddy and he told me to get new 124270 from my AD, wear it for awhile then if I don’t care for it, trade or sell it for 1016. Maybe that’s the way to go.

[DavidSB]

Apologies - mbc you're correct. It's my 214270 with the 1016. I mis-read the OP's subject line.

[cassin907]

1016 is aesthetically superior to not just the 124270 but any watch ever made

[dawalsh]

Originally Posted by DavidSB

Apologies - mbc you're correct. It's my 214270 with the 1016. I mis-read the OP's subject line.

No worries. It is helpful to see them side by side too.

[pk552502]

Have you considered a 14270? Nice 5 digit reference without the cost of the 1016. You can get an older tritium version with a holes case or a newer one. I have a 14270 from 1999 and I really like it a lot.

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by L.K Johnson

The 124270 looks like a tank compared to the 1016…just look at the lugs…quite a big difference…

The side by side pic you referenced is the discontinued 39mm 214270 not the 124270. The dimensions of the 124270/3 are very similar to the 1016.