Post by Oisac on Feb 26, 2007 22:56:17 GMT -5
Rolex Submariner vs. Rolex Submariner Date LV
A comparison between one proven classic, the 14060M, and another soon-to-be classic, the 16610LV. As some of you know, I am into watches as long as I can remember, I've always been fasinated by the little timekeeping machines. One of the watches I've always wanted to have is the Rolex Submariner. Probably due to the fact that I am drawn towards the simple design, and because I like dive-watches in general. The Rolex Submariner has been around for ages, gradually getting better and better over time like a good wine does.
The Submariner Date Lunette Verte is the newest Sub in the family, and commemorates 50 years of Submariner. This LV differs from the regular 16610 in having a Maxi-dial, the green bezel and the bigger minute-hand. On different Internet-sites there is speculation if the watch is "limited production" or not, but Rolex always has declared that it is regular production, so there is really no need to pay extra for it on the grey-market, just have some patience with your local authorized dealer... BIG improvement is the Maxi-dial, and it is likely that the Maxi-dials will replace all current dials (including Explorer II's and GMT's) in the future. It is also more easily to read during nighthours.
The Submariner (AKA Sub-nodate) has the most classic design of these two due to the fact that the watch has no date, just as the first Submariners 50 years back. It has a lovely clean and balanced design, and not too much writing on the dial, the archetype of a divewatch, and you don't really need a date (or extra reading material...) when SCUBA-diving, now do you?
Talk about diving, both watches are easily to use, the bezels are easy to operate (even when having thick, wet gloves on), and the diving-extension doesn't "eat" into your suit, as some diving watches do out there (some so-called diving-extensions act more like scissors than as bracelet-links!). Reading your bottom-time is excellent due to the long minute-hand, but at an angle over 45 degrees the crystal turns into a mirror. Actually, all watches have this mirroreffect when worn underwater, except for the liquid-filled ones like a Sinn EZM-2.
Side by side:
Differences:
Obvious is the difference in the dials and the bezels, the 16610LV is rather shouting at you with the green bezel, bigger indices and the text on the dial, the 14060M is a lot more subtile to look at. But there are also a few more subtile differences like the difference in the bracelet. The 16610LV comes on the 93250 versus the 93150 on the 14060M. The 93250 has a few upgrades like SEL and the improved divers extension, which is more solid and better locked in place when snapped into the clasp.
Movement used in the 16610LV is the well-known Rolex caliber 3135, the 14060M comes with the Rolex caliber 3130. Both movements are fully manufactured inhouse (even including the balance-spring) and have around 47hrs of powerreserve. Both movements are nicely finished, all edges have been rounded off, plates and bridges are decorated, although not up to Patek-standards but more in a 'functional way'.
Also there is a difference in the rotatabel bezel, the 14060M has a slighly flatter bezel, so that the crystal sits a bit higher, and the case of the 14060M is a bit flatter as well (not very noticable, but it's there all right!).
Both feature the Triplock crown:
Much has been written about the Oyster-bracelets, but I personally like em very much, they're very strong and look great. Best of all is that they are really thought-over, very functional and not too heavy. Sizing is a one minute job and micro-adjustments can easily been done by the pushpin and the holes in the clasp. The bracelet is comfortable and designed for a certain job and not only for the looks. When it comes back from a service, it looks almost new again with minimal effort. Other brands produce bracelets which pretend to be "better" or more "solid" but after using these for a while they are just not at the same level as a Rolex Oyster.
Some big advantages are the thick and solid screw-pins versus the more common frictions-pins, it's more easy to clean, you just wash out the salt-residue out of the holow centerlinks and the salt doesn't get stuck between pins and links, the clasp is simple in construction yet holds very well, it's easy to adjust, and when worn down it is easy and cheap to replace.
In short, there is no bracelet out there that I trust more than a Rolex Oyster when diving or doing other activities.
Last but not least; formal or casual, a Submariner always goes!
Hope you've enjoyed the show!
reviewed by : Henk Hoving