There is going to be some discourse around the topic but we can’t deny how influential the Submariner has been in the landscape of Sports Watches and how the modern watch is seen today. Would there be another watch you’d substitute into this category? (I’m thinking Datejust and Speedmaster will be up there) ;)
@@taa3062 Man, I'd put the Citizen Promaster up there too. I've been meaning to make a Citizen Diver video (they are the Diver's diver without question) And an OG G-shock? Who can deny it 🥃
@@apuraja If it was me, I'd go no-date with a Submariner but choose a Date for GMT (lining up better with their separate functions) But a simple diver without a date is just...chef's kiss 🥃
@@ID-Guy great topic that deserves to be revisited! The Sub’s legacy is much greater than any other brand, including Omega etc…. Doesn’t mean the watch is technically better by any mean, but its worldwide reach as an icon is second to none. Similar to the Porsche 911… not the fastest, nor the most powerful car, and yet it has become the ultimate reference as a sports car.
I bought a Submariner, 16800 in 1984 as a dive tool watch when serving in the military (tax-free overseas). I wore it as my only watch for two decades through thick and thin before selling it in 2005 for four times what I'd originally paid for it (after my wife discovered what it was worth). I regret selling it every day of my life since. I've never been able to replace it. Today, for the past four years I've worn a Tudor Pelagos every day and it has been brilliant... but not quite a Sub. I will attain another Submariner 16800 once the mortgage is done and the kids are all self-sufficient. I will take it to my grave, I will be buried with it.
@@jeromef2001 Because mine was a 16800 and I wore it throughout the Gulf War and Balkans conflict. I dived with it all around the world and I realise now (too late) that it was a part of me.
My wife bought my Submariner in 2009 shortly before my first combat deployment to Afghanistan. My Sub accompanied me on five more deployments to Asia and the Middle East and at on least 30 static line parachute jumps. Today, years after my 30 year military career ended, it is still my daily wear.
Few things in life are perfect and built to be used for a lifetime . I lusted after a Submariner from the first time I saw one. I tried on many, but real life priorities went first. I looked at other brands but none had the combination of heritage, engineering, toughness and elegance. Then 35 years after first seeing one, on my anniversary, one appeared out of the vault at my local AD. My wife looked at me and said “ there you are, you’ve waited long enough”. We are retired but still love the ocean. We both surf, and I do a little sport diving so the watch definitely gets wet. Our son is a U.S. Navy Rescue Swimmer, and someday my Rolex Submariner will be his. ( He has already earned it). Was it worth the wait? Absolutely! Excellent video!
As a musician, to me, the Submariner is eerily analogous to the Fender Stratocaster. Introduced bizarrely at the same time ('53 & '54), they are both so technologically groundbreaking, globally recognizable, and influential, that their shadow still looms just as large as it did when they were first introduced. The fact that these 70 year old designs are STILL being copied in one form another today speaks for itself. I love the Fifty Fathoms, but it's aesthetic design footprint is nowhere nearl as monumental as the Submariners. Great video! IDGuy will own a Sub one day...Facts LOL
And as a Strat owner, I can attest to this... The Martin "D" series of watches? 😉 Great analogy Floyd. 50's designs in general have such a special place in our world. It's unreal! 🥃
Good point! I have a strat '98 and a sea-dweller 2006, one of the last "classic" look subs, would not let go of them at any price.The "good old" days looks keep hanging on because they are still the best!@@ID-Guy
Just stepped over your comment realizing i never saw it that way, but the more i think about it i have to agree with you. Mister "slow hands" Blacky is not only colourwise close to the Sub. Rudimentary made, more a tool and workhorse, no fancy bold design. And in some way both are not technically complex at all. On one side the not very apealing folding clasp punched out of sheet metal on the other a cheap simple screw in wammy bar. Yes you can chose between alloi or ceramic bazzel like rosewood or marbel neck, but thats it and you are happy for the rest of your live. Over the years of course we needed some more bottom end served with humbuckers in the bridge and seadweller, a reverse headstock with the crown on the 9 o clock possition. Some guys feel like "Hulk" in "the summer of love" and ask for golden sparkling nitro finish matching the full golden bracelett. Now i see plenty of similarities between 2 of my favourite things/ 1962 strat and 1998 sub. And like with axes you dont own only one watch...so, what kind of watch would my goldtop les paul be? Stay tuned and winded! Peter
This is why I chose this as my “one and done” watch, years ago. Every time I get an itch for another watch, I just look down at my wrist. It’s a family member.
@@15harry1561 I get it, you won't get stabbed for a Speedmaster, but it's also an entirely inferior watch. I couldn't be worried about a watch every time I was on the beach / pool / shower
@@djdc81 Insurance isn't that expensive. Most people won't notice it anyway. Pretty sure a lot of the city boys n girls are walking round with watches 50-100k+
@@1physics I have all my watches insured (Inc. the Rolex) - it is expensive. I live in the City, most folk do not just walk around with £50 - £100k watches, that make believe bollocks is for rap videos
My dad bought a 5513 on layaway in 1968. He paid $20 a month for a year. He gave that watch to me in 1988 for my birthday. I still wear it regularly and it still keeps great time. I plan to give it to my son one day. After all these years, I still find myself staring at it, admiring the matte black dial, creamy geometric tritium lume plots and patina matching Mercedes hands. It’s an amazing watch that gets better looking with age.
I first saw the sub in the Rolex shop in Zurich 1962 and never forgot it. I didn't need James Bond or Steve McQueen to convince me this was a truly iconic timepiece. In 1972 I was looking for a new watch and my first stop was the local Rolex store in Palo Alto, Ca. They just happen to have a 1966 Submariner ,5512, 4 line, chronograph that a guy was unable to make the final payments on. I wound up paying $150. for the watch and it has been my daily wear watch ever since. To me the design is right up there with the Mercedes Gullwing and P-51 Mustang, no other watch has ever come close.
Too me it is the most versatile watch ever made. There is a reason why it was the original bond watch. It goes from being tough and rugged to classy and elegant with ease. It is one of the only true tool watches that can be worn with a suit or even a black tie. Between it's accuracy, durability, finishing and slim 12m case it is a watch that looks great and fits any occasion. If I could only have one watch in my collection, while it may not be the best expression of my unique style, it would be hard to not pick the black bezel sub.
And its surreal to see how this design has translated into so many other pieces over the years. It's simple influence has made such an impact in the watch world. I still can't quite get over how they did it. Great points here Ricky 🥃
In 1982, my sisters boyfriend was a U.S. Marine Security Guard working at an American Embassy overseas. He dropped by the house and I noticed a gorgeous new watch on his wrist. I asked hime what it was. "Rolex Submariner! State of the art," he enthusiastically exclaimed. I wanted one for decades and finally in 2019, purchased the Submariner model 114060. Iconic and the perfect "one watch" collection watch. There can only be one.
The Sub is the watch I've always wanted since I started owning watches. I finally bought a Sub at 52 years old. It is even better than I expected. I had a chance to buy a GMT, but I am sticking with the Sub.
An amazing achievement Kaina and thank you for sharing! I hope you make many, many fond memories with the sub over the years AND just where the snot out of it 😉
Another fantastic video. I love your approach to covering watches by discussing the history and design elements and the importance of the decisions made. Keep up the amazing work man.
Man, thank you. It means so much that people can take time out of their day to hop onto these clips AND the fact that I've seen your videos in the past before!! I swear you helped sell me with the Shure that I'm using... Direct USB plug-in was a no-brainer for me 😉🥃
Great post! Rolex is the GOAT…so I do have a little animosity towards the availability situation today but you can’t deny the value it brings if you can get it for retail price. I’m a working man, middle class, I knew about Patek and VC back then but those watches for the rich guys, not me. Rolex was the bar of excellence for my budget and that was a stretch lol. I had to save for it, it was to mark a milestone in my life. I never looked at the brand as a status symbol. I was first exposed to the brand by my gramp’s two-tone DJ he purchased overseas while in the military. Also there was this neighbor that used to talk about the good old days, when he was a strapping young college football player and they were gifted a Rolex for winning the Cotton Bowl (back in the 60’s if my memory serves me correctly). In 2013, I bought a 10 year old 16610 for $4800. I got it serviced once and enjoyed it for 10 years. I sold it today for $7350 to Bob’s Watches. When I purchased it, resale was never something I thought about. But what I noticed, in those 10 years as I started the addicting hobby, I would compare how the new watch differed in finish and wearability to the sub. Rolex spoiled me to expect their level of finish. There’s a lot to be said bout that. That watch is now 20 years old and it still beats a lot of new watches’ finish. I never had an issue with the clasp rattle, I liked it but it was part of the character. I’ll roast a modern watch with a crappy clasp/bracelet lol. I appreciate craftsmanship so I have other watch brands in my box but they each scratch a different itch. I think it is silly how some people get so polarized about the hobby.
Thanks for the video! Perfect timing I think contributed to the legendary status of the Rolex Sub: - The Fifties and Sixties saw the rise in popularity for adventures and discoveries: Everest, Space, and Oceans fascinated the greater public - Rolex was not yet perceived as a “luxury” brand, but as a watch brand for life, because of its robustness and quality. - The Sub was the ultimate combination of the above. It became the best symbol for an entire generation keen to be part of this world of adventure and discoveries. - The fact it was built for professionals and used by the very best of them gave the Sub a credibility second to none. The rest is history…..
I had many watches over the years, however I've sold all of them due to financial reasons but kept My Submariner. The Rolex Submariner is the only watch that gives me confidence and motivation and a reminder of the things I've accomplished and more to come. Definitely for me the best watch I've ever owned .
Got my Sub Date new in 2008. Now that I’m retired it gets worn daily. It’s never been serviced and keeps to about +1 sec a day. It’s magic! It shows very minor wear and is still gorgeous. Best purchase I ever made. Wish I would have bought the GMT Master or two tone steel and Everose Yachtmaster 4yrs ago when they were available and more affordable.
Thank you No. 9 (loved your appearance in the "White Album") - I actually can't believe how well it presented... taking such a cliche question but somehow it manages to sell it pretty well. Bizarre 😆
@@ID-Guy Haha that song is as controversial as the title of this post! I actually genuinely believe it is the most iconic watch of all time i bought it for the first time a few months ago and I’m glancing at it as I’m typing, this new version of it is just pure perfection I’m so glad they thinned those lugs it wears more elegant, long may the evolution continues!
I don’t think you’d lose a debate. Wearing my week old BB Pro (finally got The Call!) and the lineage is obvious. Submariner is the standard bearer in the dive category. Great video. Saw you’re over 14M views. 👍
Holy smokes that's incredible... The 7928's reputation is simply amazing (arguably better than the later snowflakes?) Thank you for sharing this with me 🥃
in 1965 the 7928 cost $175 and the 5513 $190... this proves that the crown was only a whim for the playboys. the 🌷 has always been the replacement actor, the one who does the stunts.
A great video IDGuy, sometimes when a design is right evolution and not revolution is they key. New materials, better bracelets, a tweak or two to the shape and movement improvements. For sure my 124060 no date is very well made (the bezel action is sublime), accurate, modern but also retro at the same time if that makes any sense. Oh, and I do wear it as part of the rotation so it does have some wear marks. And I'm more than OK with that. For now it just might be the greatest watch of all time.
Thank you for sharing this Anthony. It's interesting how more brands aren't steadfast in their ways when it comes to keeping their designs the same and not changing. Maybe that's the secret? Lay down the law and reinforce how great it is 😆🥃
@@WestCoastAce27 it doesn’t have first mover advantage, the Fifthy Fathoms is the template which all others followed, look at the dial then tell me I’m wrong. The sub was released several months after the Fifty.
I think it is the greatest too. Icon, utility, the mix of tool and dress design elements and particularly the dimensions. The only issue is just that, it’s so popular that it can be perceived as common and it has spawned countless imitators which dilutes its uniqueness even further. Top shelf as always mr guy. 🥃
My man!! There was a great comment saying that I was to say that the "Speedmaster, Explorer, Lange 1" whatever was the greatest, then I'd have hundreds of comments saying that the Sub is the greatest 😆 Funny how things work. But right next to it is the GMT (obviously) - It would still be the piece I'd chase... maybe in 20 years time... and you're right about the imitations. Like Levi's 501's, Ray Ban Wayfarers, you can't beat an original 🥃 Much love to you and the fam brother!
@@ID-Guy I was going to add that when you place it next to the gmt, the gmt particularly on jubilee is a much more interesting proposition while retaining the basic design and architecture of the sub. But I hesitated to say that because that doesn’t make the sub any less greater than what it is, it just makes the gmt more desirable I think. The sub has its place at the top no doubt about it
I think it can definitely be said that it's the most iconic watch, but I don't know about greatest. As far as technical specifications, price, and to a lesser extent it's history, it's incredibly subjective to say it's the greatest watch ever.
I believe it is the most popular and iconic watch in the last 50 years, but I don't believe it is the most ground breaking and highest quality watch of all time. There have been radical innovations in watches over the past 300 years that changed the whole industry.
I am supposed to be “retired” from the acquisition of new collection pieces. But for some odd reason, I really want a Sub date. If given the chance… I would jump at a Submariner. Why? It is simply sublime. Materials, design, build quality, legendary reputation, and sheer beauty. Nice video. You are killing me!
Id get a tudor blackbay for now and get your name on the waiting list for a sub.. If you take a trip to Hong Kong, theres a much better chance of getting one as therebare literally hundreds of official Rolex Authorised dealer. If hard to believe but its actually true
I have a Hulk. I’ve had other watches too of course. But I cannot imagine a greater all around watch. Whether it is its iconic status, its wearing comfort, its durability, its simple beauty, or investment value…what an amazing watch.
I've made so many crits about the Hulk over the years (mainly about the bezel) But that green dial... It's now reached classic status too which is insane to think about, right? Dig it and thank you for sharing! 🥃
@@ID-Guy Thanks- I had a pic of the Hulk on my desk for approx 8 years, and was going to be mine only after I reached a certain business goal. This was before all the hype or crazy prices. I just loved it from day1.
I received a 16610 when I turned 18. It was expensive but not crazily so. Still wearing it now. It was my only watch for decades as I didn't become interested in watches until my 40s. It did everything that I wanted from a watch, which is to say it stood up to everything my life threw at it, and when I was younger I had a pretty active life.
My Tudor BB58 Blue is totally a Rolex Submariner but without the brand name and cache that comes with being a "Rolex" It is truly a beautiful, useful, rugged tool. Yes the Submariner is probably the best watch of all time
It's incredible when you think about it longer and all the influence the watch has had over the decades, now trickling down to Tudor and the success of the BB58. Quite fantastic to say the least. Keep loving and enjoying your piece! 🥃
Owned an original BB58, and the new 124060. The Tudor is a lovely watch. But head to head, it isn’t remotely close. The BB feels/looks great until you hold and compare. Then it’s not the same at all.
The BB 58 is a nice watch. But, it is by no stretch of the imagination on the same level as a submariner. The sub is simply a better built watch in every conceivable way. There is a reason it comes from the same company and is three times the price of the Tudor.
I bought my first submariner well over 40 years ago. Since that time I have been very lucky to have owned over 40 different Rolex watches as well as many other fine brands. But if I had to choose only one watch to live out the rest of my days with, it would be my submariner. It’s nice to see a young person appreciate such an icon!!!
I think I'd reduce it further. Simply the Oyster Perpetual. Pure core Rolex. Oyster case, screw down crown, chronometer tested accuracy. A pure perfect design that hasn't really changed since its' conception.
I totally agree....I´ve got the Sub 41 mm (no date) and the OP 116000 white 36 mm......I love them both but if I would be forced and allowed to keep only one......I would pick my OP, it´s simple perfection and way more versatile than the Sub, the OP really goes with everything
The FF definitely has some pull in this field (innovation wise for sure) 🥃 My thinking is more around the "influence" the Sub has. If we think of the design has remained virtually unchanged for 70 years (and all the watches and brands its design has influenced over the decades)
Greatest can be subjective; from the standpoint of being an almost universally recognized icon, probably yes. For what you get for the money from a finishing, materials and movement point of view, there are objectively better watches on paper for similar money. This is exacerbated by the hype of the past 5 years and the astronomically obscene secondary market prices. So it depends. Also worth recognizing that Rolex is just as much an advertising company as they are a watch company. They are an icon, no doubt.
Excellent points here AK, they are the masters in advertising and promoting their product (best in the industry I reckon) My main argument at the end of the day is thinking about how the design of the Submariner has influenced the watch industry at large over the decades. How many watches has the Sub inspired. But I agree, hopefully the video mentions that there are plenty of issues surrounding the hype and where it gets you 😉
As luxury watches are meant for; yes, it is one of the best as in fashion and a status symbol. There are a lot of watches that advance society and watches which achieved more, but as luxury watch are made for, Rolex Submariner is one of the greatest.
Totally agree, i see alot of Rolex haters in the past 2-3 years mainly because they cant obtain one. But we all know the Rolex brand will always be om top and the Sub will always be the benchmark!
When you look at the field, dive and pilots watch they all share the same DNA. Simple dial with minimal text and a complimentary handset that just looks great and Rolex hit this on the first try and all they’ve done is gradually added features over the years and the design is timeless. This is why so many companies copy or take design hints to add to their respective models. But to say it’s the greatest? That’s subjective to the beholder.
The Sub is so iconic for all the reasons you so eloquently mentioned, such a great video, thank you! I have a Seamster 300 diver that I love and although the Sub would be redundant, I definitely want a 126610LV to add to the collection. The green bezel will provide the pop of color I need to justify a spot for it. Lol. Even after getting a GMT which I absolutely love, I still want a sub someday.
What I think is interesting is that when trying to answer the question " what is the greatest watch ever " I came up with 2 watches instantly.The Rolex Submariner,and the Casio F91w. Both for completely different reasons,and opposite ends of the spectrum, but equally great.
My wife is due to give birth to my first son any day now. I’m looking to buy a sub as a daily wearer in the hopes that I can give it to my son as a graduation gift or wedding gift when the time comes. This is a very emotional purchase for me and I can’t wait.
It would be my pick. It is the style and look I never get sick of. There are other flavors of the month or even year, but I always come back to this watch
I’m buying either the Sub or the Sea-Dweller. The oyster bracelet sub to me is what the 911 is to the car world. It’s stayed true to the original design for the most part and it’s still easily recognizable all these years later.
You know… I’m in such a weird spot right now! I was just at the AD and saw a couple of Submariners in the display case… and they just weren’t doing anything for me! 🙈🤷🏻♀️ Idk! I think pretty soon, with the next generation, they will be seen as pretty old man watches. 🙈 who knows!
In our line of work they definitely get repetitive! Plus there are so many more dynamic models out there for us to experiment with. Ah, once the Apple Watch is in full-swing, I bet these mechanical machines will be like the combustion engine Britt 😉
Great video, I happen to be wearing mine today. Classic tool watch plus timeless elegance for the office. Quite simply, the Rolex Submariner is one of the best designed watch of all times.
One thing I will comment on, the Rolex Submariner(s) do tend to appreciate in value over time. I have a 1982 Submariner given to me on graduating University. It was purchased in Hong Kong for I believe $1,200 Cdn $ in 1983. As some may consider it vintage now, and is a transitional model, from what I can tell, it would likely retail for $25,000 plus. Pretty good return on initial investment. It's in excellent condition as I don't wear it as much as I should, due to its worth. With luxury items, comes the high price of servicing them, which is crazy, something to keep in mind for the average Guy. All comes down to how much enjoyment you will receive in owning it. A Seiko quartz likely keeps better time, Lol. The Submariner is no doubt an iconic watch.
I do think it is a contender for the greatest of all time. I have always loved the circular indices and the rotating bezel. Plus its bracelet is one of the best at any price point. Hope to own one someday but I am in no rush.
Two streams of commentary for you: Those legible dial markings of dot, dash, triangle (while unlikely meant as it) form as abstraction from the lume of the most traditional field watches: pips at the hours, double pips at 9, 3, & 6 if no small seconds, stacked pips flanked by additional pips at 12. Back to basics transcending to icon. I think reference 1680 provides a double revolutionary moment in an otherwise iterative design. Of the tool watch aspects, object as a utility, adding the date complication. A full hybridization of watertight case, automatic movement from an OP, chronometer accuracy and elapsed timing bezel of a Turnograph, and date with magnifier ala Datejust. & they also released a full yellow gold model. Chapter switch into full luxury goods.
Great video as always. I have nothing against Rolex or their designs. But I just can't digest those Mercedes hands. I like the Tudor better, or homages from other brands using different handsets.
My two watches are my Omega Speedmaster Professional, and my Rolex Submariner 14060m two line version. Both are beautiful to my eyes, and whilst dull choices, I think they are icons for a reason. Other watches come and go, but these remain at the heart of my collection. For the doubters, I'd urge you to spend wristtime with either.
If not the best, it’s the most iconic watch ever made. The only Rolex I would spend my money on or tolerate the wait time for. I cannot begin to explain how annoying it is that Tudor subs are getting comparable in price to some “lesser” Rolex subs.
Duuuude. Just yesterday I was browsing around and saw miny 7928's being advertised for £30k+. The sheer stupidity of it all man... for an ETA... totally get you. It's just scalping while the iron is hot (I feel so sorry for the gullible few who pay that kind of premium) 🥃
Got my 124060 a year ago from AD after waiting 18 months, it can be done! It’s perfect and for me there’s no going back from the adjustable-on -the-go bracelet
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.”. Let's say there has never been a more imitated watch. Need there be more said? ...Well, I will say a just little more.. no matter how much I try, I still come back to a submariner design in my watch purchases in one form or another. There's no debate for me.. I really like the design.
For all the haters and lovers... the latest generation 124060 & 126610 are the greatest watches of all time because: - First of it's kind heritage = iconic dial and case design that is purpose built to be a tool watch, that has been improved on for 69 years! - A very high quality product = Rolex doesn't make bad watches. Full stop. Sub's are finished very well, keep great time, are attractive, tough, durable and hide their wear beautifully. - Chromalight = best functional lumed dial made today. Incredibly bright & legible in low and no light. - Glidelock = excellent bracelet adjustability and useful design. The adjustability range is awesome. - Ceramic bezel = best bezel in the industry. The black ceramic is superb. It changes color from dark black to dark grey and titanium shades in certain lightings. The knurling for grip and bezel clicks for precise turning in and out of the water, with or without gloves, are perfect. - Bezel pt. 2 = actual useful countdown 0-15 hashmarks and numerals to use as a timing device. Arguably more useful than a chronometer in most practical day to day use cases for timing everyday stuff. - Oyster bracelet = Bank vault construction and durability, especially now that is has screws. What you actually want on a dive watch. Great width and taper. With the Oysterlock safety clasp as well, it's arguably one of the best bracelets made. The only thing missing that would make it perfect would be screwed-in, not traditional spring bars. - Near perfect case shape & size = comfortable & wonderfully thin on the wrist. Now at 41mm it's def at the upper limit but the current lug design on the latest models wear much smaller than the 40 mm SuperCases of yesteryear. It wears and fits A LOT of wrists great. - 300M water resistance = more than enough protection. People, it was good enough for Jacques Cousteau and his band of merry men. If your James Cameron go get a DeepSea. - 70hrs of power reserve = this is a great amount of reserve to take off and set down on Friday, then put back on Monday without needing to adjust the time. - A very nice dial = often completely overlooked and not celebrated but the white-gold markers, indices, hands and deep black dial are incredible. So legible at all angles and light levels. - Wonderfully versatile = wear it with a business or a track suit. On bracelet or on strap. Take it to the office, the ocean or picnic on a Saturday. It's a one watch, do-it-all wonder. - Reasonably priced at retail = it is an heirloom product, for a fair price. Period. I'm sorry that you don't already own one and that you can't buy one if you actually have the money to spend. Hey, I'm not happy that I can't buy other Rolex's that I want but life's not fair so quit your whinging! Just keep saving your money and keep begging an A.D. for the moment that you get the chance and then happily enjoy owning the World's greatest watch ever made 😉 - Cyclops = wart. I don't like it. You can't make me like it. But it's a part of the classic design. Legend says it is because Hans Wilsdorf wanted it there for his wife to be able to read the date on pre-Submariner models, first used in 1945 on a Datejust, and then used as a legally defensible, product differentiating feature with the Sub Date. I'm sure all the grey-hairs love the magnification on their Sub Dates. All kidding aside the Cyclops really does work well, even though I wish it wasn't there. - BONUS: It is now a global currency = No matter where you find yourself on earth, having a Submariner on your wrist could save your life. It is a world currency and can be exchanged for cash or equivalent value at any time necessary. In fact I bet there would be more than a few takers right now if I offered mine for a fair and reasonable price at the exact same retail price I paid for it. And Heaven forbid... but if I had to get home from somewhere or handle a situation where I needed instant cash, I know my Submariner would be as good as gold, better in fact nowadays. Other watches are only as valuable as people "believe them to be" but a Rolex is measured by a different value structure the world over. No one in BFE knows what the heck a Journe, Moser, Gronefeld or MB&F is, but by God they know the Crown!
Most important, iconic, and influential? Of course! Even haters dont deny this self-evident fact. Best watch ever overall? Not even close! So many other watches out there outclass it from a performance and aesthetic standpoint. That said... I still want one, though if I had to be nitpicky about it, I'd want a 2-Line Ref. 6538 with an original no-hatch bezel. I'm sure they are impossible to find in the wild, and would go for OBSCENE amounts of money if one still existed intact and in reasonable condition, but that's my ultimate grail watch; It was the one that started the "gotta have that cool watch" trend and is the one that inspired so many of us to pursue this hobby in the first place, and for that reason alone, I shall lust after and covet it until my dying breath.
It's an oddity that I think we'll always question. Why do we feel so compelled to own one? Just image they were able to give us an incarnation of the 6538... Suggestion! Find a BB58 Gilt and get a watchmaker to fit it with aftermarket gilt Merc hands. It looks unreal man... simply unreal... I'm playing with the idea myself 😉
I was active duty Navy Engineer on a ship in Long Beach from 1984-1989. We didn’t make much money so I had multiple side gigs. One such job was in a boiler room making calls asking people to invest. That put me in the company of very wealthy men. Rolls Royces and Rolex’s. I feel in love with a Submariner. To me it was very cool and a symbol of success.I bought a used 2005 model in 2010 for $5k and wear it every day. I’ll never part with that.
I know this is a benchmark and awesome and iconic watch and definitely the most recognizable watch in the world. With that said I recently purchased my grail of grail watches and that’s the SLA047J1 Seiko Marine Master watch . To me the best diver watch ever made . I know this might opinion might be laughed off but I’ve never been happier or more satisfied with a watch in my life.
Purchased and own the Rolex Submariner Ref. 114060 NO DATE in March 2013(a retirement gift to myself) in 2022 I finally took it in for service and the watch is still going
one reason that it's the greatest watch is that it's the same design essentially, which makes it timeless. They've made small incremental changes to perfect it.
We'll, it's one of the best. I'd say the GMT Master II is a close second. And all of your reasons listed for why it is the best is all true. Great video by the way .
Yes it’s an icon, I have owned 3 Submariner’s (two used, one new) I sold them all! I loved them but in the end as great as they are, they have a dollar value and I want to enjoy other watches. The only watch I would never sell is my Bulova - Sea King, it was my dads and he got it at the Navy PX during the war. They also had a Rolex available but it was a few dollars more.
Absolutely! Only the Speedmaster can come close. The Submariner has influenced the industry like any other watch. The watch by itself is a classic. I owned one, but unfortunately I had to let it go. I thought it was going to be me grail until I saw the Seadweller. Not even close in popularity.
This is what I was trying to bring across in a few words Hugo, thank you! Undeniable that the Speedmaster is one of the true greats but it's in another category (may even be a better category for us enthusiasts) The Sub just hits the World differently. Speedies are for Space 😉 - between you and me, the SD or the GMT would be my choice given the option. The SD43 blew my mind when I got it on a few years back. Amazing, amazing machine 🥃
The Submariner is the world's greatest watch marketing exercise, one that continues to this very day and I'll doff my old uniform cap in Rolex's direction. But I've got other brands that are the world's greatest watches to me because of the memories associated with them. Great video though. 👍👍👍
I love my 2003 ss date. Received it as a gift for graduation from University. Love this watch. Best feeling watch and always beautiful to stare at everyday.
Fantastic video as always. The Submariner is the perfect watch to me. I am blessed enough to have a 168000 and the modern version and both are perfect and have the magic Rolex dna
Great video and very well put. One thing that does bother me about the whole discussion is that people seem to keep ignoring the significance of the datejust, and i suspect it's because, unlike the sub, it's not an investment piece. In my opinion, it has had a bigger influence on watch design than the sub. And if one wants a true daily watch with no dive bezel but of similar quality, then I propose the DJ41 oyster bracelet smooth bezel.
I’m going to respectfully disagree-I think I write on behalf of millions of watch fans who have coveted Datejusts for years, myself included. I can’t imagine anyone turning down a Datejust given the opportunity to own one, and a fluted-bezel 36 is for me a masterpiece! When it comes to watch-flipping and investment potential and all the noise about what Rolexes are “entry-level” watches, however, I can’t help but tune that noise out. Unless someone’s an avid collector, then sure, but let’s get real: It’s a Rolex, not a rung on a ladder! Whether it’s an Air-King or that hideous-looking rainbow Daytona-if you like it-wear it, appreciate it, and check the time on your wrist every day with tremendous pride and gratitude.
Excellent video!! Your beautiful combination of video production and effective use of language yield a wonderful, alternate perspective to the world of watches. I can't believe I get to watch these videos for free!! Thanks!!
Design and shape wise is it one of the best. I personally prefer the GMT Master, i think this is the best watch ever made. For dive watches i think the Fifty Fathoms and Planet Ocean watches are cooler for summer. Nice one again!
While I will never own a Submariner (it is way out of my price range), it certainly is an icon. One thing you didn’t mention was the Submariner’s military heritage which in part explains the link to the early James Bond films. The fact that the Submariner today is a luxury item is a reality that makes it no longer a watch that a could be worn by a combat swimmer, but it carries that history with it and offers some promise of adventure even to the deal divers. Great video!
A Bold statement indeed and I can't think anyone else has actually said it which seems hard to believe. You're so right of course. Sitting there like the holy grail of dive watches to which every manufacturer's best efforts are judged. Whatever anyone thinks of it , sometimes when a design is just so right I think the job is done and it can only evolve. Push the basic core too far and the design is lost. An obvious example to me would be the 911 whose performance has got better and better over the years. However, in terms of aesthetics I have opened a whole new can of worms! Not had a chance to check out your new channel yet , for your thoughts on all things design. I'm sure it will do well.
Well obviously man! Its fun to go back to some of the fundamental questions and revisit. Also, your on Patreon correct? Making sure I’m donating to the correct channel.
I saw my first Sub on the wrist of a diver in Singapore when I was 14. To me, it is the Porsche 911 of wristwatches. It's design and utility embody the principle that "form follows function". So eventually I bought one and I love it everyday. However surely the vote for the 'greatest' watch of all time must go to the Girard-Perregaux 1966 chronometer? This was the world's first wrist watch chronometer and allowed the public to have wrist watch accuracy going forwards. Obviously, I wanted to say Harrisons marine chronometer (1730) but you could argue that was a clock. Still I always love an homage to my greatest wristwatch every - The Sub.
To me, the Sub is the most iconic watch of all time, and owes its status to its purity of design -- form following function. It was made to go underwater. But nowadays, I think a traveler's watch is more useful than a watch designed for underwater use. Thus, I could argue that the GMT Master (now the II) is the GOAT. It shares some functional and design similarities with the Sub. It can be dressed up or down. And it still can go 100m underwater.
I think viewing it on a "World Scale" The Sub is more recognisable to most BUT the GMT is a true banger... I'd love to add one maybe in the next 20 years 😆Well said about the function and design (they are on par) Really, the whole theme could translate to the SD's, Exp2's and Yachtmasters too... so many similar spin-offs that came from the Sub and GMT 🥃
The Submariner is a stunning watch, as is the Pelagos FXD. Still really fortunate that my AD sold me both the 124060 and FXD within 3 weeks of each other last year.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
There is going to be some discourse around the topic but we can’t deny how influential the Submariner has been in the landscape of Sports Watches and how the modern watch is seen today. Would there be another watch you’d substitute into this category?
(I’m thinking Datejust and Speedmaster will be up there) ;)
If you had to own a sub would it be the modern no date or date?
@@taa3062 Man, I'd put the Citizen Promaster up there too. I've been meaning to make a Citizen Diver video (they are the Diver's diver without question) And an OG G-shock? Who can deny it 🥃
@@apuraja If it was me, I'd go no-date with a Submariner but choose a Date for GMT (lining up better with their separate functions) But a simple diver without a date is just...chef's kiss 🥃
i assume no date :)
@@ID-Guy great topic that deserves to be revisited! The Sub’s legacy is much greater than any other brand, including Omega etc…. Doesn’t mean the watch is technically better by any mean, but its worldwide reach as an icon is second to none.
Similar to the Porsche 911… not the fastest, nor the most powerful car, and yet it has become the ultimate reference as a sports car.
I bought a Submariner, 16800 in 1984 as a dive tool watch when serving in the military (tax-free overseas). I wore it as my only watch for two decades through thick and thin before selling it in 2005 for four times what I'd originally paid for it (after my wife discovered what it was worth). I regret selling it every day of my life since. I've never been able to replace it. Today, for the past four years I've worn a Tudor Pelagos every day and it has been brilliant... but not quite a Sub. I will attain another Submariner 16800 once the mortgage is done and the kids are all self-sufficient. I will take it to my grave, I will be buried with it.
So your wife wanted you to sell the sub?🤦♂️
Why a 16800 only ! There are all cool
This is one of the many reasons I won't sell my Sea Dweller
@@jeromef2001 Because mine was a 16800 and I wore it throughout the Gulf War and Balkans conflict. I dived with it all around the world and I realise now (too late) that it was a part of me.
@@penne9346 Newly married, we were strapped for cash and it helped raise the deposit on a mortgage. Our first child on the way... it had to go.
My wife bought my Submariner in 2009 shortly before my first combat deployment to Afghanistan. My Sub accompanied me on five more deployments to Asia and the Middle East and at on least 30 static line parachute jumps. Today, years after my 30 year military career ended, it is still my daily wear.
dont forget the domestic battles you need to put at home too - tee hee
I love this. Is it beat up and worn in? Or have you had it polished etc?
Few things in life are perfect and built to be used for a lifetime . I lusted after a Submariner from the first time I saw one. I tried on many, but real life priorities went first. I looked at other brands but none had the combination of heritage, engineering, toughness and elegance. Then 35 years after first seeing one, on my anniversary, one appeared out of the vault at my local AD. My wife looked at me and said “ there you are, you’ve waited long enough”.
We are retired but still love the ocean. We both surf, and I do a little sport diving so the watch definitely gets wet.
Our son is a U.S. Navy Rescue Swimmer, and someday my Rolex Submariner will be his. ( He has already earned it).
Was it worth the wait? Absolutely!
Excellent video!
As a musician, to me, the Submariner is eerily analogous to the Fender Stratocaster. Introduced bizarrely at the same time ('53 & '54), they are both so technologically groundbreaking, globally recognizable, and influential, that their shadow still looms just as large as it did when they were first introduced. The fact that these 70 year old designs are STILL being copied in one form another today speaks for itself. I love the Fifty Fathoms, but it's aesthetic design footprint is nowhere nearl as monumental as the Submariners. Great video! IDGuy will own a Sub one day...Facts LOL
And as a Strat owner, I can attest to this... The Martin "D" series of watches? 😉 Great analogy Floyd. 50's designs in general have such a special place in our world. It's unreal! 🥃
Good point! I have a strat '98 and a sea-dweller 2006, one of the last "classic" look subs, would not let go of them at any price.The "good old" days looks keep hanging on because they are still the best!@@ID-Guy
Just stepped over your comment realizing i never saw it that way, but the more i think about it i have to agree with you. Mister "slow hands" Blacky is not only colourwise close to the Sub. Rudimentary made, more a tool and workhorse, no fancy bold design. And in some way both are not technically complex at all. On one side the not very apealing folding clasp punched out of sheet metal on the other a cheap simple screw in wammy bar. Yes you can chose between alloi or ceramic bazzel like rosewood or marbel neck, but thats it and you are happy for the rest of your live. Over the years of course we needed some more bottom end served with humbuckers in the bridge and seadweller, a reverse headstock with the crown on the 9 o clock possition. Some guys feel like "Hulk" in "the summer of love" and ask for golden sparkling nitro finish matching the full golden bracelett. Now i see plenty of similarities between 2 of my favourite things/ 1962 strat and 1998 sub. And like with axes you dont own only one watch...so, what kind of watch would my goldtop les paul be? Stay tuned and winded! Peter
speak English next time
This is why I chose this as my “one and done” watch, years ago. Every time I get an itch for another watch, I just look down at my wrist. It’s a family member.
I tried this, but I can't wear a Rolex everyday in London
@@djdc81 That’s sad, it’s the reason why I would choose a Speedmaster over the sub.
@@15harry1561 I get it, you won't get stabbed for a Speedmaster, but it's also an entirely inferior watch. I couldn't be worried about a watch every time I was on the beach / pool / shower
@@djdc81 Insurance isn't that expensive. Most people won't notice it anyway. Pretty sure a lot of the city boys n girls are walking round with watches 50-100k+
@@1physics I have all my watches insured (Inc. the Rolex) - it is expensive. I live in the City, most folk do not just walk around with £50 - £100k watches, that make believe bollocks is for rap videos
My dad bought a 5513 on layaway in 1968. He paid $20 a month for a year. He gave that watch to me in 1988 for my birthday. I still wear it regularly and it still keeps great time. I plan to give it to my son one day. After all these years, I still find myself staring at it, admiring the matte black dial, creamy geometric tritium lume plots and patina matching Mercedes hands. It’s an amazing watch that gets better looking with age.
I would love to see a good picture of that. Has it been featured on this channel?
thats is GOOD - i like this comment
I first saw the sub in the Rolex shop in Zurich 1962 and never forgot it. I didn't need James Bond or Steve McQueen to convince me this was a truly iconic timepiece. In 1972 I was looking for a new watch and my first stop was the local Rolex store in Palo Alto, Ca. They just happen to have a 1966 Submariner ,5512, 4 line, chronograph that a guy was unable to make the final payments on. I wound up paying $150. for the watch and it has been my daily wear watch ever since. To me the design is right up there with the Mercedes Gullwing and P-51 Mustang, no other watch has ever come close.
The Rolex Submariner and the Omega Speedmaster are the two greatest watches ever made.
I agree.
Yes!
Totally agree!!!
Too me it is the most versatile watch ever made. There is a reason why it was the original bond watch. It goes from being tough and rugged to classy and elegant with ease. It is one of the only true tool watches that can be worn with a suit or even a black tie. Between it's accuracy, durability, finishing and slim 12m case it is a watch that looks great and fits any occasion. If I could only have one watch in my collection, while it may not be the best expression of my unique style, it would be hard to not pick the black bezel sub.
And its surreal to see how this design has translated into so many other pieces over the years. It's simple influence has made such an impact in the watch world. I still can't quite get over how they did it. Great points here Ricky 🥃
In 1982, my sisters boyfriend was a U.S. Marine Security Guard working at an American Embassy overseas. He dropped by the house and I noticed a gorgeous new watch on his wrist. I asked hime what it was. "Rolex Submariner! State of the art," he enthusiastically exclaimed. I wanted one for decades and finally in 2019, purchased the Submariner model 114060. Iconic and the perfect "one watch" collection watch. There can only be one.
Nice
The Sub is the watch I've always wanted since I started owning watches. I finally bought a Sub at 52 years old. It is even better than I expected. I had a chance to buy a GMT, but I am sticking with the Sub.
An amazing achievement Kaina and thank you for sharing! I hope you make many, many fond memories with the sub over the years AND just where the snot out of it 😉
Get the gmt, hav them both, its a gr8 piece when traveling different time zones
Another fantastic video. I love your approach to covering watches by discussing the history and design elements and the importance of the decisions made. Keep up the amazing work man.
Man, thank you. It means so much that people can take time out of their day to hop onto these clips AND the fact that I've seen your videos in the past before!! I swear you helped sell me with the Shure that I'm using... Direct USB plug-in was a no-brainer for me 😉🥃
@@ID-Guy Bandrew’s the best!!
@@ID-Guy well sir it sounds fantastic on your voice.
Great post! Rolex is the GOAT…so I do have a little animosity towards the availability situation today but you can’t deny the value it brings if you can get it for retail price. I’m a working man, middle class, I knew about Patek and VC back then but those watches for the rich guys, not me. Rolex was the bar of excellence for my budget and that was a stretch lol. I had to save for it, it was to mark a milestone in my life. I never looked at the brand as a status symbol. I was first exposed to the brand by my gramp’s two-tone DJ he purchased overseas while in the military. Also there was this neighbor that used to talk about the good old days, when he was a strapping young college football player and they were gifted a Rolex for winning the Cotton Bowl (back in the 60’s if my memory serves me correctly).
In 2013, I bought a 10 year old 16610 for $4800. I got it serviced once and enjoyed it for 10 years. I sold it today for $7350 to Bob’s Watches. When I purchased it, resale was never something I thought about. But what I noticed, in those 10 years as I started the addicting hobby, I would compare how the new watch differed in finish and wearability to the sub. Rolex spoiled me to expect their level of finish. There’s a lot to be said bout that. That watch is now 20 years old and it still beats a lot of new watches’ finish. I never had an issue with the clasp rattle, I liked it but it was part of the character. I’ll roast a modern watch with a crappy clasp/bracelet lol.
I appreciate craftsmanship so I have other watch brands in my box but they each scratch a different itch. I think it is silly how some people get so polarized about the hobby.
Thanks for the video! Perfect timing I think contributed to the legendary status of the Rolex Sub:
- The Fifties and Sixties saw the rise in popularity for adventures and discoveries: Everest, Space, and Oceans fascinated the greater public
- Rolex was not yet perceived as a “luxury” brand, but as a watch brand for life, because of its robustness and quality.
- The Sub was the ultimate combination of the above. It became the best symbol for an entire generation keen to be part of this world of adventure and discoveries.
- The fact it was built for professionals and used by the very best of them gave the Sub a credibility second to none.
The rest is history…..
I had many watches over the years, however I've sold all of them due to financial reasons but kept My Submariner. The Rolex Submariner is the only watch that gives me confidence and motivation and a reminder of the things I've accomplished and more to come. Definitely for me the best watch I've ever owned .
Got my Sub Date new in 2008. Now that I’m retired it gets worn daily. It’s never been serviced and keeps to about +1 sec a day. It’s magic! It shows very minor wear and is still gorgeous. Best purchase I ever made. Wish I would have bought the GMT Master or two tone steel and Everose Yachtmaster 4yrs ago when they were available and more affordable.
This post is very well written, i admire your channel.
Thank you No. 9 (loved your appearance in the "White Album") - I actually can't believe how well it presented... taking such a cliche question but somehow it manages to sell it pretty well. Bizarre 😆
@@ID-Guy Haha that song is as controversial as the title of this post! I actually genuinely believe it is the most iconic watch of all time i bought it for the first time a few months ago and I’m glancing at it as I’m typing, this new version of it is just pure perfection I’m so glad they thinned those lugs it wears more elegant, long may the evolution continues!
I don’t think you’d lose a debate. Wearing my week old BB Pro (finally got The Call!) and the lineage is obvious. Submariner is the standard bearer in the dive category. Great video. Saw you’re over 14M views. 👍
Thank you Mark! And a massive congratulations, enjoy the snot out of the Pro!! Ah, sometimes these videos write themselves (very rarely) 😉
My 7928 followed me for 2 tours in Nam... Today I still wear it!
Holy smokes that's incredible... The 7928's reputation is simply amazing (arguably better than the later snowflakes?) Thank you for sharing this with me 🥃
in 1965 the 7928 cost $175 and the 5513 $190... this proves that the crown was only a whim for the playboys. the 🌷 has always been the replacement actor, the one who does the stunts.
That’s so impressive!
I bought my Submariner in 1969 in Vietnam. And I still wear it today. Enough said about this fantastic timepiece. An heirloom without price.
Welcome home! Nice watch.
A great video IDGuy, sometimes when a design is right evolution and not revolution is they key. New materials, better bracelets, a tweak or two to the shape and movement improvements. For sure my 124060 no date is very well made (the bezel action is sublime), accurate, modern but also retro at the same time if that makes any sense. Oh, and I do wear it as part of the rotation so it does have some wear marks. And I'm more than OK with that. For now it just might be the greatest watch of all time.
Thank you for sharing this Anthony. It's interesting how more brands aren't steadfast in their ways when it comes to keeping their designs the same and not changing. Maybe that's the secret? Lay down the law and reinforce how great it is 😆🥃
@@ID-Guy of course Rolex has the ultimate First Mover/Most Desired Advantage. If other sit on a design too long their success may vary…
@@WestCoastAce27 it doesn’t have first mover advantage, the Fifthy Fathoms is the template which all others followed, look at the dial then tell me I’m wrong. The sub was released several months after the Fifty.
I think it is the greatest too. Icon, utility, the mix of tool and dress design elements and particularly the dimensions. The only issue is just that, it’s so popular that it can be perceived as common and it has spawned countless imitators which dilutes its uniqueness even further. Top shelf as always mr guy. 🥃
My man!! There was a great comment saying that I was to say that the "Speedmaster, Explorer, Lange 1" whatever was the greatest, then I'd have hundreds of comments saying that the Sub is the greatest 😆 Funny how things work. But right next to it is the GMT (obviously) - It would still be the piece I'd chase... maybe in 20 years time... and you're right about the imitations. Like Levi's 501's, Ray Ban Wayfarers, you can't beat an original 🥃 Much love to you and the fam brother!
@@ID-Guy I was going to add that when you place it next to the gmt, the gmt particularly on jubilee is a much more interesting proposition while retaining the basic design and architecture of the sub. But I hesitated to say that because that doesn’t make the sub any less greater than what it is, it just makes the gmt more desirable I think. The sub has its place at the top no doubt about it
I think it can definitely be said that it's the most iconic watch, but I don't know about greatest. As far as technical specifications, price, and to a lesser extent it's history, it's incredibly subjective to say it's the greatest watch ever.
I believe it is the most popular and iconic watch in the last 50 years, but I don't believe it is the most ground breaking and highest quality watch of all time. There have been radical innovations in watches over the past 300 years that changed the whole industry.
I am supposed to be “retired” from the acquisition of new collection pieces. But for some odd reason, I really want a Sub date. If given the chance… I would jump at a Submariner. Why? It is simply sublime. Materials, design, build quality, legendary reputation, and sheer beauty. Nice video. You are killing me!
Take a trip to Hong Kong.
There are hundreds or Official Rolex ADs you have a great chance of gwtting one there
Man your story telling, presentation and research in incredible 👏!
The sub is one of my grails, maybe one day I’ll own one 👍🏼
Id get a tudor blackbay for now and get your name on the waiting list for a sub..
If you take a trip to Hong Kong, theres a much better chance of getting one as therebare literally hundreds of official Rolex Authorised dealer. If hard to believe but its actually true
I have a Hulk. I’ve had other watches too of course. But I cannot imagine a greater all around watch. Whether it is its iconic status, its wearing comfort, its durability, its simple beauty, or investment value…what an amazing watch.
I've made so many crits about the Hulk over the years (mainly about the bezel) But that green dial... It's now reached classic status too which is insane to think about, right? Dig it and thank you for sharing! 🥃
@@ID-Guy Thanks- I had a pic of the Hulk on my desk for approx 8 years, and was going to be mine only after I reached a certain business goal. This was before all the hype or crazy prices. I just loved it from day1.
Divers are not versatile, look atrocious with a suit or anybother formal wear
@@M82RKY I don’t wear the with a suit or formal wear. Geesh.
Danke!
I received a 16610 when I turned 18. It was expensive but not crazily so. Still wearing it now. It was my only watch for decades as I didn't become interested in watches until my 40s. It did everything that I wanted from a watch, which is to say it stood up to everything my life threw at it, and when I was younger I had a pretty active life.
My Tudor BB58 Blue is totally a Rolex Submariner but without the brand name and cache that comes with being a "Rolex" It is truly a beautiful, useful, rugged tool.
Yes the Submariner is probably the best watch of all time
It's incredible when you think about it longer and all the influence the watch has had over the decades, now trickling down to Tudor and the success of the BB58. Quite fantastic to say the least. Keep loving and enjoying your piece! 🥃
Owned an original BB58, and the new 124060.
The Tudor is a lovely watch. But head to head, it isn’t remotely close. The BB feels/looks great until you hold and compare. Then it’s not the same at all.
The BB 58 is a nice watch. But, it is by no stretch of the imagination on the same level as a submariner. The sub is simply a better built watch in every conceivable way. There is a reason it comes from the same company and is three times the price of the Tudor.
I have both the BB58 and the 126610. Be proud of your Tudor. I am, it more than holds its own against my sub.
@@Greg-WBM 124060 is bling bling mass produced faux luxury..not a real tool watch with all that reflection.. Hard to read the time in many situations.
I bought my first submariner well over 40 years ago.
Since that time I have been very lucky to have owned over 40 different Rolex watches as well as many other fine brands. But if I had to choose only one watch to live out the rest of my days with, it would be my submariner.
It’s nice to see a young person appreciate such an icon!!!
I think I'd reduce it further. Simply the Oyster Perpetual. Pure core Rolex. Oyster case, screw down crown, chronometer tested accuracy. A pure perfect design that hasn't really changed since its' conception.
The oyster case has done something unlike any other watch that came before it. It's surreal to think about its greater impact! Great shout Conor 🥃
I totally agree....I´ve got the Sub 41 mm (no date) and the OP 116000 white 36 mm......I love them both but if I would be forced and allowed to keep only one......I would pick my OP, it´s simple perfection and way more versatile than the Sub, the OP really goes with everything
Recently acquired CW Sealander. Minimalism. Utility. Finish. Comfort. Price. Result? Desire for OP quenched. The Sealander is outstanding.
As both a Strat owner and a Submariner owner I completely agree. Well said.
The Rolex Sub is iconic thanks to Bond 007 Connery in Dr. No BUT the Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms is more significant!
The FF definitely has some pull in this field (innovation wise for sure) 🥃 My thinking is more around the "influence" the Sub has. If we think of the design has remained virtually unchanged for 70 years (and all the watches and brands its design has influenced over the decades)
The greatest watch ever, maybe. The most iconic watch ever, quite possibly. Another great video 🙏👏🥃
Great point here Mark. There's some depth to these machines, no doubt (pun intended) 😉
@@ID-Guy 🤣
Greatest can be subjective; from the standpoint of being an almost universally recognized icon, probably yes.
For what you get for the money from a finishing, materials and movement point of view, there are objectively better watches on paper for similar money. This is exacerbated by the hype of the past 5 years and the astronomically obscene secondary market prices. So it depends.
Also worth recognizing that Rolex is just as much an advertising company as they are a watch company. They are an icon, no doubt.
Excellent points here AK, they are the masters in advertising and promoting their product (best in the industry I reckon) My main argument at the end of the day is thinking about how the design of the Submariner has influenced the watch industry at large over the decades. How many watches has the Sub inspired. But I agree, hopefully the video mentions that there are plenty of issues surrounding the hype and where it gets you 😉
As luxury watches are meant for; yes, it is one of the best as in fashion and a status symbol. There are a lot of watches that advance society and watches which achieved more, but as luxury watch are made for, Rolex Submariner is one of the greatest.
A pure, classy review of an iconic watch.
Totally agree, i see alot of Rolex haters in the past 2-3 years mainly because they cant obtain one. But we all know the Rolex brand will always be om top and the Sub will always be the benchmark!
When you look at the field, dive and pilots watch they all share the same DNA. Simple dial with minimal text and a complimentary handset that just looks great and Rolex hit this on the first try and all they’ve done is gradually added features over the years and the design is timeless. This is why so many companies copy or take design hints to add to their respective models. But to say it’s the greatest? That’s subjective to the beholder.
The Sub is so iconic for all the reasons you so eloquently mentioned, such a great video, thank you! I have a Seamster 300 diver that I love and although the Sub would be redundant, I definitely want a 126610LV to add to the collection. The green bezel will provide the pop of color I need to justify a spot for it. Lol. Even after getting a GMT which I absolutely love, I still want a sub someday.
What I think is interesting is that when trying to answer the question " what is the greatest watch ever " I came up with 2 watches instantly.The Rolex Submariner,and the Casio F91w. Both for completely different reasons,and opposite ends of the spectrum, but equally great.
Love this Larry. There's something about the timelessness of each that we'll never change 🥃
I do like your historical perspective. And yes, the Submariner is the genesis of Rolex I would buy, the Yacht-Master 40 in blue.
The Subby has earned it, it's put in its time, well done.
My wife is due to give birth to my first son any day now. I’m looking to buy a sub as a daily wearer in the hopes that I can give it to my son as a graduation gift or wedding gift when the time comes. This is a very emotional purchase for me and I can’t wait.
It would be my pick. It is the style and look I never get sick of. There are other flavors of the month or even year, but I always come back to this watch
I’m buying either the Sub or the Sea-Dweller. The oyster bracelet sub to me is what the 911 is to the car world. It’s stayed true to the original design for the most part and it’s still easily recognizable all these years later.
You know… I’m in such a weird spot right now! I was just at the AD and saw a couple of Submariners in the display case… and they just weren’t doing anything for me! 🙈🤷🏻♀️ Idk! I think pretty soon, with the next generation, they will be seen as pretty old man watches. 🙈 who knows!
In our line of work they definitely get repetitive! Plus there are so many more dynamic models out there for us to experiment with. Ah, once the Apple Watch is in full-swing, I bet these mechanical machines will be like the combustion engine Britt 😉
Same with me. Saw a day date up close once and it just never sparked my enthusiasm. But after seeing a JLC master Compressor, that sparked me well.
You should get out more Britt and meet some of the people I know that have Submariners.
Great video, I happen to be wearing mine today. Classic tool watch plus timeless elegance for the office. Quite simply, the Rolex Submariner is one of the best designed watch of all times.
The more we think about it and step back, it's undeniable right? So obvious but is often overlooked 😉 Thanks for sharing Greg!
One thing I will comment on, the Rolex Submariner(s) do tend to appreciate in value over time. I have a 1982 Submariner given to me on graduating University. It was purchased in Hong Kong for I believe $1,200 Cdn $ in 1983. As some may consider it vintage now, and is a transitional model, from what I can tell, it would likely retail for $25,000 plus. Pretty good return on initial investment. It's in excellent condition as I don't wear it as much as I should, due to its worth. With luxury items, comes the high price of servicing them, which is crazy, something to keep in mind for the average Guy. All comes down to how much enjoyment you will receive in owning it. A Seiko quartz likely keeps better time, Lol. The Submariner is no doubt an iconic watch.
I do think it is a contender for the greatest of all time. I have always loved the circular indices and the rotating bezel. Plus its bracelet is one of the best at any price point. Hope to own one someday but I am in no rush.
Two streams of commentary for you:
Those legible dial markings of dot, dash, triangle (while unlikely meant as it) form as abstraction from the lume of the most traditional field watches: pips at the hours, double pips at 9, 3, & 6 if no small seconds, stacked pips flanked by additional pips at 12. Back to basics transcending to icon.
I think reference 1680 provides a double revolutionary moment in an otherwise iterative design. Of the tool watch aspects, object as a utility, adding the date complication. A full hybridization of watertight case, automatic movement from an OP, chronometer accuracy and elapsed timing bezel of a Turnograph, and date with magnifier ala Datejust.
& they also released a full yellow gold model. Chapter switch into full luxury goods.
Great video as always. I have nothing against Rolex or their designs. But I just can't digest those Mercedes hands. I like the Tudor better, or homages from other brands using different handsets.
My two watches are my Omega Speedmaster Professional, and my Rolex Submariner 14060m two line version. Both are beautiful to my eyes, and whilst dull choices, I think they are icons for a reason. Other watches come and go, but these remain at the heart of my collection. For the doubters, I'd urge you to spend wristtime with either.
It is the greatest watch of all time indeed - the design and astethics is breathtaking and timeless
If not the best, it’s the most iconic watch ever made. The only Rolex I would spend my money on or tolerate the wait time for. I cannot begin to explain how annoying it is that Tudor subs are getting comparable in price to some “lesser” Rolex subs.
Duuuude. Just yesterday I was browsing around and saw miny 7928's being advertised for £30k+. The sheer stupidity of it all man... for an ETA... totally get you. It's just scalping while the iron is hot (I feel so sorry for the gullible few who pay that kind of premium) 🥃
Got my 124060 a year ago from AD after waiting 18 months, it can be done! It’s perfect and for me there’s no going back from the adjustable-on -the-go bracelet
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.”. Let's say there has never been a more imitated watch. Need there be more said?
...Well, I will say a just little more.. no matter how much I try, I still come back to a submariner design in my watch purchases in one form or another. There's no debate for me.. I really like the design.
I’ve been watching more and more of your videos - they are fantastic. Keep up the great work. Cheers 👍
Some 20th Century designs just 'Work', like Converse Chuck Taylor's. They defy time and endure...
Stratocasters, Les Pauls, Ray Bans. I agree, these 50's motifs were just fire. Great point Red 🔥
I can afford Chuck Taylor not Rolex , Thank God something's are still relatively cheap.
For all the haters and lovers... the latest generation 124060 & 126610 are the greatest watches of all time because:
- First of it's kind heritage = iconic dial and case design that is purpose built to be a tool watch, that has been improved on for 69 years!
- A very high quality product = Rolex doesn't make bad watches. Full stop. Sub's are finished very well, keep great time, are attractive, tough, durable and hide their wear beautifully.
- Chromalight = best functional lumed dial made today. Incredibly bright & legible in low and no light.
- Glidelock = excellent bracelet adjustability and useful design. The adjustability range is awesome.
- Ceramic bezel = best bezel in the industry. The black ceramic is superb. It changes color from dark black to dark grey and titanium shades in certain lightings. The knurling for grip and bezel clicks for precise turning in and out of the water, with or without gloves, are perfect.
- Bezel pt. 2 = actual useful countdown 0-15 hashmarks and numerals to use as a timing device. Arguably more useful than a chronometer in most practical day to day use cases for timing everyday stuff.
- Oyster bracelet = Bank vault construction and durability, especially now that is has screws. What you actually want on a dive watch. Great width and taper. With the Oysterlock safety clasp as well, it's arguably one of the best bracelets made. The only thing missing that would make it perfect would be screwed-in, not traditional spring bars.
- Near perfect case shape & size = comfortable & wonderfully thin on the wrist. Now at 41mm it's def at the upper limit but the current lug design on the latest models wear much smaller than the 40 mm SuperCases of yesteryear. It wears and fits A LOT of wrists great.
- 300M water resistance = more than enough protection. People, it was good enough for Jacques Cousteau and his band of merry men. If your James Cameron go get a DeepSea.
- 70hrs of power reserve = this is a great amount of reserve to take off and set down on Friday, then put back on Monday without needing to adjust the time.
- A very nice dial = often completely overlooked and not celebrated but the white-gold markers, indices, hands and deep black dial are incredible. So legible at all angles and light levels.
- Wonderfully versatile = wear it with a business or a track suit. On bracelet or on strap. Take it to the office, the ocean or picnic on a Saturday. It's a one watch, do-it-all wonder.
- Reasonably priced at retail = it is an heirloom product, for a fair price. Period. I'm sorry that you don't already own one and that you can't buy one if you actually have the money to spend. Hey, I'm not happy that I can't buy other Rolex's that I want but life's not fair so quit your whinging! Just keep saving your money and keep begging an A.D. for the moment that you get the chance and then happily enjoy owning the World's greatest watch ever made 😉
- Cyclops = wart. I don't like it. You can't make me like it. But it's a part of the classic design. Legend says it is because Hans Wilsdorf wanted it there for his wife to be able to read the date on pre-Submariner models, first used in 1945 on a Datejust, and then used as a legally defensible, product differentiating feature with the Sub Date. I'm sure all the grey-hairs love the magnification on their Sub Dates. All kidding aside the Cyclops really does work well, even though I wish it wasn't there.
- BONUS: It is now a global currency = No matter where you find yourself on earth, having a Submariner on your wrist could save your life. It is a world currency and can be exchanged for cash or equivalent value at any time necessary. In fact I bet there would be more than a few takers right now if I offered mine for a fair and reasonable price at the exact same retail price I paid for it. And Heaven forbid... but if I had to get home from somewhere or handle a situation where I needed instant cash, I know my Submariner would be as good as gold, better in fact nowadays. Other watches are only as valuable as people "believe them to be" but a Rolex is measured by a different value structure the world over. No one in BFE knows what the heck a Journe, Moser, Gronefeld or MB&F is, but by God they know the Crown!
Most important, iconic, and influential?
Of course! Even haters dont deny this self-evident fact.
Best watch ever overall? Not even close! So many other watches out there outclass it from a performance and aesthetic standpoint.
That said... I still want one, though if I had to be nitpicky about it, I'd want a 2-Line Ref. 6538 with an original no-hatch bezel. I'm sure they are impossible to find in the wild, and would go for OBSCENE amounts of money if one still existed intact and in reasonable condition, but that's my ultimate grail watch; It was the one that started the "gotta have that cool watch" trend and is the one that inspired so many of us to pursue this hobby in the first place, and for that reason alone, I shall lust after and covet it until my dying breath.
It's an oddity that I think we'll always question. Why do we feel so compelled to own one? Just image they were able to give us an incarnation of the 6538... Suggestion! Find a BB58 Gilt and get a watchmaker to fit it with aftermarket gilt Merc hands. It looks unreal man... simply unreal... I'm playing with the idea myself 😉
Awesome video! Enjoyed your take on this topic and personally do believe it is THE best watch of all time.
Thank you David. It's a tough question to ask (and I'm sure many will disagree) BUT sometimes the simplest answer is often the right one 😆
I was active duty Navy Engineer on a ship in Long Beach from 1984-1989. We didn’t make much money so I had multiple side gigs. One such job was in a boiler room making calls asking people to invest. That put me in the company of very wealthy men. Rolls Royces and Rolex’s. I feel in love with a Submariner. To me it was very cool and a symbol of success.I bought a used 2005 model in 2010 for $5k and wear it every day. I’ll never part with that.
Terrific review. Thank you.
My pleasure Steve and thank you for taking the time to watch the clip! 🥃
I know this is a benchmark and awesome and iconic watch and definitely the most recognizable watch in the world. With that said I recently purchased my grail of grail watches and that’s the SLA047J1 Seiko Marine Master watch . To me the best diver watch ever made . I know this might opinion might be laughed off but I’ve never been happier or more satisfied with a watch in my life.
Great points to raise , i have just received my 126610 LV mark 2, love the new green 💚
Purchased and own the Rolex Submariner Ref. 114060 NO DATE in March 2013(a retirement gift to myself) in 2022 I finally took it in for service and the watch is still going
one reason that it's the greatest watch is that it's the same design essentially, which makes it timeless. They've made small incremental changes to perfect it.
I feel you Alex, that's definitely at the root of this argument 🥃
We'll, it's one of the best. I'd say the GMT Master II is a close second. And all of your reasons listed for why it is the best is all true. Great video by the way .
Yes it’s an icon, I have owned 3 Submariner’s (two used, one new) I sold them all! I loved them but in the end as great as they are, they have a dollar value and I want to enjoy other watches. The only watch I would never sell is my Bulova - Sea King, it was my dads and he got it at the Navy PX during the war. They also had a Rolex available but it was a few dollars more.
Absolutely! Only the Speedmaster can come close. The Submariner has influenced the industry like any other watch. The watch by itself is a classic. I owned one, but unfortunately I had to let it go. I thought it was going to be me grail until I saw the Seadweller. Not even close in popularity.
This is what I was trying to bring across in a few words Hugo, thank you! Undeniable that the Speedmaster is one of the true greats but it's in another category (may even be a better category for us enthusiasts) The Sub just hits the World differently. Speedies are for Space 😉 - between you and me, the SD or the GMT would be my choice given the option. The SD43 blew my mind when I got it on a few years back. Amazing, amazing machine 🥃
@@ID-Guy Indeed 🍻.
The Submariner is the world's greatest watch marketing exercise, one that continues to this very day and I'll doff my old uniform cap in Rolex's direction. But I've got other brands that are the world's greatest watches to me because of the memories associated with them. Great video though. 👍👍👍
And the greatest watch is the one on your wrist at the end of the day (great saying) 😉 Thank you for sharing this Ricky 🥃
I love my 2003 ss date. Received it as a gift for graduation from University. Love this watch. Best feeling watch and always beautiful to stare at everyday.
I think what is interesting about the watch is that when you hold it you know it will go on past you. After you pass away.
Yes yes yes ROLEX SUBMARINER KING 👑
Fantastic video as always. The Submariner is the perfect watch to me. I am blessed enough to have a 168000 and the modern version and both are perfect and have the magic Rolex dna
Great video beautiful Rolex watch.
Great video and very informative.
Thank you Anthony! Really enjoyed putting this one together 🥃
Great video and very well put. One thing that does bother me about the whole discussion is that people seem to keep ignoring the significance of the datejust, and i suspect it's because, unlike the sub, it's not an investment piece. In my opinion, it has had a bigger influence on watch design than the sub. And if one wants a true daily watch with no dive bezel but of similar quality, then I propose the DJ41 oyster bracelet smooth bezel.
I’m going to respectfully disagree-I think I write on behalf of millions of watch fans who have coveted Datejusts for years, myself included. I can’t imagine anyone turning down a Datejust given the opportunity to own one, and a fluted-bezel 36 is for me a masterpiece! When it comes to watch-flipping and investment potential and all the noise about what Rolexes are “entry-level” watches, however, I can’t help but tune that noise out. Unless someone’s an avid collector, then sure, but let’s get real: It’s a Rolex, not a rung on a ladder! Whether it’s an Air-King or that hideous-looking rainbow Daytona-if you like it-wear it, appreciate it, and check the time on your wrist every day with tremendous pride and gratitude.
Excellent video!! Your beautiful combination of video production and effective use of language yield a wonderful, alternate perspective to the world of watches. I can't believe I get to watch these videos for free!! Thanks!!
I have to say that NKUWAN 's watches is amazing!
jyst bought one last weekend and its so beautifull!! very happy with it
Design and shape wise is it one of the best. I personally prefer the GMT Master, i think this is the best watch ever made.
For dive watches i think the Fifty Fathoms and Planet Ocean watches are cooler for summer.
Nice one again!
I was hoping for bloopers at the end.😉
Thank you for the entertaining content; thoughtful, interesting, and sometimes humorous.
While I will never own a Submariner (it is way out of my price range), it certainly is an icon. One thing you didn’t mention was the Submariner’s military heritage which in part explains the link to the early James Bond films.
The fact that the Submariner today is a luxury item is a reality that makes it no longer a watch that a could be worn by a combat swimmer, but it carries that history with it and offers some promise of adventure even to the deal divers.
Great video!
A Bold statement indeed and I can't think anyone else has actually said it which seems hard to believe. You're so right of course. Sitting there like the holy grail of dive watches to which every manufacturer's best efforts are judged. Whatever anyone thinks of it , sometimes when a design is just so right I think the job is done and it can only evolve. Push the basic core too far and the design is lost. An obvious example to me would be the 911 whose performance has got better and better over the years. However, in terms of aesthetics I have opened a whole new can of worms! Not had a chance to check out your new channel yet , for your thoughts on all things design. I'm sure it will do well.
This watch would have saved me so much money if I owned it as my first watch.
Well obviously man! Its fun to go back to some of the fundamental questions and revisit. Also, your on Patreon correct? Making sure I’m donating to the correct channel.
Yes. Alongside the Datejust it remains one of their most iconic watches.
ABSOLUTLY It's the only watch that can give you unequaled confidence 🏅
I saw my first Sub on the wrist of a diver in Singapore when I was 14. To me, it is the Porsche 911 of wristwatches. It's design and utility embody the principle that "form follows function". So eventually I bought one and I love it everyday. However surely the vote for the 'greatest' watch of all time must go to the Girard-Perregaux 1966 chronometer? This was the world's first wrist watch chronometer and allowed the public to have wrist watch accuracy going forwards. Obviously, I wanted to say Harrisons marine chronometer (1730) but you could argue that was a clock. Still I always love an homage to my greatest wristwatch every - The Sub.
I’ve had everything there is nothing like a submariner. It is right on target on every level.
To me, the Sub is the most iconic watch of all time, and owes its status to its purity of design -- form following function. It was made to go underwater. But nowadays, I think a traveler's watch is more useful than a watch designed for underwater use. Thus, I could argue that the GMT Master (now the II) is the GOAT. It shares some functional and design similarities with the Sub. It can be dressed up or down. And it still can go 100m underwater.
I think viewing it on a "World Scale" The Sub is more recognisable to most BUT the GMT is a true banger... I'd love to add one maybe in the next 20 years 😆Well said about the function and design (they are on par) Really, the whole theme could translate to the SD's, Exp2's and Yachtmasters too... so many similar spin-offs that came from the Sub and GMT 🥃
Certainly one of the best designed and proportioned models.
Its a visual icon for a reason.
The submariner is indeed the greatest watch of all time. Longevity and consistency is unmatched.
The Submariner is a stunning watch, as is the Pelagos FXD. Still really fortunate that my AD sold me both the 124060 and FXD within 3 weeks of each other last year.
Definitely agree! The Submariner is everything 🙌 😍 👌
Just a great show. Thanks
Another great video. 👏👏👍
The submariner is pure class with out the cyclops wort true classic 🔥👌
The Sea-Dwellers nailed it back in the day... Ah, a Double Red 1665 🔥