Five years ago, I fulfilled a little dream and bought myself a Rolex Submariner, probably the most famous Rolex of all time and the most copied watch in the world. After five years of wearing the legendary diving watch every occasion imaginable, it’s time to come to an honest conclusion: Is the design really as timeless as people say? How does the technology perform after so many years? Does it lose some of its quality after being worn for so long? Is it really such a stable investment? Is the hype surrounding the Rolex Submariner justified? Or has there been a certain amount of disillusionment after so many years of wear? Find out for yourself.
Rolex Submariner: Is the design really so timeless?
The name Rolex Submariner is synonymous with timelessness. The watch is considered an icon with an incomparable design – at least that is the opinion of many watch fans. I bought my model, reference 114060, from an official Rolex dealer in 2019. The watch was first released in 2012 and was already seven years old at the time of purchase. The Submariner Date had already been on the market for nine years at that time. Both were the first Submariner models with a six-digit reference to offer a maxi-case. Both the ceramic bezel and Glidelock clasp were introduced for the first time on these two references, which are visually identical except for the date.
The Submariner 114060 has a diameter of 40 mm, a lug-to-lug distance of 48 mm, and a thickness of 12.5 mm. The lug width is 20 mm. In 2020, this variant and the date version were discontinued and replaced by two new six-digit references. The dimensions of the new references are slightly different: The new variant has a real diameter of 40.5 mm, a lug-to-lug distance of 47.6 mm, and a thickness of 12 mm. The lug width also changed and is now 21 mm. The dimensions were changed to adapt to today’s wearing habits. Although the changes to the case are noticeable on the wrist, they were made very carefully. The general design has remained virtually untouched. So it’s true: the legendary diver’s watch is undeniably timeless in design. Although my Submariner model is over twelve years old and has since been replaced by another, I never feel like I own an outdated model.
What are the technical features of the Rolex Submariner 114060?
The design is still impressive today. But what about the technology? Is it still up to date if the model has been around for twelve years and has now been replaced by a new one? The in-house movement 3130 was already used in the Rolex Submariner ref. 14060 in 2001. Although it only has a power reserve of 48 hours and can no longer keep up with the current standard of today’s watches, it’s considered a workhorse among Rolex movements. The built-in caliber 3130 is known for its reliability. It’s also amazingly accurate: After five years, my watch is only running about one second slower per day. With a water resistance of 300 meters (30 bar, 984 feet), the watch offers the same standard as the current Submariner. The ceramic bezel and Glidelock system are also in no way inferior to the new version.
After five years, the only thing I really miss is an anti-reflective sapphire crystal. That’s only included with the new Submariner reference. The newer watch easier to read. The dial also appears slightly darker, thanks to the anti-reflective coating. This is a clear advantage over my variant, which is often extremely reflective.
Rolex Submariner: Feel and Quality
Rolex watches are known for their excellent workmanship and quality. For me, that is the strongest selling point of a Rolex. The way the watches can be operated and the sounds that are produced when the bezel and clasp are operated are quite something. But is this still the case after five years of wear? I was very active with my Rolex Submariner and wore it every day and for all my leisure activities. I have also used the watch for its intended purpose: My Submariner has endured several beach vacations by the sea, including sand and salt water, without any problems. The knurling of the diver’s bezel is still as sharp as it was on day one, and the same applies to its feel: It’s still easy to turn and feels exactly the same as when I first tried it out in 2019. The case edges are crisp, the clasp closes tightly, and the Glidelock system can also be operated without any changes. Apart from micro-scratches, which are particularly visible on the polished flanks, the watch has hardly aged at all. The build quality and feel are still a lot of fun, even after five years.
Rolex Submariner 114060: Value Retention
I bought my Rolex Submariner in 2019 for $7,600. That was close to the official list price at the time. If we look at Submariner models from 2019 today, we can see that the cheapest models in used condition are available for just under $11,200. The Rolex Submariner also cuts an excellent figure in terms of value retention. I have no intention of selling the watch, but it’s nice to know that it’s worth more today than it was years ago, don’t you think? The current reference of the Rolex Submariner is likely to be similar to my model in terms of value. The Rolex Submariner ref. 124060 currently has a list price of around $10,600. The current version of the diving watch is available in used condition from around $11,200.
Rolex Submariner 114060: Pros and Cons
My continued enthusiasm for the Rolex Submariner is obvious, but there are also things that I dislike about the diving watch. The monochromatic, modern look of the Rolex Submariner is great, but the shiny surface of the bezel and the black lacquered dial mean that fingerprints or dirt show more quickly than a watch enthusiast would like. More importantly, the lack of an anti-reflective coating on the sapphire crystal, which is present on the new Submariner reference, is a major drawback. So the ref. 114060 loses a few points when it comes to readability.
But in my opinion, it has one of the most iconic case designs of all time. The maxi case, which has been criticized by many watch fans, makes the watch unique and striking. The bracelet tapers sharply to the bottom, reinforcing its unmistakable look. But the biggest positive surprise for me has been how it’s perceived by others: Although the Rolex Submariner is considered a famous watch, I’ve been flying under the radar with it for the past five years. I was only approached about the watch twice – in both cases, interesting conversations with like-minded watch enthusiasts ensued. So if you’re worried that the famous diving watch might be too conspicuous, let me put your mind at ease: The diver is more discreet than it’s made out to be – especially the black version.
Rolex Submariner 114060: Conclusion
Now it’s time to answer the question posed at the beginning: Is the hype surrounding the Rolex Submariner justified? Or have I become a bit disillusioned after five years of wearing it? Now that I have more experience with watches than I did five years ago, there are more exciting watches for me personally than a black Rolex Submariner. This is also the reason why I wear it less often now, preferring other models in my collection. Nevertheless, buying the famous Rolex has been worthwhile in every respect and I cannot imagine my collection without it. It has an absolutely timeless design that will still be relevant ten years from now. Even after five years, it’s still extremely reliable. Although I’ve been very active with the watch, other than superficial scratches, there is no visible wear, and the watch is actually worth more today than it was when I bought it in 2019. After five years of wearing a Rolex Submariner, I can tell you that whether it is a Submariner, Explorer, or Datejust, a Rolex is definitely a watch for life!
