First Rolex - Submariner Steel (advices)

[luisbologna]

Hello, everyone!

It’s my first time over here so if I’m doing something wrong please tell me!

Long story short, I live in Brazil and as a graduation gift from law school I’ll be getting a Submariner steel!

But I have some doubts. First of all, date or no date? I think the no date sub has a cleaner look, but the cyclops is kind of a signature thing in Rolex wathches! So I really am in doubt and I’m looking forward to hear your opinions on this particular topic.

The second thing is that I’m planning to buy the watch in the US. So I would like to know what is the best place to buy it (either Miami or NYC) and what price am I suppose to face. And finally I would like to know if the prices of the authorized dealers (or the duty free) in the US are much lower than the MSRP Rolex asks in its oficial catalogue.

Thank you all very much for the patience!

[RoundelMike]

Hello! The first thing you should know is that, as of right now, there are more differences between the regular Submariner models and the Submariner Date than just the date complication. Here they are side by side, for comparison:



There are lots of cosmetic differences, and to my eyes, the "maxi" dial markings and hands stand out the most. Basically the hour markers and hands are fatter and more pronounced on the Sub Date. Also the bracelet and clasp are higher quality on the new model. You can probably see other differences too, and there are quite a few. Everyone has different preferences and you should go for the one you like best. Just be aware that they aren't exactly the same watch. BUT Rolex is changing the no-date Sub over to the maxi look and feel soon and they'll resemble one another more closely again.

In my opinion, since you asked, I'd go for the regular no-date Sub every time, especially while the old model is still available. Not only is it cheaper, but the smaller hands and dial markings look more classic and elegant than the new styling. These days cars have giant badging, people wear giant watches, and we have giant hands on those watches. It's a trend, I think, and I'm not really into trends. So the classic Sub gets my vote.

As for USA distributors and discounting, there are some discounts available but not much these days. Rolex dealers are becoming rarer and there's less price competition so deals are harder to find. That's my experience anyway. I don't know export/customs laws regarding export of Rolex watches from the USA, so it may not be an option anyway. Someone else on here will probably know about that.

[luisbologna]

Hello! The first thing you should know is that, as of right now, there are more differences between the regular Submariner models and the Submariner Date than just the date complication. Here they are side by side, for comparison:



There are lots of cosmetic differences, and to my eyes, the "maxi" dial markings and hands stand out the most. Basically the hour markers and hands are fatter and more pronounced on the Sub Date. Also the bracelet and clasp are higher quality on the new model. You can probably see other differences too, and there are quite a few. Everyone has different preferences and you should go for the one you like best. Just be aware that they aren't exactly the same watch. BUT Rolex is changing the no-date Sub over to the maxi look and feel soon and they'll resemble one another more closely again.

In my opinion, since you asked, I'd go for the regular no-date Sub every time, especially while the old model is still available. Not only is it cheaper, but the smaller hands and dial markings look more classic and elegant than the new styling. These days cars have giant badging, people wear giant watches, and we have giant hands on those watches. It's a trend, I think, and I'm not really into trends. So the classic Sub gets my vote.

As for USA distributors and discounting, there are some discounts available but not much these days. Rolex dealers are becoming rarer and there's less price competition so deals are harder to find. That's my experience anyway. I don't know export/customs laws regarding export of Rolex watches from the USA, so it may not be an option anyway. Someone else on here will probably know about that.

Hello! Thanks a lot for your prompt and complete response!

Yes, I´m aware of that changes. In fact, I´ve been to one of Brazil's authorized dealres on saturday and I was able to try both models as they are today (with ceramic bezel, larger hands and etc...

Personally, I also preffer the old subs, but I'm afraid they will be hard to find now, right (at least considering that I would like my first Rolex to be a new one)?

As of the authorized dealers in the US, I'm not able to see a list of them because the Rolex website redirects me automatically o the brazilian site. Therefore, would it be possibly for any of you to just name 2 or 3 dealers so I'm able to send an email asking for the prices and availability of the watches?

Once again thank you very much for our patience!

[Jason71]

Welcome to the site. Are you traveling to the USA to see family? If so, I would recommend using one of the online sellers on this site. You can check my state of the collection thread to see my watches. MOST of my watches were pre-owned from just a handful of sellers on these forums. I can give you a couple names if you are interested. It would probably save you a substantial amount of money.

[subpro300]

In my opinion, since you asked, I'd go for the regular no-date Sub every time, especially while the old model is still available. Not only is it cheaper, but the smaller hands and dial markings look more classic and elegant than the new styling. These days cars have giant badging, people wear giant watches, and we have giant hands on those watches. It's a trend, I think, and I'm not really into trends. So the classic Sub gets my vote.

I agree 100%. I purchased mine preowned in 2006 and never regretted it. Classic look and very comfortable to wear!

[Blunderact]

Brand new will be comfortable. IMHO

[Jason71]

Brand new will be comfortable. IMHO

Not sure why brand-new would be more comfortable than pre-owned.

[Blunderact]

Although, I had pulled the trigger at the local forum to get a preloved piece. I was just late by a minute. The other forum member was a trigger happy and fast. He got it first. =)

[Original scope]

For the money I say go for a vintage 5513!It is a classic.jmtc.