I’m sure some of you have “runners.” You know, you can see that you’ve never missed or simply chased. For me, strangely enough, it’s probably my favorite watch, the Rolex Submariner ref. 14060M. When I was in a position to buy it, it was out of reach. It’s within reach, so there’s a more pressing priority. So when Nacho asked me to do one and practical thing, I jumped at the opportunity. This is how we carried it.
Why is the Submariner 14060m?
From my previous meditations, you may know that my love lies in the old Rolex Submariner ref. 5508. GILT5512/5513 is nearby. Still, this 14060M is something you’ll probably buy if the push sticks out.
why? Well, that’s because it’s famous for bridging the gap between vintage and modern. The latest build quality, rock solid caliber 3130, sapphire crystal, elongated proportions, and matte aluminum bezel inserts, under the radar, and pre-arrange the aesthetics of the previous. If you choose a watch for worry-free, hard everyday wear, this fits your bill.
Pricing also plays a role. The beloved five-digit generation is currently the most affordable. Combine it with simple and affordable service and there are watches that you can wear with confidence. When I was in the market they got about 11k-12k, but that couldn’t afford. Today you will find a large amount of them for 8k euros. Frankly, I think this is one of the best watches that can be easily purchased within 10,000 euros. In particular, the M version has several valuable upgrades, namely a full balanced bridge and a large balanced wheel, making it the perfect everyday watch.
Why the Submariner 14060m is the pinnacle of dive watches
Looking at the development of dive watches, we can see roughly two eras. The first is defined by the ongoing effort to complete the diving watch, while the second is characterized by a switch to make it luxurious. This transition coincided with the massive adoption of dive computers by the end of the 20th century, and like all genres of mechanical watches, the industry’s response to the quartz crisis.
The five-digit submariner is at a crossroads. Certainly, it already came with some extravagance like the white gold surround of the index. But at the same time, it feels far from the shiny, safe queen that continues. Certainly, all new generation subs are still functionally evolving, but profits diminish as Rolex sneaks up with technical perfection. This 5-digit era already offers all the specifications and necessary features.
Comparing the generations of Submariners inevitably allows us to understand the impact of seemingly minor details. I’m lost in subjectivity here, but next to the later biggest ceramic bezel sub, this looks endlessly refined and elegant. These may not be the two descriptors at the top of the list when purchasing a diving tool, but 14060m indicates that you can really eat your cake and eat it.
Leader, not followers
The above only explains why you feel like the Submariner 14060m is sitting at the top of the Rolex Submariner development. It still leaves the ocean of competitors there. However, few people are managed not only by submariners. In fact, as explained in this early article on Fratello, few brands actually manage heroes or Rolex.
The Submariner was part of the first wave of diving watches in the early 1950s (as you know today). It has been produced continuously ever since. Importantly, the model has undergone a slow, caring evolution over decades. Unlike all of our competitors, we didn’t get lost from our core identity to follow the trends. The 1980s sub doesn’t look like a product of that decade. It looks like a sub. Omega, Blancpain, and everything else failed on that one simple measure.
Additionally, Rolex has found the cleanest and simplest solution to the challenges of dive watch design. I sometimes feel like almost every other dive watch came out of the design briefs I read, “You shouldn’t make it look like a Submariner, but it’s not very different to a Submariner.” This makes the Rolex Submariner a true segment leader, not a follower.
My experience with the Submariner 14060M
Now, reading all of that, I say I’m approaching this as a five-figure sub political campaign. Frankly, I don’t care if people agree to any of the above. These are just rationalizations of how I feel about this watch.
It was an absolute joy to be reunited at Submariner 14060m for this article. This watch doubts me everything else. It feels like I’m at home on my wrist through the perfect sports watch proportions and its classic and even iconic design. Certainly, I feel that this watch is very familiar, so I am bored. But that’s a good thing in my book. I like it blending in rather than it stands out. It’s a Rolex I wear for myself and not impressing others. Frankly, modern Rolex watches are not that good.
It feels like I owned this watch and I’ve worn it for years, but that’s not the case. Probably a proportional similarity to my Explorer II ref. 16570 Deceive my brain. You can doubt your previous choices in Explorer II. It might be a more original choice, but I’m worried that my love for the sub will still run a little deeper.
Close thoughts
Well, it didn’t turn out to be a very critical review? Not all reviews are required. I have changed my hobby of watches into my profession. I don’t want to nitpick any drawbacks that can be found with a fine tooth comb when I move me as much as the Rolex Submariner 14060m. Sometimes I just want to share my excitement with the community. After all, isn’t it so exciting that brought us here in the first place?
So, is there a Rolex Submariner 14060m in my future? it depends. With my daily clocks organized, I might go instead looking for that vintage predecessor. But if I had to integrate my daily clock into one, this would be my go-to for a moment.
What “runs away”? Are there any watches you’ve always admired but never won? Let us know in the comments section below!