Best First Rolex Submariner? Bob’s Watches Experts Debate!

Every well-rounded watch box needs at least one Rolex Submariner, but which model is the best? Watch the discussion on this week’s edition of The Great Watch Debate. https://www.bobswatches.com NAVIGATE THIS VIDEO The Great Watch Debate tackles the topics collectors are most passionate about. This week, the spotlight is on the best first Rolex Submariner. Find links to buy the watches featured in this video below. WRIST CHECK Justin’s Wrist: Rolex Submariner White Gold Ref. 116619 Find the Rolex 116619 for sale here: https://www.bobswatches.com/shop?quer... Ripley’s Wrist: Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 126719BLRO Find the Rolex Ref. 126719BLRO here: https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-gmt... Emily’s Wrist: Cartier Tank Ref. 8105 Find the Cartier Ref. 8105 here: https://www.bobswatches.com/cartier/c... JUSTIN’S DEBATE WATCH: Rolex Submariner Ref. 16800 Find the Rolex 16800 for sale here: https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex/sub... 2024 Rolex Submariner Price: Approx. $9,786 Reference 16800 (not to be confused with references 1680 or 168000) is widely considered to be a transitional Submariner in many watch-collecting circles because it introduced many upgrades to the collection when it was released in the 1970s while retaining some inherently vintage design elements from its predecessor, ref. 1680. For example, ref. 16800 replaced the previous Plexiglas crystal with scratch-resistant sapphire, introduced the collection to the Triplock screw-down crown, and increased its depth rating from 200 meters on the previous ref. 1680 to the modern standard of 300 meters. A few years after coming to market, Rolex upgraded the ref. 16800 to include a uni-directional bezel, making it the first Submariner in Rolex history to feature it. Additionally, the model originally ran on the caliber 1575, ultimately upgrading to caliber 3035 with a Quickset date later in its production. Ref. 16800 also retained the vintage matte dial with painted hour markers from its predecessor and upgraded later on to the glitzier glossy dial with applied white gold hour markers. As such an important model in Rolex’s history, we can see why Justin would choose the ref. 16800 as the best first Rolex Submariner. It has a lot of potential as a collector’s item yet is still relatively approachable for most budgets. Additionally, with so many variations, it’s a fascinating watch to hunt for on the secondary market and collect. RIPLEY’S DEBATE WATCH: Rolex Submariner Ref. 16610 Find the Rolex 16610 for sale here: https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex/sub... 2024 Rolex Submariner Price: Approx. $8,595 Reference 16610 came to market in the late 1980s, featuring many of the same upgrades as Justin’s pick, ref. 16800. The bezel is uni-directional, the case is rated waterproof up to 300 meters, and features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. It also sports the same glossy dial with applied white gold and luminescent hour markers. What sets ref. 16610 apart from ref. 16800? It features the upgraded caliber 3135 with a full balance bridge and an upgraded balance wheel. The watch remained in production until around 2010, when it was discontinued to make room for the first generation of ceramic bezel Submariners. That means that ref. 16610 was the last of the stainless steel models in the collection to sport an aluminum bezel. During its impressive, decades-long production run, many variations of the watch were produced. The bracelet was upgraded from hollow end links to solid end links, and Rolex eliminated the visible lug holes on the side of the case. Additionally, ref. 16610 used various types of lume, depending on the year the watch was produced. Like ref. 16800, Ripley’s pick offers collectors a lot of value and is a fascinating watch to collect because of its many variations. Furthermore, it has the modern aesthetic many seek while keeping it classic with a pre-super case and a somewhat nostalgic aluminum bezel. Which Submariner are you adding to your collection? Let us know in the comments. CONNECT WITH BOB'S WATCHES Discover more on: https://www.bobswatch.es/youtube X: https://www.x.com/BobsWatches Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bobswatches?... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobswatches... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bobswatchesof...