REVIEW: The Rolex Submariner 116619>>>>>>

[jholbrook]

Morning all!

Thought we'd start 2009 off right with a review of one of Rolex's newest models - click here to read the review! (http://www.rolexreferencepage.com/116619/116619review.html)

As always, reply to this message with any questions or comments.

[ulfale]

Well done :gut:

[Moehf]

cool, thank you!

[retsyo]

Wow, great review! :gut: :gut:

I'm in love with that beauty anyway, so you just made my day! :verneig:

[watchfreak2003]

Great review - as usual :gut: Thanks.


I tried 116619 on the other day at my AD. Stunning watch, but it’s the 116613LN I’m waiting for :verneig:

Compared to my 116713 GMTC the 116619 seemed to be slightly thinner. Did you notice the same? I assume that the cal. 3186 is slightly thicker than the cal. 3135.

[jholbrook]

Originally posted by watchfreak2003
Great review - as usual :gut: Thanks.


I tried 116619 on the other day at my AD. Stunning watch, but it’s the 116613LN I’m waiting for :verneig:

Compared to my 116713 GMTC the 116619 seemed to be slightly thinner. Did you notice the same? I assume that the cal. 3186 is slightly thicker than the cal. 3135.

Jesper - you and me both!! If they have the same dial color that's on my current 16613 on the "116613" then it will be hard to walk away from a 16613 with that new clasp and solid center links. :ea:

The cal. 3186 isn't thicker than the 3135 as it was easily retro fitted into the 16710-3186 version of the classic 16710 GMT II (I have an article on this on my Rolex Reference Page - I own one). The GMT IIC is thicker apparently purely for cosmetic reasons. I for one like that the 116619 is roughly the same thickness as previous generation Subs. :gut:

[Hannibal]

Great detailed review and fine photos.:gut:
The new Submariner may be a technical improvement but I prefer the look of the old model.
Kind regards
Volker

[eee]

great.
perfect information.

[jholbrook]

Originally posted by Hannibal
Great detailed review and fine photos.:gut:
The new Submariner may be a technical improvement but I prefer the look of the old model.
Kind regards
Volker

At this point Volker, I agree. But by the time the 2010 rolls around, I might change my mind. :tongue:

[Boris_Koch]

Class work, John, but that has come to be expected given the usual quality of your reviews.

As for the new generation of Submariners, I am obviously very impressed with the new clasp. I don't mind the thicker lugs / crown guards so much, my biggest gripe would be about the polished finish of the center link of the bracelet. You can make the case that it's OK on a full gold or two-tone watch, and I would agree given that they are supposed to be worn in more dressy / casual chic occasions.

But my fear is that, by the time they introduce the full steel version in 2010, they will keep this feature as they did on the new GMT Master IIC. I would much prefer they keep the brushed finish as they did on the Deep Sea for all their full steel sports model. This polished center link is an absolute scratch magnet, and has too much of a "bling" factor for a true sports watch, even a luxury one.

Boris

[jholbrook]

Originally posted by Boris_Koch
Class work, John, but that has come to be expected given the usual quality of your reviews.

As for the new generation of Submariners, I am obviously very impressed with the new clasp. I don't mind the thicker lugs / crown guards so much, my biggest gripe would be about the polished finish of the center link of the bracelet. You can make the case that it's OK on a full gold or two-tone watch, and I would agree given that they are supposed to be worn in more dressy / casual chic occasions.

But my fear is that, by the time they introduce the full steel version in 2010, they will keep this feature as they did on the new GMT Master IIC. I would much prefer they keep the brushed finish as they did on the Deep Sea for all their full steel sports model. This polished center link is an absolute scratch magnet, and has too much of a "bling" factor for a true sports watch, even a luxury one.

Boris

Thanks Boris - the bracelet on the Deep Sea gives me hope that the SS black dial version of the Sub coming in 2010 will have an all-brushed bracelet.

[Skip*17]

8o 8o Great review - as usual :verneig:

[watchfreak2003]

A little bracelet “polished center links, scratch magnet” Note ;)


Personally, I too hope that the new 116610 will be fitted with an all brushed bracelet, but I think it’s a bit overkill to call the polished center links models a “scratch magnet” .
I’ve owned five Rolex with polished center links (four gold/steel and one YM)
and never had any kind of problems with scratched up bracelets – and I use my watches :gut:

[hoppenstedt]

Original von jholbrook

Originally posted by Boris_Koch
Class work, John, but that has come to be expected given the usual quality of your reviews.

As for the new generation of Submariners, I am obviously very impressed with the new clasp. I don't mind the thicker lugs / crown guards so much, my biggest gripe would be about the polished finish of the center link of the bracelet. You can make the case that it's OK on a full gold or two-tone watch, and I would agree given that they are supposed to be worn in more dressy / casual chic occasions.

But my fear is that, by the time they introduce the full steel version in 2010, they will keep this feature as they did on the new GMT Master IIC. I would much prefer they keep the brushed finish as they did on the Deep Sea for all their full steel sports model. This polished center link is an absolute scratch magnet, and has too much of a "bling" factor for a true sports watch, even a luxury one.

Boris

Thanks Boris - the bracelet on the Deep Sea gives me hope that the SS black dial version of the Sub coming in 2010 will have an all-brushed bracelet.

Great thread, John, and containing perfect information and pictrues! Thank you so far :dr:

If it will come true that the new submariner comes in SS with an all brushed bracelet, it will certainly be my new project for the following period...

[jholbrook]

Originally posted by watchfreak2003
A little bracelet “polished center links, scratch magnet” Note ;)


Personally, I too hope that the new 116610 will be fitted with an all brushed bracelet, but I think it’s a bit overkill to call the polished center links models a “scratch magnet” .
I’ve owned five Rolex with polished center links (four gold/steel and one YM)
and never had any kind of problems with scratched up bracelets – and I use my watches :gut:

I tend to agree Jesper. I've owned a fair amount of each. I work in an office and while I find a brushed bracelet practically maintainence free, a polished center link bracelet will require some work with a Cape Codd polishing cloth a couple of times a year. No big deal.

[watchfreak2003]

Original von jholbrook

Originally posted by watchfreak2003
A little bracelet “polished center links, scratch magnet” Note ;)


Personally, I too hope that the new 116610 will be fitted with an all brushed bracelet, but I think it’s a bit overkill to call the polished center links models a “scratch magnet” .
I’ve owned five Rolex with polished center links (four gold/steel and one YM)
and never had any kind of problems with scratched up bracelets – and I use my watches :gut:

I tend to agree Jesper. I've owned a fair amount of each. I work in an office and while I find a brushed bracelet practically maintainence free, a polished center link bracelet will require some work with a Cape Codd polishing cloth a couple of times a year. No big deal.


I know I’m in the minority here, but scratches really don’t bother me and I would never polish surface of my bracelet with e.g. a Cape Codd polishing cloth.
The only thing i’m touchy about is WHO makes the scratches - therefore I always buy brand new ;-]

[Muigaulwurf]

Very nice review, thanks John :gut:

[PCS]

Fantastic John!

I guess, I like this watch more and more every day....... =(

[jholbrook]

Originally posted by PCS
Fantastic John!

I guess, I like this watch more and more every day....... =(

Don't you just hate that? Just when you think you can see light at the end of the watch tunnel, Rolex goes and makes another one you like.... :motz: :tongue:

[PCS]

So it is. ;)

[Flying Spur]

I love this watch.
I need this watch.
but I'll have to buy it as a vintage Rolex. :)

[jholbrook]

Originally posted by Flying Spur
I love this watch.
I need this watch.
but I'll have to buy it as a vintage Rolex. :)

What? And pay more?? We all know what happens to the price of vintage Rolex.... :tongue:

[andreph]

Original von Muigaulwurf
Very nice review, thanks John :gut:

I really agree with you.