In my book, the experience of acquiring a fine timepiece is only as good as my AD. My friends at Palladio Jewellers here in Vancouver came through for me, and in four short weeks were able to source my Submariner 114060. Finding a more sincerely welcoming and ethical group of people would not be possible. Acquiring my first Rolex Diver has been a truly gratifying experience. Whenever I visited the shop after ordering the watch, Kenny assured me that they would let me know as soon as it arrived, even though I knew they would not let me down.
Submariner and Palladio Pin
Why did I wait so long, over 20 years, to get a Submariner? Admittedly, I first avoided it because of the stigma attached to being a Rolex owner, in particular the Submariner. I suppose that was a sign of immaturity or lack of self confidence, as I didn't want the label of being a show-off. And, to be honest, I am not a diver and decided for that reason it would be silly to own a diver watch. When the case became super sized and the dial became maxi in 2012, I loved the look of the 114060 even more. Again, I talked myself out of it because I did not believe in using ceramics on a watch. I decided that if I let the watch hit on a sharp or hard object, and the bezel shattered, then it would be an expensive fix. Seven years later, I have yet to hear of that happening.
As it turns out, I really think that I was saving the best for last.
Over the years, I owned 6 other Rolex models, including the 114270 which I presently have. During the years, I read and re-read only outstanding reviews of the 114060 and admired posts and photos of the watch on the forums. I did get to see the Submariner for the last time, in real life, over 5 years ago. What impressed me most, among other elements, was the amazing crown action, the handling, and the secure way that it screws into the case.
Whatever Rolex does, they do flawlessly. And there a few things that they don't do at all. But it is the things they don't do, that I actually appreciate and do not detract from my enjoyment of the watch. And cause me to respect the brand even more. There is no anti-reflective coating on the sapphire crystal, neither on the front nor on the back. There is no design or etching on the case back. They don't copy other brands. They don't make their cases unnecessarily large, although I realize there is some debate about the SD43, but I have my own opinions about that and quite understand why Rolex finds it necessary. There is no Helium Escape Valve on the Submariner. With the depth rating and integrity of the case it is simply not necessary. I also really appreciate that they present the watch in a simple utilitarian box without unnecessary frills.
I absolutely love the heft of this watch, how it fits on my wrist, and it's wrist presence without being overly large or gaudy. The 904L steel used does have a different hue. It polishes up, and brushes up beautifully. It has just the right shine to make it interesting without being blingy. The bezel absolutely sparkles, and to my mind provides a seamless compatibility with the dial. The applied markers, framed give a pearl like sparkle, along with the iconic Mercedes hour hand and lollipop second hand. Lastly, the adjustable Glidelock clasp provides superior comfort with the least expansion or contraction of the wrist.
That's all I'm gonna say about this iconic watch. Most everyone on these watch forums knows the basic details, and these are all available on the Rolex website and countless excellent reviews and photos all over the web. So I'm just presenting the favourites of the pics that I took so far:
My Palladio Trilogy: Pin, Sub and Ring (also from Palladio about 5 years ago)
A few of my photos from the internet of my favorite elements of the Sub. Over the years, I would review these photos to remind me why I wanted this watch:
That's it. Thank You for looking and thanks to all of you on the forums for your comments and discussions over the past few months, in regards to my choice of watch, whether it be the SD43 or the Submariner. Always such a pleasure to exchange comments and opinions. So much appreciated.
Cheers,
Carl
Submariner and Palladio Pin
Why did I wait so long, over 20 years, to get a Submariner? Admittedly, I first avoided it because of the stigma attached to being a Rolex owner, in particular the Submariner. I suppose that was a sign of immaturity or lack of self confidence, as I didn't want the label of being a show-off. And, to be honest, I am not a diver and decided for that reason it would be silly to own a diver watch. When the case became super sized and the dial became maxi in 2012, I loved the look of the 114060 even more. Again, I talked myself out of it because I did not believe in using ceramics on a watch. I decided that if I let the watch hit on a sharp or hard object, and the bezel shattered, then it would be an expensive fix. Seven years later, I have yet to hear of that happening.
As it turns out, I really think that I was saving the best for last.
Over the years, I owned 6 other Rolex models, including the 114270 which I presently have. During the years, I read and re-read only outstanding reviews of the 114060 and admired posts and photos of the watch on the forums. I did get to see the Submariner for the last time, in real life, over 5 years ago. What impressed me most, among other elements, was the amazing crown action, the handling, and the secure way that it screws into the case.
Whatever Rolex does, they do flawlessly. And there a few things that they don't do at all. But it is the things they don't do, that I actually appreciate and do not detract from my enjoyment of the watch. And cause me to respect the brand even more. There is no anti-reflective coating on the sapphire crystal, neither on the front nor on the back. There is no design or etching on the case back. They don't copy other brands. They don't make their cases unnecessarily large, although I realize there is some debate about the SD43, but I have my own opinions about that and quite understand why Rolex finds it necessary. There is no Helium Escape Valve on the Submariner. With the depth rating and integrity of the case it is simply not necessary. I also really appreciate that they present the watch in a simple utilitarian box without unnecessary frills.
I absolutely love the heft of this watch, how it fits on my wrist, and it's wrist presence without being overly large or gaudy. The 904L steel used does have a different hue. It polishes up, and brushes up beautifully. It has just the right shine to make it interesting without being blingy. The bezel absolutely sparkles, and to my mind provides a seamless compatibility with the dial. The applied markers, framed give a pearl like sparkle, along with the iconic Mercedes hour hand and lollipop second hand. Lastly, the adjustable Glidelock clasp provides superior comfort with the least expansion or contraction of the wrist.
That's all I'm gonna say about this iconic watch. Most everyone on these watch forums knows the basic details, and these are all available on the Rolex website and countless excellent reviews and photos all over the web. So I'm just presenting the favourites of the pics that I took so far:
My Palladio Trilogy: Pin, Sub and Ring (also from Palladio about 5 years ago)
A few of my photos from the internet of my favorite elements of the Sub. Over the years, I would review these photos to remind me why I wanted this watch:
That's it. Thank You for looking and thanks to all of you on the forums for your comments and discussions over the past few months, in regards to my choice of watch, whether it be the SD43 or the Submariner. Always such a pleasure to exchange comments and opinions. So much appreciated.
Cheers,
Carl
