I would not do it as a new owner of the 124060. I must admit that this will be the last to go in my collection. It is definitely a must have for any collection.Your sub 7" inch wrist should be fine. Post some pictures for reference.

What other watches do you have in the collection? You will end up wanting it back

 

On the side note, have you played around with the half links?

 

Will post some photos shortly, but I have some other divers in the collection (Damasko, Mühle, etc.), a GS SBGN003, and a NOMOS Club Sport 37. The Club Sport really fills the role of the Explorer, so there would be some redundancy. I haven't played with half-links. Might not be a bad idea... I'm with you though, the thought of selling the Sub seems crazy and I do really, really enjoy it.

 

In that case, I would absolutely keep in if I were in your shoes. Hope moving of half links helps. I've even seen some switch the orientation of the clasp to get a better fit.

 

You could also take a look at the Sub 14060. The Sub Date 16610 works for me. I found the six digit Subs a bit big, but do use a Glidelock from a 116610 much of the year. Good luck with your decision.

 

 

I think that looks great.

 

With the picture above, looks totally OK. Have any pics a bit farther away? I've seen it on smaller wrists..

 

Try the Explorer on, just to make sure, then contact one of the trusted re-sellers who post here and in other fora and arrange the swap. If you're here and asking the question then I'm guessing you already know the Sub isn't the watch for you. No sense wearing a watch you don't enjoy! FWIW, I've owned a 114060 and a 214270, and my preference is the Explorer.

 

Try the Explorer on, just to make sure, then contact one of the trusted re-sellers who post here and in other fora and arrange the swap. If you're here and asking the question then I'm guessing you already know the Sub isn't the watch for you. No sense wearing a watch you don't enjoy! FWIW, I've owned a 114060 and a 214270, and my preference is the Explorer.

Don't know much about the EXP but is that the 41mm? It kinda looks big on your wrist IMO. If it had a ceramic bezel, I don't think it would be the case. Heck, my tastes have changed as I find my 41mm Aqua Terra too large for my 7.25" wrist now... I lean towards smaller watches now as I recently sold my DJ41. But in my case, ok to lean over the larger size for a diver or gmt due to the bezel as mentioned above.

39mm vs 41mm below.

 

I sold my 5 digit sub I owned for many years ( I found the newer ones too large so never owned one) and then owned the most recent 36mm explorer. The Explorer is a fantastic watch that feels solid. I did miss the bezel for timing random things but preferred the proportions on my similar sized wrist.

 

It looks fine to me OP but if it sticks in your head that it's too big, you probably need to make the move (even though that process is no fun). I prefer the look of the Sub or Sub Date (hence why I bought it) to the Explorer but if you feel otherwise, that's even more reason to change. Just be sure that's what you want though.

 

Best to go to a Rolex boutique and try them on. I prefer the 40mm Explorer myself on my wrist.

 

6.25" wrist?

I would still rock the sub, but the Explorer does look perfect on your wrist!

 

Can go to 36mm

You can also go back to a 14060, or 5513. They will look smaller on the wrist and the clasps are different.

I purchased a 124060 Submariner a couple years ago to mark a special occasion (cliché, I know). It's a great watch, no doubt. My two issues are 1) it's a bit big on my 6.75" wrist and 2) I never find the bracelet terribly comfortable so invariably end up switching back to a NATO or Rubber B strap. This is partly due to the size/weight on bracelet and partly due to where/how the polished clasp sits and sticks to my wrist.

I bought the watch with zero intention to ever sell, but I keep wondering if the new 36mm Explorer would be a better option. Has anyone experienced the same issue and ended up going the Explorer route? Any regrets? FWIW, I loathe the though of going through the process of buying/selling. Thanks!

 

The Submariner is a fine watch and I owned one for 35 years before passing it to one of my kids.
I much prefer the standard Oyster case over the slab-sided larger models.
Whether 36mm, 39mm, or 40mm…..the Explorer is the only watch I’d own if I could only have one watch.
I‘m wearing the 39mm as I type this…..
Good luck….

 

Pics and wrist size or it didn't happen

 

Going from the sub to a 36mm Explorer is a big difference in size. I'd try to hunt down a 39mm. Explorer if you're looking to downsize on your wrist.

 

Yup I agree with you. 36MM is a big jump in downsizing compared to OP’s current sub. I see 0 reasons nitpick the MK2 Explorer I. Best size in my opinion!

 

Standard Oyster Case

 

I’ve had a sub, a 39mm explorer, and a 40mm explorer ii. I tend to prefer the explorer to the sub, but I like the plain old oyster perpetual even more. If you’re not in love with the sub, I wouldn’t feel bad about switching it out for an explorer or something else that you’ll prefer.

 

Thanks all. I'm going to try out the half link (need to fish out the box) and see if that helps with bracelet placement and comfort. Hopefully next time I'm in Vancouver or Seattle I can pop into an AD and find a display model to try on. I certainly won't be making a quick decision...imagining my son (only 10 now) giving me the hardest time for selling a sub!

....OK, got side-tracked before sending and swapped the sides of the half-link. I'll give this a shot for the next bit and see how it goes. Seems an improvement, but we'll see how it goes. Thanks for the thoughts/advice!

 

Glad it's working out so far. Pls do keep us posted.

 

So the Submariner was the watch I always wanted. When I got into the watch game Rolex was onto the 6 digit models and I made my leap in with a few Tudors. I eventually put myself on the list for the 124060 and while waiting the Pelagos 39 was released. I was lucky enough to get the first allocation from my AD.

When I picked up my P39 I asked my AD to see an Explorer if they had one, which they did “in the back”. When I tried on the 124270 I knew I had to have one. It completely killed my desire for a sub. My wrist size is 6.75” too, the modern sub is too big for me. I much prefer the 5 digit models but can’t bring myself to pay the money they command. And in addition to that I’ve just found that I’ve begun to prefer the simplicity of the Explorer and oyster case.

Here are some pictures of 5 & 6 digit references, the P39, FXD, and Explorer on my wrist for size comparison. The Explorer looks best to my eye though I can probably wear any of them.

Right now the Explorer is my only watch. I do plan to add another dive watch to commemorate a special mariner related occasion for myself and right now it is likely going to be another FXD or P39 (if Tudor releases one in matte blue).

 

To my eye those 40s look better on you than that 36.

 

Get the Explorer to wear and keep the Sub as a memento. If a watch fits poorly, be it perceived or in actuality, then let it go. I've also likened it to a poor fitting suit. It may be of worthwhile make, but if it doesn't fit properly you'll look and feel moronic.

 

I just did exactly this - sold my 41mm Sub with date and replaced it with a 39mm Explorer.
I also have a 6.75“ wrist. Fit was not my reason for selling - I was happy with the fit of my sub. Rather, my tastes have changed and I wanted a more understated Rolex. I think the Explorer stays under the radar which fits my wants these days.
Regarding fit - the modern sub (with Glidelock) is easier to fit than the modern Exp (with Easylink). The adjustment process is way easier and the adjustment increments are smaller so easier to fine tune.

 

I have a 36mm Explorer, 124270. Close to a 7.25 - .5" wrist. Seeing how I never use the bezel for anything, I just look at the time, and the crystal (dial size) is the same size as a Sub, the logical choice was the 124270. I like the vintage sizing. What others think of how it looks.. .... who cares? It's comfy. It's compact. It has every thing I'd want in a watch. And it looks great.

The absolute negative thing I could even say about the 124270 for me is that, for my wrist, it is fully linked and sits in the middle adjustment in the clasp. If I get 'bigger' as aging occurs, I may have to get an extra link. But I have one more adjustment in the clasp so this probably will never be an issue.

If you don't like the sizing of the Sub, it's okay. You gave it a go, now it's time to get something that will make you happy when you wear it and not question if it's right for you or not.

Good luck!!!

 

I was in the same boat as you (7" wrist). I had been planning on buying a sub for 50 years, but when I got around to it, they were just too big. They had traded their elegance in for flash. So, I passed. Came close to getting a YM, as that really is a modern sub, but that had even more flash.

Ended up with the 36mm Exp1. It is so comfortable, under the radar, and just a wonderful nugget on my wrist. It doesn't scream ROLEX - no one notices it (so probably not for the average sub buyer). I wear it with a tux, or shorts and jeans. The balance and proportion are right on.

The 36 or 40mm? a I can see that for some people, but everyone with 7" or under really deserves to have a 36mm watch in their collection. This could easily be my one and only. The bigger versions look to me too much like a riff on a pilot watch, and I already have real Fliegers that fit that bill.

For me, going to a botique to "try on" doesn't really answer the question. I bought a 36mm San Martin Homage (crazy close to the crown on the surface) to see if 36mm was right for me. This watch cost less than the sales tax on a Rolex. ;-) It answered my questions better that a trip to my AD.

For me, it was clear. Exp1 fits my needs better than the sub.

I purchased a 124060 Submariner a couple years ago to mark a special occasion (cliché, I know). It's a great watch, no doubt. My two issues are 1) it's a bit big on my 6.75" wrist and 2) I never find the bracelet terribly comfortable so invariably end up switching back to a NATO or Rubber B strap. This is partly due to the size/weight on bracelet and partly due to where/how the polished clasp sits and sticks to my wrist.

I bought the watch with zero intention to ever sell, but I keep wondering if the new 36mm Explorer would be a better option. Has anyone experienced the same issue and ended up going the Explorer route? Any regrets? FWIW, I loathe the though of going through the process of buying/selling. Thanks!

 

I have both - a Starbucks sub and a 124270 Explorer. I always wanted a Sub and am glad I finally own one, but I much prefer wearing the Explorer. It is much more comfortable and flies under the radar screen, which is a good thing in these crazy days. My wrist is 6.75".

 

Have both. Like both. Each has it's own perks, so no wrong choice, IMHO.

 

Sounds like there isn't a Rolex AD near to you. My first stop would be to have an experienced person at the Rolex AD help you adjust the bracelet on the SUB. While there you may try on a 36mm Explorer. The explorer may be a better fit for you. I never see a problem with selling any watch even a Rolex. If you want to pass down something to your children, give them an education, life experience, and an income generating asset and they will benefit greatly.

 

OP, I have the same size wrist and own a 16610 Sub...I had removed all the links from the 6 o'clock side and still wasn't happy with how the clasp situated itself on my wrist, so I sent it to RSC Dallas and had them remove another link from the 6 o'clock side and then added back a half link I found on ebay...now the fit is absolutely perfect. I wish I'd done that mod years ago.