Customer Reviews

Men's Rolex Oyster Precision Submariner Chronometer Stainless Steel Watch

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I do not own a Rolex Submariner, but I do fancy watches and know something about the brand. Potential buyers should know that Rolex is VERY aggressive about prohibiting the sale of their watches over the internet and through other non-authorized avenues. Rolex does not discount, nor do they allow their AD's to discount, especially on their "base" models: Submariner, Explorer, GMT, and Sea Dweller. Consequently, many grey-market dealers do not deal in Rolexes, or they smudge the serial numbers to hide the source of the watches. Do not buy from such dealers; not only is the origin of the watch dubious, but Rolex will not service watches bought from non-traditional sources. Customers should also be on the lookout for high-grade fakes, some even using discarded parts from real Rolex watches.

I noticed that there is a Rolex Submariner being advertised on Amazon for more than its present retail price. While I have full confidence that sellers operating through Amazon are honest and legitimate, I encourage potential buyers to learn about the brand, the dealer and the history of the watch. When you're spending thousands on a watch, you're buying something more than a wrist ornament. You're buying an image, but more importantly, you're buying a fine piece of enginering made manifest in the watch's movement. Educate yourself about the watch and its legacy--you're buying into history.

The James Bond books and movies of my youth contained some prominent (and probably free) product placement for Rolex. Specifically, 007 utilized a modified stainless steel Rolex Submariner wristwatch to scuba dive, garrote bad guys, and look the part of a sophisticate at black-tie affairs. As a youth, I was taken with all of this.

Years later, for my 30th birthday, I was fortunate enough to take possession of a brand new Submariner. I wear it to this day, every day, and its pros far outweigh its cons:

To the good: the sapphire crystal is literally indestructible, as is the Oyster foundation. The stainless steel watch is suitable for serious business attire without being overly glitzy. And yet those into watches recognize it for what it is: a male baby-boomer's favorite.

On the negative side: it has run consistently fast (about two minutes a month) since the day I bought it. Its weight is staggeringly heavy and does take some getting used to (don't try and throw a punch even playfully with a Sub on - you'll end up cutting the back of your hand as the winding crown slams into it).

If you're ever in a jam, the Sub is useful as hard currency throughout the world. All in all, I'd buy a replacement in a heartbeat.

I bought my Submariner years ago when it represented a month's salary - yes, I had to have it. I have worn it for over 25 years and it's always been in style and it keeps very, very good time. Despite it's bulk (made well ahead of the current >40mm chunk of metal watch trend) this Rolex is a watch you can wear every day without pain. The chronometer certification ensures that it will be as accurate as any mechanical watch can be. The Rolex name says that it will run well for years and years. I like the simple dial - very easy to read and the bubble over the date is just plain cool. The only down side is that there are cosmetically perfect copies from China out there so if you need to use a watch to impress people, you may want to look elsewhere. But if you desire one of the world's greatest timepieces, look no further.

Also having read the original James Bond books as a lad, I was taken with Bond's Rolex Submariner. Later, as a US Marine, I went to scuba school. Upon graduation, I received the ultimate men's watch. That watch went with me to more than two years in Viet Nam and I still have it to this day. It's a classic, it's dependable and it's tough. What more needs to be said?

I've owned my Submariner Date for about seven years now, and I am not gentle with my timepieces. It's been covered in tar and resin, immersed in a variety of foul liquids, repeatedly assaulted with fine grade sand (one of the WORST things you can do to any mechanical device), dropped, banged, poked, prodded and frozen. And still, after a light scrubbing with soapy water and a toothbrush, it would fit right in on the red carped of the Oscars. It wouldn't surprise me if it were bullet-proof as well. In particular I'm amazed at the indestructability of the sapphire crystal, which is still completely flawless even after all the abuse it's received. The `cyclops eye' over the date window seems to get the worst of it and it's scratch free. Other than to repair a broken bracelet clasp it has never been serviced. I've heard some people criticize how heavy and bulky it is, but you're not going to find a wafer-thin `elegant' timepiece that will pass the tests this one will.

In addition to it's ruggedness it is also stylish, accurate (2 min. per month), waterproof, retains its value, and has tons of snob appeal. It's not simply a watch, it's an heirloom. This watch will be looking and running strong when my grandson inherits it. Or I may just decide to be buried with it.

The dial and hands contrast sufficiently to make this a very easy watch to read. I did have a small issue with the fact that there weren't any actual numbers around the dial, but I got over it. At least it's not like one of those massively complicated chronographs that tell you such vital information as the month and phase of the moon. If you don't know that, then you're probably not the type to wear a watch anyway.

Rating: 5 stars out of 5.

Buy this watch from a licensed Rolex dealer in a real store. I drop in to the dealer when I'm in the neighborhood and he cleans it for free. It receives complimentary service each year. If something were to go wrong, their factory-trained watchmaker will work on it. (When my father died last year, I took his Rolex Daytona in to see what they could do for it. (he captained a number of Transpac races and this watch has been through the wars. They gave it a really thorough survey and packed it off to Rolex in Switzerland for factory refurbishing) You would not buy your Bentley from eBay or Craigslist, don't buy a Rolex from a website.

I first saw this watch in Shreeves in San Francisco when I was 13 years old. My father pointed it out to me and said that it was the same one that James Bond wears. (he had recently loaned me "From Russia, With Love". The watch cost [...]at the time. The next time I saw this watch was at UC Berkeley. The legendary research diving instructor Lloyd Austin had one. (we all had Timex's) I came downstairs on my birthday last year and my wife handed me a small green box. She said "I'm tired of shopping for presents twice a year. Here are your presents for the next 8 years." Every so often, one gets a chance to have something that is absolutely the best at what it does. (a Swiss Army knife, a Remington 870, a Mac, etc.) It's not so much a matter of what it costs as it is of what it is. Yeah, it has a tendency to run 15 sec. fast but it's more than a possession, it represents dreams, aspiration, caring... My son really wants it. Let him wait 40 years, then he'll appreciate it.

You cannot go wrong with a Rolex, and the Submariner is no exception. When I decided to buy a Rolex, I obviously put an extensive amount of thought into my final decision. I wanted something clean-looking that coordinated with my suits and wasn't overly bulky. The stainless steel finish is glorious, especially after a quick once-over with a bit of jewelry cleaner.

More than a status symbol, the Rolex Submariner is a genuinely fantastic timepiece that evokes professionalism and a classic sense of taste and style. It goes with everything, clothing-wise, from the business casual to the snappiest designer suit. Sometimes the product DOES justify the price, and a Rolex belongs squarely in that category.

I bought my Submariner at an authorized dealer several months ago. (Quality and craftsmanship are not cheap.)That being said, it is an investment in a handmade, precision timepiece. I wear it daily, only taking it off for a shower (to keep soap out of the band) and I find it to be nearly indestructible. My watch is a 14060M with a sapphire crystal, which has not scratched despite repeated abuse at the house, riding my motorcycle, and working. If you want this watch, get it!. This is a watch that will be there to pass along to your children.

Having wanted a Rolex since I was a teenager, I found a used one an got an elderly watchmaker to teach me how to service it completely. The quality is outstanding, inside and out. The case design, to protect the mechanism, is insuperable. The mechanism is built like a tank, built to last a lifetime, though it needs to be serviced every 5 years. It is probably the finest production watch in the world. I like it better than my Vacheron in every way.
There are a few negatives, though. Adjusting the regulator is a real pain and requires a special tool. You must partially disassemble the watch and remove the balance to adjust it, or risk breaking the balance staff. Then reassemble and wear the watch and see how it runs on your wrist. I adjusted it 12 times before I got mine keeping time as it should, to 3 seconds per day error. This watch would be better if it had a micro-regulator.
The band wears fast if it is two-tone or solid gold. If you want durability, buy the stainless steel watch.
Rolex and all the major watch brands have made it impossible to find replacement parts since the year 2000. This means you must send your watch to Rolex and pay them $1000 to service your watch, when what you need is a $50 part. This is really hurting the watch repair business. The inability to buy parts, in my opinion, dramatically reduces the investment potential of any product.
Buying a Rolex is expensive, but so is owning one. Your best lubricants last about 6 years, so your watch should be serviced every 5 years.
Despite the negatives, I like my Rolexes. I have had three of them since 1994. I bought them all used. My favorite is from 1972 and has a 1570 series mechanism, which I recommend most highly. It is probably the best mechanical watch money can buy.
Go to google and do a search for Rolex 1570 photos :)
Update Sept. 2010: after searching for a Vacheron part for two years, I can no longer recommend fine watches as safe investments because of the difficulty in finding parts.

I have had this watch about a year. It is real and I paid $7100 + Tax to Mayor's Jewelers (unlike the gentleman below who paid $329 and is complaining about the quality of a fake). The watch is great in everyway. I have the blue face with gold and steel band. Constant compliments, a little heavy but no scratches, accurate timekeeping, looks great, feels great. Highly recommended.