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The Rolex Submariner 124060: Subtle Evolution, Enduring Debate

It's hard to talk about the Rolex Submariner 124060, unveiled in September 2020, without acknowledging its status as *the* benchmark dive watch. As foversta puts it, no matter how you look at the competition, the Submariner always has that 'little extra.' For many of us, that's the Rolex myth, the history, the sheer brand power, but it's also simply the best in its category for its versatility. This is a watch dedicated to diving that can genuinely be worn in any circumstance, even formal wear, a point often emphasized by owners. And for purists, the 'no-date' version, like the 124060, is the clear preference, offering a perfectly balanced dial and a sense of going to the essential, with the added bonus of one less thing to adjust when you pick it up after a few days.

When the 124060 first dropped, many comments described it as just the previous one but a millimeter bigger. But as collectors who have worn both note, the exact opposite is true. The difference in diameter is often described as anecdotal, closer to half a millimeter than the announced diameter, and Rolex cleverly worked on the bezel to keep the dial opening very similar. The real magic, as foversta explains, lies in the subtle modification of proportions: the lugs are refined, and the bracelet gains a millimeter in width. This change contributes greatly to an overall slimmer, more fluid, and elegant aesthetic. Some owners have found that switching out the straps even accentuates these slimmed-down lugs, and others note that it appears to fit lower and wrap the wrist better than its predecessor.

Beyond the aesthetic tweaks, the 124060 brought a crucial upgrade under the hood. The small crown between 'Swiss Made' on the dial signals the new-generation Calibre 3230. This movement, a no-date variant of the 3235, significantly boosts the power reserve to 70 hours, up from 48 hours in the previous Calibre 3130. This is a real plus for those of us who don't wear our watches continuously, as foversta points out. The Chronergy escapement and optimized energy consumption are the unsung heroes here, all while maintaining Rolex's Superlative Chronometer precision of -2/+2 seconds a day. There's also a less-talked-about anti-reflection coating on the inner surface of the crystal, which not only improves legibility but can, depending on the light, give the dial a charming greyish hue that matches the ceramic bezel's reflections.

For all its technical and aesthetic refinements, the 124060 isn't without its frustrations. The biggest elephant in the room, as foversta highlights, is the sheer difficulty of acquiring one from an authorized dealer. The gap between supply and demand, and the feeling of being 'passed over by the smart guys who want to make a buck' on the secondary market, spoils the fun for many sincere enthusiasts. Many collectors' experience of ADs turning into 'chapels' with exhibition-only pieces, where you just 'write your name on a sketchy looking piece of paper,' resonates widely. Then there's the unfortunate reality of wearing a visible Rolex in certain areas, which can become 'almost a problem of physical integrity,' forcing extreme caution that detracts from the simple pleasure of ownership. Despite these external factors, the 124060 sparks a genuine split in collector sentiment: while many hail it as a 'new classic' and a truly enjoyable and comfortable watch to wear, others wryly dismiss it as 'the most boring choice you could make when buying a watch' due to its ubiquity. So, is the 124060 a 'new classic' or simply too ubiquitous to be exciting? Where do you land on this enduring debate?

What are the key differences between the 124060 and its predecessor, the 114060?

The 124060 features refined lugs and a wider bracelet (21mm), which gives it a more fluid and elegant visual balance. While often cited as 41mm, the actual diameter difference from the 40mm 114060 is closer to half a millimeter, and the dial opening remains very similar, so it doesn't feel significantly larger. Crucially, it houses the new Calibre 3230 movement, offering a 70-hour power reserve, up from 48 hours, and includes an anti-reflection coating on the inner crystal.

Why do many collectors prefer the 'no-date' Submariner?

The 'no-date' version, like the 124060, is favored for its perfectly balanced dial and smooth glass, which many feel allows the watch to go to the essential. It's also more practical, as there's one less thing to adjust when you pick up the watch after not wearing it for a few days.

How does the 41mm case of the 124060 wear on the wrist?

Despite the stated 41mm size, many owners, like foversta, find that the 124060 doesn't actually seem bigger than its predecessor. The refined lugs and wider bracelet contribute to a more elegant and slender visual appearance, with some noting it fits lower and wraps the wrist better, making it feel more proportional.

What is the community's sentiment regarding the availability of the 124060?

The community widely expresses frustration over the difficulty of obtaining the 124060 from authorized dealers. Many feel a sense of being 'passed over' while the secondary market appears to be regularly supplied, leading to disappointment for sincere enthusiasts who simply want to wear the watch.

Image credit: foversta