Rolex Submariner - A Tool Watch or Jewelry

Is the Rolex Submariner a tool watch or a piece of jewelry? Nature photographer Cheyne Walls takes his Rolex Submariner Date out into the wilderness to answer that question. Rolex Submariner Date 126610LN
#rolex #rolexsubmariner #rolexwatches
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[@LuxLooks]

I love how your putting the Sub through its paces and enjoying it like it's meant to be!

[@cheynewalls]

Cheers, this is only the start, can't wait to take it diving.

[@ianness8277]

Awesome! Love the Rolex Sub and your artwork. Looking forward to visiting your gallery next time I'm in Laguna Beach.

[@cheynewalls]

Thank you, looking forward to meeting you. Cheers

[@SinnerAndSaint]

Great to see someone really USING a mechanical luxury watch like a Submariner in real everyday life conditions! I'm coming from the watch enthusiast world and you have some great perspectives. I think you realized what a Rolex is really about. Forget the show & shine and investment stuff. In the end these are tried and tested tool watches that are damn accurate in the world of mechanical watches. Loved the whole scenery in your video! All the best from Germany, Daniel

[@cheynewalls]

Prost, Danke Schoen. Love Germany a beautiful country. I lived in Oppenheim for a few months when I was traveling through Europe.

[@Crazy_Joe_Davola]

Great points. I've always used the Sub bezel for hiking. I sometimes mark the smooth bezel on my Explorer1 with a sharpie but not quite the same.

[@cheynewalls]

haha, wow a sharpie, I sometimes use little stickers to make on my Explorer II. Whatever works, Cheers

[@frankv7068]

Nice video good job, I’m glad you like the Sub and the Exp.2. Have you ever thought about the Yachtmaster II? Maybe the regatta countdown may work for your photography / hiking, you think that function is useful?

[@cheynewalls]

Yeah, maybe in the future when the titanium is attainable.

[@frankv7068]

@@cheynewalls The titanium is the Yathmaster 42mm, I’m referring to the Yatchmaster 2, the 44mm. It’s kinda like a countdown Chronograph and remembers the function, really complex.

[@cheynewalls]

@@frankv7068 Oh, no I have never looked into the Yatchmaster 2. That 44mm sizing is to big for me. You are right tho about that countdown function would be nice.

[@devinhandschuh9251]

Another solid video. I just got a 126610LN myself. Wear it in good health.

[@cheynewalls]

Thank you, Congrats Cheers

[@fabiem]

Never thought of using the rotating bezel to time with thr hour hand. You've just opened so many new options to me.

[@cheynewalls]

Great way to time anything over an hour. Not a 100% accurate, but with in 5 to 10 minutes. Cheers

[@Davyjones5454]

Won’t using a digital stopwatch to time his camera more accurate?

[@cheynewalls]

@@Davyjones5454 It can be do, but again kind of a pain to keep resetting and pressing buttons with gloves on. I find it easiest to just use the seconds hand.

[@jonselzer6553]

Cheyne Thanks for your review

[@cheynewalls]

Cheers, having fun doing it.

[@cuanboyz9956]

I have the same exact collections as you mate, just my sub is nodate, and explorer is black dial.. but if I were to hike or going sketchy places... best believe I am wearing my rangeman gshock.

[@cheynewalls]

Great collection! Can't go wrong with an Explorer, Submariner and G-Shock. Cheers

[@johnprosser5035]

Great video.... Really enjoyed it

[@cheynewalls]

Thank you for that, Cheers

[@Thomas-se3tb]

Great video! Do you have any regrets not going with the no date? I’m stick deciding between the 2 and I’m leaning towards the date

[@cheynewalls]

Thank you, with all the traveling I do, I need the date window. So no regrets Cheers

[@artggonzales]

Very well articulated. I have been back and forth with many Rolex models and always came back to the stainless steel Submariner 126610. I agree with every point you made so I won’t rehash it but the high point is that this is a tool watch that does what it’s suppose whether out in the elements as well as fitting right at home with a dinner jacket. The most versatile watch in my opinion. Jewelry piece or not. :-)

[@cheynewalls]

Cheers! Thank you for that

[@teammacnamara5320]

I’m enjoying your journey with watches

[@cheynewalls]

Cheers, Thank you

[@jacksambee7825]

Hi Cheyne, I live in the UK and love watching your videos. My question to you is if you had to choose one watch the Submariner or Explorer 2 in your collection which would it be? I wore a Submariner Date for about 2 years as my daily and eventually I just got so bored with it. Although, when it catches the light it looks superb I just found it a bit uninspiring in certain conditions. I think the Explorer 2 is perfect as a daily beater and with that crisp polar dial can also be used for all types of occasions, however, if you really want a different watch for elegance I think Grand Seiko for the money is great. I would really like to hear your thoughts. Regards.

[@cheynewalls]

Thank you, great questions. I'm actually doing a video on that, will be out in about a month. Hearing a lot of great things about the Grand Seiko, going to take a closer look at the brand. Cheers

[@joesanfratello2006]

Very Cool

[@cheynewalls]

Cheers

[@PocketUau]

Incredible video, though I do have a question. How is it you've found failure in quartz and not mechanical movements when quartz watches are explicitly made to almost never encounter the possibility of stopping? It's so abstract to me how a G-Shock could possibly be less durable and reliable than a Rolex. Also, I don't know how interesting it might be to you, but I think it's worth taking a look at the Oceanus Cachalot. Not saying you should buy it, just trying to show you the pinnacle of quartz dive watches with tough functionality in mind.

[@cheynewalls]

Thank you, Its the batteries in quartz movements. I do a lot of snow camping and the sub zero temps just drain and damages batteries. I don't have that issue with my mechanical movements. Cheers I'll take a look

[@Hunterk_10]

Did you hike out of Kennedy Meadows? Love that back country and Agree %100 on the Sub...

[@cheynewalls]

I haven't been to Kennedy Meadows yet this year, looking to maybe going later this month. Cheers

[@ericpignatore5317]

It's definitely a tool watch. But, the majority of people that own one will never use it as a tool or for it's intended purpose. The overwhelmingly majority of people that own one wear them to office. I do not own a Sub but I do own other "luxury" watches and I wear them everywhere doing everything. I am a helicopter mechanic and have no problem throwing on my Omega, Tudor, etc and going to work. Why did I buy it if I am not going to wear it.

[@cheynewalls]

100%, that is what they are designed to do. Cheers

[@SuperTonyValencia]

Amazing video reviews makes me want to go hiking with my Rolex and find big foot 😂👍🏻

[@cheynewalls]

I'm still looking :) Cheers

[@baandoptager]

Originally a tool watch. Now a piece of jewelry.

[@cheynewalls]

Can't it be both?

[@Totti7982]

Cute dog!

[@cheynewalls]

Thanks, that is little Bernie. He love just being outside and hanging out in the sun. Cheers

[@PabloTBrave]

The WR is accurate with a metas verified watch , even 30m WR can be taken swimming unlike normal watches. Which dont even get them wet when testing ( although i believe Rolex does)

[@jamessmith3599]

Great content as always! I do agree Rolex is very durable and will last you and the next generation a lifetime…with proper maintenance done every 10 years or sooner if mechanical issues arise. One thing I have to disagree with is that other brands like Rolex can still last a lifetime as long as you’re cool with having to service the watch every few years. I mean a Tudor, Omega, or Panerai will last a lifetime…with proper maintenance. I’m not really sure what bad experiences you’ve had in the past with these brands, but all things mechanical eventually break and you get them fixed. 🤷‍♂️ Anyway, congratulations on purchasing the Submariner date! One day I hope to buy it from the A.D. if I ever get the call.

[@cheynewalls]

Thank you, Oh a 100%, Tudor, Omega, or Panerai will last a lifetime with proper maintenance. I like all those brands and I plan on diving more into them. I just had bad luck with both my Omega and Breitling, both broke within 6 months of me having them and these were my first "proper watches". Yes I could of had them repaired, but was so upset (overly) they only lasted 6 months and I didn't want to bother with repairs once or twice a year. Looking back now I did over react and think I might have had bad luck, just gotten two "lemons". Going to get an Omega or Tudor soon. I hear nothing but goods things about both brands. Cheers

[@Lance54689]

Definitely jewelry. I don't doubt anything you say about it, I'm sure it does all of those things. I think you could find many, many watches that do the same thing, or better, for much less than $12K+. A thought experiment. If the dial was plain black, no writing at all, no crown, no nothing, but still exactly the same watch, would you still buy it, and at that same price? If not, then part of what you are buying is a status symbol, a luxury item. And there would be nothing wrong with that, it is perfectly fine to buy a status symbol if one can afford it and wants it.

[@cheynewalls]

I would prefer a plain black dial, that would be perfect. I can only speak from experience that my Rolex Explorer II has out lasted so many of my other quality watches. Rolexs are build extremely tough, so much more than people realize. I'm just using the watches for what they were designed for and they have won me over. I went with Rolex because other brands like Omega, Breitling, Panerai and G-shock failed on me. All those are great watch brands, but more purpose build. Rolex has a better more overall abilities. Cheers

[@philippeblaise8961]

I had a long watch journey, and believe me, this brand is from another level. Sure you can find a nice waterproof tool watch with a SW200 which is accurate as well, but it will not last as long as this Sub. Period. The comfort of this model is just incredible. Every other brand I had, I faced an issue with it, and I tried many of them, from 500, up to 10K. The only cheaper alternative I would consider is the Tudor Pelagos, despite the fact that you can't dress it.

[@cheynewalls]

@@philippeblaise8961 Cheers

[@Lance54689]

@@cheynewalls Well, if that is the only watch you can find that won't break, I guess it is either that or your phone.

[@Lance54689]

@@philippeblaise8961 I must just be lucky with watches, my used Seiko Flightmaster just keeps chugging along, and I find it quite comfortable. If I were you I wouldn't even consider a Tudor, what chance does it have of holding up and being comfortable?

[@jolicska]

it's nice to see someone uses the Rolex sub in outdoor and under pressure where it originally belongs and were designed for. I'm sure it freaks out most people who put stickers on it to avoid getting scrathed and only wears them in office environment hahahaha. But the reality is $10,000 for a watch has changed it's customers niche and Rolex fully aware of that as they did so. not many blue collar working man may afford to get one.

[@cheynewalls]

Thanks, yeah the pricing is getting high for this watch. I'm looking at it as a life time investment. So yes the up front cost was a lot, in the long term maybe not to bad if I get 50 years of use out of it. Cheers

[@lovesautodetail]

Watch is epic.

[@cheynewalls]

Cheers

[@michaelriera6277]

As an alternative at 1/3 the price a Breitling Superocean 300m COSC certified with bracelet $3800. Has heritage, built like a tank, and much less.

[@cheynewalls]

Yeah, looks like a great watch, but I had a problem with my classic avi chronograph and Brietling refused to fix it under warranty because then said I was to hard on the watch. So I'm still a little sour on Brietling. Talked about in a earlier video. Glad to hear tho you like the Breitling Superocean 300m. Cheers

[@jimg518]

It’s too bad that happened with Breitling. I’ve had my Superocean II 42 500m for 5 years and it still runs at +2, and I’ve banged it around pretty good. My wife’s is a 36mm SO II and runs at -2 after 6 years. Our Breitlings are rock solid. I’ve never dealt with Breitling service so I can’t comment on that. But indeed, you can’t go wrong with a Sub.

[@cheynewalls]

@@jimg518 Thanks for that info. I think Breitling makes the best looking watches. Would love to get back into the brand and with your testimony I'll start looking again. Cheers

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

Rolex is on another level than breitling. The build quality is leagues apart.

[@jimg518]

@@whereRbearsTeeth opinions vary- if you know who Federico is (which you should) he has a very different opinion on Rolex vs Breitling. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGPVYoF5iKesmcUsi=G4J2MSC0qATLt71F

[@walkerb1734]

I feel the same about my Yacht-Master (blue dial). It’s a daily companion and has never let me down.

[@cheynewalls]

Cheers to that

[@Frank-vo9xo]

Man, I wish I was sitting next to you right now

[@cheynewalls]

Its a beautiful spot

[@sinjinadams2862]

I personally don't see it as a tool watch anymore. I think those days are long gone. There are so many more better, cheaper tool type watches available. The Submariner is still my favorite watch of all time but I would never personally use it as a "" tool" watch.

[@cheynewalls]

Why not wear as a tool watch, that what it was designed for? I can only speak from experience that my Rolex watches have out lasted so many of my other quality watches. Rolexs are build extremely tough, so much more than people realize. I'm using the watches for what they were designed for and they have won me over. I went with Rolex because other brands like Omega, Breitling, Panerai and G-shock failed on me. All those are great watch brands, but more purpose build. Rolex has better more overall abilities. Cheers

[@sinjinadams2862]

Well, to be precise, it was designed to be a dive watch not a watch used for taking pictures in the woods. You are not in a life and death situation. You need to be more concerned about the quality of your camera not your watch. But I get it, you want a Rolex. There is nothing wrong with that. 😊😊

[@ianness8277]

​@@sinjinadams2862 You do know that camera is the best in the world. A Phase One medium format 150mega pixel, problem cost more than your car by a lot. Not sure why you feel you need to tell an international renowned photographer what gear they should or should not use. Are you an award-winning nature photographer who spends over 200 days a year out in the wilderness?

[@sinjinadams2862]

@ianness8277 HaHa! Calm down! I wasn't insinuating that he doesn't have a nice camera. I trust you that he does. All I said, is that he doesn't need an expensive Rolex watch made for Divers to take nature pictures in the woods. That's all. If he chooses to wear one, fine! Wear what you want but a Submariner is so unneeded for what he does.

[@ianness8277]

​@@sinjinadams2862 Well, thats my point. How do you know that the Sub is so unneeded for him? You must have missed that Nat Geo video where he was diving as one of camera operators. But again thats my point, I don't understand why people feel the they can tell others or comment on what gear they should use and how to use it, when they know nothing about that person, their job or profession? Sorry, but I just feel bad for these youtube creators who put their stories and expert opinions out to us ; only to be told they are doing it wrong.

[@elwynll]

Lets be honest, the Submariner or any modern Rolex is Jewelry. No one needs a $10,000+ watch to time a hike with a bezel lol, these are just the things we tell ourselves to validate the purchase. There are so many other more accurate timing devices literally a fraction of the cost 😂

[@cheynewalls]

Well yes and no, Yes there are timing devices at a fraction of the cost. But will they last many many decades of hard use, that answer is no. My 20 years of experiences with using watches in the field I have found Rolex does make that perfect watch, a luxury time piece that is tough, durable and very accurate, that can be worn in the most inhospitable environment all the way to any high-end luxury event. There are very few watches that can say that. As for the $10,000, I don't think that is that bad for a watch that will last the rest of your life. Better and probably cheaper in the long run than what I use to do by spending hundreds of dollars a year on other watch brands only to have to replace every year. Well those are my thoughts, I would just say don't knock until you try, I use to be in the same boat as you.

[@majedalessa8376]

Why would you buy a $ 5k watch every 5 years !?? A $500 Hamilton watch (not to mention Gshock) will last you many years. Fact is, Rolex is a tough and high-quality watch, but the 10k piece tag is mostly for the brand status / name, which makes it a luxury item rather than a tool watch.

[@cheynewalls]

I can only speak from experience that my Rolex Explorer II has out lasted so many of my other quality watches. Rolexs are build extremely tough, so much more than people realize. I'm using the watches for what they were designed for and they have won me over. I went with Rolex because other brands like Omega, Breitling, Panerai and G-shock failed on me. All those are great watch brands, but more purpose build. Rolex has better more overall abilities.

[@asdf1234_.]

​@@cheynewallshow have g shocks failed you?

[@cheynewalls]

@@asdf1234_. G-shocks are great watches, but there not the best in cold weather. On multiple occasions while snow camping I have had a button break and batteries go flat. Rendering the watch useless. Cheers

[@solidstream13]

Have you considered a rubber strap by rubber B?

[@cheynewalls]

I ordered a water proof canvas for it. Are rubber Bs good?

[@solidstream13]

@@cheynewalls there are two popular aftermarket rubber strap companies one is Everest. The other is Rubber B. I don’t know much about Everest, however, Rubber B gets rave reviews. It would be worth doing some research and looking at their website. I’m considering getting one for my 41 mm sub.

[@APRNVJ]

@@cheynewalls Rubber B is good for smaller than 7" wrist size. More like a stable/firm feel to it compare to other brands, but is very premium quality tho.

[@cheynewalls]

@@APRNVJ Thanks

[@SineFractal]

Can't go wrong with a Rolex, especially a sub. I'm partial to the 5 digit models

[@cheynewalls]

Cheers

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

The build quality of the ceramic subs is far superior to the 5 digits.

[@SineFractal]

@@whereRbearsTeeth yeah they’re also more expensive and look like flashy jewelry. Not everyone wants that one their wrist

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

@@SineFractal the “flashy jewelry” idea is way overblown. A fluted bezel datejust is flashy. A ceramic bezel does not look like “flashy jewelry.” Is it shinier than aluminum? Yea. But it’s also a far superior material, and that’s why Rolex started using it.

[@SineFractal]

@@whereRbearsTeeth superior is subjective in this case. More scratch resistant? Sure. But it’s also more prone to shatter and costs much more to replace. Not very tool oriented if you ask me

[@frasitopoquito4144]

It's both a tool and jewelry watch. Over the years the patina it will acquire will definitely turn it into a tool watch, never polish it and it become a Cheyenne Walls original Rolex.

[@cheynewalls]

Cheers to that, I do think Rolex sports watches look better with marks of heavy use.

[@Frank-vo9xo]

Nothing but pure luxury watch. There may be 2 watches at 1 time. But nobody uses them as a tool watch Anymore. And 90% of the people who buy a sub are doing nothing but sit behind a desk. They'll never take it the water. Much less go diving where they could actually use it. It's just a status symbol, and Hey, if you work for it, you learned, enjoy it.

[@u.u.u9969]

TUDOR feels more appropriate for this environment somehow

[@cheynewalls]

How so?

[@u.u.u9969]

​@@cheynewalls TUDOR feels like what Rolex used to be. TUDOR feels more Blue collar, woodsman, Bass Pro ish , ect. I know it's not true it just feels like TIDOR fits better here.

[@cheynewalls]

@@u.u.u9969 I think I get what you are saying, but where are you getting this "feel" from. Which Tudor and Rolex do you own or have owned to give you this "feeling"?

[@Ferien7]

Total jewelry. I’d def go explorer II over the sub

[@cheynewalls]

We will see, I'm going to put the Explorer II and the Submariner head to head in a future video.

[@AmitBhandari82]

@@cheynewallsthis’ll be a great vid!!

[@cheynewalls]

@@AmitBhandari82 Cheers

[@desireless4092]

Andrew McWhatever from Time + Tide is really disappointed ин you, sir. I hope you don't get it wet or something.

[@Davyjones5454]

It’s a USD9,000 stainless steel jewelry. A tool watch is a 100 dollar GShock.

[@cheynewalls]

For some yes, but for me and how much time I spend in sub-zero temps, G-shocks keep breaking. Cold temps render their batteries useless and their plastics becomes brittle. G-shocks are great otherwise. Mechanical tool watches are a better fit for my needs.

[@beetleything1864]

Expensive jewellery - simple..

[@cheynewalls]

Well, not sure you can call something that has 300m of water resistance and has a mechanical movement accurate to +2 -2 seconds a day just jewellery.

[@rilozen6702]

ticket home from foreign shores? If you're in a place where you need to trade your rolex to get home more likely someone will chop your arm off for it first.

[@cheynewalls]

Wow you go right to that dark place. No I'm talking about rural counties, where you can't go to a BofA bank. Like the remote islands of Taiwan. Years ago I was out on one of those islands and a massive storm was coming in. Cell service was down and we didn't have enough money to "coax" a boat captain to take us back to the mainland. But we bartered with our guide's Rolex Submariner and got us safe passage back to the mainland. If we would have stayed, we could have been stuck for weeks or months with limited island resources.

[@user-qq8jn5bb4m]

a liability ... and for what ?! any 10 buck quartz will be even better

[@cheynewalls]

Well I'm just looking forward to having this watch for the rest of my life. Can't say that about a $10 quartz. Cheers

[@coldworld5]

NO ONE literally NO ONE used a Rolex as a tool watch. For outdoors there is hundreds, thousands of better watches that are specific for the job. You just want people to know you’ve got a Rolex.

[@cheynewalls]

Well, been using my Rolex Explorer II as a tool watch in the field for about 2 years. I would prefer a plain dial, without the Rolex logo. Could care less the name on the watch. I need a watch that is tough and accurate while being hansom enough to be worn to formal events. I can only speak from experience that my Rolex Explorer II has out lasted so many of my other quality watches. Rolexs are build extremely tough, so much more than people realize. I'm using the watches for what they were designed for and they have won me over. I went with Rolex because other brands like Omega, Breitling, Panerai and G-shock failed on me. All those are great watch brands, but more purpose build. Rolex has a better more overall abilities.

[@splootan]

Pre Ceramic is the real tool watch!!

[@cheynewalls]

I really like the look of the Pre Ceramic, but prefer the more robust, more accurate and 70 hour power reserve of the newer movements. Cheers

[@splootan]

@@cheynewalls ain't not good if I put a Ford F150 engine Into a Ferrari and take it off road now is it!

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

How so?? The 6 digits are built way more solid and have a superior movement. The only thing technically tougher on the 5 digits is the bezel insert. Aesthetics is subjective, but it’s just dumb to argue that a 5 digit is more of a tool watch than a 6 digit .

[@splootan]

@@whereRbearsTeeth numb nuts, I can wear a whole military spec outfit, but if I roll out in a nice pair of shiny shoes, we’ll that won’t get me very far now would it! Ceramic will just snap the moment it hits any jagged edge , rock surface

[@joseoliver534]

I have the 5517 and for me this watch is tool watch but not a luxury watch too basic,nothing beautifull just basic ordinary watch

[@cheynewalls]

A beautiful watch, Cheers