Rolex Submariner Date 126610LN Owner Review : Mythical, reliable and robust

On my way to buy the latest IWC Engineer model, I passed by my local Rolex dealer, whose family owns 90% of the watch retailers in Lyon. Three years after acquiring my DJ 41 Wimbledon, I had expressed a desire to add a professional watch to my collection: a GMT, Submariner, or Explorer II. My horizons had since expanded to include other brands, and with my growing expertise in watchmaking, I realized that there was more to life than just the crown brand. This, however, proves that Rolex's marketing power is real and potent, especially for those just starting out in their passion. Three years later, I explored other brands, acting as an intermediary for my friends and family in acquiring their own Rolex watches, almost forgetting my own wishes, until chance led me to Rolex before I went to IWC, "just to see." And to my surprise, after a brief chat with the assistant manager, with whom I had developed a relationship of mutual respect and consideration, he offered me the model shown here, even though it wasn't his real objective or secret plan... I didn't hesitate for long. Opportunities come once, and since I knew there were no issues with the other coveted models, I said yes. And just like that, the icon was on my wrist. Was it the right choice? I don't know. Is it the watch I absolutely wanted? Yes, at one point, maybe not anymore, but it's done. Did some kind of pressure influence my decision to refuse a Rolex? Probably. Am I satisfied with it? Clearly, yes, but I know it's over, that I'm ready to set sail for other horizons. As for the watch itself, everything has already been said a thousand times. It's beautiful, it's perfect. Yes, there's a cyclops lens, but it's not a big deal, we'll get over it. Yes, it's more "bulky" than its predecessors, but my wrist can handle it. Yes, it seems to be everywhere, but if you look beyond RS models and enthusiast gatherings, it's not that common. And ultimately, I like the watch, so the rest doesn't matter. While acknowledging, however, that there are better options, especially at this price.