Help me decide: Rolex Submariner 16610 or Omega Speedmaster 3861 Sapphire for a Career Milestone Watch?

I'd advise you to go with the Speedy if it fits, you're less likely to run into headaches.

I was watching a video about mountaineering a couple of weeks back, and one of the famous mountaineers was wearing a Speedy during an Everest ascent. If it's good enough for climbing Everest, it should be fine for daily wear in the office.

You want to reward yourself for reaching a career milestone? Why not "shoot for the Moon" literally and metaphorically? Go with the Omega Speedmaster. ;)

One's an icon that's been there & done it, the other is just a poser's piece....

Don’t wear someone else’s milestone. Get something new and keep it forever.

I'd need more information about you to offer an opinion. Both are superb watches but they are both very different toolwatches. I'd say let your lifestyle be your guide. If you are a pilot or suit and tie guy/office worker I'd go with the Speedy. If you are into sports and diving or more active pursuits id say go the Rolex.

I would say you probably don't need to worry about the age of the Rolex. If properly serviced it will still be around after you are gone. Plus its a good investment.

Either way, you will be happy. Congratulations on your life achievements.

thanks for the comment. May I know why would I get a headache if I go with sub? Haha

Buying a 24 year old watch is more likely to result in maintenance issues, and potential failures than buying a new watch under warranty.

It's not a knock on the Sub, simply pointing out that vintage watches come with potential drawbacks.

Thank you for the kind words!

I’m an office worker that doesn’t go to office most of the time bcs of remote work. I will most likely enjoy wearing the watch at home😆 or for casual day out.

Can I offer a 3rd option? go over to Watchbuys and check out the Sinn 900 sries watches. IMHO they are BETTER than the Omega. Why? they are a tool pilots chronograph with extras. It has a GMT hand as well plus it offers Rolex like durability and 200M of water resistance. Its less expensive to boot!

I understand why the SpeedMaster is so cool but the Sinn is an objectively better watch. Just my humble 2 cents.

Speedmaster, of course. Why do I recommend the Speedmaster over the Submariner? 'Cause I am a serious hardcore Omega FanBoy & and an even more serious, more hardcore Speedmaster FanBoy. Also, I'd always recommend a new watch over a possible 24 year old PITA.

Just for something different, have you looked at the Omega Planet Ocean? I have an older one that I got last year, but I'm looking at getting a newer one.

Omega is a young mans watch more than Rolex. If you were a boomer then the Rolex would be the better flex. In Canada Rolex is an old mans watch because it seems to be the key to the executive washroom.

If you want to be like everyone else buy the Rolex....But if it were me I would go with the Omega. You are still a young man and wait and maybe this Rolex BS will mellow out and you can purchase the watch at a decent price if you still want one later in life..JMO

I bought my sub in 2005 for my 40th and wear it in rotation with other watches ,I think it's a good all rounder,suites and casual ,it's had 2 services in all that time both by Rolex and nothing had to be done to it just the basic service which cost £600 ,now I need glasses to read, something like the speedy wouldn't work for me as the dials are too small,I have also just bought a explorer 2 pre owned 2005 and just having it serviced,cost £670 as an internal part required changing and the crown had a small dent on it so that's being changed also ,so as regards buy older watches don't worry

Omega FTMFW!

For less money you get a bomb chrongraph watch; its a no brainer.

Hey, you want the Submariner, believe me. Besides the great looks, the rock solid movement and the versatility it‘s also a Rolex. That means that you don‘t have to explain why it’s cool. Sure, it‘s a bit more expensive and you‘ll get some comments on it, especially at that age (which we actually have in common 😉) but in the end you‘ve got a conversation starter, a safe ticket home from anywhere in the world and a brand image that really no one can beat.

And the best thing is that you don’t have to pretend interest in Space Travel simply because it‘s the only USP of your watch… 😉😂

If you ever got a promotion, you have a Submariner.)) It's like a solid, no nonsense, universal promotion watch at this point. When I got my first big promotion I bought myself a G-Shock tho.))

Okay, let's add some watch astrology and stereotypes in a mix. I'm pretty sure somebody will make a tech rundown, so let's focus on a pSycHoLoGY.

Speedy is kinda THE safest bet really. It's really, really hard to be disappointed with that watch. It's a solid choice for a solid person. I've never ever spoke to someone who dislikes classic Speedmaster design. Yeah, Omega has some controversial editions of the Speedy, but this one is a 100% a crowd pleaser. It sends a very particular vibe. If you wear a speedy it kinda means that you like proper stuff. You are collected and reliable, you walk the walk, but generally, don't talk the talk. You are a family guy. And it's not a flex watch, so you buy it because it looks good, it works well and you value quality, but also you think about value. You low-key wanted to buy a Sub, but it's a bit to flashy for you and no way you are paying those moneys for a steel watch. You gonna buy it anyway, but for now, you read a history of space exploration, plan a trip to a NASA museum and time everything with your professional (it's even says so on a dial) Chronograph.

Sub is different. It's also a safe bet, and you also won't be disappointed, but you may find yourself in discussion about a date window a bit too often (you don't need a date on a diver, you don't even need to set up the correct time to dive with it, but this watch isn't ever gonna be wet). It shows that you are young, and hungry, and motivated, but also very traditional at the same time. You don't like the watches your peers are wearing and you genuinely think that Submariner is an understated watch. You care about the quality and you want a watch that will last you a lifetime, but at the same time you low-key proud that you can afford a watch with a crown such early in your life. You might or might not have enough class to resist the urge to flex and put a watch in your food (and I advice you not to do so for hygienic reasons) to take a photo. You are more drawn to the old days than you think and in 5-7 years you gonna be surfing the internet, searching for high-quality suede shoes, leather loafers and work boots, luxury white ts (I've heard that Asked is decent) and cashmere overcoats. But for now, you have to humblebrag about your Neo-vintage sub online, by posting a pic of your watch with a morning coffee and caption about grind and hustle and motivation.

So chose wisely, because after you pick one you must stick to that watch personality forever

I've owned both and to personal taste I kept the speed master and treated it the sub.

A 16610 is at two beast, it's a tank. For that specific year you will still get lug holes. But that weekly clasp is flimsy. It's damned and it's nothing compared to the new ones. However the movement inside at the 3135, is still a great and price to movement. My only problem is that watch is a dime a dozen, you don't know if they are cloud chaser or if they are knowledgeable at all.

The speedmaster, as long as if it's on the wrist, it's a stunning watch. Feed the movement, the history, the ability for it to be seamlessly designed, I really recommend that you do not sleep on that watch.

I've owned both and appreciated each one differently. I now own a Rolex SD43, but I often miss the Speedmaster. It fits in all settings, its a strap monster it kept better time than any watch I've owned. Winding it each morning was a treat to start my day. My vote is pick the one that "sings" to you or you'll always wonder "what if"? Good luck and let us know what you decide....