Jump to content
Sign in to follow this  
Ska

Rolex Ceramic Submariner ETA 2836-2 Review by Skathewatch

Recommended Posts

Ska

The first of two watches in my latest order from Mary. DSSD review coming soon.

 

DEALER: MARY (WATCHINTERNATIONAL)

MODEL: ROLEX SUBMARINER

VARIANT: BLACK CERAMIC BEZEL

MOVEMENT: SWISS ETA 2836-2 AUTOMATIC

PRICE: $245

BRACELET: ROLEX GLIDELOCK

 

tempDSC_1338.jpg

 

1. Overall Look/Feel

 

This little thing is stunning. Its common knowledge that the Subs are just about the best quality reps out there both in terms of build and accuracy but I have to admit I thought I'd seen the peak with the LV. How wrong could I be. As a watch fanatic I generally pop into my local AD whenever I get the chance to gaze wistfully at the porn within. When I ordered this watch I made a point of taking a trip into cambridge to have a look at the real deal.

 

Here's a shot of the gen:

 

rolex-2010-black-submariner.jpg

 

As far as Subs go, I don't think I'm going to have to be hanging round Mappin & Webb anymore because aside from the tiny things we all know about and can fix if we really want (Datewheel, crown guards, lume) This baby is fucking incredible. Mary has done her usual magic with the QC which I'll go into more detail about below. Right, onto the review proper.

 

tempDSC_1318.jpg

 

2. The Dial and Hands

 

• Dial Accuracy: Like the LV this sub features the Maxi Dial with larger hour markers and larger spacing of the "Swiss Made" at the bottom. The dial on the rep is very nicely reproduced, with the only discrepancy of note being that "Swiss Made is larger than it should be. On the Gen it sits inside the bottom 5 minute markers whereas on mine its wider, just covering the 1st and 5th marker. The dial itself looks fantastic, its jet black and mimics the gen to a tee.

 

tempDSC_1351.jpg

 

• Font accuracy and quality of reproduction: Although probably not quite as brilliant a shade of white as on the gen, there's no denying that the printing and the font reproduction is second to none in the rep world. I'm an Omega man through and through but this tap dances all over my UPO.

 

tempDSC_1410.jpg

 

• Date Window position and Accuracy: Obviously the date font isn't quite right and would require a BK overlay to correct but given that a.) you're only ever going to look at this through the cyclops and b.) anyone more that 10 inches away won't have a clue, its hardly an issue.

 

tempDSC_1378.jpg

 

• Length/Shape of Hands: This sub has correct hands for the Maxi dial with the wider Hour hand as per the gen. The hands themselves are nice, with only a few rough edges when viewed through a loupe.

 

tempDSC_1386.jpg

 

• Quality of Lume application: Almost perfect here, with just 2 small areas of slight overspill which would be easy to correct if I could be bothered.

 

3. The Crystal and AR coating

 

tempDSC_1329.jpg

 

• Crystal material: Sapphire - flawless.

 

• Height, positioning and installation: Mary has selected a particularly good example here. The crystal is set perfectly, much better than on the LV which though good was a little lopsided. (I'm an anal motherfucker though so it probably wouldn't have bothered anyone else.) Height is good, and there is no evidence of excess glue.

 

tempDSC_1432.jpg

 

• Cyclops: One of the things I was wary of with the LV was how the cyclops was glued onto the crystal. There was a noticeable amount of dust both around and under the cyclops most of which I cleaned off but what was left always annoyed me. No need for such distress here - This one is not only positioned perfectly but looks like it just came off a hermetically sealed plane from Geneva.

 

tempDSC_1330.jpg

 

• AR Coating: No double AR on this which is a good thing because the rest of the watch is fucking shiny! This doesn't help when trying to photograph the crown engraving on the crystal which ended up taking the best part of an hour to get right. :lol:

 

tempDSC_1387.jpg

 

tempDSC_1388.jpg

 

tempDSC_1389.jpg

 

4. Lume

 

• Colour: Green. - This is the only thing that really bugs me - Its going to have to have a trip over to Domi or Francisco for a re-lume in blue at some point. Again a sure-fire sign this isn't a noobfactory Sub.

 

• Accuracy: Apart from the aforementioned overspill its very nice, not grainy or mottled like we've seen on some of the $40 subs.

 

• Brightness: I'll get a lume shot together and put it in here when I get the chance, but suffice to say its great. I know a few people have had issues with the lume on the cheaper TS promotion subs but it looks to me like either the factory Mary gets her subs from use different lume/dials or the TS ones are from old stock.

 

5. Bracelet and Clasp

 

tempDSC_1367.jpg

 

tempDSC_1368.jpg

 

• SEL: Another triumphant moment for Mary who knows what I like and has chosen a bracelet with SELs that fit seamlessly between the lugs. For me it really enhances the whole experience when buying from a dealer who cares this much about what she's selling. I can't say enough good things about her.

 

tempDSC_1357.jpg

 

• Springbars/Pins: The threaded bars are a pleasure to use and all were screwed in tight on arrival. Compared with the pig that was my UPO when it came to resizing, the Sub was a breeze and took all of about 30 seconds. (The Glidelock helped too obviously.) The springbars fit well and weren't bent like on the LV.

 

tempDSC_1422.jpg

 

tempDSC_1363.jpg

 

• Fit and weight: The Glidelock bracelet has solid mid-links so it feels much more substantial than the original Sub bracelet. I haven't brushed this one yet, but I did the replacement for the LV last week so I know that when they're done the finish is great. The steel when brushed has a brilliant white lustre which looks very expensive - no need for 904L steel here folks.

 

tempDSC_1423.jpg

 

tempDSC_1424.jpg

 

• Clasp Accuracy: I'd been wanting to get my hands on one or other of the Glidelock variants for a while. (Now I'm lucky enough to get both in one package.) This is almost my favourite part of the watch. Its actually so close to the gen in build quality and sheer coolness I found myself trying to work out how the hell they can produce it for the price - even in China. Having spent a good portion of last year battling with a few Chinese manufacturers to try and get some parts machined which were very simple in comparison. I still can't work it out even given the obvious volume differences.

 

tempDSC_1412.jpg

 

tempDSC_1414.jpg

 

• Build Quality and Effectiveness: Just AWESOME. For anyone who hasn't seen one in the flesh the sexiness of this clasp is bettered only by the Glidelock on the DSSD. The ability to make fine adjustments to the fit of the bracelet is a godsend and for anyone like me who loves engineering and gadgets it provides hours of entertainment.

 

tempDSC_1417.jpg

 

tempDSC_1416.jpg

 

6. Weight compared to gen

 

• The gen Sub weighs in at 152g, this one flops onto the scales at a mildly porky 154g EPIC WIN.

 

7. Bezel and Case

 

tempDSC_1331.jpg

 

• Fit and finish: Now on to the fun stuff. This is where the Sub really excels. The bezel is breathtaking, ridiculously shiny, jet black and an absolute fucker to photograph!!! The numerals and markers are deeply engraved and much cleaner and brighter than some of the photos I've seen have implied. When compared close up to photos of the gen, it becomes clear how incredible this watch really is.

 

tempDSC_1326.jpg

 

• Case Back: Nothing new here, but a great fit, precisely machined, well finished and with the customary green hologram.

 

• Bezel fit, and rotation: Obviously the rep bezel doesn't have the same 4-point, spring bearing ratchet as the gen however it feels nice and solid and is tight to the case. You get a satisfying 120 clicks and the main marker comes to rest perfectly centered over 12.

 

tempDSC_1405.jpg

 

tempDSC_1353.jpg

 

• Pearl: Thanks again to Mary this is perfectly central. It's a little high up in the triangle compared to the gen but compared to the funky pearls we're used to on the older style subs its a revelation.

 

tempDSC_1373.jpg

 

tempDSC_1396.jpg

 

• Rehaut Height/Angle: Not much needs mentioning here, we're far along enough to know that the new Subs are fairly consistent rehaut wise. Its not as accurate as a "noob" - a bit of a wider angle but its got more depth than the older generations.

 

tempDSC_1333.jpg

 

8. Crown and Pushers

 

• Quality of machining/casting: IMO the Rolex crowns don't look as nice as the ones on the Omega sports watches however this one seems to be well made. it was a little grubby on arrival but I gave it a clean and it came up pretty nicely. Its not quite as well finished as on the LV sub though but I'm being picky now as its only the kind of thing you can see through a Macro lens.

 

tempDSC_1398.jpg

 

• Tube/Stem thread: This is where Rolex completely trashes Omega (both in gen and rep.) The Rolex crown just feels so much more substantial. From a technical point of view both the tube shaft and threads are larger and stronger on the Rolex which mean that with any luck it won't strip in 30secs like so many have found with the POs and SMPs.

 

tempDSC_1400.jpg

 

• Winding response: As stated above, it feels much 'safer' than my Omega. The action itself is smooth as silk, and the tube clicks out strongly to the time and date setting positions. The date changes over cleanly with a satisfying click.

 

tempDSC_1377.jpg

 

9. Official Markings accuracy

 

• Etching/Machining versus Gen. Having seen pics of the ceramics (accompanied by the usual fanatical ravings) on Rolex forums and the like, I was astounded by the attention to detail. The only rep which beats this IMO is its big brother as I will do my best to demonstrate in the next day or two.

 

tempDSC_1418.jpg

 

• Position of markings: The 'Rolex' and 'Steelinox' engravings on the clasp are correct and nicely finished, even though (as expected really) that part of the clasp was a little dirty compared to the rest of the watch. The only other markings of note are the serials and rolex crowns on the inside of the SELs which are there and even match the serial number on the rehaut.

 

tempDSC_1419.jpg

 

• Serial Numbers: This sub has the now familiar serial: M832118 which is neatly engraved into the rehaut along with the usual repeated 'Rolex'. So the likelihood is that this is NOT one of the often lamented "Noob" mariners. The shape and style of the pearl seems to support this. The crown at 12 appears to be a little misaligned. Might be about a mil off but nothing to lose any sleep over.

 

• Case Back markings (Exterior and Interior) There aren't any on the outside save for the sticker and I haven't yet taken the case off so I'll update this when I do.

 

• Anti-Counterfeit markings/Holograms: See Above.

 

10. Details peculiar to model.

 

• Crown guards: As mentioned briefly above the crown guards on this sub still aren't strictly speaking quite right. However compared to the my LV it is a much better effort, and compared to older subs some of which frankly looked silly, (see Envisagevi's post) this is a serious leap forward.

 

tempDSC_1370.jpg

 

• Bezel cutting: The edges of the bezel are exceptional. See for yourself:

 

tempDSC_1397.jpg

 

tempDSC_1411.jpg

 

11. Movement

 

• Mary promised me a genuine Swiss 2836-2 and given that so far she's been as good as her word I've got no reason to think otherwise. As I said I haven't got the case back off yet but judging by the smoothness of the sweep its definitely either a gen or clone ETA.

 

12. Time Keeping Accuracy and Power Reserve

 

• The watch keeps accurate to within 4 seconds over 24 hours, so I need to get the back off and adjust the regulator. The reserve from full wind is just over 38 hours to completely dead. Pretty good IMO.

 

tempDSC_1345.jpg

 

Overall I'm blown away by this watch. And I was expecting it to be great. Thanks again Mary for great service, fantastic QC and most of all for such an amazing watch.

 

Well I hope you enjoyed this review. Thanks for reading.

 

Ska. :D

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
skintrade

"I generally pop into my local AD whenever I get the chance to gaze wistfully at the porn within. When I ordered this watch I made a point of taking a trip into cambridge to have a look at the real deal."

 

 

LOL..... awesome watch and even better review, thanks for taking the time m8

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
sconehead

Excellent review, great shots too Ska...:lol:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
AllergyDoc

Such beautiful photography! It makes it so easy to see the details.

 

My ceramic Sub is one of my favs.

 

Yours def. isn't from the "Noob" factory. Yours has a flat pearl, not bulbous like mine. I think the gen is a little more like yours or halfway in between. My lume is blue as per the gen. Polished midlinks and green lume were older models. I haven't seen that pearl before, though. Your rehaut crown isn't aligned with the 12:00 tick. My GMT IIC is like that.

 

I agree about the date fonts. A BK version would be nice but...

 

Did you have the crystal ARed? Pretty sure Subs don't have AR. I think the reflective crystal adds to the "bling" effect.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Tressles61

That's a beauty. Very nice photography and write up.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Eiderdaus

nice ska, very nice thread. well done mate. thumbs up. nice pictures.

 

but you know I am one of that guys that always find something on the look for the perfect rep :lol:

 

questions: afaik the lume should be chormalight blue as for the DSSD ? the crown looks like the 16610 crown I thought it should more like the DSSD crown where the dots under the coronet are more bulpy ?

 

I guess I will need one as well. You presented it so adorable. When I got back from Spain I will order one. Are they available with brushed bracelet ? and how will you create the white lustre for the polished midlinks ? using the scotch brite ?

 

very very nice ska

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
scope

Great review and the pics are breathtaking! :lol:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Tressles61
Your rehaut crown isn't aligned with the 12:00 tick. My GMT IIC is like that.

 

 

Sometimes there is a little wiggle room with the dial if you loosen the movement screws and you can line that crown right up then tighten the screws back down.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Ska

Thanks for the comments guys

 

@AllergyDoc - Stupid typo - That sentence should read "No Double AR" obviously. - Post modified.

 

Yeah I didn't think it was a "Noob" after I saw the lume and Serial (I think the Noob ones are usually M520117 or V520117)

 

You're right - I haven't seen a pearl like that either - just figured I was lucky! And I don't care notice the rehaut enough to care really. :D

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
AllergyDoc

The only bracelet I had to scotchbrite the midlinks is my shiniest bracelet. Sconehead keeps commenting on how it shines better than his gens.

 

Ya, you got lucky on the pearl!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
gB.

Excellent job as always ska! :clap::D

 

Although you may want to add a pic heavy note in the title. Took forever to load on my iPhone... ;)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Ska

Totally agree doc - scotched up the new bracelet for the LV last week and it came up a treat!

 

@ Envisagevi - Good idea I'll get a Mod to change it, thanks mate.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
andygt

Beautiful pics, skathe and great review, just one thing that I spotted but may just be the angle of the pics is the rehaut. Doesn't look as if it has enough thickness to it and the angle looks slightly wokky.

Please feel free to tell me to go fuck myself for being a picky cunt though!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
AllergyDoc
Your rehaut crown isn't aligned with the 12:00 tick. My GMT IIC is like that.

Sometimes there is a little wiggle room with the dial if you loosen the movement screws and you can line that crown right up then tighten the screws back down.

I'll have to crack mine open and look at that. Thanks.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Ska
Beautiful pics, skathe and great review, just one thing that I spotted but may just be the angle of the pics is the rehaut. Doesn't look as if it has enough thickness to it and the angle looks slightly wokky.

Please feel free to tell me to go fuck myself for being a picky cunt though!

 

Not at all mate - I'm delighted you're a picky cunt - we could start a club!

 

You're right about the rehaut, its a little wider of angle than the gen (and noob) but not nearly as much as the old subs used to be, and thickness wise it looks fine to me, my Noob LV doesn't have any more depth to it visually anyway.

 

:D

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
onzenuub

Missing some skin :D. Nice job Ska.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Ska

Skin will be provided with the Jaeger LeCoultre review! Have no fear! :D

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
AllergyDoc

The gen's crown guards look a little off...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
skintrade
Skin will be provided with the Jaeger LeCoultre review! Have no fear! :D

 

 

 

Looking forward to that one............. :clap:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
AllergyDoc

Your pearl looks gen. I was kidding about the CGs.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Ska

Lol - you had me worried there for a sec - thought I was going nuts. :D

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
rsh

Awesome post...I am posting a pic of my noob sub for reference.....As far as I can tell, the noob has some pluses

right lume color

better fit of SELs

polished bracelet (easy fix)

rehaut less wokky

 

but yours has a few pluses:

aligned rehaut

better pearl

better numbers on the insert

correct hour hand width

 

wbksub.jpg

 

DSCN7654.jpg

Edited by rsh

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Ska
Awesome post...I am posting a pic of my noob sub for reference.....As far as I can tell, the noob has some pluses

right lume color

better fit of SELs

polished bracelet (easy fix)

rehaut less wokky

 

but yours has a few pluses:

aligned rehaut

better pearl

better letters on the insert

correct hour hand width

 

Great idea posting the photo - and nice Sub by the way!

 

I think you're pretty spot on there - only one thing is I'd say the SEL fit is better on the non-noob (although it might just be this one in particular which is pretty outstanding.) I've got a Noobfactory LV and its not quite as good. Yours looks great though!

 

Oh and the rehaut isn't quite aligned on this one, but again its something I can hopefully improve a little by loosening the movement holder screws.

 

Cheers :D

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
pollux1

Awesome review. FUCKING AWESOME SKA!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Sign in to follow this  

×