16800 Matte dial or BLNR??

Posts
227
Likes
327
Give me your take on this. Both in term of looks and value retention. The 1680 would probably be a better comparison, but I just don't like the top hat look.

BLNR is blingy, but will it be a classic/defining sub?

16800 matte is the last of the matte dial, more low key which I like, and quite a bit cheaper.

If you only have 1 Rolex to be a companion to a 69ST Speedy, what would you pick?
 
Posts
3,801
Likes
22,736
For me it's no contest. The 16800. Indestructible, versatile, classic vintage vibe. The 69 Speedmaster doesn't stand out as "special" as far as I'm concerned. It seems that collectors are settling for 69s on account of the high prices asked for the 321 pre-moons. If there is such a thing as a bargain vintage Rolex, the matte 16800 is it ..... and that will change eventually.

Cheers,
Edited:
 
Posts
369
Likes
437
I love my Speedmaster but I'd go for the Sub. Get a good one with nice aged lume like the one above and they just look fantastic.

BLNR is nice and will hold value, but for a GMT Rolex I'd buy a Pepsi or Explorer II
 
Posts
396
Likes
357
I agree with Fax, very versatile, hardy enough to vacation with and as you say relatively cheap.
The BLNR is a classic and one to own in years to come, plenty of time to pick one up down the track.
 
Posts
886
Likes
1,032
The 16800 is a great option with the matte dial. A transitional watch prior to the introduction of the white gold surround dial and with the upgraded movement allowing the quick date change.
I've owned and sold this model at the end.
I preferred the versatility of the GMT, 1675 and 16750 matte with the different bezel insert options, such as the pepsi but more importantly the all black, which resembles the "sub look."
The advantage to the 16800 is that the price has not risen to the GMT options, making it more affordable..
I really do not care for the newer models.
 
Posts
3,844
Likes
8,766
As always, personal preference of course - but this is mine for the sake of this thread, but will no doubt change tomorrow 👍
145.022-69 with 16750
105.012-66 with 5513


 
Posts
258
Likes
408
Nothing beats a 5513 for looks and wearablity
 
Posts
611
Likes
5,528
Personally the BLNR had too many shiny bits for me. Swapped it for the 16800. I liked the matte dial so much I was inspired to swap the white gold surrounds and gloss of my transitional 16700 GMT for a 16750.

16750 - 8.3 mil
16800 - 8.8 mil

2483864ff5ba314b09ff0ba06ea7f7ba.png

A friend bought the 16800 from me a few months ago. Since acquired a correct stamped "50" Jubilee bracelet and couple of inserts for the 16750.

Original Insert

b32ec4645a40dd8f4c1f7dbed332f01f.jpg

NOS
a72eb9dae0c52fda5420fb117989cf8e.jpg

Faded Black (since sold)
ce8f3bb8f3cad36d86933fc40299c5ff.jpg

NOS
026eb864bca5645aeb21680120bfe2b1.png

It's fair to say that the 1675 and 16750 watches are appreciating quite nicely at the moment.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Edited:
 
Posts
2,710
Likes
17,410
16800 for me!! Hard as nails with a vintage twist that you can use every day while representing good value for money. Oh, and they are straight forward to service and repair . Roger
 
Posts
349
Likes
1,546
I would say 16800, or 16750, or 16660, all with matt dials, in any order!
 
Posts
237
Likes
711
16800 before prices rise, then blnr later if possible. It just looks hot on the wrist and will retain value (but not appreciate)
 
Posts
6
Likes
29
16800. Matte dials are just so much more special. BLNR's are still on the hype train at the moment.
 
Posts
6,832
Likes
13,796
On those two I'd go with the 16800, I'm not sure the BLNR will ever be a classic, you're better off with a 16710 coke or Pepsi
 
Posts
537
Likes
1,692
Its two different watches... in terms of collection one is the top notch in "technology" and the other is a vintage one... I have both and love them but its two different concepts. IMO... Just to say that i prefer vintage watches than the new ones...
 
Posts
2,200
Likes
6,858
Two diabolically different watches. But since you have a black dial & bezel watch in your '69, I say go for the GMT which would offer a different look. I am however, partial to Matte GMT's such as the 1675/0's. As shown in the previous posts, they are quite versatile, and always have a huge following.
 
Posts
276
Likes
289
Of the 2, 16800. You could also consider 167X0


I blame it on the autoconnect.