Hello, totally new to the Vintage Rolex world so I need some advice. I am looking to purchase a birth year 1970 Rolex. I have decided on a Submariner. My choices would be Red 1680 or 5513. I find both visually attractive with the right patina.. I would like to purchase one that is mostly original that does not need a lot of work or modifications. I just started looking and went to the Rolex Forums and have found these: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=715452&highlight=5513+1970 https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=704859&highlight=1680+1970 https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=721219&highlight=1680 Can I please ask for some guidance on what specific things I should be looking for. Thanks in advance.
Get yourself a copy, it’s not expensive and packed with data. There are also reference specific on line resources including OF. No offense but making OF members chase links and coming here without a point of view or evidence of some level of research will not get you very far. You are on the cusp of making a big purchase in a minefield. The watches will always be there so slow down and do your homework.
Thanks for your reply. I see your points. I will do some homework first and ask better questions when I know what questions to ask.
I'll echo Larry's advice and add the following. Just my personal opinion and past experience. Vintage Rolex sports models are a snake pit. The eye popping prices asked for overpolished and unserviced (2 out of 3 in your links) demand a huge leap of faith. Since Rolex will most likely not service these watches, daily wear becomes an issue and forget about collector grade in all three of those examples. Train your eyes on great cases and learn how to recognize relumed and cooked dials. Get a serviced watch for which you know genuine Rolex parts were used. The references you're looking at were made in large numbers so be patient a look for the right example. Edit: I should have added to be aware of the proliferation of laser welded cases. When you see that perfect case in a 50 year old watch?! The problem lies when the seller claims "unpolished". If a such a case is disclosed, then, so be it. Depending on the price, a refurbished case can do the trick for certain enthusiasts. Just don't get fooled.