Rolex Subs for Newbies

GandOsDad · Sep 16, 2019

Evening all,

Dipping my toes into the Rolex brand, I understand the inherent skyrocketing value of vintage subs, and the cost of new subs (if they are ever offered by the AD). What I’m curious about is that ‘sweet spot’ in between, think appropriately priced examples now that will be untouchable in the future. I’m not looking to jump on anything any time soon, just looking to the knowledge base of the group.

blufinz52 · Sep 16, 2019

Do you want a 5-digit, or a newer 6-digit? Lots to consider. I have a 114060 and wouldn't part with it for anything. Others prefer an older 5-digit. Tons of videos out there comparing all the iterations. Take your time, learn about them all and good luck hunting.

GandOsDad · Sep 16, 2019

blufinz52
Do you want a 5-digit, or a newer 6-digit? Lots to consider. I have a 114060 and wouldn't part with it for anything. Others prefer an older 5-digit. Tons of videos out there comparing all the iterations. Take your time, learn about them all and good luck hunting.

Basically I think I have a way forward w my love of watches, I have two sons so I think I want to sell my current collection aside from my speedy, eventually a Rolex , and then have two pieces to hand down to my boys when the time is right....OR if I croak lol

watch3s · Sep 16, 2019

GandOsDad
Basically I think I have a way forward w my love of watches, I have two sons so I think I want to sell my current collection aside from my speedy, eventually a Rolex , and then have two pieces to hand down to my boys when the time is right....OR if I croak lol

maybe a regular sub, a hulk and eventually a white gold sub. that way you and your sons can roll together in good health and style!

CPRwatch · Sep 16, 2019

I know It’s not exactly cheap but the 16800 matte dial is probably what your looking for , it’s the transitional Sub from Acrylic crystal & painted hour markers with matte dials to Sapphire & white gold surrounds with glossy dials .

Dan S · Sep 16, 2019

The 16800 is a great suggestion. Another lower-priced option would be a tritium 14060 from the early 90s whose lume plots are starting to yellow. One of these, especially with B&P, would be a nice entry-level Sub with upside potential. In your place, that's what I would probably do.

Well actually, I would save up and buy a matte dial 5513. But if you absolutely insist on spending less, that's what I'd suggest.

Ville_W · Sep 16, 2019

Since we don’t have a crystal ball who can say anything about the future? If we just consider today’s prices I agree with what already said, go for a nice piece from the ninths to early twenties.

larryganz · Sep 16, 2019

CPRwatch
I know It’s not exactly cheap but the 16800 matte dial is probably what your looking for , it’s the transitional Sub from Acrylic crystal & painted hour markers with matte dials to Sapphire & white gold surrounds with glossy dials .

I got rid of my glossy dial / sapphire crystal 1983 Sub 16800 for a Hulk, then got rid of the Hulk and later bought a TT Blue Sub, and now back to a Hulk. The 16800 had never patina'd and had been relumed with superluminova that looked old (see pic). I liked the white gold surrounds though I preferred a newer looking watch. Something is wrong with me, I know...

asrnj77 · Sep 17, 2019

GandOsDad
Evening all,

Dipping my toes into the Rolex brand, I understand the inherent skyrocketing value of vintage subs, and the cost of new subs (if they are ever offered by the AD). What I’m curious about is that ‘sweet spot’ in between, think appropriately priced examples now that will be untouchable in the future. I’m not looking to jump on anything any time soon, just looking to the knowledge base of the group.

How much is your budget? On the low end the 16610 is around $6400 all the way to $100,000+ for more exclusive models. I think a tritium 16610 with box and papers has a better entry price with room to rise.

SuperHero · Sep 17, 2019

If a 5513 is out, try the 14060...provided a date is not an important complication.

Qwertyqaz · Sep 17, 2019

I want one too 😀
The new ones are so hard to get hold off and cannot trust the secondhand market as you don’t know what’s been done to it.

oinkitt · Sep 17, 2019

I think the white 1680 still represents reasonable value. You should be able to find a good example for 10k US. That is less than a current model.

Togri v. 2.0 · Sep 17, 2019

The late 16800 from end 80s are also “reasonably” priced. I have a 16800 from 1985 that is in no way a collector’s specimen but absolutely cool for wearing without concern. It has the open 6 and 9 of the older models. When I bought it, it was priced just around the 90s 14060 but well below the never 14060m, 114060 and the older 1680. I like it. But I am also considering selling to buy a 114060 before they are updated 😁

larryganz · Sep 17, 2019

Togri v. 2.0
The late 16800 from end 80s are also “reasonably” priced. I have a 16800 from 1985 that is in no way a collector’s specimen but absolutely cool for wearing without concern. It has the open 6 and 9 of the older models. When I bought it, it was priced just around the 90s 14060 but well below the never 14060m, 114060 and the older 1680. I like it. But I am also considering selling to buy a 114060 before they are updated 😁

What is reasonable for a 16800 from the 80's now? Would I be called insane these days when I tell people I sold mine four years ago for $5000 (same as yours - my pic is above)?

But back then, when I sold it and bought a Hulk, I could buy just about any SS Sport model except the BLNR, and my AD was ready to sell me all kinds of SS and TT Subs and regular GMT II, and Daytona white dial SS bezel, and all kinds of Sea Dwellers and Yachtmasters and Explorer I and II, all in stock. They even had a Platona in stock that I got to try on.

When I bought the Hulk from the display case, I didn't know the supply would dry up a month later. That month my BLNR from DavidSW was $9000 with my name on the warranty card while it would have been $800 more from the AD after taxes IF they could get one. Sold the BLNR for $12,000 and thought I did well, until I saw them going for $14,000+ doh! (although I did have a ding in the 11 o'clock lug).

fbf · Sep 18, 2019

i m a sucker for the 1680... but i can't seem to find any good one in decent price. The market is so ridiculous right now

Togri v. 2.0 · Sep 18, 2019

larryganz
What is reasonable for a 16800 from the 80's now?

When I said “reasonable” I of course meant compared to other Rolex models and the prices they command now. Not “reasonable” as in reasonable 😀 I bought my 16800 almost a year ago for approx. $6000. This is converted from Danish Kroner and prices are also different in Denmark as the supply of vintage Rolex is much smaller than in the US.

If I choose to sell this I would not expect to make any money on it as I have also had it fully serviced to the tune of $900. It seems prices might have stagnated a bit on these, which is a good thing. They can’t continue to climb, it’s insane.

oinkitt · Sep 19, 2019

F fbf
i m a sucker for the 1680... but i can't seem to find any good one in decent price. The market is so ridiculous right now

It is really hard to find a nice unpolished example. Keep hunting!!

larryganz · Sep 19, 2019

Togri v. 2.0
When I said “reasonable” I of course meant compared to other Rolex models and the prices they command now. Not “reasonable” as in reasonable 😀 I bought my 16800 almost a year ago for approx. $6000. This is converted from Danish Kroner and prices are also different in Denmark as the supply of vintage Rolex is much smaller than in the US.

If I choose to sell this I would not expect to make any money on it as I have also had it fully serviced to the tune of $900. It seems prices might have stagnated a bit on these, which is a good thing. They can’t continue to climb, it’s insane.

My selling mine 4 yr ago for $5000 was probably about right. The nice thing about mine in the pic above, is that the re-lumed dial and hands patina color matched the untouched bezel pip, but it was functional. I probably should have kept it, since it had been serviced 2 years earlier.

CajunTiger · Sep 19, 2019

GandOsDad
think appropriately priced examples now that will be untouchable in the future.

If we knew the answer to this, we would all be rich. Personally I suggest a 5513...safest bet, IMO the best looking sub and my top 10 favorite ref.

Bizcut1 · Sep 27, 2019

16610 - so many fine examples out there. Unless you are a collector, why not purchase the newest model available in your price range.

Rolex Subs for Newbies

GandOsDad

blufinz52

GandOsDad

watch3s

CPRwatch

Dan S

Ville_W

larryganz

asrnj77

SuperHero

Qwertyqaz

oinkitt

Togri v. 2.0

larryganz

fbf

Togri v. 2.0

oinkitt

larryganz

CajunTiger

Bizcut1

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