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Which Vintage Submariner?

jfmiii
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wkimmd wkimmd
kinda but maybe. i think the reason why 5513 and 1016s are considered vintage (even if produced in the 80s) is because the reference starting production way before that - the 1960s. 16750 matte, as a transitional that bridged the 1675 (and which itself started production in the late 70s) is considered vintage for that reason. I think 16800 and 16660 are borderline. I guess what I am saying is that each watch needs to be taken and regarded on its own merits - not sure there is a specific cut off time that should say a watch is vintage or not. But I think most would say at least 30 years (which would put us at 1987). Also there is the individual wearer - I am sure whether you were born in the 60s or 90s has an impact on what you would consider vintage...
my 0.02.

i agree with you that each watch should be looked at individually. i hate the "what is the vintage cut-off" threads. imo, your reasoning for why a 16750 matte is vintage is spot on and precisely why a 16800 matte is vintage Rolex. the 16800 matte was a true transitional just as the 16750. imo, if i had to delineate when a particular model became "modern" it would be when it was introduced with solely WG surrounds. 168000 for the Sub, 16600 for the SD, 16700 for the GMT, 16550/14270 for the Explorer, 16520 for the Daytona. Of course, I also think the argument that any watch with a tritium dial should be considered vintage bc they will develop the 'look' with age. A vintage Rolex is a bit like porn....hard to describe what makes it so but you know it when you see it. And anyone looking at a well patina'd, matte dial 16800 knows they are looking at vintage.
 
M
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jfmiii jfmiii
wrong. a Maxi 5513, Matte 16750, Matte 16800, Matte 16660 are all vintage and all made in the 1980s. Not to mention 1016, 1655, and 626x Daytona were all made in the 1980s. But these are all "modern classics?" Sure dont have "modern classic" prices.

Not sure price has much to do with this. My 6518 is clearly vintage but doesn't command a high price.

Some of the refs you mention certainly span the broad boundary of 1980s. I'd suggest there are early and late examples on each category.

Clearly you have strongly held opinions on the matter so I'll refrain from sharing any more of mine.
 
watchthisway
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i would recommend targeting a matte dial 5513. a quintessential vintage tool watch. i have a transitional 5513 glossy dial with white gold surrounds from the early 80s that i enjoy. frankly that may be more in your price range but i think the matte dials are more truly vintage which i assume is your preference given the title of this thread. gilt dials are likely out of your budget.
 
tapaptpat
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Msg sent, Its big and heavy on 5513 resources.

Good luck, keep reading and post possible candidates with your break down as a learning process. Others im sure will chime in with their observations.

p
 
S
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There is a matte dial 16800 on ebay at the moment (sold by English Auctions). It looks like a clean watch. Hands are slightly lighter in colour and case has been recut but still a nice watch. You can probably get it for 4200. You won't get a matte one at that price.
 
onthedial
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@sgoody1
As others have said, and what you seem to be gravitating toward, the 16800 matte dial is within your price range if you're willing to extend it a bit, say $5600-6200 USD. The 16800 is a killer watch, and along with the matte dial 16750 GMT, I believe it's one of the best values out there. Take your time and try to see--in the flesh--as many examples as you can. Bring a jeweler's loupe and really study the dial text for authenticity, the handset and rehaut for signs of corrosion, remove the bracelet to authenticate the Ref. number and SN, and if possible have the case back removed to inspect the movement.
A full set (box + papers) is always a bonus but not essential in collecting an early 80's Rolex sports watch, the condition of the watch itself is what's really key.
Good luck with the hunt; be patient yet persistent.
 
jfmiii
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Jacek had an absolute stunner that he posted today. It sold pretty quickly, no idea what he was asking. He gets nice ones in fair frequently it seems. Watch his IG as many of their watches sell before hitting the site.

IMG_1639.PNG
 
watch3s
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jfmiii jfmiii
Jacek had an absolute stunner that he posted today. It sold pretty quickly, no idea what he was asking. He gets nice ones in fair frequently it seems. Watch his IG as many of their watches sell before hitting the site.

IMG_1639.PNG

that is gorgeous!
 
jfmiii
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watch3s watch3s
that is gorgeous!

that it was. the corrosion on the hands are common for the reference and probably MUCH less noticeable in person than they are in the picture. OP, wait and hunt for a watch like Jacek's. Some of these matte 16800s develop amazing patina, and, if you are into the vintage look, it is worth the wait. here is mine. i have only seen a faded-to-blue bezel like the one I have on a few watches. Mine has B&P and the papers say it was originally sold in HK, so perhaps the sub-tropical climate over there caused it to develop this patina.

16800c.JPG
 
watch3s
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jfmiii jfmiii
that it was. the corrosion on the hands are common for the reference and probably MUCH less noticeable in person than they are in the picture. OP, wait and hunt for a watch like Jacek's. Some of these matte 16800s develop amazing patina, and, if you are into the vintage look, it is worth the wait. here is mine. i have only seen a faded-to-blue bezel like the one I have on a few watches. Mine has B&P and the papers say it was originally sold in HK, so perhaps the sub-tropical climate over there caused it to develop this patina.

16800c.JPG

having just let me sub go as part of a trade, im now on the hunt again! but not in a hurry just waiting for the deal to finish first and I can enjoy my new piece for a bit. that way let the dust settle after all the selling
Edited:
 
wkimmd
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jfmiii jfmiii
that it was. the corrosion on the hands are common for the reference and probably MUCH less noticeable in person than they are in the picture. OP, wait and hunt for a watch like Jacek's. Some of these matte 16800s develop amazing patina, and, if you are into the vintage look, it is worth the wait. here is mine. i have only seen a faded-to-blue bezel like the one I have on a few watches. Mine has B&P and the papers say it was originally sold in HK, so perhaps the sub-tropical climate over there caused it to develop this patina.

16800c.JPG
That one is a beauty. Wow. Congrats
 
watch3s
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2 2ar2c1
it's been tudors lately:

lovely, been trying to hunt one lately but something else came along. every time I see one, its hard to justify the price because some of em are almost regular modern sub prices
 
2
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watch3s watch3s
lovely, been trying to hunt one lately but something else came along. every time I see one, its hard to justify the price because some of em are almost regular modern sub prices
there are good ones out there, just have to keep searching.
 
DSC01212.jpg
watch3s
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2 2ar2c1
there are good ones out there, just have to keep searching.

oooooo, is that the full size?! the last one I was considering was the one in the for sale section here but I had to let that go.
 
sgoody1
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I have been looking and researching, and beginning to think that my best bet might be a non-matte dial 16800, with some patina. I think there is more choice out there, at a level within my budget, and unmolested, with full set.
I have seen a few others that I would value an opinion on - and will try and post some pictures later.
 
sgoody1
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Also, how can you tell if a watch has been re-cased?
 
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