Which Vintage Submariner?

sgoody1

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.

jfmiii

i personally would hold out for a matte 16800 if your budget is 4-5k GBP. you can find one; even if you need to stretch a bit, it will be worth it in the long run. they are true transitionals. they were only made for a few years, many had matte dials replaced with WG surround dials during service, etc etc. it is a much better place to put your money than a later 16800, imo. take your time, they arent going to increase in value 50% overnight.

sgoody1

The 16800 matte is the watch I first picked out as what I would like, but they just don't seem to come up with the full set, matching hands, pearl and lume, polished sympathetically at a reasonable price. I did see one (over my real budget - but like you say, I would stretch a bit if the perfect watch appeared), but then found out the case had been replaced.
If you really think one thats right will come along, then I will hold on, after all, its not like I need one right now (but I feel like I do!!)
I think your advice is spot on, but its tempting when you see others, and I was shown some pictures the other day of a non-matte 16800, but with nice colour, full set, all original etc - and if the price is right, its really tempting.

M morningtundra

This isn't a bad price for a 168000. Any more pics? What's the state of the bracelet?

These are rare and unusual references and clean up nicely. Not quite vintage but certainly modern classics. I'm enjoying mine...

jfmiii

i think if a full set is a must-have, then, yes, you prob are not going to get one in your price range. the corrosion on the hands is extremely common for these references. it is much less noticeable in person. i wouldnt let that stop you from buying a nicely patina'd watch at a nice price. but they are out there. here is one that sold 2 weeks ago. it sold almost immediately but it was a steal at this price.

http://forums.watchuseek.com/f29/rolex-submariner-16800-1984-matte-dial-4487031.html

sgoody1

Here are some extra pictures of the 168000

sgoody1

Also, how can you tell if a watch has been re-cased?

M morningtundra

There is a serial number on the case AND on the movement.

Only Rolex have the records to know which case originally shipped with which movement.

jfmiii

A Rolex service case serial begins with "44" (I have also heard "47" cases are service as well). If the serial begins with "44," run from the watch. Regarding the lume, Im not a expert on WG dials. Id post a dial close-up on VRF and/or TRF though before you get serious about the watch.

If the 16800 matte is out of the running and you are set on the 168000, might I be able to persaude you to consider a 16700? Also a transitional watch. the last GMT Master. tritium dial (though they also came in luminova later in the run) means patina, sapphire crystal and they sell at a slight discount to the 16710. I think they are undervalued and make a great daily wearer. They were made for a relatively short time. They were sold alongside the 710 but didnt sell nearly as well bc they dont have a independent GMT hand, so were made in much much fewer numbers even though they were produced until 1999. They only came with a pepsi bezel from the factory but you can swap the pepsi for a black GMT bezel easily if you want a Sub look.