Best Vintage Rolex Submariner Date for everyday use

[pc109]

Transitional matte dial 16800 has the vintage appeal with modern quickset date and sapphire crystal. The bezel pearls also seem to develop a neat pumpkin patina.

Having had both the 1680 and 16800, I definitely felt more comfortable with wearing the 16800 since it was easy to set the date and not worry about scratching the crystal… But OTOH, the top hat crystal of the 1680 is unique and beautiful…

[karleone]

Saphir Crystal for a daily watch!

[Swearengen]

Matte 16800 would be my choice

[lancelot]

To the op, have you considered a Seadweller, (neo vintage) like the 16600, the subs bigger brother and is built like a tank..

[cburrows]

The better crystal, and better watch for "rough" service. Enjoy your watch. Don't save it for the next guy.

[topcat30093]

Originally Posted by lancelot

To the op, have you considered a Seadweller, (neo vintage) like the 16600, the subs bigger brother and is built like a tank..

I have got a vintage Rolex arriving tomorrow.
But its neither a Submariner or Seadweller.
And its made of gold

[cburrows]

Let us know!

[blowfish89]

My vote for matte 16800 :)

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by topcat30093

I have got a vintage Rolex arriving tomorrow.
But its neither a Submariner or Seadweller.
And its made of gold

The Day-Date is also a nice everyday wearer.

[datejust24]

God bless, blowfish89, that 16800 is dead sexy brother! Fantastic example, I appreciate you sharing that sir!

[topcat30093]

Originally Posted by blowfish89

My vote for matte 16800 :)

That is stunning


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[topcat30093]

This is what I bought.
Freshly serviced by Rolex.
It’s an 1803 from around 1975.
Now just need to find a genuine pin buckle and consider what strap would best suit.







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[MrGoat]

I’m going to say an A serial 16610 with Swiss only dial. It’s different (Swiss only dial), still attainable, modern enough to keep up with everything you want to do without the modern feel. Date wheel will have some color change but lume will still work all night long. My 16613 has been my trusty daily for a year and a half and I couldn’t be happier with it.


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[blowfish89]

The day-date looks amazing; congratulations !!

I would suggest a nice green croc strap.

[Ascari_2]

Blowfish89, beautiful piece. Love the faded look of the insert.

And my vote goes to the matte 16800 but preferably on an SEL bracelet. Makes the watch feel super solid.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by topcat30093

I have got a vintage Rolex arriving tomorrow.
But its neither a Submariner or Seadweller.
And its made of gold

Originally Posted by zapokee

The Day-Date is also a nice everyday wearer.

Originally Posted by topcat30093

This is what I bought.
Freshly serviced by Rolex.
It’s an 1803 from around 1975.

No credit for me nailing the Day-Date guess?

That's a great example with a nice fat case. 1803s look good on a brown or black Cordovan Horween leather strap, which is what I wear mine on. The leather develops a delightful glow/sheen over time.

Or if I'm feeling naughty, a brown leather NATO with gold-colored fittings.

[vintagewaferthin]

Originally Posted by topcat30093

This is what I bought.
Freshly serviced by Rolex.
It’s an 1803 from around 1975.
Now just need to find a genuine pin buckle and consider what strap would best suit.







Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Wow! That is stunning!

[Eric88]

Originally Posted by Ascari_2

Blowfish89, beautiful piece. Love the faded look of the insert.

And my vote goes to the matte 16800 but preferably on an SEL bracelet. Makes the watch feel super solid.

Beautiful watch! Did you need any kind of custom work to make the SEL bracelet fit? It has been a while, though I remember the earlier Subs like the 14060 and 16610 that originally had the hollow end links lacked a "ledge" of sorts on the watch case and a few people had done some work to make SEL bracelets fit.

[Ascari_2]

Originally Posted by Eric88

Beautiful watch! Did you need any kind of custom work to make the SEL bracelet fit? It has been a while, though I remember the earlier Subs like the 14060 and 16610 that originally had the hollow end links lacked a "ledge" of sorts on the watch case and a few people had done some work to make SEL bracelets fit.

Thank you. No modifications to either the bracelet or the case, and the result feels fantastic.

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[Classique Breguet]

I snorkeled in Tahiti with my 1967 Double red (after having it pressure tested before my trip)

I had no worries and had no water intrusion.

It is not costume jewelry, these were tool watches.

That being said, I'm currently on the lookout for a nice patina 16800 matte dial at a 'decent' price as a go to for those types of trips.

[Filipão]

Submariner 2000 (with the correct T hands, yes I know...)