Entering the vintage Sub market; a discussion

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

Sound advise IMHO. But more like you could press the pedal down in one of those vintage car races but beware of the potential consequences…
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/ot...le-fix-it.html

Cripes

[Bobcat Sig]

Originally Posted by pauldavidthorpe

Same risk as putting a 250 California through an automatic car wash - you can, but you'd be off-your-trolley !

Heh, true. I’d take my 911 Turbo through the car wash, but it’s too low and won’t fit in the automatic wheel tracks.

Originally Posted by Filipão

My November 1958 6538/0 #426.XXX snapped the retaining ring. After 60 + years of abuse.

It's a Rolex.

I love it that you put it through those paces to wear it out in such a way that it literally wore out. Me, I'd service it a bit over that lifetime, but I love it nonetheless.

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

Sound advise IMHO. But more like you could press the pedal down in one of those vintage car races but beware of the potential consequences…
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/ot...le-fix-it.html

Usually, when I mash the skinny pedal in the Porsche, it's my license that's in jeopardy.

[Bobcat Sig]

Now that a month has passed, an update on my search. It's over... for now. And sadly, it did not end with a new piece to my collection.

The watch I posted about and the genesis for this thread went out for a movement service. And with that service, came a polish on the bracelet, which I'd asked not to have done. So while the watch was back up to spec, but with a much nicer-looking bracelet, it took some of the luster off the prospect of acquiring a vintage piece. But the kicker was that this dealer was now asking over $17k for the watch - a much higher price than initially discussed. So I passed.

I think my next acquisition will be an 11-series SubC as I dive into other areas of the vintage Sub market.

I greatly appreciate all the info and advice shared here. It's been a fun and interesting learning experience.

[Dan S]

$17k isn't a surprising dealer asking price for a serviced 1970s 5513, but it's definitely not a bargain. The market is a bit soft at the moment, so you could try making an offer if you like the watch. However, without seeing better photos or knowing whether the dial and serial number are consistent, it's really impossible for us to give any price guidance.

[newkidonblock4]

Originally Posted by Filipão

My November 1958 6538/0 #426.XXX snapped the retaining ring. After 60 + years of abuse.

It's a Rolex.

respect

[Bobcat Sig]

Originally Posted by Dan S

$17k isn't a surprising dealer asking price for a serviced 1970s 5513, but it's definitely not a bargain. The market is a bit soft at the moment, so you could try making an offer if you like the watch. However, without seeing better photos or knowing whether the dial and serial number are consistent, it's really impossible for us to give any price guidance.

Makes sense. I was put off by the asking price after initial discussions had the price at a much better spot.

Nonetheless, if the watch makes it to their site, I'll link it here. Even then, at $14- $15k, I'm much more likely to buy a 114060 SubC. The ghost bezel was attractive to me for the patina, the bezel fade, and the relatively affordable price. Not so much now.

[Bobcat Sig]

To close this loop and a bit of an academic exercise, the watch that started this whole quest for me can be found here.

As I mentioned upthread, I opted to pass on the watch as the final asking price was far too much over what I was willing to pay. While I will likely add a four-digit Sub to my collection at some point, I'm hoping to use this as a learning exercise for future acquisitions.

Based on what you see in the post, how accurate was I in my research? What else is of note with this watch and its service history?

Much appreciated