Thoughts on Seadweller purchase

[kier333]

I am close to purchasing a 91 seadweller, is the watch classed as vintage being 24 years old. I currently own a 2014 sub ND and really want a watch that is more vintage yet wearable as a one watch and every day.

The watch does not have papers, but has been serviced by rolex and still has 8 months warranty remaining, also the watch appear not to be over polished and the lugs ok to my non trained eyes.

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated before I do make the jump, link to the watch below.

http://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Rolex/S...0/0/item/38767

[redfred]

Too expensive for a watch without papers.

[kier333]

Well I would be paying £250 plus my 2014 sub ND. I would much prefer a valid warranty that papers, and this watch does have 8 months Rolex warranty remaining.

[Vincent65]

Great reference, I'd take a 16600 SD over a 2014 Sub any day.

I've got a 1990 one and love it.

[kier333]

Yes I do agree there is something just special about the older watches. I love the lug holes, the non engraved rehalt.

Is a 91 serviced watch ok to be used as a daily watch. I realise the watch I am interested in does not have the original papers but it has had a full service at Rolex a year ago, surely that is better that original papers?

Also would a 91 SD come with a green or red box when new?

[kier333]

Is the watch over polished?

[Vincent65]

Perfectly ideal as a daily wearer. Serviced by Rolex is great - good to go, and backed up by the mothership. Peace of mind. Don't worry about original papers!

I believe it would have come with a green box, not that red thing.

At well over $7K USD the price is rather steep.

[Vincent65]

not overly polished, imho

[kier333]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

Perfectly ideal as a daily wearer. Serviced by Rolex is great - good to go, and backed up by the mothership. Peace of mind. Don't worry about original papers!

I believe it would have come with a green box, not that red thing.

At well over $7K USD the price is rather steep.

UK prices are ridiculous compared to the US market. I realise it's at the top end of the price range but I like the fact it's been fully serviced by rolex and should not require anything for several years. I also don't I tend to sell it so original papers do not really bother me.

[kier333]

Is it a fair price. My watch 2014 sub ND plus £250 for the SD?

[samuelhuntington]

As it has already been stated, price is on the high side but not outrageous. It seems like you really want it so do the trade and be happy with it.

[kier333]

Originally Posted by samuelhuntington

As it has already been stated, price is on the high side but not outrageous. It seems like you really want it so do the trade and be happy with it.

Thanks I guess I am just looking for some reassurance. I will do the trade as it makes things simple for the sake of a few hundred pounds.

I am more concerned with the watch being over polished etc. If the bracket and clasp is original what should the clasp code number be for a X series SD

[redfred]

Clasp code for a 1991 should be P.

[kier333]

Originally Posted by redfred

Clasp code for a 1991 should be P.

Thanks

[swish77]

I'd ask for better photos. Those are odd black and white photos that look as if they've been Photoshopped. Part of the beauty of the older tritium SDs is the patina. You can't tell if this watch has any patina because of the photos. I'd ask for a natural light photo to really see what's going on with the dial and hands. Does the patina match? That case has been polished, and the right-side lugs look a little funky, but it could just be the light. Looks OK. If this watch was in the U.S., you'd be looking at about $5500.

[stmoore]

This. Absolutely without a doubt my thoughts exactly.

If they didn't mess up the lugs on the Sub-C maybe I'd would be a closer call. 16600 is the best value in sport rolex right now.

Originally Posted by Vincent65

Great reference, I'd take a 16600 SD over a 2014 Sub any day.

I've got a 1990 one and love it.

[The_Walrus]

A 2014 SubC is worth more than any 16600 I would have thought.
I paid $6000 US for my z series 16600 12 months ago- box and papers.
£4650 for a SD from '91 is not a fair deal in my eyes.
I'd wait for another watch to pop up if I were you. There would be half a dozen for sale here on TRF at any given time. You can save yourself a lot a money if you just show a little restraint.
Mine is a perfect daily wearer, a true tool watch.

[steptoe]

Should the bezel have a fatter font on a 91 ?

[kier333]

Originally Posted by steptoe

Should the bezel have a fatter font on a 91 ?

Anyone before I do the trade?

[kier333]

Just to confirm the watch is £4150 not £4650 as advertised.

[Fabrice M]

I don't know if this particular watch has been over polished, but from the picture it seems that there is an unusual gap where the lugs and end links meet. Usually the fit is extremely tight and you don't see a gap at all. I have 4 steel bracelet rolex, and none has a hint of a gap, on the picture you can clearly see space on both side.

[Dr DRW]

I'd say for 500 pounds less you've got a good price

[Robbyvm]

Check it out live or ask for different pics, these are no good, photoshopped and show nothing of the actual condition of the watch...

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Robbyvm

Check it out live or ask for different pics, these are no good, photoshopped and show nothing of the actual condition of the watch...

x2. It always amazes me how some stores/sellers sell these expensive vintage Rolexes with such horrible photos. I see better photos from people selling used Ikea furniture on Craigslist. These are expensive watches, people! I could get a pretty nice used car for this price!

[NorthernPike]

There could be a good reason for the seller using over exposed out of focus photos. I'd be wary.

[cinch]

I've used Watchfinder twice. First time for my sub 14060 which was great, no bother at all and would have kept it but wanted to go vintage so traded it in for a 5513.
My second purchase with them was a gmt 16700. They do polish them up and service themselves and the work isn't always the best. My GMT wasn't keeping good time and I would have sent it back to them to be regulated but I decided to take it in to a local dealer for a rolex authorised service. He agreed that watchfinder aren't cheap and some of the work they do isn't always the best. I probably wouldn't use them again.

[charles22]

Another side.......I bought my 16700 from Watchfinder.......I had good photos to look at first and they couldn't have been more helpful on the phone. They offered to prepare the watch for me but - being a lot wiser about Rolex 'stuff' by then - I politely declined, and I ended up with a truly stunning, hardly worn, never polished watch.

I did pay top money at the time, but it was the right watch and was worth it as far as I was concerned.

Sometimes there is an element of pot luck with deals, but it pays to know your desired watch model inside out first.

I also dealt with them on an SM, but after receiving it I decided it wasn't for me. They took it back and gave me a full refund without any hassle at all.

I cannot comment on their servicing, but I would only ever use RSC.....or, at pinch, a top rated independent such as Bill Rice, et al.

[strafer_kid]

The SD 16600 is a great watch and a great daily wearer. If this one has in fact been through RSC and all is good, then it would be a good buy if the price deal is right for you. There are plenty about however so you have the option of shopping around. You might get a fully complete one with box (green), papers and tool kit for around £5k or slightly less in a straight purchase, though I realise you wish to trade in your SDc so that might restrict you a bit. Hope you land one in any event and good luck!