1985 Submariner - Good Idea??

[Tay821]

All,

I've been mulling the idea of getting my dad a Sub as a gift as a small gesture for supporting me and now that I've got the means I thought it might be nice to get one from my birth year (1985). He's always wanted one but is not the type to spend thousands on a watch. I've kept my eye out for months now and there is one in the classifieds actually right now (see below) that has box and papers.

Do you think this would be a good idea or would you go with this, a newer Sub (2000+), 50th anniversary, or Ceramic.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=535594

[watchwatcher]

If you're going to spend approx 6k on a sub, I would get a nice either NIB or LNIB 114060, as opposed to an 80% 32 year old watch. Just my two cents.

[AJM914]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

if you're going to spend approx 6k on a sub, i would get a nice either nib or lnib 114060, as opposed to an 80% 32 year old watch. Just my two cents.

x2

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by Tay821

All,

I've been mulling the idea of getting my dad a Sub as a gift as a small gesture for supporting me and now that I've got the means I thought it might be nice to get one from my birth year (1985). He's always wanted one but is not the type to spend thousands on a watch. I've kept my eye out for months now and there is one in the classifieds actually right now (see below) that has box and papers.

Do you think this would be a good idea or would you go with this, a newer Sub (2000+), 50th anniversary, or Ceramic.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=535594

A 5513 Sub your birth year would be a great idea ! He would appreciate the stylish vintage watch more than the modern "chunky" whizzbanggizmo ceramawhatever Crayola colored pieces.

Ask your question in the vintage section, they will be able to provide more relevant information concerning a 1985 watch.

[Pavlos]

Since spending 6k spend a bit more and get a factory fresh AD five year warranty one. Get yourself one while your at it

[Toony]

I'd get a new one. Great gesture.

[flintsghost]

That's way too much money for a 32 yr old watch. Especially one that has probably never had a service. It's on the cusp for a sapphire crystal and quickset and may not have either or both. You can buy a mid 2000's used one for about the same money and possibly get one newer close to that. Not a descent buy at all.

[Psmith]

I would get a new or nearly-new watch. The birth year thing doesn't appeal to me, especially as the watch could have been assembled in a different year, from parts made at different times.

[904VT]

I think the birth year is a very nice gesture, but I would go brand new 116610LN for his first Rolex. Since he's always wanted one, but hasn't owned I think new is the way to go

[datejust24]

The watch in question is a reference 16800. It has both a quickset date and a sapphire crystal.....If I we're going to consider this reference however, I wouldn't go with a gloss wg surrounds dial, but rather a matte variant....As stated, the price isn't the best but a 5513 of the same vintage in that price point, be it a full set, wouldn't be too bad of a deal...I'd keep looking

[Tay821]

Sounds like the consensus is the new ceramic. I'd probably go116610 vs the no date. I've got a BLNR and have a Patek/AP incoming so I was going to combine it with that and surprise him.

[Jcy90]

You have budget for a new piece. Buy new.

[mps354]

Another vote for a newer model

[meganfox17]

" 16 yr old buys his Dad a Rolex Sub"

https://youtu.be/uCm.93OMq4L0


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[meganfox17]

Originally Posted by meganfox17

" 16 yr old buys his Dad a Rolex Sub"

https://youtu.be/uCm93OMq4L0

[Yvette]

I would rather go with bnib than getting my dad 30 years old watch.

[stewester]

I think if you asked this in the vintage forum you'd get a different set of answers. In my opinion a carefully purchased vintage Rolex will have more charm and show more thoughtfulness on your part than a modern off-the-shelf item.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by stewester

I think if you asked this in the vintage forum you'd get a different set of answers. In my opinion a carefully purchased vintage Rolex will have more charm and show more thoughtfulness on your part than a modern off-the-shelf item.

Exactly

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by HL65

Exactly

Definitely

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by stewester

I think if you asked this in the vintage forum you'd get a different set of answers. In my opinion a carefully purchased vintage Rolex will have more charm and show more thoughtfulness on your part than a modern off-the-shelf item.

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by stewester

I think if you asked this in the vintage forum you'd get a different set of answers. In my opinion a carefully purchased vintage Rolex will have more charm and show more thoughtfulness on your part than a modern off-the-shelf item.

This

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by stewester

I think if you asked this in the vintage forum you'd get a different set of answers. In my opinion a carefully purchased vintage Rolex will have more charm and show more thoughtfulness on your part than a modern off-the-shelf item.

This!


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[Gerardus]

Not a vintage fan, so new or NOS for me.

[Blue_Lume]

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OP - it comes to this: is the relationship with your father strong and loving enough that he would truly appreciate the thoughtfulness of a 1985 birth year watch?

If so, then THAT is the significance.

OR - is your dad a watch guy like everyone else on here who knows the difference between ice bright chromium and weak lame tritium? Then get him a ceramic.

But I'm someone who has a very strong relationship with his sons, and I have bought birth year watches for them - so it's important to ME. Next person might be a different story.

[Psmith]

Imho, get a new(er) watch and he will make his own history with it, rather than having an old watch with decades of use by others. Different if he is into vintage though.

Newer, warranted piece likely to be less problematic, if this is a concern.

[1William]

I can appreciate the thought of a birth year watch but in the end I would want the best example of a watch I could get for my money. You can say what you want but a 32 year old watch is just that. Possible issues with service, case, bracelet etc. Maybe ownership will be great but a lot of issues could pop up that would not exist with a new or slightly pre-owned example. The modern Rolexes have significant upgrades to the case, bracelet, clasp and lume. Not downing vintage in any way as a lot of people love vintage but not me. I went down that road with cars and watches and it is not for me.

[Tay821]

Thank you all for the responses. He is not a person who would know the difference between the ceramic and pre-ceramic or lume differences...nor probably wouldn't care. However, now that you mention it I do like the newer lume on my BLNR significantly more. We have a pretty solid relationship which is why I'm doing this. I like the birth year idea but as many have pointed out there are a lot of risks and I may end up paying ALOT more in the end servicing and fixing up.

[DLRIDES]

A well serviced 1985 vintage watch will be just as reliable. Service it every 5-7 years and forget about.

As someone who is approximately your fathers age, the birth year sentiment would hold great value. It's for him, not you.

[doramas]

I think it's a fantastic idea

[thesharkfactor]

I don't get the attraction to old worn out Subs.. its just an old, used, worn watch and unless it's your own (wear/use) it's just a watch that someone else has had the best of before you, it's the 2nd prize..

Get a new one and wear it out..then those scratches and marks will mean something to you.

I don't see the value in these old pieces, sure it's Rolex, but it's finished.. it'll never look anything again - stretched bands, over polished edges, patina, no lume, unreliable, big service bills.. no keep it, I'll have a new one for the same cash please..