Modern Sub for vintage Sub or GMT?

[JonS]

Originally Posted by Cmaster03

I hear ya, Jon, sounds like I was preaching to the choir. :-)

The expense part is a whole other topic. Seems like it might be feasible if you don't have your heart set on a Red Sub or a gilt GMT. Mine aren't either and I am very happy with the watches as every day wearers.

I don't feel the need for a Red Sub or a gilt GMT. Although I like the 1680 and the 16800 I find myself drawn to a 1675. Honestly, any of them would be awesome. Whatever I end up with it wouldn't be a daily wearer since I've got others in the rotation. Also, I don't wear any of my good watches when I do yard work or similar activities.

[Cmaster03]

Sounds like we're on the same page here as well. My 1675 is probably overall my favorite watch in my small rotation: sinfully light and comfortable but it still has enough tool watch "wrist presence" as they say to be oh-so-cool looking when you do the "WIS" glance down to admire your baby. (And possibly, coincidentlally, also check the time!)

Like you, I no longer use my "good watches" for really dirty stuff like yard work or working on the car. I don't mind swimming or diving with my oyster case watches after a pressure test, but see no need to really get them banged up or dirty when I have a G-Shock for that stuff.

[harry in montreal]

this is the beaty of rolex... the moment you get bored with any one of them, you can just trade up. they are all great watches. just make sure when you buy vintage that the date kicks over correctly and ask if it needs a cleaning. i got screwed on a dried out 16750 when i didnt know better.

[JonS]

Originally Posted by Submarino

You can definitely come even on a trade going for a 1675 in pristine condition.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Watches are the new currency!

I haven't any luck finding an even trade so far. From what I can tell my 16610 is worth between $4500 and $5000 if I sell it privately. A nice 1675 seems to go for about the same price but I'm only getting trade in offers between $3200 and $3500 because the dealers want to make money on both ends of the deal (which is understandable). So it seems I'll have to sell mine privately which complicates things for me logistically.

The only 1675 I've seen in person (at a local shop) was going for $6500! It was a nice watch but the price seemed really high to me. I think they would have taken $6200 for it but that still too high. My most trusted local AD found a 1675 for $4700 but I haven't seen the watch in person yet. She saw the watch and said it's nice but she's either not into vintage or it's not that nice because she didn't sound very enthusiastic about it. She said "it's an old watch". I was at the beach with the kids when she called me so I didn't get a chance to ask her to elaborate.

The one negative aspect IMHO that I was reminded about when I saw the $6500 1675 was how loose the oyster band was (and I know this would be true with any vintage oyster band). I realize this is a common complaint but I wasn't impressed with the how the oyster band had stretched. I would expect some loosening over time but the amount of stretch seems excessive but similar to other older oyster bands I've seen. My 16610 is still pretty tight because it hasn't seen a lot of wear. However, I have worn my Speedmaster Professional almost daily since I bought new in 2000. The band shows an almost imperceptible amount of stretch which is what I would expect from any high end watch and especially from Rolex; especially given the high level of quality Rolex demands and achieves. I've read a bit about the newer oyster bands (newer than my 16610); if memory serves they don't have this problem. Am I remembering correctly?

At any rate it seems like my best option is to sell my watch and then find a good 1675 or a vintage Sub. However, It would be so much easier for me with how busy my life is now to make a trade without having to sell my watch first. Does this sound realistic? Any advice?

[michel33]

the more I read you, the more I think you need a plexi 16750 with a matte dial and a quick set feature.... The same look than a 1675, but so practical.
If you have many watches in the rotation, the 1675 or the 1680 are really a pain in the .... for setting the date (I own both). And what is the point of having a date if you cannot use it properly....

[JonS]

Originally Posted by michel33

the more I read you, the more I think you need a plexi 16750 with a matte dial and a quick set feature.... The same look than a 1675, but so practical.
If you have many watches in the rotation, the 1675 or the 1680 are really a pain in the .... for setting the date (I own both). And what is the point of having a date if you cannot use it properly....

Beautiful 16750! Submarino's 1675 is a beautiful piece too. In fact, Ii keep referring back to the photo of Submarino's 1675... what a great angle of an amazing watch!

The date isn't as important to me on a watch nowadays. Quick set would be nice but my Speedy doesn't have a date and my Bell & Ross Vintage 126's date is so small I can barely read it with my glasses! All things being equal the quick set would be nice but I think i would would go for the best watch I could find.

[Brushpup]

I would go the GMT route. Sub to Sub may not be as good based on your eye sight troubles as well. Besides, going with something so different will be a lot more fun to me. You'll love the GMTs I bet.

[JonS]

I'm sure I'll get crucified for this but I was trolling the net and ended up on Tudor's site. Have you seen their Heritage Black Bay? What a beauty even with a red bezel. Just look at the crystal! And the Pelagos is awfully nice too. All of the watches they make are really nice looking. I wonder why Rolex doesn't use the same aesthetic philosophy on their line? The Tudor watches don't have the jewelry bling factor that I feel is so unnecessary on a sports watch (IMHO). It seems Rolex is long overdue for a heritage model of the GMT, Sub and possibly others. I'm sure they'd sell. Ok, back to reality now.

Would post pics but I can't seem to on my iPad for some reason. Sorry.

[michel33]

You already grabbed your Gmt?

[katana]

I knew that 16610 will not be a coveted watch, but that 1680 already is Vintage, you never know in 20-30 years. Sold 16,610 = bought in 1680 from 1977.


Paradis

[JonS]

Originally Posted by michel33

You already grabbed your Gmt?

Not yet. I haven't found one yet. I'm pretty cautious about these things so I'm going to take my time and wait for the right watch. There's no harm in keeping what I have so waiting for the right watch to replace it works best for me.

[harry in montreal]

a few thoughts; a 1675's band IS a wonky folded band. this is correct. 7836 and 280s or 380 endlinks.

you are always best to sell and get cash in hand. however, in CA you should be able to strike a deal with another collector

[Kiwinz]

I would vote for GMT as well, put a later bracelet or Nato on.

One of the most versatile watches with the largest range of conversions to suit all occasions.

[JonS]

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

you are always best to sell and get cash in hand. however, in CA you should be able to strike a deal with another collector

That's what I was thinking but so far no luck. I'm not sure where to look for such a deal.

[JonS]

Ok. So my last post was sort of a hint.

Does anyone know a reputable dealer who might entertain such a trade?

[subtona]

i don't think your legibility is going to improve with those choices ...
have you looked at a new explorer II with a black dial?... it is perhaps the most legible model rolex has ever made?

the hands are what make the difference, not so much the markers.



http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...196550&page=13

[Tudor66]

Hello, see my comments in bold:

Originally Posted by JonS

....
...The only 1675 I've seen in person (at a local shop) was going for $6500!

Welcome from a fellow San Diego resident. I was Just curious, where in San Diego is your local shop...

...My most trusted local AD found a 1675 for $4700 but I haven't seen the watch in person yet.

Again, just curious where your favorite AD is located, You can send a PM if you don't want to share this information in public.

Lastly, I agree with the poster who indicated that you will want the quickset date feature on your vintage watch. I had a GMT without the quickset date feature and it drove me crazy.

It looks like your choices are all very popular, but I would be remiss if I did not share my 16800 ownership experience- I have a 1983 and 1984 submariner, I really enjoy the newer watch benefits, accuracy, higher beat movement, quickset date and sapphire crystal. Here are mine, good luck on your decision:

[JonS]

Originally Posted by subtona

i don't think your legibility is going to improve with those choices ...
have you looked at a new explorer II with a black dial?... it is perhaps the most legible model rolex has ever made?

the hands are what make the difference, not so much the markers.



http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...196550&page=13

Thanks, subtona! I agree with you regarding the hands. They are an important piece of the puzzle. The shinny nature of the hands on my Sub combined with the shinny face is what gives me trouble at times. The Explorer II hands are much easier to see. They seem more appropriate IMHO on a sport watch.