Is this an offer I can't refuse??

[Franks07]

I have a one owner vintage Sub ref. 6205 with original dial, hands, bezel & insert and movement (Brevet Crown and Tropic 16 acrylic crystal were recently replaced with Rolex "period correct" parts during a Bob Ridley Spa Treatment) that I am considering selling. This watch was my father's and is now little more than a very expensive "safe queen" that increasingly makes no sense to keep. As far as being a "family heirloom"... Yes and no...I have several other nice watches including a red Sub and Omega a Seamaster Chronograph (cal.321) and all of his military memorabilia that were also my father's so it's not like the connection to him will be lost if I do go ahead and sell this one.
Here is my current dilemma,,,I have a very good and lifelong friend (my father also knew him) who is a diehard WIS and he REALLY wants my 6205. He is valuing it at $50k and is willing to trade a combination of the following watches from his collection with as much as $20k cash to reach the $50k price he is offering:
1680/8 solid gold Sub meters first valued at $20k
5513 vintage Sub valued at $8,500
GMT 1675 (guild) valued at $10,500
SS Daytona LNIB (white dial) valued at $12,000
18k YG DD valued at $11,500
Since the watch would go to a very old family friend it really wouldn't be straying far...my concern is two fold...is the $50k valuation correct for my very high quality 6205 example and what is the near term (5 yr.) appreciation potential of the 6205 (many knowledgable collectors believe the small crown early Subs are currently undervalued...especially in overall excellent original condition) as compared to the extremely nice examples of the watches being offered in trade?
Here is a picture of the 6205...advice from the many knowledgeable folks on the Forum would be much appreciated as I have definitely not made any decision on this offer as yet. If I had to make the decision right now (absent the requested advice from Forum members) I would keep it tucked away for another 3-5 years and see where the crazy pricing on vintage Rolex sports watches goes.

[donaker]

Your 6205 is a beauty. I wish I had a similar "problem". Alas, I have a single 5508 from my dad which I don't think I'll ever part with.

Sounds like a tempting offer though. Removing emotion from the equation, you may see greater appreciation on the four versus the one but I'll let the experts pitch in.

Good luck with your decision.

[CrownMe]

I can't speak on the values of each but I can say without a shadow of a doubt I would make the trade if the watches are in as good of shape as yours. While I like the 6205 I would like having a group of great watches over 1. Plus u would be getting a nice chunk of change to put in the bank or to put towards another watch.


Your collection after the trade would be amazing

[subtona]

I wouldn't part with that watch.

And I would wear it!

[Dr.Smellody]

Such a lovely watch. That would be a tough decision for me. . . As much as I love my 6205, 1680/8 is the ultimate piece for me. . .

[tonyfabro]

You can always make more money in the future and buy those watches.

The family connection to me would make that watch priceless.

[V.lats97nsx]

I would do the deal in a heartbeat

[themaninblack]

Keep the 6205. It's a beauty.

[omitohud]

All those 5 watches plus 20k cash? Even conservatively estimated, those 5 watches r over 50k by themselves even in decent condition. Not too mention, u instantly build an awesome collection that u can wear. Do it.


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[greekbum]

IMHO you have valued the 1680 meters 1st gold way below the market. I saw a nice one trade in the mid 40s recently. If it's nice I would do the trade myself

[Scot_3]

Are the generations of family coming that would appreciate your fathers 6205? If so maybe think about for a few months.

[Andad]

Sell a 6205 even without the provinance?

Not likely.

[QueueCumber]

Need to see pictures of the pieces he wants to trade for your 6205...

[GGGMT]

Do the trade.

[Franks07]

Hello all and thanks for the input, to clarify... The total value of cash (if wanted) and any combination of the five watches he is offering to include in the trade for my 6205 is currently not to exceed a total combined value of $50k.
Right now I'm leaning strongly towards holding on to the 6205 for a few more years to see where the values go for extra nice vintage Rolex sports watches.
Frank

[Franks07]

Originally Posted by greekbum

IMHO you have valued the 1680 meters 1st gold way below the market. I saw a nice one trade in the mid 40s recently. If it's nice I would do the trade myself

Thank you for the good information regarding the current market value of the 1680/8 meters first...I should have mentioned that it is on a Croc strap...probably still undervalued based on your input.

[Vincent65]

It all boils down to to this:
1. How much you appreciate the 6205 that your friend clearly wants - very much. IMO, it makes no sense to stuff it away in a safe, just because it's been serviced. All the more reason to wear it and enjoy it, which is what I'd do. So, it's not a case of it 'making no sense' to keep it, but of course that's just my humble view.
2. How much you like/want the bunch of watches he wants to offload in order to get it.
3. How much more appealing to you making money is than keeping restored heirloom watches. At the end of the day, the watch is what it is, and however much it may increase (or decrease - unlikely) in value in the next few years, you'll still be faced with the same quandary; whether to keep it or sell/trade it and hopefully 'cash in' on the deal. Then what? I'd keep my father's watch, if it were mine. And very nice it is, too.

[Jetkopite]

Your friend seems to want that watch very badly with what he is offering which is no surprise as its a stunning vintage time piece... Personally like some have said I would keep this watch and wear it and enjoy it knowing that was your fathers watch, having it on your wrist and looking at it will always remind you of your father and what great taste he had in watches, for me that warm feeling is worth more than any money..

Now in saying that if you needed the money desperately then I am sure your father would fully understand parting with it...

[EEParker]

Can you put a deal in writing where, if he ever wants to sell the watch, you get first dibs again at the $50k price? So it's essentially a long-term loan?

[Im Lauf der Zeit]

First of all, you can never replace the family connection of your 6205. Second, one higher-end collectible is generally a better investment than a grab-bag of lesser ones currently of equal value. Hang on to it, especially if you have a next generation to give it to.

[watchcrank]

I think he is making a very fair offer. I've had the 6204 & 5. Nice little watches but not one that you'd wear often. I'd love another 1680/gold but it seems you have an abundance of nice choices already. Let your gut lead your choice :-) I don't think you have any wrong answers with either way. Good luck and your da had excellent taste!
m

[Franks07]

Thanks to all for your wisdom on my selling conundrum. After reading all of the responses and careful reflection...I have decided to keep the 6205 for now. Eventually I will sell it and split the proceeds equally amongst my four children. Rather than give this very expensive vintage timepiece to one kid I have decided to have them all enjoy a little gift from their grandfather (none of them give a hoot about watches anyway...even the oldest who is the caretaker of my father's red 1680 Sub).
Taking the "wear it" comments to heart...I have decided to make it my mission to wear the 6205 at least once weekly and turn her from a "safe queen" to a "rock star". Here is her new image makeover

[vcnyls]

I think you've made a great decision.

[Tudor Fan]

Good for you.

[g-boac]

Hi Frank - I think you made a great decision. Bottom line is, any of the watches you were offered in trade, you can buy with money. No currency, however, can buy the fact that your 6205 was your dad's and in your family.

[linesiders]

(Don't forget me, dad ;) )

[Im Lauf der Zeit]

Great decision... and your 6205 is rocking the Stones look.

[tix99us]

Originally Posted by themaninblack

keep the 6205. It's a beauty.

x2

[QueueCumber]

I still want to see pics of the other pieces. I'm wondering how good a friend the person is...

[omitohud]

Originally Posted by QueueCumber

I still want to see pics of the other pieces. I'm wondering how good a friend the person is...

Lol. Me too, that MF 1680/8 is very interesting. That said, u made the best decision. U can't buy heritage. 👍


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