Vintage sub?

[m j b]

A buddy of mine has a sub date that he bought used in 1985. I don't know at what point does a watch become vintage, and how best to sell it?

I suggested that he get it serviced by Rolex, and have the bracelet reworked to get it back to close to original. It's been worn and used, so it's no safe queen. He's got the box and hang tags, so its compete. I'm guessing circa 1980? I'll get the serial from him for a better idea.

It had been serviced before, so likely been polished. I've not seen it for many years, but I remember it looking pretty good.

Am I advising him correctly, or is a vintage watch better left alone?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by m j b

is a vintage watch better left alone?

Leave it alone. Most people prefer to buy a collectible watch that hasn't been tampered with. If you post good photos, we can probably give you more information.

[m j b]

Thanks Dan. Natch when it comes time to sell it, I'll list it here in the classified section. I figure that TRF is the best audience.

Anyone else have an opinion?

[Toronto Soup King]

Unless one of you happens to be an expert watchmaker, you won't make your money back on pre-sale freshening. At the very bottom of the market for sale to non-experts, sure, but we're talking probably a 1680 or 16800 and those are pricey enough to make the difference (to the seller's pocketbook) worth at least a few hundred. Sell the watch as-is, best of luck to you both

[m j b]

I confirmed that it is a1989 16610.

Does that change any opinions?

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by m j b

I confirmed that it is a1989 16610.

Does that change any opinions?

How did he buy a watch from 1989 in 1985?

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

How did he buy a watch from 1989 in 1985?

Good friend of Doc Brown.

[m j b]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

How did he buy a watch from 1989 in 1985?

My buddy drinks a lot.

Turns out, he actually bought a Sub in 1985 (ish) and then later decided to trade it on the sub date, hence my confusion on the dates.

He's a good friend, knows nothing about watches and thought it might be worth about $3K. I told him that I would help him sell it, and I will, but trying to decide if we should get it serviced by Rolex first. And the bracelet is pretty worn, dents and scratches. But I want to help him maximize his return, and of course no point in getting the thing serviced if it won't affect price and will (I'm guessing) scare off a lot of folks who would be afraid that the lugs have been polished down to pointy little peaks.

He was thinking of replacing the bracelet, but thought that it would only cost him a few hundred. Still stuck in the '80s, my buddy.

[Styles Bitchley]

If you sell it on the classifieds here, whatever you put into it will just be time wasted and possibly value diminished. Real collectors aren’t duped by a little spit and polish.