1st Rolex recommendations?

[toulouse]

Hi TRFrs, over the last few years I've become an admirer of nice watches. My first 'nice' watch was a Breitling Avenger, and recently I purchased a Panerai 312, which I love.
I am thinking of getting a Rolex next to rotate with my 312. I would go preowned via a TRFer. My preference is the larger watches, 44mm or so. My wrist is only 6.5 so a 40mm Rolex would work of course.

The Rolexes that I like are: The green Milgauss, the Deep Sea and the Sub Mariner.

As someone who doesn't know a lot about Rolex, what should I take into consideration? If I go Sub, should I go for a newer model or something vintage? My price point would be under 7k ideally (pre-loved).


I'm a casual guy, an artist. So I don't dress up a whole lot. Just weekends for a nice dinner with the wife or friends. Usually I'm a tee-shirt or sweater guy. So I don't like too blingy. (I felt my Avenger was too blingy so I sold it).

Anyone have any food for thought?

Thanks and I look for any advice or tips in my research!

[Fawkes007]

Those are three very nice watches to be certain. My first is a recent issue Sub Date - the ceramic dial and new case sold me (I was originally after an Explorer II, then the GMT - the Sub, with it's understated elegance, won out). Love the Deep Sea- just don't need the extra features, and I was going for a smaller dial this time around (my "everyday" the past decade has been an Omega SeaMaster 300m Chronometer in the large case). The Milgaus is nice, though I'd like different dial and second hand color options (that orange lightning bolt second hand is taking some getting used to). Of the three, I find the Milgaus to be the "blingy" one - not a "t-shirt and jeans" watch. The Sub, for me, goes with anything. YMMV. Bottom line, of course, is go try them on and the one that looks and feels best on your wrist with the features you want will pretty much sell itself to you.

[Scary Hat]

The most important thing to do when buying a pre-owned watch is to buy
from a reputable source. They say you are really buying the seller, not the watch, and I happen to agree. A reputable seller can save you a lot of anxiety and get you into a watch you will be proud to wear.

As for which one, it is mostly personal preference. Mine would be to find a
nice Submariner first. Then spend time on the forum and read and ask questions. As someone who has had the same Submariner for 35 years and who wears it daily, I can tell you it becomes an part of you. I still enjoy wearing it after all these years.

Best regards,

Tom

[Frogman4me]

A quality and original 5513 or 1680 would be my recommendation. Can't go wrong with a classic sub IMO.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Frogman4me

A quality and original 5513 or 1680 would be my recommendation. Can't go wrong with a classic sub IMO.

X2

[hdrazor251]

Only you can answer that question. Visit some AD's and try on as many models as you can and see what floats your boat. Given your stated price point, there are many models to choose from...especially if you shop here on TRF.

Good luck.

[toulouse]

Thanks for your advice, all! I will be reading up on the various models for sure so that I know exactly what I'm getting into. I have tried on a few subs and an explorer or two over the last few months. I will definitely buy from one of the reputable TRF people. I bought my 312 from Oscar (body bump) and couldn't be happier.
I've always liked the subs so I'm pretty one of those will be the right choice. Just have to figure out which one.

[Paladin]

I'd go with a vintage 5513 or 1680 as mentioned above. If you buy it right you will not loose any $$$ if you decide to sell it.

More importantly, wearing a fine vintage watch says something about you that wearing the latest greatest bling watch never can.

A vintage time piece is "timeless" elegance!!!

[toulouse]

I agree. I am thinking vintage. I will check those models out. Thanks bud.

[toulouse]

For something vintage like that, are box and papers important? In other words, should I stay clear of the watches without box and papers regardless of seller reputation?

[springer]

Based on your criteria, I'd recommend the 16710 Submariner which was discontinued a couple years ago. 2005-2009 pre-owned models can be found for $4500 - $5000 for a complete watch to include, boxes, warranty paper and the original accessories. Also, as others mentioned, a vintage Submariner model 1680 or 16800 would be another possibility.

Good luck!

[Paladin]

Box and papers are important to those of us collecting...if having them doesn not give you Andy additional satisfaction then don't worry about it...just make sure you buy from a known seller. I suggest once make your decision you simply wait until a trusted TRF seller has what you want.

As for submariner choices....

1680 classic vintage sub date
5513 classic vintage sub no date
16800 ( kinda the best of both vintage and modern with matte dial but not many around)

[oystercamau]

Vintage sub. all the way!!! they don't make them like they used to....the dial on those great classic submariner are just amazing with their tritium look...

[Keeperoftime]

Originally Posted by Frogman4me

A quality and original 5513 or 1680 would be my recommendation. Can't go wrong with a classic sub IMO.

+1

[drockadam]

Ss 16610!

[goog53]

Black Stainless Sub 16610

[hatidua]

Originally Posted by Frogman4me

A quality and original 5513 or 1680 would be my recommendation.

-that pretty much covers it.

[chronomkoz]

Originally Posted by hatidua

-that pretty much covers it.

+1 from me as well!

I was in the same situation and went with a gilt dialed 5513 as this is the classic vintage sub IMHO

The submariner truly is one of those watches you can wear in jeans or dinner jacket...

Now I'm looking at a later date version to use as an everyday beater - maybe a 168000?

[lupus]

5513 gilt rivet and 1675 matte jubilee. there you have it all...

[Kayaker52]

1016 Explorer!

[Robbyvm]

5513 or 1680, goes with everything... and even if vintage, wear them as everyday beaters that's what they were ment to be !

plexi = sexy

remember, the chase is better than the catch

[toulouse]

Thanks for all the advice. Now I need to educate myself on the 5513 and 1680. And I love the hunt. I get more knowledge and respect for the brand the more I dig.

[oldbronco]

+1. vintage subs go with any outfit. I even copied James Bond & wore my sub with a tux. also, you'll find the vintage sub to be just as tough & accurate, but with more panache than anything modern.

[Michael M.]

Originally Posted by Frogman4me

A quality and original 5513 or 1680 would be my recommendation. Can't go wrong with a classic sub IMO.

X3