Help me navigate my way

[JPJ]

I've been around this forum for years, almost two decades I think!
Have a number of Rolex watches, all of which have been bought from new by me, and all have been worn and enjoyed. My daily for a long while 16600 from early 2000's, a Polar 16570 from the same era, 126610LV (new daily), Batgirl and SD4K, so couple of 5 digits and 6 digits but no 4's.
I have been looking at vintage watches for a long time, and there was always a reason not to, in fact there still is.
Mainly that the market is a minefield, and I am having a hard time distinguishing from what is worth pursuing and what is not. Despite me being a 'watch guy'!
For example, I have wanted a vintage Sub for years, I remember looking at them, new at the time, in National Geographic when I was a kid, and in Bond movies.
Do I go all in, with a 1680 red for example, or just go for the white lettering 1680, or a 1665. A 5513 also would be an option, it is dateless though, and I prefer the date window on my watches.
For a nice example of a 1680 red I could go 2 or 3 other watches including 'less desirable' 4 digit sub or SD.
I do have some pics of a 1680 I have been looking at that I may ask for advice on, will do that in a follow up post. Thanks for reading!

[alwayshere]

its all about what you want ultimately. I don't know the rule of thumb but the red sub is generally 1.5-2.0x the price of the white sub, subject to condition etc.

Share pics of the 1680 you have been eying and we can give you our thoughts. There are a few in Australia currently listed. All have their issues, etc.

[JPJ]

Thanks, I'm not sure how things go with posting to 3rd party sites, so I'll attach some pics to start.

Is a full set by the looks, not in Australia... which would make life easier bit as you say the choice isn't great

[alwayshere]

I'll have a closer look at the watch shortly but a couple of things to consider when you are buying from overseas.

1) usually there is a further tax when imported in. Thats usually 13% of the purchase price after you account for everything. Gets even more expensive...

2) Returns are harder to deal with so make sure you are happy with the watch through the pics, etc.

Frankly, I would try to stay local if you can on larger purchases.

[JPJ]

Agree, I can manage the overseas and import component, parents in the UK and business associates in Germany.
Not being able to see/ touch the watch is a big negative.

[Dan S]

The case has been refinished obviously, but the thing that is bothering me is the crown guards. To judge correctness of parts, it would be helpful to know the first few digits of the serial.

[alwayshere]

yeah CG looks a bit thin. I'm not sure about the crystal either? is that a truedome?

[hutch300]

Lug holes look weird too. Maybe try a quick trip to the US and get one in person. I do think its worth the premium to go red if you are only going to have one 4 digit and based on what else you have.

[Filipão]

Originally Posted by alwayshere

yeah CG looks a bit thin. I'm not sure about the crystal either? is that a truedome?

It's a service cyclops heavily sanded.

from the antipodes

[JPJ]

Thanks for your input.
Agree that the closer I look, with other pictures as reference, and guidance from other members, the more negatives I see.
Particularly those crown guards...
I'll keep looking around the place!

[Jofe90]

She's beautiful!