Some stupid questions re submariners

[jonhings]

Hi all, I've been thinking about a Submariner on and off for about 10 years, though never committed, having fell for vintage heuers and panerai (and interestingly enough both my brothers have subs) .. up until now that is as I can't get enough of the nato strap look on a maxi dial sub. So this is my thinking:

1. Get a LV, change the bezel to black, put a nato on it.

2. Buy a modern non-date and just change the dial to the restored vintage 'maxi' dial? - Is this even possible? Can I change the crystal too? Is this a stupid idea?

3. Wait forever and save for a mint/new 1680 / 5513... I don't think I can afford a vintage sub in the condition - basically as new - I want it

4. Prey that rolex see sense and bring out a non-date maxi-dial ceramic sub with brushed steel and no polished centre links (pie in the sky!)

Any advice? Feel free to email me places that might be able to supply me a mint vintage sub at ok prices. I don't care if the dial and hands have been re-done or replaced or its been restored, as long as it is all genuine rolex and looks like new.

Any help much appreciated! I don't want any old sub, it has to be just right, hence me waiting so long to pull the trigger.

Thanks
Jon

[Singslinger]

There is a school of thought which says Rolex will discontinue the present S/S Sub-date if and when a revamped, ceramic-bezel Sub-date is issued. This is believed to be possible as early as next April in Basel because Rolex usually changes its full-gold model first (already done a year ago), followed by the half-gold (done this year), followed by the stainless steel.

If this thinking is correct, then the present V-series Sub-date with the "ROLEXROLEXROLEX'' on the rehaut could be the last series with such an inscription and as such, could be arguably a collectible piece (I'm not sure if V is also the first series with the engraving - there could be some M-series Subs with it as well).

I've seen postings on TRF that subscribe to this theory and that it might be a smart move to pick up one of these watches now. At the very least, it's a possibility worth considering. Good luck!

[dkpw]

Option 1 will most likely be your cheapest, easiest option - especially if you go pre-owned.

[karmatp]

I am hoping for #4 also, that I would buy.

[bradiowausa]

Originally Posted by Singslinger

There is a school of thought which says Rolex will discontinue the present S/S Sub-date if and when a revamped, ceramic-bezel Sub-date is issued. This is believed to be possible as early as next April in Basel because Rolex usually changes its full-gold model first (already done a year ago), followed by the half-gold (done this year), followed by the stainless steel.

If this thinking is correct, then the present V-series Sub-date with the "ROLEXROLEXROLEX'' on the rehaut could be the last series with such an inscription and as such, could be arguably a collectible piece (I'm not sure if V is also the first series with the engraving - there could be some M-series Subs with it as well).

I've seen postings on TRF that subscribe to this theory and that it might be a smart move to pick up one of these watches now. At the very least, it's a possibility worth considering. Good luck!

My M-series sub date has ROLEXROLEXROLEX on the rehaut along with the serial number.

[cbehnke1672]

I loved the maxi dial Sub also, but not the green bezel, so had the AD put on a black bezel. Then I put on a Divestraps 22mm strap trimmed to fit the 20mm lugs.....sweetness. I like nato's but I prefer a good divestrap with tang buckle. here is a pic.

[Singslinger]

Originally Posted by bradiowausa

My M-series sub date has ROLEXROLEXROLEX on the rehaut along with the serial number.

OK thanks. Yours could then be a collectible too!