Can some one tell me about my Submarimer? <pics inc>

[solocus]

Hello, can someone tell be about my Submariner. It was a wedding gift form my wife. It is presently in for service (the first time) and I thought I should at least know it model number, movement, and anything else you kind folks can tell me about it. It was purchased in 1986 I believe. The jeweler added two extra links for it to fit me and I know it has the synthetic sapphire crystal. Yes it lived a hard life as a daily watch, but it never failed be despite the abuse I gave it.

[Newportkrieger]

Ok, I will bite... it looks to be a two tone 18K/SS Submariner ref # 16613. The all stainless steel verson of your watch, the 16610 was introduced approx 1986 and I assume the two tone verson as well. That obviously makes your watch a VERY early first year of production watch if it has a 9,000,xxx range serial number.

[T-Rip]

Originally Posted by newportkrieger

ok, i will bite... It looks to be a two tone 18k/ss submariner ref # 16613.

x1

[meckert]

This watch appears to be a replica. Send it to me and I will dispose of it properly.

Seriously, above posts are exactly correct. An early 16613 and one heck of a great timepiece. Beat it to death for several years, send it for service, and it will come back like new. Your watch is meant to be worn and you're doing so. Others here are more reticent to do so. Well done.

[ddnyc77]

don't forget to post the "after" pics, it's going to look like new.

[xjeeunitx]

I'm gonna go against the grain and say this is a 16813. It has tritium dial, hands, bezel, and 3035 movement. I'm thinking it's possible that it is a transitional Submariner because of the date this watch was purchased. I could be wrong though...

[meckert]

Originally Posted by xjeeunitx

I'm gonna go against the grain and say this is a 16813. It has tritium dial, hands, bezel, and 3035 movement. I'm thinking it's possible that it is a transitional Submariner because of the date this watch was purchased. I could be wrong though...

You just blew my mind. If correct, I have much to learn.

[Michael M.]

I agree with the posts above

Does the watch have box & papers?

[xjeeunitx]

Originally Posted by meckert

You just blew my mind. If correct, I have much to learn.

You know, I would've guessed it would be a 16613 as well if this thread was made three days ago. The only reason why I knew this(still not sure if I'm right) is because I purchased a transitional 16800 Sub with a gloss WG surround dial yesterday and I've been researching the crap out of them. That's why I love this forum because there are so much information you can learn everyday.

I would ask the OP to take off the bracelet and see what the model it is or look at the movement... That's like the only way to find out...

[solocus]

Originally Posted by Michael M.

I agree with the posts above

Does the watch have box & papers?

I have the box, I have not seen the green book that came with the watch in quite a while. I believe I have the original receipt also, but I'm not sure where it is. The green book and the receipt may still be in the safe deposit box. I will have to ask my wife when she gets back from vacation.

[Newportkrieger]

Originally Posted by xjeeunitx

I'm gonna go against the grain and say this is a 16813. It has tritium dial, hands, bezel, and 3035 movement. I'm thinking it's possible that it is a transitional Submariner because of the date this watch was purchased. I could be wrong though...

I am not sure we can be sure from the photos here alone. Early 16613's also had tritium dials but you may be right. If it is a 16813 that is a much more uncommon watch than the 16613

[xjeeunitx]

Originally Posted by Newportkrieger

I am not sure we can be sure from the photos here alone. Early 16613's also had tritium dials but you may be right. If it is a 16813 that is a much more uncommon watch than the 16613

Yup yup. We're both right, it's either one or the other.

[subtona]

fyi:

if you get it serviced and they change the insert, it will no longer match the indices on the dial.

ie the "tritium" pearl will be replaced with a "luminova" pearl (or pip)

if you bring it to a rolex service center they will keep the old one.
if you bring it to a independent trusted watchmaker, he may let you keep the old one.

having the matching original bezel insert is not essential but it is nice and you may find an appreciation for it?

great watch, thats the way they look best... used used used

[padi56]

Originally Posted by xjeeunitx

I'm gonna go against the grain and say this is a 16813. It has tritium dial, hands, bezel, and 3035 movement. I'm thinking it's possible that it is a transitional Submariner because of the date this watch was purchased. I could be wrong though...

Would agree if the watch is 1986 it should have the cal 3035, the TT Sub was first introduced in 1983, later around 1988 the cal 3135 was introduced.

[Mistry]

Originally Posted by ddnyc77

don't forget to post the "after" pics, it's going to look like new.

x2

[RJC]

Superb info guys!!!

[swatty]

Looks like a 16613 to me , early 90's maybe ?
If the watch as stated by the poster was bought in 1986 how could it be a early 1990s watch.

[bmwwilliams]

Regardless of what it is, it's in wonderful condition...looks as though it's given years of loyal service. Perhaps not unlike your marriage...?

[rolexsweep]

wow... its in a nice condition, looks like its had one heck of a life

[rad87gn]

Nice watch! After service it will look just like new! Post some pics after you get it back.

[montecristo4]

It would be way early for a 16613 bought in 86 and therefore probably made in 85 or so. IMO it has to be a 16803, way less common than thE 16613 by the way

And please no polishing !!! Your case looks perfect that way :)

[RJK]

It might be too late, but I'd ask not to replace the dial if it were mine. Gotta love T dials.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by swatty

Looks like a 16613 to me , early 90's maybe ?

If the watch as stated by the poster was bought in 1986 how could it be a early 1990s watch

[dnagwhogas]

Originally Posted by padi56

If the watch as stated by the poster was bought in 1986 how could it be a early 1990s watch

It's possible if he's Marty McFly. (Back to the future)Yup, he had that special car around mid 80s. If this is you Marty McFly....I am a big fan.

[Newportkrieger]

Originally Posted by dnagwhogas

It's possible if he's Marty McFly. (Back to the future)Yup, he had that special car around mid 80s. If this is you Marty McFly....I am a big fan.

Marty McFly is a WIMP who wore a TIMEX!!!!

After a little research I have to conclude the watch is a 16803 which as stated above is MUCH less common that the 16613. THe 16613 could not have been purchased prior to 1989.

[solocus]

I did some searching here and it looks like it may be an 16803 from what I could find. The band and clasp have a 93153 engraving and the end links have 493.

Question: Would a small chip in the crystal compromise the watch's ability to remain waterproof?

[RJK]

Originally Posted by solocus

I did some searching here and it looks like it may be an 16803 from what I could find. The band and clasp have a 93153 engraving and the end links have 493.

Question: Would a small chip in the crystal compromise the watch's ability to remain waterproof?

I doubt the chip would matter. I would be more concerned about the gaskets since they are over 20+ yrs old.

I hope you post "after" pics when you get your watch back.

[kcmo]

SO nice to see a watch well worn!!!! Hope to see your 'after-service' photos.

[solocus]

Thanks everyone for your comments and information. Heck, I thought everyone would rip on me for not treating it with more care and wearing it daily. It seems the response was quite the opposite.

Thanks again, I will definitely post some after pictures.

Mike