Considering an L Serial 16610 - Thoughts?

[gfxbt]

If I decide to pull the trigger, this will be my first Rolex. Any thoughts/things to look for on an L serial 16610. For example, what clasp code, etc. should it have, other wear pints besides bracelet stretch, etc.? The age kind of makes me nervous. Since it is tritium, the dial markers/hands will patina. Is the current level of patina all it will ever get (i.e., it won't continue to get darker over time). I like that it is a vintage watch with a history, I just want it to look nice enough to wear with a suit occasionally until I can afford a second expensive watch. Thanks.

[Tools]

You are over-thinking this..

The patina may darken more over time, nobody knows.. My feeling is that if you keep the seals intact and do not allow moisture inside you will not see a change for many, many years..

As to bracelet codes, we have all those codes in our reference library.. Here though, I would like to see my 25 year old Sub with a newer 93150 bracelet on it that is in good shape and well cared for.. Nothing wrong with a proper service replacement..

[Thebiglagu]

Great watch you can't go wrong with a sub, especially a 16610 with lug holes. Check if the seller has a service history and if there is any kind of warranty? But I've owned a few 16610's and 16613's, great watches with a great history. The best part about is if you buy it right you can't loose. You can possibly wear it for 5/10 yrs and most likely make a buck on it, at least get you're money back. Anyway enjoy its an iconic watch.

[Dr. Robert]

If it has lug holes buy it.
It's a Rolex they age well, get a service & you're good to go for a long time.

[Thebiglagu]

Can't argue with doc. Lug holes kick ass! It's a tool watch not a fashion accessory!

[Speed]

So what do you think?

[gfxbt]

Thanks everyone for the input. I'm a huge fan of the 16610 over the 116610. I like the vintage idea because it makes it kind of unique (as "unique" as you can be with a sub). It sounds like I don't have a lot to worry about with the age. Just get it serviced and wear it everyday. Any thoughts on good price? I've seen a couple in here listed for 4500-5000. My guess is that is probably pretty reasonable? I'm going to see it in person tomorrow. See how it feels on. Pretty excited.

[Billywiz]

Buy the seller and then forget and just enjoy.

[Thebiglagu]

For an L serial probably stay closer to the $4500 mark that way if you want to flip it you can get you're investment back and maybe more. Unless its a full set in great condition that may bump up the price. Take you're time and find the right sub for you. It will make u much happier if u get one complete and in like new condition. There's plenty out there and allot of great sellers and help right here if you need it. Welcome to the club!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by gfxbt

Thanks everyone for the input. I'm a huge fan of the 16610 over the 116610. I like the vintage idea because it makes it kind of unique (as "unique" as you can be with a sub). It sounds like I don't have a lot to worry about with the age. Just get it serviced and wear it everyday. Any thoughts on good price? I've seen a couple in here listed for 4500-5000. My guess is that is probably pretty reasonable? I'm going to see it in person tomorrow. See how it feels on. Pretty excited.

If no service history I would advice a RSC service sooner than later then watch will have a service paper/card that will be a full two year warranty. Dont worry about clasp codes as all the charts are a approximation and older or newer clasp can be fitted to the same watch in the L serial time frame 1988/9.

[cop414]

Originally Posted by padi56

If no service history I would advice a RSC service sooner than later then watch will have a service paper/card that will be a full two year warranty. Dont worry about clasp codes as all the charts are a approximation and older or newer clasp can be fitted to the same watch in the L serial time frame 1988/9.

This, also if it hasn't had a service you should be able to use that fact to haggle the price a bit. RSC service would probably be a mininum of $600.00. Keep us posted as to what you do.
Oh, welcome to TRF.

[gfxbt]

Again, thank you for the input. Getting it serviced seems to be a common theme. Many have suggested an RSC service. Makes sense. However, I have read other threads about people who refuse to send their watches to RSC for one reason or another. Most of the time it seems like they don't want the original parts on their vintage watches replaced with new parts. Although I don't plan on buying this as a collectors item, I agree that I would like to keep it original (part of the draw of buying a vintage watch). That said, would it make sense to take it somewhere other than RSC for an appraisal/service after purchase? If so, what's the best way to find a place you can trust, and how much is this likely to cost? Again, thank you for all of the insight, it is greatly appreciated.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by gfxbt

Again, thank you for the input. Getting it serviced seems to be a common theme. Many have suggested an RSC service. Makes sense. However, I have read other threads about people who refuse to send their watches to RSC for one reason or another. Most of the time it seems like they don't want the original parts on their vintage watches replaced with new parts. Although I don't plan on buying this as a collectors item, I agree that I would like to keep it original (part of the draw of buying a vintage watch). That said, would it make sense to take it somewhere other than RSC for an appraisal/service after purchase? If so, what's the best way to find a place you can trust, and how much is this likely to cost? Again, thank you for all of the insight, it is greatly appreciated.

Well first you can state things like don't change the dial just do a movement service only or just a slight polish on case.A full service around $600-$700 then movement and watch would have a 2 year warranty

[gfxbt]

padi56 - Thanks for the information. I was unaware that you could specify things such as don't change the dial or hands.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by gfxbt

padi56 - Thanks for the information. I was unaware that you could specify things such as don't change the dial or hands.

You can ask but they don't always listen.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

You can ask but they don't always listen.

Well with every service I have done by The RSC they have, but there are many independents around that will do as good a job, and will listen to just what the customer wants.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well with every service I have done by The RSC they have, but there are many independents around that will do as good a job, and will listen to just what the customer wants.

You're totally correct. Not only will they listen, but they will also return the parts they replace - giving the owner the option of refitting the tritium components at some later date if they so wish.

[gfxbt]

So I checked it out today and didn't pull the trigger. See attached photos. The hands aren't even close to matching the markers. The hand also looked really beat up. Makes me nervous since there is no history or anything with the watch. It had also been polished. Although the lugs looked even, the emblem on the clasp was almost polished completely off. Wanted 3800 for it. My guess is I could have gotten some more off, but I didn't know how big of a warning sign the non-matching hands was so I left it at "I'll think about it."

[gfxbt]

Can only get one photo per post from my phone . . .

[EmpireCity]

It's not a terrible piece-- and much cheaper than $4500.

How much do you think you can take off the price?

[gfxbt]

Likely would do 3500, maybe a little cheaper. That INCLUDES tax. Part of the problem is I'm looking to trade my Tag, and he doesn't want it (doesn't think his clientele will be interested - I tend to agree since most of what they have is hold and diamond adorned). Also, he said he would find me period correct hands that will match and will put ten on for me. That is included in the price. Am I wrong for walking away so quickly?

[Thebiglagu]

$3800 is not a bad price. It's hard to find a no date for that kind of money. But in the end you need to be happy with you're purchace. P.S it would be better than the tag!

[gfxbt]

A third shot - All the marks you see, other than the insert scratch around 2 o'clock, are fingerprints

[gfxbt]

[delete]

[Thebiglagu]

Definately looks polished but it is an older watch. Idk $3800 still isn't bad. If it were me I'd be looking for a more recent complete set, not polished if possible. You might lay down more coin but I bet you would be much happier in the long run. There's plenty out there like I said earlier check the classifieds in trf I guarantee u will find the perfect sub. The hunt is half the fun!