Question regarding buying a 16610, 14060, 5513 or BB58

[douglas225]

I have owned a rolex explorer for about 18 years (30 yr birthday gift from wife). A few months ago, I had it serviced and while picking it up, i started browsing. That was a mistake, because it set off that same obsession that i have had over the last 30 years related to guitars and amplifiers, but now for watches.

The watch that i always loved (when i bought my explorer) was the submariner. However, at the time, i felt it was too large and flashy for me. I still love it, but what i saw in the show that really floored me was the Tudor BB58.

I have done a significant amount of reading on, what i believed to be relative dive watches and have tried them all on and studied them; however, the Tudor and the Rolex are the only two that really speak to me. I should specify that i really love the dive watches from the 50s and 60s, so the newer Subs are of no interest to me personally. My favorite (quazi affordable) one is the 5513; however, i also like the 14060 and 16610 (i am ok with or without the date - i find merit in both versions).

My wife is dead set on the rolex 16610 because she thinks: a) it's value will only increase; and b) she feels like the Tudor is "trying to be a rolex" (please dont feel like you need to explain the latter to me, i have done all the reading and understand the history - i am not agreeing with her, but simply sharing the context).

So, two questions: The used 16610 rolexes at the AD and other resale shops around me are more expensive than what i see here in the Classified by at least $1,000 to $2,000.

If i were to go this route, would you recommend for someone like me, who is less experienced, to buy from an AD or from the Classified here. In the same vain, i really like the 5513, but the pricing on them is from $8,000 to $20,000 online (i have not seen one in person). I feel unqualified to try and make a buying decision with one this old.

Thanks for your help and if you like, i would love to hear what you would do if you were in this situation - i am not asking you to make the decision for me, just would enjoy hearing your hypothetical logic.

[tie219]

Sounds like either the BB58 or 16610 is the perfect watch for you.

The BB58 will be more solid/modern feeling as it is a newer watch. However, if the charm of older Rolexes appeals to you, then you'll love the 16610.

As to whether or not you should purchase from an AD or on the Classifieds -- that is up to you and your comfort level. If you purchase on here, make sure you do so from one of the many trusted sellers

[subprimero]

I have purchased watches from trusted sellers on this and other forums with no problems.
Research the seller's reputation and make sure that you are dealing with THAT seller by checking out contact information. Use WatchRecon to search for watches. There is no reason to limit yourself to what is available to you locally.

[nick800]

Buy from a trusted seller.

Get yourself educated to look at pictures and determine what being over polished looks like. And also excessive bracelet stretch. That is your most likely pitfall.

[Coopdog]

As a disclaimer I did some similar mental gymnastics and currently own a BB58 and it’s the watch I wear the most.

First you have to decide if you want to go vintage or modern. I would consider a 5 digit sub modern if it’s serviced and in good shape. But a 5513 will potentially have more service needs, will be more fragile, and I’d have a hard time trusting the water resistance on an old really expensive watch.

A 16610 will probably increase in value. A 14060 will probably increase in value. A 5513 will probably increase in value the most by far. Are you buying this to wear or put in a safe?

If I were you, I’d buy the BB58 to wear because it’s an awesome watch, looks great, modern reliability, relatively cheap and is a great value. It’s also idiot proof because it’s a new watch.

This is not a jab - it seems like you haven’t done enough research to intelligently buy a very expensive 5513. If this is a watch to wear, I’d go with something with less pitfalls. Buying a 5 digit sub would be a wearable alternative but for me I don’t see the value in paying more than double for something at best equal in quality to the BB58 in wearability. If the Rolex brand and potential for value retention is more important then I would swing more towards the Rolex.

[abozz]

I would buy a modern ceramic Rolex, because you already have a 5 digits one, and the oyster glidelock, cerachrom bezel and maxi dial would be very nice adition to your explorer.

go to Davidsw.com (trusted seller)

[tkc324]

Any sub you buy will most likely go up in value. I would just track down a trusted seller here and buy one. There are many good folks here that can help.

[ILuvSubs]

I agree that you purchase from one of the trusted sellers on TRF (those sellers in the "Who's Who" section of the classifieds who invariably seem to always receive numerous positive feedback on transactions).

The large variance in price for a 5513 usually depends on the condition of the dial and the case (polished vs unpolished), the type of dial (gilt vs matte vs glossy dial and then if it's a matte dial, you need to consider whether you want a maxi dial, meters first, etc. and how much patina you want) and whether it comes with box and papers. I recommend you take a look at the 5513mattedial.com website if you plan on going down this path and reading up on how to buy a vintage Rolex and what to look for. I agree that it's not worth buying a vintage 5513 until you've done your research and educated yourself on it.

You can't go wrong with an unpolished or lightly polished 16610 or a 14060 or 14060M (either 2 line or 4 line) from a trusted seller. Any of these are likely to appreciate more than a BB58 (which is a fine watch in its own right) if that is important in your decision making.

If it was me, I would go with a 4 line 14060M. A relatively short production run, still reasonably priced and the no date Sub is the original Submariner (and also the original Bond watch!).

[Onequik135i]

Some very nice picks you have listed, judging by what you have stated I would opt for either the BB58 or 16610. Both can be found by a trusted seller here on the forums. If you choose to go with the sub there is a really nice newly listed one now by a Fl seller (engraved Rehaut V series).

[importstunna]

I would go trusted seller here for your purchase. I have had my 16610 for about 10 years and BB58 for ~ 6 months. If I had to pick one, definitely the 16610. It's iconic and incredibly robust. I've banged it against everything, and it still runs well. The only knock I have when comparing it to the 58 is that the older bracelet isn't as well built.

58 is not without its charm, though. Vintage vibes in a perfectly executed piece IMO, also about half of the price of a nice example 16610. It's just not the iconic Rolex, and I have a feeling you'll continue to look for a Sub even if you bought the 58. Just my 2 cents. Good luck!

[1William]

As you read here on the TRF the prices on the SS sport models from Rolex are at a high and some will tell you that it will continue to climb and never go back. I am not one of those people. I am a huge Rolex fan and currently own four watches from the brand and three are Rolex divers, Hulk, YG Submariner and a SD43. I also own nine Tudors and will tell you they get a lot of wrist time at a fraction of the cost. I have a friend who got one of the first BB58's from our AD and he has a hard time not wearing it every day. He says he likes it better than his 16613 and his other watches. I would get the BB58 and save $5000 and wear it on the bracelet, leather straps and NATO's and move on. If after a year or so you still want a Submariner go buy a Hulk and have a nice collection. I like it when people say Tudor is a poor mans Rolex as I respond that Tudor is a thinking mans Rolex. Just my thoughts.

[douglas225]

Thank you everyone for providing such good insight. I take a lot away from your recommendations and will continue to study and look at watches. also, it is great that everyone is so kind (and not condescending). my very best

[hitman23]

I prefer the 14060 as it was my first rolex. Foolishly sold it to fund a newly released Exp42 years back. I would say the 14060 or 16610 as they are modern enough to handle regular use yet will be classics in another decade.

[nicon]

Originally Posted by hitman23

I prefer the 14060 as it was my first rolex. Foolishly sold it to fund a newly released Exp42 years back. I would say the 14060 or 16610 as they are modern enough to handle regular use yet will be classics in another decade.

Exactly this, modern enough to not worry about water resistance or falling lume, yet classic and comfortable. I would go for 16610 personally. I’ve had 14060M and 5 digit Explorer II and 16610 is the one that speaks to me most. It has date which is very useful and yet has that classic Sub look.

[douglas225]

Op here. During a recent trip to France, I had become very familiar with the pricing and model changes for all of the subs and I had a good understanding of the bb58 and what i hoped to accomplish. I was largely unsuccessful finding watches until the end of the trip, when I found a tutor store. They did not have to be 58; however, they did have the new GMT. I had not studied GMT's, but I had read on the forum that they were fairly rare, so I went ahead and bought it on a, somewhat, whim. I have to say that I'm in love with the watch… I just did not understand the GMT previously. Thx for all help and i will create a separate thread w pics and review.