Would You Buy This 16660 Seadweller

[T5AUS]

Hi guys, at 5000 us this looks (to me, a total green horn) a reasonable buy? Its serial number of 712xxxx dates it to about 1981 I think. It comes with it's rolex 93150 bracelet and what appear as the right boxes but no paperwork.
Have I missed a crucial point which rings bells to the experts or is it as it appears, a good example of this model?
Thanks again for you valued advice, Phil.

[Rubenonfire]

Looks pretty legit to me...but I'd DEFINITELY take it to an AD to check the movement, etc....

[Goldeneye]

With that serial number it should have the older matt dial. Also the bracelet should be a 93160. With the right dial and bracelet that watch is collectible and big money, but has issues now and will cost you big $$ to get it right. I would stay away. JMHO. For under 5K you can get a real nice like new Sea Dweller with no issues. I also sent you a pm on that watch. Good luck.

[mike]

Phil, that serial number puts the watch circa 1982. 16660s of that era are normally assoicated with matt dials with no WG surrounds. It appears to me that might be a service replacement dial.
I want to say 5k might be a bit strong given I'd factor a $500 service and to bring it back to specs a matt dial.

I've seen matts in the 9k range in the U.S.

[Rubenonfire]

I agree, but I thought the shine was from the crystal, not the dial. Hard to tell on that photo...

[Goldeneye]

Originally Posted by mike

Phil, that serial number puts the watch circa 1982. 16660s of that era are normally assoicated with matt dials with no WG surrounds. It appears to me that might be a service replacement dial.
I want to say 5k might be a bit strong given I'd factor a $500 service and to bring it back to specs a matt dial.

I've seen matts in the 9k range in the U.S.

A matte dial will cost you about 1K and the correct bracelet about the same. So it is possible to have 7k in the watch that is worth about 8-9k. But finding the parts is not so easy speaking from experience. Then there are the service issues and any other hidden aspects. Depends on what he wants, an every day Sea Dweller or a collector watch.

[Goldeneye]

If I were him I would find more Tudor Subs like the one he's got. They are getting ready to shoot up like everything else.

[mike]

Originally Posted by Goldeneye

A matte dial will cost you about 1K and the correct bracelet about the same. So it is possible to have 7k in the watch that is worth about 8-9k. But finding the parts is not so easy speaking from experience. Then there are the service issues and any other hidden aspects. Depends on what he wants, an every day Sea Dweller or a collector watch.

Agreed. Parts are getting very hard to find and the cost is crazy.

[T5AUS]

Thanks guys, negative information is positive information and I appreciate your input. I have asked the seler for a photo of the dial out of the case which he said he would do. I do want an original and do prefer the early vintage models with the faded indices (as per my Tudor sub), so I guess I will keep looking at this stage.