Taking the leap for 1st vintage watch - help!

[CrookedOak]

I have been humbled by the help and camaraderie on the TRF forum since I joined a few years ago. I never thought I would become so engrossed in the watch world and more specifically the Rolex world. It has been a fun ride learning about the watches, their history and the various subtleties throughout the life cycle of various models.

I have been fortunate to "meet" people like Tony G and Patrick Aziz that have guided me through the purchase of high quality watches. I have collected a small collection of current (116610LN,116520,116400) and "soon to be vintage" (16570, 16710, 16610V) models, but I'd now like to take the plunge and add a true vintage model to the collection.

I have been watching for a Red Sub (1680) that is in good condition that has not been over polished or have a service dial or wrong band or the myriad of other pitfalls an inexperienced vintage buyer could make. I saw the one below from Jacek (a regarded buyer on the TRF) and I am VERY tempted. I would really appreciate advise or specific examples of Red Subs on the market that are good investments.

As always - thank you to the senior leaders on the TRF. Your guidance makes this a hobby easy to embrace.

Vintage Red Sub 1680

[jdmi32]

If you're buying from Jacek then there is little worry about authenticity as he is one of the best in the business.

The one you're looking is a very fine example. The only thing that stood out to me is that the lower crown guard seems to be a bit thinner than the top one, and that would bug me every time I looked at the watch. But if you can live with it, it's not a bad way to start your vintage journey as full set Reds are not easy to come by.

[andromeda160]

Are b&p that important? I think the watch is priced fairly high. Theres an mk2 for sale on here for $6k less in similar condition with no b&p

[CrookedOak]

I have heard the argument loud and clear about "you can't wear a box and papers", so if it is the right watch - not necessary.

I saw this one and it is interesting, but the hands are not in great shape. Link

[Wing Zero]

The 1680 Jacek has for sale is a very nice example, but I personally don't like paying premiums for B/P. A watch is a watch, judged solely on being a watch and meant to be worn. If you want to invest in something, try silver and gold.

You can buy a very nice Red without B/P, take that 6k difference and buy 2-3 more watches. Win Win

[CrookedOak]

Any examples of good examples of a 1680 (no B&P) currently for sale? I could use the help..

[andromeda160]

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=377794 heres the one i was referencing with a meters first dial

[JerimiahLee]

CrookedOak- glad to hear you're making you're way into the world of vintage.

A red 1680 is very strong piece to start that collection. Jacek is a top notch seller and you can expect a smooth deal from him.

The piece that he is selling is exceptional full set and the I believe the premium is warranted. Dial is clean, case is strong, and has great patina. It has all of the original accessories along with punch papers. Examples like this are hard to come by and will continue to become more rare. I would consider this the true collectors piece.

If these additional accessories and papers don't matter to you there are plenty of other options available as other suggested.

[soundserious]

Papers and provenance will continue to be more and more important as time goes by, too many shady watches out there and that trend certainly isn't going away.

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by JerimiahLee

CrookedOak- glad to hear you're making you're way into the world of vintage.

A red 1680 is very strong piece to start that collection. Jacek is a top notch seller and you can expect a smooth deal from him.

The piece that he is selling is exceptional full set and the I believe the premium is warranted. Dial is clean, case is strong, and has great patina. It has all of the original accessories along with punch papers. Examples like this are hard to come by and will continue to become more rare. I would consider this the true collectors piece.

If these additional accessories and papers don't matter to you there are plenty of other options available as other suggested.

No matter how you look at it, its an 11,000-13,000 watch without papers. Now how much papers add is up to the buyer. But 6500-8500 seems like way to large of a premium. Well over 50% of the watches value

[Goula1979]

Charles Tearle has a very good 1680, but it's too rich for my blood. I also know of two jewelers with 1680s that I've spoken to, but neither specializes in vintage which may create some trepidation. PM me if you want their contact info, but I have no idea regarding authenticity as I'm a newbie as well.