16610LV - True anniversary?

[itzjere]

Hey guys. New to the forum (even though I joined a few years ago) and was looking at a BLNR when I got sucked into a few threads about 16610LV.

I was gifted a 16610LV years ago, and have worn it daily not really knowing exactly what I have outside of that it was a 50th anniversary submariner. Now that I've done some reading, I'm wondering if I was gifted a 'true' anniversary?

I have the full set of boxes and papers, and my serial number shows Y96XXXX with a date of 04/2004 on it. From what I can tell, it has the MK1 dial (oval O, 5 ticks and flat 4). I'm wondering if I had a gem on my wrist all these years without knowing it? Here is a photo of my watch.

[sleddog]

One of the first iterations in production. A fantastic reference, and one that some may pay more for.
I'd hold on tight to that for a lot longer yet. Enjoy the watch!

[sager]

You are very lucky to have that reference. Enjoy it and never even think of selling it

[Andad]

Nice one and the first release is a good one to have.

Condition now becomes important.

[itzjere]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I'm guessing by the response, I do have a true anniversary.

[LuminousMaximus]

unmistakable Rolex Congrats

[sensui]

Originally Posted by itzjere

Thanks everyone for the replies. I'm guessing by the response, I do have a true anniversary.

Yeah, the most desirable iteration for sure. Congrats.

[Andrés G]

You're a lucky guy. Congrats.

[zeeww]

You're very lucky, treasure it and hope all goes well. I have an f series 2005 Flat 4 and I consider myself very lucky, yours too that!

[Smarties]

Congratulation! I wish I have one too.....

[padi56]

Originally Posted by itzjere

Hey guys. New to the forum (even though I joined a few years ago) and was looking at a BLNR when I got sucked into a few threads about 16610LV.

I was gifted a 16610LV years ago, and have worn it daily not really knowing exactly what I have outside of that it was a 50th anniversary submariner. Now that I've done some reading, I'm wondering if I was gifted a 'true' anniversary?

I have the full set of boxes and papers, and my serial number shows Y96XXXX with a date of 04/2004 on it. From what I can tell, it has the MK1 dial (oval O, 5 ticks and flat 4). I'm wondering if I had a gem on my wrist all these years without knowing it? Here is a photo of my watch.

All 16610LV are anniversary models but thanks to the internet there is now this term the true anniversary with flat 4 fonts.And now even the new replacement LV inserts from Rolex which now are back to Rolex exchange only, most probably that insert will have a flat 4 font.Nothing special about flat four fonts they have been used many times over the many decades, plus in the same time-frame when the LV was launched the flat four was on all subs and SD models.

[Watchzombie]

Originally Posted by padi56

All 16610LV are anniversary models but thanks to the internet there is now this term the true anniversary with flat 4 fonts.And now even the new replacement LV inserts from Rolex which now are back to Rolex exchange only, most probably that insert will have a flat 4 font.Nothing special about flat four fonts they have been used many times over the many decades, plus in the same time-frame when the LV was launched the flat four was on all subs and SD models.

Totally agree! The 16610LV is hyped up by the owners, they bought it at a premium price when it was launched .

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by itzjere

Thanks everyone for the replies. I'm guessing by the response, I do have a true anniversary.

It would appear so.

Don't get careless with it.
The bezel insert alone is worth some serious coin and going up by the day.
It's virtually irreplaceable and i would source a replacement and have it changed professionally to have it preserved for the future.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Watchzombie

Totally agree! The 16610LV is hyped up by the owners, they bought it at a premium price when it was launched .

I paid the recomended retail price for mine from the AD.

Another reason to foster a good relationship with one's local AD.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by padi56

All 16610LV are anniversary models but thanks to the internet there is now this term the true anniversary with flat 4 fonts.And now even the new replacement LV inserts from Rolex which now are back to Rolex exchange only, most probably that insert will have a flat 4 font.Nothing special about flat four fonts they have been used many times over the many decades, plus in the same time-frame when the LV was launched the flat four was on all subs and SD models.

Rolex can only supply the later pointed 4 insert now.
This has been the case for years now and it is the definitive distinguishing feature of the first aniversary model.
If one still has an original/genuine flat 4 insert it's not to be dismissed as a frivolous thing.
Especially as they become increasingly more scarce as time goes by.

It's a stand out defining component/feature of the first LV model.

Sure the later versions were produced for 7 or so years after the initial release, but the first iteration will always be the gold standard.

[Andad]

[QUOTE=Dirt;7876568]Rolex can only supply the later pointed 4 insert now.
This has been the case for years now and it is the definitive distinguishing feature of the first aniversary model.
If one still has an original/genuine flat 4 insert it's not to be dismissed as a frivolous thing.
Especially as they become increasingly more scarce as time goes by.

It's a stand out defining component/feature of the first LV model.

Sure the later versions were produced for 7 or so years after the initial release, but the first iteration will always be the gold standard.[/

The bezel insert alone is worth some serious coin and going up by the day.


The flat four bezel on its own is really worth nothing unless you have the watch.
If I could source a flat four bezel for my LV it is and will always be an 'M' and it would then not be original.
This would be a no win situation and decrease the value.

[Bigblu10]

OP, just to give you an idea of what some are asking for there is a Y serial LV like yours in the for sale section for $24K asking price. Hang onto it, you have something that is just going to increase in value over time as the Y serials are considered among the first made and most desirable. Do you have the box and all accessories that came with the watch?

[Mezz72]

look forward to seeing the pictures of everything!

[itzjere]

I certainly do have the box and accessories that came with the watch.



So my next question is, is has never been serviced. It keeps time OK. Should I service this? And if so, should I have the case/bracelet polished of the light scratches?

[Gaijin]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

OP, just to give you an idea of what some are asking for there is a Y serial LV like yours in the for sale section for $24K asking price. Hang onto it, you have something that is just going to increase in value over time as the Y serials are considered among the first made and most desirable. Do you have the box and all accessories that came with the watch?

Sure. God bless him.


He will be "bump"ing that for years.


I head shake at sellers here that ask way over current market price then bump the for sale thread for months before saying "Keep the offers coming/we are close/pending funds seller backed out back on the market to finally that they are "Keeping this baby for themselves returning it to their safe deposit box.."

[REFZ]

How did you make that picture with the shadow beneath the bracelet?

[itzjere]

Originally Posted by REFZ

How did you make that picture with the shadow beneath the bracelet?

An improvised light box and flash.

[watchwatcher]

How come I'm never "gifted" stuff like this?

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by itzjere

I certainly do have the box and accessories that came with the watch.



So my next question is, is has never been serviced. It keeps time OK. Should I service this? And if so, should I have the case/bracelet polished of the light scratches?

Obviously the watch was originally purchased in the US.

Everything looks to be in superb condition.
It all should be worth something one day and what a wonderful gift.
Who may I ask gave it to you and is there a story behind it all?

I note you don't have the Sub Anchor as part of your kit.
Mine had the anchor as well.

[mementomori1983]

Luck struck twice for you, OP -- first being gifted a Rolex, and second having that gift become one of the most desirable modern Rolex references ever. Cherish it and congrats!

[Duey]

Something doesn't pass the sniff test here ..... just saying

[rushca01]

Originally Posted by Duey

Something doesn't pass the sniff test here ..... just saying

If it's posted for sale soon I would agree. However, what other motive would the OP have than to troll random people on the internet. Why would they lie?

[itzjere]

Originally Posted by Dirt

It all should be worth something one day and what a wonderful gift.
Who may I ask gave it to you and is there a story behind it all?.

To be honest, as much 'worth' as some people may place on it, I don't think I will ever get rid of it. The sentiment behind the watch far exceeds the cash value I may receive.

The CEO of my company is an avid watch collector. Several years ago, we had a very strong year. As a gesture, a number of key people within our company received a watch from his personal collection (ranging from Daytona, bi-metal subs, and of course, an anniversary). I was the lucky one to receive the anniversary (I honestly picked it because I liked the green). I wear the watch everyday and of course to the office. It represents the success we have had within our company, and the appreciation the CEO passed down to me that day. It is something I will never sell, but certainly cherish.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by itzjere

To be honest, as much 'worth' as some people may place on it, I don't think I will ever get rid of it. The sentiment behind the watch far exceeds the cash value I may receive.

The CEO of my company is an avid watch collector. Several years ago, we had a very strong year. As a gesture, a number of key people within our company received a watch from his personal collection (ranging from Daytona, bi-metal subs, and of course, an anniversary). I was the lucky one to receive the anniversary (I honestly picked it because I liked the green). I wear the watch everyday and of course to the office. It represents the success we have had within our company, and the appreciation the CEO passed down to me that day. It is something I will never sell, but certainly cherish.

That is awesome and certainly generous of your CEO. Great story! Post a few wrist shots if you get the chance!

[Al1969]

Originally Posted by itzjere

I certainly do have the box and accessories that came with the watch.



So my next question is, is has never been serviced. It keeps time OK. Should I service this? And if so, should I have the case/bracelet polished of the light scratches?

So where's the watch? Let's see some wrist shots.