Availability of NOS 16610

[nb6326]

Hi all. I’ve been loosely tracking the market for subs on and off for the past decade or so, and am planning on finally pulling the trigger some time in the next six months. I’m dead set on a 16610 rather than the newer ceramic models, and in particular, am interested in a later V through random serial number, as my understanding is that they incorporated the most advancements before the redesign.

Because this will be my first and possibly last Rolex (and of my love for this particular watch), I am interested in a pristine example, ideally NOS. Is anyone able to ballpark just how hard these are to find, and how much I’d expect to pay? It seems like a near mint M through random serial 16610 seems to list for around 9-10k (crazy bc I remember 10 years ago that figure was about half). Add a few thousand for a NOS? NOS examples seem very few and far between though, so maybe more?

Thanks in advance for any and all input!

[illiguy]

Check a site like Chrono24, as they are harder to find in the Classifieds here (but I do recall seeing one a couple weeks ago). For NOS 16610, later series ... I would expect to pay about $13,500 to $15k.

Not saying it’s right, just saying that I think that’s where you’ll see listings at.

[inadeje]

I’ve seen a few on C24. If its a piece to wear and not a safe queen, I’d go with an unpolished no holes late series and send it to RSC upon receipt. It’ll come back like new and ready to wear. Will be cheaper than a NOS by a large margin too.

[dafuture]

I think you're underestimating the value of NOS pieces in the market. LunarOyster has a 14060M in NOS condition, but he's asking $15k for it. I'd assume a later 16610 would command at least that.

You're definitely better off looking for a well cared for example, especially since you'll be wearing it.

[rolexryan329]

i believe i saw a NOS 16610LV floating around a few months ago, not sure if its still there

[illiguy]

Given that these are discontinued, NOS becomes increasingly harder and harder (and therefore more and more expensive) to find.

[thesharkfactor]

You are paying more for NOS.. then when you wear it, it takes a clattering in value. Best buy is a very clean little worn used watch.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by dafuture

I think you're underestimating the value of NOS pieces in the market. LunarOyster has a 14060M in NOS condition, but he's asking $15k for it. I'd assume a later 16610 would command at least that.

You're definitely better off looking for a well cared for example, especially since you'll be wearing it.

But only for the fools that are willing to pay, asking price is not always the selling price.

[nb6326]

Thanks, guys - unfortunately, seems like the numbers are about what I feared. And yes, considering the value would go from that of NOS to near mint the moment I put it on my wrist, seems like the second hand market might be the way to go.

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by inadeje

I’ve seen a few on C24. If its a piece to wear and not a safe queen, I’d go with an unpolished no holes late series and send it to RSC upon receipt. It’ll come back like new and ready to wear. Will be cheaper than a NOS by a large margin too.

This. If you buy an NOS, take the stickers off and wear it for a week it will have lost 30-50% in value. If you really intend to wear it you can find them in great shape for 6-8K. Of course this doesn't matter if the money is not an issue and you really want the new watch experience.

[iliketime]

i too am in a similar situation, after a decently priced 14060M set, but looks like its not in the cards atm. The prices for NOS is crazy but im sure when the tide settles we will see.

[Sandpit]

Can’t really help much but there was a lovely mint condition 16610 on the for sale section yesterday. Think it’s with Fog City Vintage.

[schoolboy]

I know a jeweler selling a NOS one for $13500 I think

I just remember it was a little over $13k

[Chester01]

Yep, the 16610 is perhaps the best deal on the market. It’s far, far more balanced than the current sub, and far less shiny. Result is a remarkably versatile watch.


I echo others that there is a heck of a jump from lightly used to the NOS designation. For what it’s worth, this is a u series, which is like 97-98, but was apparently sitting around and gifted to me in 1999 for Christmas. MSRP was $3250.00 Imagine that, a sub sitting around the AD in the case.


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[JR16]

There is no way in hell I would pay NOS prices for a sub that I plan on wearing. Like others have said, find a pre owned in decent condition and send it to RSC for a
Full service.


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[nb6326]

So I don't mean to open a whole can of worms (and am happy to post on this topic elsewhere if that's appropriate), but after poking around these forums a little bit, it seems the general consensus is that prices are way overinflated lately. (I'm glad others agree... I can't believe 116610LV's, etc. are listed for roughly 15k!)

Do these inflated prices apply solely to BNIB watches that have been snatched up from AD's and sold at a premium, similar to ticket scalping, or has everything drastically gone up across the board (including on the second hand market)?

For someone like me of relatively modest means (I've literally been waiting 10-15 years for the point in my career at which spending thousands on a wrist watch is at least defensible), it seems like an awful time to finally take the plunge. With that said, I've never noticed a point at which values go down (at least for Rolex sport watches, and of course please correct me if I am wrong), no matter how sharply prices have spiked. Does it make sense to sit back and see if the market settles down before buying, or are these prices here to stay (at least on second hand 16610's)?

Thanks again for the insight!

[TswaneNguni]

16610 .New, unworn ,Late serial number ....it will cost you !!

[faimag]

Some NOS 16610 on here and on chrono started from around 12K about 3-4 months ago. In fact the one here was an M serial. Right now, on chrono, 14K upwards.

[TreiseKL]

Will most likely be way over $10,000

[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by faimag

Some NOS 16610 on here and on chrono started from around 12K about 3-4 months ago. In fact the one here was an M serial. Right now, on chrono, 14K upwards.

Upwards of 14 seems about right. I wouldn’t pay that if you plan on wearing it. Find one for 7-9, send it for a full service and you save 4K.


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[DGB]

Buy used in good condition, NOS is only to keep as investment or you will lose value the moment you wear it.
There is plenty of 16610 later years with the RRR on the rehaut in the market, so you won’t struggle to fine a decent one.
The Random will have a premium, but it will retain its value.
The 16610 is now a classic watch, one of the nicest Rolex you can wear.
Good luck, let us know what you choose.


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[NYCWATCHCREW]

Wilson and Sons has one in Scarsdale last time I checked

[JP.]

Here's a few NOS 16610's from Chrono24:

https://www.chrono24.com/rolex/ref-1...=&sortorder=11

[GB-man]

You will likely need to pay 15k for it. Not worth it.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by illiguy

Given that these are discontinued, NOS becomes increasingly harder and harder (and therefore more and more expensive) to find.

Well, you've been waiting 10 years...

[Gmt21]

SD watches has several

[fskywalker]

Don’t blame you for wanting one! Bought mine new (S serial, paid $2400 in 1995) and don’t think will ever sell it




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[nicon]

You will pay 7,5-9k for mint one from late years with engraved rehaut, I went that route and recommend the same for you. I would not expect any significant price drop, there will be no more 16610 on the market, especially NOS/mint ones.

[Bryan81]

I paid about $7.5k for my excellent condition late series 16610 (M series) with engraved rehaut a few months ago. It was freshly serviced and looked NOS. I’d go that route if you’re planning to actually wear it. That saves you a good $5k that you’ll lose in the first scratch. (Meaning you’ll get a scratch within days and it will be worth the same with no actual difference.)


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[vicsdca]

It's not so much that prices are inflated, it's currencies that have been deflated due to the crazy returns of the past 5 years (at least here in the US).

NOS 5-digits are no longer meant to be worn, but preserved in new condition. $14k is still very reasonable for a NOS 16610. When the next gen Sub is released (possibly next year), your $14k NOS watch will instantly turn into a $20k watch.