2005 sub date

[JMTE]

Hi y’all... I was at the AD and they had a one-owner 2005 sub-date (black stainless steel... i don’t know the ref #’s like you experts yet). Appeared to me that it was in great condition. Is there anything particular I should be looking for when looking for before I try to pick up something like this? It looks like it was probably polished by them because it looked almost new. Think I could get it for $7k flat and no taxes. Worth a look?

[sillo]

The reference is 16610. Seems like a decent price, but without some pictures to evaluate the condition that's all I can say.

[JMTE]

Originally Posted by sillo38

The reference is 16610. Seems like a decent price, but without some pictures to evaluate the condition that's all I can say.

What are some key things you’d be looking for to evaluate condition?

[Raza_actual]

$7,000 for a 16610 seems like a lot to me. But then again, with the market being what it is, my interest in getting more Rolexes has cooled, so I haven’t paid much attention to prices. Although a few months ago, my friend got a 14060 (the no date from the same generation) that was recently serviced and with a warranty for $6,000, so I guess it tracks.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by JMTE

What are some key things you’d be looking for to evaluate condition?

Good quality photos for forum members to study and provide feedback

[herts9]

My advice is to take a good month or two and read all you can on the 5-digit reference on here. You'll be better informed on making a decision and you can sleep well knowing you made the right call on a piece rather than some strangers telling you what to look for.

Happy hunting!

[JMTE]

Lemme get some pics for y’all

[JMTE]

https://ibb.co/YWCK9fq
https://ibb.co/DznHJjb
https://ibb.co/QHQDvN6
https://ibb.co/xf9NLPb
https://ibb.co/n8830xn

Not sure if these will work, but here’s a shot

[Finslayer83]

Depends on source.

I snagged a 16610 (2001) not polished and worn (nice case patina) for far less than that.

But it's all about knowing where to look.

[JMTE]

Originally Posted by Finslayer83

Depends on source.

I snagged a 16610 (2001) not polished and worn (nice case patina) for far less than that.

But it's all about knowing where to look.

Source would be from AD who I have a connection with but he may not be willing to give me much of a price break on it so just sort of getting some input from folks. Would be just to wear every day and not worry about. Wouldn’t expect to ever sell but you never know when you might have to raise some cash.

[garyk]

Looks real nice. I say go for it.

[JMTE]

Originally Posted by garyk

Looks real nice. I say go for it.

Any other thoughts? Noticed some dings in bezel that I had not previously remembered seeing in person.

[garyk]

I had a sub from that era, I had a few dings in it, I wish I hadn’t parted with it. But I’ll look closely on my work monitor and give you some comments.

[Finslayer83]

Originally Posted by JMTE

Source would be from AD who I have a connection with but he may not be willing to give me much of a price break on it so just sort of getting some input from folks. Would be just to wear every day and not worry about. Wouldn’t expect to ever sell but you never know when you might have to raise some cash.

I'd start by offering $6,500 cash and see what they do - worst that can happen is they say no.

[BisonHead]

Does it have the original box and papers with it?

[JMTE]

Originally Posted by BisonHead

Does it have the original box and papers with it?

Not sure, will have to check. Think it does.

[Bladeshot]

Cracked bezel pip? (The small white pearl)? It’s not a steal. Especially if it does not have box and papers. I’d offer lower, as suggested, only after understanding if it has box and papers and all the links.

[kpinthebay]

Originally Posted by JMTE

Not sure, will have to check. Think it does.

$7k from an AD?...I'm gonna bet this has no papers.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

[m j b]

I concur. Any AD worth his (or her) salt will know the market and price it at the upper end of that range.

Not to say it's a bad deal, but simply that you are going to pay a premium. Of course, you'll also have some recourse if something goes wrong, no worries about authenticity, etc. so it's not really wasted money.

Me personally, on these older watches, I look for bracelet stretch. I don't like those old bracelets, never did even when they were new.

For $7K (or less) you can buy an awfully nice new watch of another brand. Omega, Oris, Breitling, just to name a few alternative Swiss automatics...

[garyk]

Originally Posted by m j b

I concur. Any AD worth his (or her) salt will know the market and price it at the upper end of that range.

Not to say it's a bad deal, but simply that you are going to pay a premium. Of course, you'll also have some recourse if something goes wrong, no worries about authenticity, etc. so it's not really wasted money.

Me personally, on these older watches, I look for bracelet stretch. I don't like those old bracelets, never did even when they were new.

For $7K (or less) you can buy an awfully nice new watch of another brand. Omega, Oris, Breitling, just to name a few alternative Swiss automatics...

looking over your photos, i see a few little marks, especially obvious on the metal bezel insert. That's something you could replace easily while keeping the original. I don't think that would matter but I'm sure there's many opinions here. The above comment about bracelet stretch is more telling about the watch's overall use, abuse or condition. Also, the marks could be brought to the attention of the seller for your eventual discounted offer during negotiations. The bracelet stretch and marks to me don't seem significant for a Sub of this vintage. I still like this watch but agree it would be nice to get it for a little less. Good luck!!!

[Ssunnylee24]

Case seems to be over polished to me and the bracelet isn't in top condition.
You can find better conditioned 16610s on the forum in similar price range.

[Auto16610]

If you have normal sized wrists then I would recommend having your connection get you a 6 digit brand new sub. No date is just a bit more. Build your own memories with it.

[Seibei]

Seems rather polished. If you have to have this one, offer 6k as long as it has the full set and at least one service done by Rolex and documents to prove it.
At least whoever polished it does not seem to have make a complete dog's breakfast of the case, as we have recently seen some examples of here in the forum.

There are plenty of these watches out there. I would be looking for a sharp honest watch with all the correct papers and service history. Take your time.