Trade vintage for modern?

[s1mb4]

Looking for your opinion TRF. I'll try and break this down without writing a novel.

Just few days ago I posted Explorer vs Sub (ND) which way to go? Most replies went with Sub as the choice. This morning I drove to the city and decided to stop by AD (was not part of the plan), expecting to be disappointing with only diamond dial models in stock they surprised me by bringing out 1680 that came in on a consignment sale.

1979 full kit
Just serviced by Rolex with 2yr warranty (history service RSC swapped out dial, insert and hands)

Was presented with a potential trade for either 114060 and/or 116610LN (2017-)

I am probably missing some vital information for this question to be answered but go easy on me!

[Sandpit]

I wouldn’t touch a service dial and hands piece, I would want it all original. But that’s just me.

[henrylee]

If it’s all original 1680 I would do it!

[s1mb4]

Originally Posted by Sandpit

I wouldn’t touch a service dial and hands piece, I would want it all original. But that’s just me.

We would all want that in a perfect world, those pieces depending on dial go for $25k+

[42itus]

Man, it’s too bad nobody stopped the previous owner from changing out the dial, hands, and insert. Considering it’s a full set the trade seems fair. But I personally would not want any vintage that has all service parts.
But the flip side is if you’re wanting to wear it without much consideration to collectible value then this should be a good watch as it’s kind of the best of both worlds considering it’s a vintage watch that looks new.


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[jimcameron]

Hands, dial, inserts, and a polish were a routine part of Rolex service. Until someone decided that a Rolex was a museum piece and not a watch, owners never gave it a second thought. A "vintage" piece that has all original parts may never have had any service. The paint on the date dial of my 16800 started to flake off after about 15 yrs, as did the hands. Since I actually wore my watch as a watch, the defects were repaired, and a new insert was installed, followed by a light polish. Only now do I see the error of my ways.

[Sandpit]

Originally Posted by s1mb4

We would all want that in a perfect world, those pieces depending on dial go for $25k+

I totally get it, but for me the charm of these older watches is in the patina. If it’s too white and crisp I’d rather just go for a more modern 5 digit.

As a middle ground though you could find a fantastic and all original 16800 or 16610 / 14060 with great patina for (I would guess) less money than the 1680.

Again, just my personal preference. There’s no right or wrong. If the 1680 songs to you it sounds like a really nice piece.

[faimag]

No easy answer. Some people are vintage-nuts and think a watch should never be touched, other don’t mind. I think you should decide based on what wears better on your wrist and what looks better in your eyes. Price wise it seems a fair trade.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by 42itus

Man, it’s too bad nobody stopped the previous owner from changing out the dial, hands, and insert. Considering it’s a full set the trade seems fair. But I personally would not want any vintage that has all service parts.
But the flip side is if you’re wanting to wear it without much consideration to collectible value then this should be a good watch as it’s kind of the best of both worlds considering it’s a vintage watch that looks new.


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I agree with this comment. There are two distinct camps where vintage is concerned. Those who look for pure 100% OEM watch, which is invariably (due to age) shabby looking, but higher value. These people who buy such watches buy them to either place them in a safe, or wear them sparingly due to the delicacy of older +50 year old pieces. The second camp are the vintage daily wearer fraternity. They want a serviceable, nice looking, and functional watch with the kudos of being able to say (in some cases) “this watch is as old or older than me” For these people the service dial, hands, Bracelet, and perfectly functioning movement is key.

It isn’t always about resale value, unless the purchase isn’t to be worn, instead (sadly) destined to reside in a safe. If you intend to wear the watch normally, it makes zero difference that the watch has been beautified with service parts to make it, well..serviceable... as a daily wearer with the panache of the age.

My 2 cents, and BTW, I fall into the latter camp.

[s1mb4]

Originally Posted by inadeje

I agree with this comment. There are two distinct camps where vintage is concerned. Those who look for pure 100% OEM watch, which is invariably (due to age) shabby looking, but higher value. These people who buy such watches buy them to either place them in a safe, or wear them sparingly due to the delicacy of older +50 year old pieces. The second camp are the vintage daily wearer fraternity. They want a serviceable, nice looking, and functional watch with the kudos of being able to say (in some cases) “this watch is as old or older than me” For these people the service dial, hands, Bracelet, and perfectly functioning movement is key.

It isn’t always about resale value, unless the purchase isn’t to be worn, instead (sadly) destined to reside in a safe. If you intend to wear the watch normally, it makes zero difference that the watch has been beautified with service parts to make it, well..serviceable... as a daily wearer with the panache of the age.

My 2 cents, and BTW, I fall into the latter camp.

Your second part of the comment is currently where I stand... if 1680 was in my family and passed down I would want it probably all original, or if I was looking to score bigger $ on the market, but that is not my intent.

As a daily wear knowing that its been taken care of by Rolex servicing and its kept up to date COSC standards and water pressure tested .

Movement is older than me and it will outlive me.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by s1mb4

Your second part of the comment is currently where I stand... if 1680 was in my family and passed down I would want it probably all original, or if I was looking to score bigger $ on the market, but that is not my intent.

As a daily wear knowing that its been taken care of by Rolex servicing and its kept up to date COSC standards and water pressure tested .

Movement is older than me and it will outlive me.

Well, there you go! Go for it, I would. As you can see from my signature I have a birth year 5513 which is +50 years old. Its a watch I can wear like any other, it’s pristine and keeps perfect time. Has it had a service dial, hands? I have no idea, but maybe. Do I care? Not really (haven’t even tried to find out)...Does it look and feel cool for such an old watch? Most certainly.

[Fleetlord]

So you’re trading what specifically for the 1680?

Is there cash involved?

[s1mb4]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

So you’re trading what specifically for the 1680?

Is there cash involved?

I saw 1680 at the AD and ended up picking it up and came across a possible trade for newer Sub.

[s1mb4]

Originally Posted by inadeje

Well, there you go! Go for it, I would. As you can see from my signature I have a birth year 5513 which is +50 years old. Its a watch I can wear like any other, it’s pristine and keeps perfect time. Has it had a service dial, hands? I have no idea, but maybe. Do I care? Not really (haven’t even tried to find out)...Does it look and feel cool for such an old watch? Most certainly.

beauty :)

[Greglaw]

I’d do the trade

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by s1mb4

beauty :)

I must say the same feet first and beautiful condition. Congrats!

[Rori]

Originally Posted by Sandpit

I wouldn’t touch a service dial and hands piece, I would want it all original. But that’s just me.

This.
It still baffles me why Rolex destroy the heritage of its own creations by changing the most important element of the value of its watches: the dial! Now between a really untouched vintage and a new one I would opt fir the vintage.
If I have a vintage I would add a new one but never trade a vintage for a new one.


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[fskywalker]

Nice Sub!


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[Rado63]

I like newer pieces so I would pick the newer SUB. As for vintage if the watch has already been serviced and isn't an original collector safe queen piece, then I would service it and make it look brand new and wear it. If I came across an untouched piece then best to preserve it as is.

[Lamontsanders]

Depends on what else you have but probably lean toward 114060. Dial is so clean.

[HideMyWalletPlease]

In my opinion, it’s not a bad thing if you are buying it to wear the hell out of it. If you are getting it at a much lower cost than an all original, perfect condition, never polished watch this is ideal. As others have stated, if it were the perfect specimen, you wouldn’t wear it.

[colpol]

It’s a personal decision

I wouldn’t do it - that’s just me. If you wanted to go down the 1680 route - take a good look at all original.

[s1mb4]

Originally Posted by colpol

It’s a personal decision

I wouldn’t do it - that’s just me. If you wanted to go down the 1680 route - take a good look at all original.

Anything original and again depending on few factors can run $25k+

I want something as a daily wear, which is why I picked up fully serviced 1680

Started this topic to garner opinions if I should stick with 1680 vintage vibes or trade for newer.

[watchmainspring]

I'd definitely trade you my 116610ln 2017 if it wasn't sentimental. This is a heavy beast and prefer the weight of my 16610lv.


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[Redmy]

It’s still a vintage piece even if it has service parts. At the end of the day do what makes you happy. I think the 1680 whites are beautiful and priced great for what they are. Especially when you compare them to 1680 reds.

If you had posted this in the vintage section you’ll likely have everybody voting for the 1680. I personally like the 1680 over the ceramic subs, so the 1680 gets my vote.


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[Redmy]

Also, a 1680 white with service parts should be worth more than a 114060/116610.

Edit so I don’t have to post again:
Service parts are better in your situation for daily wear as the lume is less likely to flake off compared to the old tritium.


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