Red Sub MKV advice needed

[Treborian]

I’m about to pull the trigger on a Red Sub (serial 318xxx) which I got a decent quote on.
The case seems to be unpolished with crisp crownguards and thick lugs.

The major downsides are the damaged dial (nr.2 index) and the plexi.
I’m also hesitant about the insert which I don’t know if it’s period correct? Also the hands?

From these crappy cellphone pics (attached) from the store, can you please help me evaluate this piece? (dial and insert) It sells for $17000 and I negotiated it down to $15000 (I usually find it hard to source Redsubs under $20000 and when I do they are usually heavily polished)

My plan is to service the watch at my local AD (and change the damaged plexi) refurbish the damaged index and buy a later 93150 bracelet to accomodate the watch. (Additional total cost approx. $3000) I understand refurbishing the index can make the watch worth less but I just want the damaged index to look similar to the others.

Should I stick with it or walk away and try to find a better one? (The case is what’s really keeping me on track)

Advices would be highly appreciated.

Thanks.

[zapokee]

If you're in a position to spend that much anyway, I'd throw in a few extra grand and get one without dial damage. There are plenty on the market with good cases and good dials.

Refurbishing the dial would mean you're throwing money down the drain.

[btinl]

I agree with Zapokee. Spend a little more on one without damaged lume plots.

[Filipão]

Insert has no issues, it's period correct. Case is very good.

Too many plexi reflections to be sure about 2 o'clock plot, have you seen the watch personally?

Ask them for an UV picture to be sure all lume (hands/plots) are ok

[Treborian]

Thanks for the info and feedback.

I’ve seen the watch and even though the plexi has many reflections the index is damaged (miscolored and flaked around the edges)


Maybe better to throw in a few extra grands and try to find a better one...?

[1665fan]

Yes that hour marker kind of ruins it....

[swish77]

Agree with above .... pass. The vast majority of the value and collectibility is in the dial. The damage to that hour plot kills it. I always start by evaluating the dial, and if it's not perfect (or at least vintage perfect/excellent) I don't even look at anything else.

Yes, this case is very nice, but you'd be much better off with a perfect dial and a slightly and/or nicely polished case than an excellent fat case and flawed dial.

[PVR]

I have been looking for a nice red sub in the 15-18k range and can find nothing. As far as that plot, it will be a problem. It can be repaired and without UV light will be undetectable, but the price has to reflect that. 15k I think is still a bit high based on the damage.

[Dan S]

There appears to be damage to the dial paint extending outside of the lume area. I am skeptical that this can be repaired to look perfect. It's not as simple as replacing the lume. Dial damage like this devalues the watch significantly IMO. I certainly wouldn't pay $15k for it.

[Treborian]

OK, thanks to all of you for the feedback!
I think I’ll pass then...

[Treborian]

I don’t think my budget can afford a decent Redsub then... I love the 1680 reference and maybe this is a better buy instead for $10000 (and save a few headaches and cash) I then have to live without the red Submariner text but I hope I can live with that.

[214270Explorer]

I pretty much agree about that dial damage. You will eventually find "the one."

[btinl]

Buy what you really want or you won’t be happy.

[Filipão]

Originally Posted by Treborian

Thanks for the info and feedback.

I’ve seen the watch and even though the plexi has many reflections the index is damaged (miscolored and flaked around the edges)


Maybe better to throw in a few extra grands and try to find a better one...?

Yes, that's ugly...

White 1680s can be as nice!

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by btinl

Buy what you really want or you won’t be happy.

Exactly this. I learned this lesson the hard and expensive way. OP, save your pennies and keep looking. There's no rush. Half of the enjoyment is in the hunt.