Bill
32141
Simple answer
You are describing two watches that you consider equal by virtue of having papers.
The reality is the better watch is the one you should buy. Papers will not make up for faults.
It seems like you have described the better watch as being the tropical.
"Mk II tropical (chocolate) dial, beautiful dark patina to tritium and
matching hands, perfect plexiglass, unpolished case, NO papers or box."
Better example trumps complete set.
Easy.
Bill
Red Sub 1680 decision to be made
Hello All, I am very close to dipping my toes into the vintage Rolex ocean -- I'm kinda scared as there is no turning back !! I have the opportunity to purchase a couple of Red Subs 1680. The cost of both is comparable, but which of the below 2 models wou...
Simple answer
You are describing two watches that you consider equal by virtue of having papers. The reality is the better watch is the one you should buy. Papers will not make up for faults. It seems like you have described the better watch as being the tropical. "Mk ...
Authenticity
Thanks Bill. I guess I am concerned mostly with the authenticity of the watch without box/papers, even though it is a better example. Also, will the watch with papers have a better resale value in the future ??
you may want to open your pm
if you want advise open your pm or post the pictures of the watch. Norway is not another planet. LOL bill
no the resale value is in the watch not the papers.
THe perfect watch with papers is always strong. But a perfect watch without papers vs a weak watch with papers no way. As they say you cant wear papers and you can't polish a turd. You need to always start with the dial then the case then the accessories....
Also remember history and provenance are also of great value.
Imagine a beat up watch not in the best shape that has a story to tell from the original owner. It is a valuable as papers. With Rolex it is all about authenticity of the experience of ownership. Bill
Odd....
....i was asked exactly this question yesterday. I'd take tropical non-papers EVERY time on this watch.
One other dimension.
Buy what can feel comfortable. As they say in the stock market invest only what your are prepared to loose. The reason I say this is because sometime people view Rolex collecting as an investment it is not it is a hobby. Buy what you like and is within yo...
Many Thanks & Further Thoughts
Thank-you to everyone who chimed in about my impending decision. All your help and insight is greatly appreciated. I am leaning more and more (and more) toward the tropical red sub even though it doesn't have any papers/box. If the papers would have been ...
Just be sure your tropical is tropical Rolex 1680
There is a a range and model that full under tropical for the 1680. Show us a picture and share some serial info. Tropical look like this. Bill ...
And here is the rest of a set
This is the full set that came withe tropical pictured above. Double punched papers. Bill ...
Price $450
will you consider double the price. Nah only kidding. Great set. Now Aaron can compare the two. Bill
That is why I took this shot.
A friend of mine found it for me, some 8 years ago ( ! ) from the first owner... Best, Nicolas