Rolex

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 would you choose and why:

 

1. Mk II black dial, nice faded bezel insert, hands relumed, plexiglass a bit scratched, polished case, ALL papers (punch card serial) and box included.

2. Mk II tropical (chocolate) dial, beautiful dark patina to tritium and matching hands, perfect plexiglass, unpolished case, NO papers or box.

 

It is a tough decision for me and I would look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Mny Thx,

Aaron.

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

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 ??

if you want advise open your pm or post the pictures of the watch.

Norway is not another planet.  LOL

bill

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.

Bill

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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

....i was asked exactly this question yesterday.

nt

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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 your budget there is never a perfect answer. Many people are always hunting for the perfect watch and it never comes up and they never get the pleasure of owning a vintage Rolex.

If your question clearly stated at equals price which you you take as you have seen everyone agrees the tropical. But if one is 10k and the other is 20k the delta changes to are you comfortable with the possibility that neither watch has a guarantee on the resale side as even a tropical at 20k and more has a specialized buyer and as such longer and sometimes harder to sell.

You have had many thoughts we would love to hear some more of your thoughts.

Bill

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 available it would be a greasy bonus, but it is what it is.

I now understand where box/papers lie in the greater picture of watch collecting (especially vintage Rolex).  First of all, we must make sure the watch is right for us (specifically the dial and case) before taking into account accessories like boxes, papers, hang tags, etc (which almost all can be purchased after market).  Looking around on the web it seems that true vintage Rolexes much more often than not, do NOT come with papers and you must be very lucky to find both a beautiful specimen and papers.

I have a small collection (7 watches of all makes) and this chocolate sub would fit in very nicely to the set.  It is a hobby, but I do also take into account the resale value of the watches I have (I don't think you cannot consider this).  Only my Rolex GMT Ceramic I bought new, and have been scouring the net and the shops whenever I get a chance.  If only I were a rich man . . .

Oh yeah -- I have also found out that the chocolate submariner has only had a single owner and has never been serviced until it was just recently received by the watch maker!!!!  I am getting overly excited now!!  Time to double check my bank balance!

I'll check in again when I have made a firm decision.

Again, thanks much for your help and opinions.

Aaron.

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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

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This is the full set that came withe tropical pictured above.

Double punched papers.

Bill

will you consider double the price. 

Nah only kidding.

Great set.

Now Aaron can compare the two.

Bill

A friend of mine found it for me, some 8 years ago ( ! ) from the first owner...

Best,

Nicolas