Rolex Submariner 1680 or 16610 or 5513 worth to get?

[9tailsfox]

hi, I'm a newbie to Rolex Submariner world. I plan to get one and I love both sub date and sub non date. But it will depend the model, meaning for example vintage sub before 5512 or 5513 (military). but those were the classic and the price tag like crazy. I research the best sub date go get will be 16610, the later 16610 the more improvement. But about 21 years since 16610 end production 2010. well seems like this gonna be vintage from now. But I see that there is too many 16610 out there and the good things is this sub will be no worry because it won't running out of parts another next 10years or so and the movement 3031 still improve and used in new subs C. But just is too common watch to me and the new 116610 is not my taste yet. After I done some research on 16800 and 168000. Still I love the 1680 sub date. Not mention red sub. the red sub price is not in my range. If possible to get it red sub mk1 will feel like living in heaven haha. So my choice will be sub date 1680 white. the price 1680 will be a little higher than 16610 and 5513. So If I get 1680 now will it too late to collect this model as the RSC will running out of part? please share your precious opinion. thank you

[h2000]

I'm by no means an expert as I'm a newbie myself in terms of Rolex, but I just purchased a white 1680 myself and to be honest, didn't give any thought as to whether or not rsc will have parts or not in the future. Perhaps that's an oversight on my part but all I know is that I'm absolutely in love with the watch. I love the thick font of the date wheel, the patina, the history - it's all great. Once I get it, I'll post pics up here. Anyways, I'd say just enjoy the watch... I could be completely wrong but I'm sure you'll always be able to find a part that you require somewhere. Yes, you may be paying a premium, but you have a premium watch so that just goes with the territory. Good luck in your search!

[9tailsfox]

Hi thank for the reply H2k. I love the watch like the way you do. Totally agree about the history and the loving Patina that I can't found in modern Rolex Sub.... maybe i was wrong... But still would happy to own one. Congratulation what you own now........ I hope I will getting mine soon.

[Len]

Originally Posted by 9tailsfox

So If I get 1680 now will it too late to collect this model as the RSC will running out of part? please share your precious opinion. thank you

I just had my 5513 from 1978 to RSC service and no problem with parts.

I dont think you will have problems with an 1680. But remember not that you cant get tritium parts from RSC...

[9tailsfox]

Originally Posted by Len

I just had my 5513 from 1978 to RSC service and no problem with parts.

I dont think you will have problems with an 1680. But remember not that you cant get tritium parts from RSC...

Thanks to all reply ^.^ I love 5513 too clean and clear dial with affordable price range. I love the 5513/17 Military..... thats crazy rare and $$$ . I think it is one and only fix lug with sword hand that rolex ever made. Oh yeah is it your 5513 is a patina maxi or normal patina dial?

[Len]

Originally Posted by 9tailsfox

Oh yeah is it your 5513 is a patina maxi or normal patina dial?

Its an 5513 maxi dial (lollipop) :-)

[9tailsfox]

Originally Posted by Len

Its an 5513 maxi dial (lollipop) :-)

Man the maxi dial is awesome! If for 5513 series, I will look for either 5513 matte normal dial or the maxi dial. definitely not late 5513 white gold. Thanks for the picture.... but it will cause me more desire to get one anyway nice piece you have that...... respect

[topjimmi]

dont think you can go wrong with any of them. If you like the 1680, by all means, go for it.

[9tailsfox]

Originally Posted by topjimmi

dont think you can go wrong with any of them. If you like the 1680, by all means, go for it.

Yeah, Thanks for the advice. Since this my first and daily submariner watch to wear. I just think that 1680 with date and vintage look not chunky but comfortable as well. But some prefer and advice to look 5513 which more rarer than 1680. So what do you guys think ?since there is exist forum debate sub date vs non sub date. We just stick to submariner series for now.... Because I love the 1665 too.

[A320]

just got 1680 myself... love it... you need both 1680 and 5513... will be perfect combination

[9tailsfox]

Originally Posted by A320

just got 1680 myself... love it... you need both 1680 and 5513... will be perfect combination

You just told what my mind was thinking. Yeah both will be perfect. Because as I was thinking one of the sub 1680 let it busy dial on cyclop, date , long words, COSC. While the other one let it less busy, clean, clear, no date, free.... maybe the one next to get is 1665 which no cyclop with date and with helium valve. If have them all shall I call them Trinity??? haha

[high5]

You cant go wrong with any. if you are completely new to sub, 16610 is relatively trouble-free. I started with a preowned 16610. After a year, I traded it in for a 1680, the 16610 held it values well, I even make a few hundred dollars.

[9tailsfox]

Originally Posted by high5

You cant go wrong with any. if you are completely new to sub, 16610 is relatively trouble-free. I started with a preowned 16610. After a year, I traded it in for a 1680, the 16610 held it values well, I even make a few hundred dollars.

Yeah, That's what I think from the beginning. But after some discuss and pictures showed here. If manage to get one 1680 or 5513 same price or just a little higher than 16610. What would you choose?

[high5]

Originally Posted by 9tailsfox

Yeah, That's what I think from the beginning. But after some discuss and pictures showed here. If manage to get one 1680 or 5513 same price or just a little higher than 16610. What would you choose?

If you make up your mind on vintage, maybe it is better to go straight to vintage. There are a few things between 1680 and 5513, one thing you need to know is if the 1680 you choose has a quick set, i.e. can you adjust the date directly or need to do it through the minute hand. another thing is the cyclop, some people don't like it. But I can pretty much say it will NOT be your only vintage, most of us eventually own several, or trade in many times.

Just FYI, the next step could be a 1665 great white, 5512, or a red sub. Then the double red, then the comex, milsub... Or a separate path 6538, 6536. It is inevitable... No matter which one you choose, get one with great condition.

[9tailsfox]

Originally Posted by high5

If you make up your mind on vintage, maybe it is better to go straight to vintage. There are a few things between 1680 and 5513, one thing you need to know is if the 1680 you choose has a quick set, i.e. can you adjust the date directly or need to do it through the minute hand. another thing is the cyclop, some people don't like it. But I can pretty much say it will NOT be your only vintage, most of us eventually own several, or trade in many times.

Just FYI, the next step could be a 1665 great white, 5512, or a red sub. Then the double red, then the comex, milsub... Or a separate path 6538, 6536. It is inevitable... No matter which one you choose, get one with great condition.

I Tot 1680 is non quickset. but 16800 do . yeah I understand, some dislike cyclop but I'm ok with it. is better to own both 5513 and 1680. Both you can compare price here on ebay. I can say the price 5513 make me wanna get 1680

5513
-----
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-Rolex-O...vip=true&rt=nc

1680
-----
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1975-Rolex-S...vip=true&rt=nc

1665 rail
-----
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1977-Rolex-O...vip=true&rt=nc

Yeah I agree and condition of the watch to me is everything. If I manage to get red sub mk2 but the condition just like being war zone. thats why i'm looking white sub date with very good condtion even is more common but as long as the condition mint like new will attract me. haha well I don't know that I would go for red sub,5512 , such 1665 rail price is killing me. Unless money is not a problem haha

[Robbyvm]

as a first sub i would advise to go for the 5513...
it's simplicity is what makes it so amazingly beautiful. Clean dial, no cyclops in the way.
Look for a nice matte meters first with a great dome plexi you will have something special and absolutely love it everyday you wear it !

just my 2cents

[9tailsfox]

Originally Posted by Robbyvm

as a first sub i would advise to go for the 5513...
it's simplicity is what makes it so amazingly beautiful. Clean dial, no cyclops in the way.
Look for a nice matte meters first with a great dome plexi you will have something special and absolutely love it everyday you wear it !

just my 2cents

Yeah, after I saw that pictures and look for 5513 matte dial.......Man if money is the main factor.... I wanna have them both.... Agree that 5513 it's beauty as it's simplicity. Nothing more and nothing less....

[9tailsfox]

I even looking.... Tudor Snowflake Submariner Ref. 7021/0. It looks like sub 1680 but non chronometer sub date. Is a poor man's Rolex and this watch is rare but is not cheap piece. I love the patina of this watch too............ just my thought.... still stick to Rolex sub here..... haha

[Grissom]

I agree with those who advocate the 5513, 1680 and 1665......would make a great collection, and I would not worry about parts/service.....always a few good options out there, around the world! I started on my quest with this 1977/78 5513, with a serf dial.

I love the matching Patina'd lume on the dial and hands, and that will be what I look for in all my future acquisitions.

And as has been said already, no matter what you choose, hold out for the one in the best condition, and that has the look YOU like best......remember, it will be on YOUR wrist!

Good luck!

[9tailsfox]

Originally Posted by Grissom

I agree with those who advocate the 5513, 1680 and 1665......would make a great collection, and I would not worry about parts/service.....always a few good options out there, around the world! I started on my quest with this 1977/78 5513, with a serf dial.

I love the matching Patina'd lume on the dial and hands, and that will be what I look for in all my future acquisitions.

And as has been said already, no matter what you choose, hold out for the one in the best condition, and that has the look YOU like best......remember, it will be on YOUR wrist!

Good luck!

1680,5513,1665. Brilliant. Wow nice piece 5513 there with James bond strap sean connery?

[hennabav]

Went with the 1680 for me!

[nick c]

Looking for the red sub

[Warnsboy]

If you choose the 16610....find one of these.........




An "A" series -- "Swiss" only dial......the first of the Luminova Subs......

[9tailsfox]

Originally Posted by Warnsboy

If you choose the 16610....find one of these.........




An "A" series -- "Swiss" only dial......the first of the Luminova Subs......

what can I say.........

[9tailsfox]

Originally Posted by hennabav

Went with the 1680 for me!

hey nice 1680 you have there. i wonder is that the white sub 1680 MK2? Since the hour hand block the letter L. I might be wrong

[hennabav]

Originally Posted by 9tailsfox

hey nice 1680 you have there. i wonder is that the white sub 1680 MK2? Since the hour hand block the letter L. I might be wrong

Thanks! Nope, it's a Mk1 with a very early serial for white 1680....first batch!

[kooltzar]

The 1680 is definitely non quickset, as it is run by the 1570/75 movement, only with the 3035 movement the quickset started. The 5513 has a 1520 movement, nothing to worry about quickset, as it is a no date. However 1520 is non COSC, while 1570 is COSC. Also, it is not true that a 5513 is rarer, as it was produced as from 1962 to the late 80ies just until it was replaced by the 14060 (althogh I would not call the late 5513 glossy dials with WG surrounds vintage). Prices for 1680 and 5513 are pretty much the same, at the end of the day it comes to personal preference, if you dont put that much emphasis on whether the movement is COSC or not. If you like the flat hat cyclops better then the domed crystals its the 1680, otherwise the 5513.

[9tailsfox]

Originally Posted by kooltzar

The 1680 is definitely non quickset, as it is run by the 1570/75 movement, only with the 3035 movement the quickset started. The 5513 has a 1520 movement, nothing to worry about quickset, as it is a no date. However 1520 is non COSC, while 1570 is COSC. Also, it is not true that a 5513 is rarer, as it was produced as from 1962 to the late 80ies just until it was replaced by the 14060 (althogh I would not call the late 5513 glossy dials with WG surrounds vintage). Prices for 1680 and 5513 are pretty much the same, at the end of the day it comes to personal preference, if you dont put that much emphasis on whether the movement is COSC or not. If you like the flat hat cyclops better then the domed crystals its the 1680, otherwise the 5513.

Yeah, As i shown above about both 1680 and 5513 on ebay price is near. Damn It seems like I'm having addiction or fever to Rolex Sub after searching 5513 and now to 5512. maybe I'm looking the one and only perfect watch for me. But the price is just so unforgiving

[9tailsfox]

Oh yeah, One more silly question. that is the meaning of the fat case and thin case? if you buy preowned watch, a polished condition is acceptable? or possible stick to unpolished. Thank You

[high5]

Originally Posted by 9tailsfox

Oh yeah, One more silly question. that is the meaning of the fat case and thin case? if you buy preowned watch, a polished condition is acceptable? or possible stick to unpolished. Thank You

better to get an unpolished (but no deep scratch) if you can find one. thin and fat case can refer to polished and unpolished or there are some years the cases were made particularly thin (or fat). It depends on the context.