about to buy a 1990 sub

[jjkamikaze]

My watch guy has a 1990 submariner with no price but an appraisal for $4500. This watch was worn hard and the case, bezel, and bracelet are very scratched. The crystal is of course scratch free. There also seems to be a fair amount of dust under the crystal. There is no service record but the watch seems to function. Should I avoid this or make a low offer? If making an offer how low should I go? I'm fairly certain he got the watch very cheap since he operates what can best be described as a jewelry pawn shop and gold buying.

[Tools]

The "appraisal" is a worthless piece of paper.

Do your research and check to see what other Subs of that age are selling for, their condition and so forth..

It's unlikely that if he owns a pawn shop that he doesn't know exactly what it is worth and how much more he can get for it..

I think that it's on the high side for a Sub in the condition you describe and even on the high side for a Sub Date.

[tkerrmd]

I would pass

[cop414]

Sounds kind of high, especially when you factor in maybe 5-6 hundred for a service. If there's "a fair amount of" dust under the crystal... that would be a big red flag for me. I'd pass. Look here in the F/S section, I think that in the long run you'd be much better off.

[Brushpup]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

I would pass

Good advice!

Welcome to the forum. Please do look around an you will find a much nicer piece that will be much more a pleasure to own.

[Jd Swiper]

I would pass.. Rather pay a little more for something in better condition. I think if someone were to offer me a beat up Sub even for only a few grand I would pass. Rather spend the extra to have something I'm proud to wear!

[Sublover2166]

If you could post a bunch of pics here of the watch you can get a more accurate answer. Also, are you sure of authenticity? Photos will tell that too.

[brandrea]

Pass here. Look at some of the fine examples right here on TRF.

[Solo118]

Pass!

[IT Nerd]

Definitely pass

[Ferdelious]

Without question, pass. Too many good sellers and watches on this forum to buy something like that.

[997.2]

I would pass! I got my mint no date sub (same type, 14060M) with the modified movement and super luminova for a few hundred more than the appraisal value! If the watch is really scratched up like that and has dust I would value it at roughly semihigh-mid three's.

the 14060(M)/16610 are great pieces and I will keep mine forever, but yeah don't settle for the first one you see!

[Fabrice M]

it seems it need to be serviced badly. Which will cost you at RSC at least $800 since this watch is over 20 years old and considered vintage by rolex. So to make it right you will end up spending $5300. For that price you can get one in mint condition.

[jjkamikaze]

Sorry im a noob here and left out info. It is a submariner date and I am certain of its authenticity but not of its history. I will definitely pass, thank you for your input. This forum is very active and the replies are so fast, I will definitely be checking out the sales section and doing a lot of research on here.

[nick c]

To much pass

[Sublover2166]

Have one of the trusted sellers here on the forum find you something like this. My 18 year old Bluesy.

[jjkamikaze]

Btw I went and took a photo anyways.

[elkaholic]

I'd pass for sure. A 1990 model serviced and with no blemishes will go for less than that.

[phils]

Everything you write about it sounds terrible. Run, don't walk away.
Find one that has luminova and in decent condition.

[bridgs]

pass

[azguy]

Pass

[mjclark32]

Does he want $4,500 for it, or is he just showing the appraisal to try to show its real?
At $4,500 I'd pass. At $2,000 or less, assuming it's real, I'd buy it.

[watchwatcher]

Unless you can get it for an insanely low price, I would pass as others have said.

[maxbaris]

Pass.