My first Submariner

[bicster]

Hey everyone,

So I posted a newbie question back in March about buying my first Submariner 16610 and have still not managed to figure out what to buy.

I'm torn between buying new (for $6000) or second hand (for anything between $4000 and $5000). I like the pre-2002 models with the eye holes although don't want anything too old because, as with any mechanical device, I don't want to be buying trouble.

I'm based here in Vegas which I'm not sure is the best place to be looking for Rolexes - although we're not short of ADs in this town! However, I'm struggling to find decent second hand Rolexes that I feel warrant the $4000-$5000 price tag.

So, this leads me to a few questions for you wise forum watchers...

i. What do you think I should be paying for a decent 2000/2001 16610 (date) Submariner?

ii. What do you think about buying Rolexes on Ebay?

iii. Any ideas where I can find second hand Rolexes (rather than jewelers that aren't ADs selling them?)

Thanks in advance,

Chris

[sakuraba]

Welcome to TRF, Chris!

To answer your questions:

i. IMHO 16610 should be around 3500 - 4500 depending on series, completeness, and condition - and source. You might be able to buy it cheaper from someone you meet off craigslist, but what you end up paying extra for from a trusted seller buys peace of mind.

ii. I would never buy from eBay. Just way too many variables to consider.

iii. Best place to get them is right here - TRF classifieds. Just do your due diligence and check on who to buy from. Most sellers will willingly provide you with references.

Good luck!

[Hooper]

Originally Posted by sakuraba

Welcome to TRF, Chris!

To answer your questions:

i. IMHO 16610 should be around 3500 - 4500 depending on series, completeness, and condition - and source. You might be able to buy it cheaper from someone you meet off craigslist, but what you end up paying extra for from a trusted seller buys peace of mind.

ii. I would never buy from eBay. Just way too many variables to consider.

iii. Best place to get them is right here - TRF classifieds. Just do your due diligence and check on who to buy from. Most sellers will willingly provide you with references.

Good luck!

Bang on

[rkboyer911]

If you want to see all the waches you can handle go to the wynn they have them all...or close to it. Id stay away from ebay if possible...to many fakes that is hard to tell by a pic. Id say if you are wanting used id buy from someone here on TRF!! Lots of great people here that move watches and you wont get burned with trouble or a fake. JMHO good luck! Roy

[padi56]

Originally Posted by bicster

Hey everyone,

So I posted a newbie question back in March about buying my first Submariner 16610 and have still not managed to figure out what to buy.

I'm torn between buying new (for $6000) or second hand (for anything between $4000 and $5000). I like the pre-2002 models with the eye holes although don't want anything too old because, as with any mechanical device, I don't want to be buying trouble.

I'm based here in Vegas which I'm not sure is the best place to be looking for Rolexes - although we're not short of ADs in this town! However, I'm struggling to find decent second hand Rolexes that I feel warrant the $4000-$5000 price tag.

So, this leads me to a few questions for you wise forum watchers...

i. What do you think I should be paying for a decent 2000/2001 16610 (date) Submariner?

ii. What do you think about buying Rolexes on Ebay?

iii. Any ideas where I can find second hand Rolexes (rather than jewelers that aren't ADs selling them?)

Thanks in advance,

Chris

Have no fear about buying anything pre 2002 or newer the 16610 sub has the cal 3135.This movement has remained unchanged since 1988 and pretty bullet proof, and with just a bit of routine service will run for decades without any major problems.

[Green Arrow]

I bought my Sub LV on TRF used from one of the respected sellers, and also purchased two black inserts from other respected sellers here. No hitches with anyone. Decent pricing, great watch. You'll love it.

[Speed]

No to eBay. No to Craigslist. Yes to Wynn AD to look...but you know you want a Sub, so don't bother.

Big FAT Yes to TRF. LawrenceB often has some most excellent pre-owned Subs. DavidSW & Oscar get great Brand New In Box watches.

[bicster]

Thanks for that guys, I'll check out the classifieds and hopefully find me a new watch soon!

[bicster]

Dang....anyone know how I can skip the 16 posts before posting a 'wanted' post?

[DarkHorse]

Originally Posted by bicster

Dang....anyone know how I can skip the 16 posts before posting a 'wanted' post?

Is 16 really that hard for you? :P

Here is a tip - replying to this post will put you up to 7 for starters.

[scottjb411]

In my personal experience, finding an AD that has estate pieces can be beneficial. My local AD overhauls every estate piece. I paid $4300 after tax on a mint ca. 2000 subdate a few months ago. I've been told I could have bought one cheaper, but the piece of mind of knowing that I have thier guarantee and the price included what would have been a $400-500 service makes it wort it. As for EBay, not a good place for rolex purchase. And from what I've read here trf sellers are reputable. As for my subdate it keeps within 1 second of accuracy. Just keep doing your research and make sure you get a guarantee.

[Jeff_M]

I perused the "For Sale" section for a couple weeks, and found my watch much faster than I thought I would. I knew exactly what I wanted, and a few came up while I was looking.

To the OP, the turn over rate seems pretty decent, watches get posted and sold fairly quickly. Your watch will come available fairly quickly, if you keep an eye on the forum.

[Chris B]

Loved the way you said your "first" submariner