Rolex submariner help

[rolex_DateJust]

Hello all,

I'm looking into purchasing my first TT submariner and 2nd Rolex. I went out today to 3-4 different AD's and the oldest sub one of them had was a 93 and the newest was a 97. They all wanted around the same price for them which was around $4,899. I don't know that much about the submariner so please post up pictures of your 1990's two-tone subs and teach me what the difference is between these and the early 2000's. I know the new ones as of now have a ceramic bezel! THANKS!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by rolex_DateJust

Hello all,

I'm looking into purchasing my first TT submariner and 2nd Rolex. I went out today to 3-4 different AD's and the oldest sub one of them had was a 93 and the newest was a 97. They all wanted around the same price for them which was around $4,899. I don't know that much about the submariner so please post up pictures of your 1990's two-tone subs and teach me what the difference is between these and the early 2000's. I know the new ones as of now have a ceramic bezel! THANKS!

The 16610 and 16613 was introduced 1988/9 with the cal 3135 movement the only changes since, around 1997/8 the change from Tritium lume dials, T.Swiss.T, and <25 Swiss, marked dials to Luminover lume dials marked Swiss.Around 2000 they changed to Swiss Made dials plus the solid end link bracelets.They introduced a Rolex laser etched emblem on crystal in 2001 its hard to see with naked eye.End of 2002 Y serial early 2003 the non lug hole cases started.Around 2004 F/D serial on some models the Rolex Rolex Rolex branding on the Rehaut ring started.And thats about it till the 16610/3 was discontinued plus the different case serial stamps

[azguy]

Those prices are not great, especially considering that there is probably no service history with them and that would be about $400-$600. I would also take a careful look around and decide of you want lug holes or not. I like lug holes, especially on classic tool watches like the Sub but on that watch, which I love BTW, I would prefer that it DID NOT have them.

Take your time, look here on TRF, and try for something newer especially if your budget can come up a few bucks

Plus, you can probably haggle on that model pretty good The longer you are around here reading the more you will see that everyone wants SS and TT can be had with better sucess with a discount

[dooder202]

Originally Posted by padi56

The 16610 and 16613 was introduced 1988/9 with the cal 3135 movement the only changes since, around 1997/8 the change from Tritium lume dials, T.Swiss.T, and <25 Swiss, marked dials to Luminover lume dials marked Swiss.Around 2000 they changed to Swiss Made dials plus the solid end link bracelets.They introduced a Rolex laser etched emblem on crystal in 2001 its hard to see with naked eye.End of 2002 Y serial early 2003 the non lug hole cases started.Around 2004 F/D serial on some models the Rolex Rolex Rolex branding on the Rehaut ring started.And thats about it till the 16610/3 was discontinued plus the different case serial stamps

Nice information here!

The prices seem about right, IMO.

I would try and get the newere one, well, because it's newer!

Good luck with your purchase! I'm sure you will enjoy whatever you decide to pick out!

Also, I would get the TT sub in blue if it's not going to be the ceramic version. Rolex used such a nice blue dial and bezel comapared to the brighter blue they currently offer - which I also love too and want to be my next purchase!

[rolex_DateJust]

Thanks a lot for your Information guys! I greatly appreciate it. Yea I wouldn't mind getting a 03-05 tt sub. At first, I was going for a SS but the 2-tone is actually growing me a lot more now haha. I've been but real hard by the Rolex bug!

[azguy]

It's my grail watch I envy you, take your time and get the cleaner case without the lug holes and if you go older try and find something that has been serviced.

The last thing you want is the $ervice bill and to be without the wathc for 6-8 weeks, or longer.

Post pics when purchased

[ibramr]

Perhaps not every one here will agree with me, but at this stage in which you can pick and choose, it would be nice to secure a sample with box and papers. Yes, it is more than likely that the submariner will be a keeper--but it still advantageous to have them in addition to any other documents from the RSC you will use to serve your watch. Enjoy in good health.