1981: which submariner or gmt master i should get?

[Malbolge]

looking for tips. im after my birth-year rolex submariner or gmt master. any advice for me what is the best to buy in that year snd in the ca 6k euro budget? or anything to avoid? as far as im aware submariner came in few variants then, not sure on gmt.

[jdmi32]

The GMT Master 16750 matte dial falls within your year and price range. I'd also consider a 5513.

[jdmi32]

Oh, and welcome to the forum!

[brandrea]

my vote goes to the 5513

[CrownMe]

I'd go for the 16750 Gmt.

[JustinK]

Welcome to TRF.

You can't go wrong with a Sub 16800 or GMT 16750 from this period. If original both will have matte dials. The Sub has a sapphire crystal while the GMT will still be plexi but both are quickset. Depends on what you want but if I had to choose one it would be the GMT.

BTW you could probably consider 1680 Subs and 1675 GMT's as I think production on these ended around 1979-80. They will both have matte dials be plexi and not have quickset.

Post some pictures and ask for help when you find something you like.

Good Luck!

[V.lats97nsx]

5513 hands down.

[Daytona4130]

I would say 16800 Submariner. I LOVE mine. I bought it for the faded bezel, matte dial, no WG surrounds, and for the sapphire crystal. Its a perfect first vintage - you have to ween yourself off of modern rolexes. The 16800 is the perfect way to do that!

[clock]

5513 or 16750, whichever has the dial you like most and best condition.

[omitohud]

5513, 16800, 16750, u can't go wrong with either one. It's just a preference of which look u like better n they r all within UR budget for an excellent condition one. Good luck.


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[springer]

Hands up...GMT 16750!

[Vincent65]

get the one you prefer - it's your money

[The_Walrus]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

get the one you prefer - it's your money

^ this here
1981 and $6k you have so many options.
Find a watch that appeals and do buy from a trusted seller here

[Malbolge]

thank you for the welcome guys and your tips.

It seems majority is recommending the GMT 16750 - but the plexiglass situation, how scratchy are those really? I always thought rolex needs to be this indestructible thingy. And afraid the plexiglass is an issue, and I cant imagine that you can put a saphire one on top as replacement (and even if possible probably wrong). Is it polished out or something on old ones?

Also, for the 16750, 5513 and 16800 what would be the prices for a fairly good condition one (range, in USD or EUR)? And should I get one with box-papers or if not, is that a big issue (I am not buying this as "investment", but for me).

For daily I think I'll go for the Tudor Black Bay Blue (new). :) But want to get the Rolex out of the way first, heard that getting a stop gap watch is always setting you back from the grail...

[jollerbarn]

Originally Posted by Malbolge

thank you for the welcome guys and your tips.

It seems majority is recommending the GMT 16750 - but the plexiglass situation, how scratchy are those really? I always thought rolex needs to be this indestructible thingy. And afraid the plexiglass is an issue, and I cant imagine that you can put a saphire one on top as replacement (and even if possible probably wrong). Is it polished out or something on old ones?

I had the same reservations when going into vintage. For everyday use plexi is just fine. I'd never swim with a plastic watch though. I know they can be pressure tested, but I just see no reason to risk my preciouses that way. The plexi scratches from time to time, but they're easy to polish out by yourself with a bit of polywatch

Also, if considering the 5513 you get the option of getting the amazing T19 dome on it. They're hard to find intact, but it's worth it. Today I'd always prefer plexi over sapphire. It just feels more alive and organic like these pre-computer design watches :-)

[Malbolge]

Originally Posted by jollerbarn

I had the same reservations when going into vintage. For everyday use plexi is just fine. I'd never swim with a plastic watch though. I know they can be pressure tested, but I just see no reason to risk my preciouses that way. The plexi scratches from time to time, but they're easy to polish out by yourself with a bit of polywatch

Also, if considering the 5513 you get the option of getting the amazing T19 dome on it. They're hard to find intact, but it's worth it. Today I'd always prefer plexi over sapphire. It just feels more alive and organic like these pre-computer design watches :-)

But because I scuba dive and would probably want to wear a watch daily... seems like what you're saying is getting a plexiglass is out of the question and a risk?

Also, whats the deal with Jubilee bracelet on GMT? Are these considered less valuable than oysters?

[jollerbarn]

Originally Posted by Malbolge

But because I scuba dive and would probably want to wear a watch daily... seems like what you're saying is getting a plexiglass is out of the question and a risk?

Also, whats the deal with Jubilee bracelet on GMT? Are these considered less valuable than oysters?

1) I'm not saying it's out of the question. I'm just saying I would never do it. To me the risk is just too great. Especially if you plan on keeping your watches in original condition.

2) I think it's a matter of taste. I have both bracelets for my favourite 1675's and it comes down to a matter of tastes. A great quality jubilee bracelet could easily be more valuable than a beat up oyster - and vice versa. In the end, bracelets are important, but at least to me case quality and dial/hands quality far exceed the bracelet in importance!

[Vincent65]

no, it's not out of the question - they were made for diving, for decades

[playmore009]

Good luck with your search. I believe that both will be a good choice but if you dive, I guess getting a dive watch seems more appropriate.

I believe that my next watch will be a vintage year 77. I will have to decide between the sub and GMT also. In my mind, I am looking for something unique in that era..kinda like the superdome glass.

[Malbolge]

i have a seiko skx007 which i take to water so as dive watch that is the one im "aging" from new!

i will have to find a good used watch dealer - probably in london - to try them all on and compare.

[high5]

of course 5513. but if you come across a nice example of either, just get it.

[evilfij]

16753 two tone GMT with nipple dial.

[Malbolge]

Originally Posted by evilfij

16753 two tone GMT with nipple dial.

what .., is a nipple dial?!

[JustinK]

Originally Posted by Malbolge

what .., is a nipple dial?!

It refers to the shape of the hour markers found on TT GMT's and gold Subs and GMT's.

[rusty427]

You sound like you would be happier with a sapphire crystal? Check out a Matt dial 16800 sub, you should be able to get a nice one for your budget. I agree with others that plastic has a cool look, they're not as impractical as you might think.

[springer]

I prefer the acrylic crystals for several reasons. First, if scratched, you can easily polish the scratch out of acrylic crystals which you won't do with sapphire. Second, they are less expensive to replace than sapphire crystals. Acrylic crystals do not shatter like the sapphire crystals when broken or cracked - don't ask me how I know. The acrylic adds character to vintage watches.

My point - don't be afraid of the acrylic, vintage watches. The plastic crystals have been used for many decades in the watch industry.

[rusty427]

Yeah, I agree with springer. It has character.

[shane0mack]

I love my 16800 because I don't have to worry about it. I get that sapphire can shatter, and I know it's happened to folks, but I've never had any issues with it. I have no hesitation jumping in the water with it, as I probably would with a vintage acrylic. Plus, with an '81, you can still get a matte dial like folks have mentioned. Matte dial and sapphire crystal, best of both worlds.

[Syms]

Came across this thread as I am now in the process of looking my birth yr vintage sub as well...loving the 5513 and 1680, and 16800...all of which have something unique about them that I love. Decided to sell my DSSD to go with a DJ2/Vintage Sub combo :)

Does anyone have a good link to an article that specifically discussed the differences between the different vintage subs they can share? I'd still like to read more.

On that note, I'm also looking for an 81...seems like I've come across an 82 and an 80...but no 81 yet. Was hoping to see how you faired in your search for an 81.

I also had not previously considered the vintage GMT's...but after seeing how much love this thread is getting, i'm intrigued. Although its going to be a vintage sub first...and we'll see about the GMT in the future (faaar future).

[jyan212]

Originally Posted by Syms

Came across this thread as I am now in the process of looking my birth yr vintage sub as well...loving the 5513 and 1680, and 16800...all of which have something unique about them that I love. Decided to sell my DSSD to go with a DJ2/Vintage Sub combo :)

Does anyone have a good link to an article that specifically discussed the differences between the different vintage subs they can share? I'd still like to read more.

On that note, I'm also looking for an 81...seems like I've come across an 82 and an 80...but no 81 yet. Was hoping to see how you faired in your search for an 81.

I also had not previously considered the vintage GMT's...but after seeing how much love this thread is getting, i'm intrigued. Although its going to be a vintage sub first...and we'll see about the GMT in the future (faaar future).

John, aka Beaumont here on TRF, has an excellent site on the 5513 subs.