Daytona 6265 vs. Submariner 6538

[mewmew]

I am a newbie and just loves the beauty of vintage mechanical watches. Contemplating if I should add one more vintage watch to my collection.

I love both the classic Daytona as well as the James Bond Submariner.
Given how much vintage Rolex has gone up lately, not sure if I should pull the trigger.

Which one do you think would hold value better?

[roh123]

Not like they cost the same in decent condition. Imho an original condition big crown is much more collectible than a Daytona.

[exador]

6265s are around $70,000 and plentiful.
6538s are $100,000+ for a decent example and much rarer.

As a speculative investment for a “Newbie” you’re on your own pal

[stmoore]

Excellent gloss service dial big crowns are trading in the $70s.
Rough big crowns are trading well above $150.
Anything interesting will be $250, minimum but more likely $400.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by stmoore

Excellent gloss service dial big crowns are trading in the $70s.
Rough big crowns are trading well above $150.
Anything interesting will be $250, minimum but more likely $400.

Well, 400 bucks is pretty steep for a watch, but I'm feeling flush.

[soundserious]

Prepare for a haircut. These watches will cost you dearly. Make even the smallest mistake of that big crown and you will bleed money. Other than that, welcome to the party.

[mewmew]

I under-estimated how much a big crown would cost.... OMG. :O
Since I am not ready to sell my arms and legs yet to trade for a big crown, that's probably out of question. I guess the next best option would be Sub 5513?

[stmoore]

Originally Posted by mewmew

I under-estimated how much a big crown would cost.... OMG. :O
Since I am not ready to sell my arms and legs yet to trade for a big crown, that's probably out of question. I guess the next best option would be Sub 5513?

What did you think it would cost?!!!!!

Keep researching. Next would be a small crown or many gilt 5513 / 5512.

[cajuntiger]

Originally Posted by mewmew

Since I am not ready to sell my arms and legs yet to trade for a big crown, that's probably out of question. I guess the next best option would be Sub 5513?

The good news is that you dont need to sell your arms or legs...they generally aren't worth as much. The bad news, it will take one kidney + one working heart.

[mewmew]

Lol. In my defense, I just saw one 6538 offered in the "Classifieds" section on this very forum currently at $60K. That's why I thought it's in that price range.

Does it mean it's too good to be true?

[stmoore]

Yeah, and what kind of dial was in it?

[mewmew]

Mk3

[didyunt]

The James Bond Submariner would have more value.

[mewmew]

I'd better work harder to be able to afford these classics while keeping my organs and limbs...

[mewmew]

Does anyone know why a 6538 with MK3 dial isn't qualified as a "real" James Bond Sub?

[stmoore]

6538 is what he wore, so it’s a “bond” watch.
I am not sure where you picked up MK3 dial. I assume up it’s from the classifieds. A mk3 insert is mentioned, not dial. It’s a matte service dial.

Another option if you want a big crown is a 5510.

[SubKing]

I can comment since the OP is referring to my personal 6538 that I have just listed in the sales section here

the insert is a mk3 not the dial. the dial in my watch is a matte tritium service dial from the late 60's.

big crowns even with service dials are still rare and very collectible. if you dont wish to spend 275k for a nice gilt example, I think a 6538 in as stunning condition as mine is in, would make a great addition to any vintage collection.

a rolex service dial means that at some point, rolex would replace the toxic radium dials and replace the dial with a less toxic tritium dial.

hope that info clears up the OP's question. feel free to shoot me an email if you have any other questions about the watch.

[roh123]

Big crowns are not a beginners watch. A perfect one could command up to a million these days depending on configuration. From that it is quickly down hill. A great one is for sure 300-400k and an average or bad one still around 150 with the original parts. Gilt service dials in great condition are recently around 70k and in my opinion matte service dials are about half of that. Of course condition and seller may vary but just to give a feeling for how much a reference can spread depending on configuration, condition, provenance etc.

The original (non-service) parts are extremely expensive to buy if even possible to source. No hash or red triangle inserts alone could be up to 50k these days and gilt dials in any condition will be crazy expensive if they indeed would come to market. Which they don’t.

[SubKing]

Originally Posted by roh123

Big crowns are not a beginners watch. A perfect one will command up to a million. From that it is quickly down hill. A great one is for sure 30-400k and an average or bad one still around 150. Gilt service dials are recently around 70k and in my opinion matte service dials is about half of that. Of course condition and seller may vary but just to give a feeling for how much a reference can spread depending on configuration, condition, provenance etc.

I agree, many factors will determine value.

[roh123]

-.-

[SubKing]

Originally Posted by roh123

-.-

[stmoore]

:)
So a mk3 dial? :)

[1665fan]

I would go with 4 digit Daytona myself

[mewmew]

Thank you so much for all the knowledge sharing! I feel like I'm barely scratching the surface. Had no idea that there are so many variations that would affect the value of the Big Crowns. Appreciate the feedback that this is not for beginners and now I understand why.

This forum has been just amazing and I really appreciate this community. :)

[majorleon]

Daytona is better to me.