These lugs are significantly overpolished, right?

[recapt]

Chiming back in to thank everyone who’s contributed to the discussion. It’s been great hearing the different points of view.

As an update, I’ve decided I’m not a buyer on this one. I’m not in a hurry and would prefer to pay more for one that’s in better condition.

Happy to share a link to anyone who is interested, though. Just message me. I have no affiliation whatsoever to the seller.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by TuRo

I agree Peter, it's an good/average 40 yr old 16800 submariner - - imho too many here just play the dreary 'it's polished card' too often.

It's not about being polished. It's about being over-polished or poorly polished, both of which apply to that Sub, IMHO.

These watches are not that rare. I'd look for a better example. There are plenty of honest, well-worn vintage Rolexes that haven't been polished to death.

Compare to the lugs on my 1986 168000, which I would consider well worn but also well cared for through the decades.

[karleone]

The one here is much more appealing - here unpolished

https://tropicalwatch.com/watches/xu2u

There is nothing wrong with a watch being polished when it’s done perfectly by a polishing expert but most of the time the polishing job is bad (like in OP’s example - chamfers gone, weird brushing on lugs that’s not factory finish) even if it has been polished by Rolex AD or RSC.

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by karleone

The one here is much more appealing - here unpolished

https://tropicalwatch.com/watches/xu2u

There is nothing wrong with a watch being polished when it’s done perfectly by a polishing expert but most of the time the polishing job is bad (like in OP’s example - chamfers gone, weird brushing on lugs that’s not factory finish) even if it has been polished by Rolex AD or RSC.

$12,850 is about right for that I'd say.

However, I bought one just like the OP showed (8.4 mill matte) last month for £7,150/$8,900 and was very happy with it - condition was price reflected in my mind - and SHWR will fix it up nicely for £200-250. Each to their own though

[tekno]

Originally Posted by TuRo

$12,850 is about right for that I'd say.

However, I bought one just like the OP showed (8.4 mill matte) last month for £7,150/$8,900 and was very happy with it - condition was price reflected in my mind - and SHWR will fix it up nicely for £200-250. Each to their own though

Who is SHWR?

You’re not in the states correct? It’s amazing what a case-lift can do for a watch.

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by tekno

Who is SHWR?

You’re not in the states correct? It’s amazing what a case-lift can do for a watch.

Steve Hale Watch Restoration - In UK where I am.

[zi464]

Originally Posted by padi56

Your entitled to your opinion as I am mine and been wearing and owning Rolex watches for over 50 years, my opinion stands for the age of the watch quite a good example and would not hesitate to buy it if price was right..

Agree
If OP is true collector I would say pass this one.
But if just want to get couple neo-vintage to enjoy the vintage vibe then buy it if price is right.

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by zi464

Agree
If OP is true collector I would say pass this one.
But if just want to get couple neo-vintage to enjoy the vintage vibe then buy it if price is right.

What's a 'true collector' though sir, as I suspect I'm not one?

I personally only have a modest collection, compared to my two pals in Italy who have 3,000 watches and 1,800 watches (1947-1999) Rolex and Tudor, each.

I laughingly call them ROPEC ( i.e. the O.P.E.C. of Rolex)..... and tbh I suspect we'd all buy this and tuck it away, for the right price !

[zi464]

Originally Posted by TuRo

What's a 'true collector' though sir, as I suspect I'm not one?

I personally only have a modest collection, compared to my two pals in Italy who have 3,000 watches and 1,800 watches (1947-1999) Rolex and Tudor, each.

I laughingly call them ROPEC ( i.e. the O.P.E.C. of Rolex)..... and tbh I suspect we'd all buy this and tuck it away, for the right price !

My 2 cent
“ true collector ” who truly love the vintage, who love to study/learn the pass/history even though they don't own so many watches. It's not about the quantity.

I also have a friend who has 700 - 800 watches , half of them Rolex and Tudor ( DJ , Turn-O-Graph , OP etc but no "sport model " ) . He doesn't even care if the watch has B&P , polished , or serviced . He buy at the price if the watch is authentic and matched . I could feel his passion , ofc he is collector in my eyes.

So don't get me wrong, I'm not saying all collectors will pass this one.
I just have been talked and known number of collectors , most of them always waiting and willing pay more for a " good/better one ".

[tekno]

There are plenty watches that are just too worn out to consider, so I get what you’re saying. I don’t think it’s good to recommend project watches to people new to vintage.

Many of the dolled up watches @ big name dealers selling to “true collectors” start off looking just like this. If you know what your getting into & have the knowledge, you can buy watches and bring them up to collectible status. This one just hasn’t been to the spa. I don’t know that this one is too far gone.

[XavierM]

Originally Posted by swish77

It's not about being polished. It's about being over-polished or poorly polished, both of which apply to that Sub, IMHO.

These watches are not that rare. I'd look for a better example. There are plenty of honest, well-worn vintage Rolexes that haven't been polished to death.

Compare to the lugs on my 1986 168000, which I would consider well worn but also well cared for through the decades.

You’ve definitely been in the game for much longer than myself but your example seems to be just under NOS condition. No endlink marks between the lugs, no dents on the chamfers etc.
Most of the 5 digits watches for sale would look bad in comparison to your example…

IMO, OP’s case is definitely not the best but still okay. An extremely beautiful dial in such a case, priced accordingly, this would be a go for me.
This exact one, as a beater, for a very good price, I could consider it.

[KY..]

Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder.
Personally I don’t chase perfect this-and-that as everything pretty much has some level of flaws.
This is a watch with tolerable flaws to some, and not so tolerable flaws to others.
It may be much better looking to everyone if the price is great to them.

[robinmgb]

Originally Posted by Mystro

I have no problem with it. It’s not a bad example.

I’d agree with this, certainly not ‘ a dog’ as as a previous post said
A perfectly reasonable and useable example especially if well priced.
Personally I don’t even post pics like that on this forum asking for opinions as there’s too many on here that expect vintage used watches to be as new, get real, it’s a fair condition watch for it’s age