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23 May 2014, 01:24 AM | #1 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Real Name: John Baker III
Location: Spring,Texas
Watch: 1971 Red Sub
Posts: 2,222
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So You Want To Own A Vintage Submariner?
Hey Guys:
I wanted to post this thread as a checklist of getting into vintage submariners. I have spent the last 6 months on this odyssey finding out the hard way, what it actually encompasses. So, I decided I wanted a vintage Red Sub. Lots of good reasons, but how to go about finding one? I surfed a dozen or so sites for several weeks. I looked at all the pictures and descriptions. I made lists. In the end I felt that I knew what I wanted, now I just had to find the right watch. Even as I narrowed down the list of candidates, they all had "issues". A great watch should have the following: 1. Great dial with matching hands and lumes. Nice patina is a plus. 2. Crystal in good condition. 3. Correct insert and pearl in good condition. 4. Case with no problems with over polishing. 5. Correct crown but not a deal breaker. 6. Period correct bracelet in good condition. Since none of the candidates were 100%, I decided to get the best watch for the money and fix any issues after the fact. I paid good money for a 1970 Ref 1680 Red Sub with nice patina. The pearl was missing and the bracelet wasn't correct. Six weeks later I was able to find both the pearl and a 9315 band in good condition. I am at peace that this watch is everything I set out to get; it can be worn on special occassions and is a great investment! Bottom Line: This is a great hobby but there are many pitfalls. Some "issues" may not be fixable. Don't buy a watch that you will later regret. Take your time and do your homework. It will more than pay off in the end when your favorite watch is AWESOME! PS: Try looking at sellers here at TRF, at VRF, at Sheartime, and at HQ Milton. They are honest sources. eBay rarely has vintage watches at fair prices.
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As I've grown older, I've learned that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pissing off everyone is a piece of cake. Last edited by JohnBaker3; 23 May 2014 at 01:27 AM.. Reason: typos |
23 May 2014, 01:29 AM | #2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 14,298
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Well done - I'd say the pearl, bracelet and crystal are all fairly minor considerations, in the big scheme of things. Dial, hands, case and movement are key, and where the value lies!
Nice 1680 - enjoy! |
23 May 2014, 04:02 AM | #3 |
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: USA
Watch: of course
Posts: 8,429
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Nicely done, love that insert
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23 May 2014, 04:04 AM | #4 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Real Name: tom
Location: northern ireland
Watch: my fins
Posts: 10,063
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yep , dial , case and hands ,,, the rest are just a bonus ,,, but so nice to see a plan come together.
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23 May 2014, 04:05 AM | #5 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Real Name: Greg
Location: USA
Watch: Milsub
Posts: 1,635
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Quote:
Beautiful mk1 fat font insert!
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@true_patina @true.dome |
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23 May 2014, 04:11 AM | #6 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Real Name: peb
Location: Istanbul
Posts: 3,145
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Really nice one
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23 May 2014, 05:51 AM | #7 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 268
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Great watch, really like the insert.
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23 May 2014, 06:11 AM | #8 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Real Name: Aaron
Location: CT/NYC
Watch: ing the time!
Posts: 7,001
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x2. Great red Sub! Homework, homework, and more homework. It always pays off.
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23 May 2014, 06:32 AM | #9 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Real Name: David
Location: australia
Posts: 20,216
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Nice work
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