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rkk208 · 6 July 2010, 10:09 AM

Dear Sirs,

I am currently looking for a collectible rolex. I do have a budget around $7000 and am looking for a collectible rolex. It just feels to me that if I'm going to spend some money on a watch, why don't I buy something little special and appreciated among WIS.

So, is there any recommendations? I do care about the condition of the watch and thus would prefer a watch made after 80's and as long as the watch is in sports model line-up, I couldn't be happier than ever.

So...

Thank you :)

BTW, I do love GMT, Submariner and Explorer and of course Daytona but Daytonas are out of my budget for sure.

nauticajoe · 6 July 2010, 10:31 AM

Welcome.

With a budget of 7K, you have numerous to choose from - you can go the Sub route (16610, 1680 white, 14060M, 5513, etc..) OR you can go the GMT route (16710, '50, 1675, etc...). It all depends if you want to go 'vintage' or modern.

Good Luck & Happy Hunting!

Speed · 6 July 2010, 10:49 AM

Welcome to the Forum!!!

Why not (simply) buy what you like? You can EASILY find a very nice GMT, Submariner or Explorer for that amount.

I am uncertain what you mean by "Collectible?" Do you have some sort of criteria? If you are looking for an investment / mid-term sale opportunity, there are much better uses for your $7K.

Mockingbird · 6 July 2010, 10:51 AM

Does it have to be a Rolex? There are many other brands that could also fill that niche that you may like at that pricepoint.

If it has to be Rolex though, the 16610 and the 16710 are classics, and the 116610 that's coming out now is also great!

rkk208 · 6 July 2010, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mockingbird

Does it have to be a Rolex? There are many other brands that could also fill that niche that you may like at that pricepoint.

If it has to be Rolex though, the 16610 and the 16710 are classics, and the 116610 that's coming out now is also great!

I do welcome non-Rolex watches like IWC and etc.

I was more of looking for a recommendation for collectible pieces like GMT Fat Lady or Explorer Cream Dial and etc. :)

Tools · 6 July 2010, 02:25 PM

Every Rolex is collectible, so why not go down and buy a brand new 16610 Sub before they are all gone......

As far as a Fat Lady, or a Cream Explorer II, if you don't know what you are buying, there is too much opportunity to spend your money and not get the real deal............

This is also likely the last year for the Explorer II 16570, so buy a new one before they change them next year........

sakuraba · 6 July 2010, 02:31 PM

IMHO the Rolex world is divided into 2: collectible, and wearable.

Collectible would be the plexi models: 1680; 5513; 1675; 16750. These would be the references that would fit in you $7k cap. Obviously, being Rolexes, they can withstand anything you can throw at them as long as they're regularly serviced, but being collectible vintages can cause owners to baby them, hence the "wearability issue with some.

Wearable would be the more recent sapphire models. Your cap pretty much opens you up to most references if you consider pre-owned.

As pointed out, all will be collectible someday. Some more so than others.

Good luck!

oldbronco · 6 July 2010, 04:02 PM

I'm a firm believer in vintage. my most modern is a 1980's Oysterquartz. my most vintage is a 73 Y.o. RG Bubble Back that was restored to factory specs by the genius Bob Ridley. you'll find the fun in vintage is the hunt for classic. if you just go to the mall, you're a consumer & not a collector IMHO. no offense intended for non-vintage owners. :)

Jolu · 6 July 2010, 05:28 PM

If you're looking for a real collectible that also can take daily wear there's one in your price range or slightly above - the short run Rolex Explorer "Blackout" 14270 (with black numbers at 3-6-9) from the early nineties.

1680's, 5513's and 1675's are all nice vintage models, but rare collectibles they are not.

masterkiller · 6 July 2010, 05:59 PM

...buy the 16800, this will give you all features of a modern everyday usable Rolex but with vintage killer looks, the watch IS a killer IMHO...

/masterkiller

padi56 · 6 July 2010, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkk208

Dear Sirs,

I am currently looking for a collectible rolex. I do have a budget around $7000 and am looking for a collectible rolex. It just feels to me that if I'm going to spend some money on a watch, why don't I buy something little special and appreciated among WIS.

So, is there any recommendations? I do care about the condition of the watch and thus would prefer a watch made after 80's and as long as the watch is in sports model line-up, I couldn't be happier than ever.

So...

Thank you :)

BTW, I do love GMT, Submariner and Explorer and of course Daytona but Daytonas are out of my budget for sure.

Not 100% sure what you mean by collectible Rolex,I would doubt if many modern day Rolex would be classed as collectible. Just too many of them around but a few watches like the Sub 14060 with Tritium dial could become sort after.And the forgotten GMT ref 16700 made for a short time and very small numbers.And just because a watch is say 30 years old as long as its been serviced,pressure checked. It should still perform to its rated standard as any new Rolex would.

SPORTSFAN · 6 July 2010, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

Every Rolex is collectible, so why not go down and buy a brand new 16610 Sub before they are all gone......

As far as a Fat Lady, or a Cream Explorer II, if you don't know what you are buying, there is too much opportunity to spend your money and not get the real deal............

This is also likely the last year for the Explorer II 16570, so buy a new one before they change them next year........

This, right here.................

I wasted a lot of time looking for a vintage submariner and there is a lot of poor stuff out there.

If you want to wear the watch daily and use it as it was meant to be used definately get a new "old" Sub.

I am not bashing vintage or vintage collectors, but in your OP you say that condition is important, so Larry has it spot on.

As usual......................

mike · 6 July 2010, 08:44 PM

Well, I suppose what you mean by "collectable" has a lot to do with it.

To me there's a distinction between "collectable" and "desirable" Most any Rolex can be called desirable, but collectable might be another story.

I would agree with those that say modern Rolex watches are certainly desirable, but to call them collectable might be stretching things a bit given the sheer number of pieces out there.

References like the 16710, 16610, etc... are many and while they, over time, will pay back their current prices I'm not sure they will be true "grails" to the serious collector.

Rather one has to look at the references that brought Rolex their "fame and fortune" and for that I would submit we have to go back to the golden era of the Rolex tool watch. For the serious collector that is the domain of the acryllic crystal and matt dial.

Your price range opens a few doors --- provided you take your time and be paitent.

A key is to buy THE BEST CONDITION watch you can find. New collectors see prices for pristine example of a given reference and feel an example they purchased is equal when in fact it might only be an average example of the reference. Disapointment then sets in.

Were I to look at pieces in the price range you set I would look to the gilt dial 1675s, 16660s, 5512s, even pristine 5513s/1680s (though 7K would include box&papers here.)

Condition is critical when the hunt is on for a "collectable". Not only the dial/hands set, which sometimes IMO gets over rated, but case, lugs, and caseback condition are major concerns (and affect the price by a wide margin).

Originality is also paramount though, to me, replacement crystals, crown, tube, have little effect as it shows the watch has been well cared for. (Remember protection of the dial/movement is critical).

Most consider the 1680 RED to be the next step in collectability, but you price limit is going to be a factor here.

Good luck in the hunt and remember--Patience and knowledge are you friends.

rkk208 · 8 July 2010, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jolu

If you're looking for a real collectible that also can take daily wear there's one in your price range or slightly above - the short run Rolex Explorer "Blackout" 14270 (with black numbers at 3-6-9) from the early nineties.

1680's, 5513's and 1675's are all nice vintage models, but rare collectibles they are not.

Hi guys,

YES! Something like Rolex Explorer Blackout was what I was looking for! A watch that is rare and made after 1980 (thus relatively in great condition)

Could you guys give me more recommendations? I'm really excited! Oh yes, and please just disregard the 7k price cap. Welcoming any recommendation!

6 July 2010, 10:09 AM	#1
rkk208 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: NJ Posts: 122	Looking for a collectible Rolex Dear Sirs, I am currently looking for a collectible rolex. I do have a budget around $7000 and am looking for a collectible rolex. It just feels to me that if I'm going to spend some money on a watch, why don't I buy something little special and appreciated among WIS. So, is there any recommendations? I do care about the condition of the watch and thus would prefer a watch made after 80's and as long as the watch is in sports model line-up, I couldn't be happier than ever. So... Thank you :) BTW, I do love GMT, Submariner and Explorer and of course Daytona but Daytonas are out of my budget for sure.

6 July 2010, 02:25 PM	#6
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,515	Every Rolex is collectible, so why not go down and buy a brand new 16610 Sub before they are all gone...... As far as a Fat Lady, or a Cream Explorer II, if you don't know what you are buying, there is too much opportunity to spend your money and not get the real deal............ This is also likely the last year for the Explorer II 16570, so buy a new one before they change them next year........ __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

6 July 2010, 02:31 PM	#7
sakuraba "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Jib Location: SJ, California Watch: sun dial Posts: 8,189	IMHO the Rolex world is divided into 2: collectible, and wearable. Collectible would be the plexi models: 1680; 5513; 1675; 16750. These would be the references that would fit in you $7k cap. Obviously, being Rolexes, they can withstand anything you can throw at them as long as they're regularly serviced, but being collectible vintages can cause owners to baby them, hence the "wearability issue with some. Wearable would be the more recent sapphire models. Your cap pretty much opens you up to most references if you consider pre-owned. As pointed out, all will be collectible someday. Some more so than others. Good luck! __________________ F 14000 AirKing black F 16710 GMT Pepsi F 16570 Explorer II white T 16600 SD D 16610 LV "fine quality is remembered long after the pain of spending money" -Steve Mulholland

6 July 2010, 04:02 PM	#8
oldbronco Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: USA Watch: Ranger Posts: 315	collecting Rolex I'm a firm believer in vintage. my most modern is a 1980's Oysterquartz. my most vintage is a 73 Y.o. RG Bubble Back that was restored to factory specs by the genius Bob Ridley. you'll find the fun in vintage is the hunt for classic. if you just go to the mall, you're a consumer & not a collector IMHO. no offense intended for non-vintage owners. :)

6 July 2010, 05:28 PM	#9
Jolu "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Jo Location: Norway Watch: Explorer I/II Posts: 660	If you're looking for a real collectible that also can take daily wear there's one in your price range or slightly above - the short run Rolex Explorer "Blackout" 14270 (with black numbers at 3-6-9) from the early nineties. 1680's, 5513's and 1675's are all nice vintage models, but rare collectibles they are not. __________________ “I have never been lost, but I will admit to being confused for several weeks” - Daniel Boone -

6 July 2010, 10:31 AM	#2
nauticajoe "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Joe Location: PA Posts: 14,774	Welcome. With a budget of 7K, you have numerous to choose from - you can go the Sub route (16610, 1680 white, 14060M, 5513, etc..) OR you can go the GMT route (16710, '50, 1675, etc...). It all depends if you want to go 'vintage' or modern. Good Luck & Happy Hunting!

6 July 2010, 10:49 AM	#3
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,706	Welcome to the Forum!!! Why not (simply) buy what you like? You can EASILY find a very nice GMT, Submariner or Explorer for that amount. I am uncertain what you mean by "Collectible?" Do you have some sort of criteria? If you are looking for an investment / mid-term sale opportunity, there are much better uses for your $7K.

6 July 2010, 10:51 AM	#4
Mockingbird "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: -- Posts: 2,097	Does it have to be a Rolex? There are many other brands that could also fill that niche that you may like at that pricepoint. If it has to be Rolex though, the 16610 and the 16710 are classics, and the 116610 that's coming out now is also great!

6 July 2010, 05:59 PM	#10
masterkiller "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Sweden Watch: Rolex, AP & PAM... Posts: 1,403	I have your answer... ...buy the 16800, this will give you all features of a modern everyday usable Rolex but with vintage killer looks, the watch IS a killer IMHO... /masterkiller __________________ Rolex - SubC... AP - Diver... Panerai - PAM380 Omega - Speedy PRO

6 July 2010, 08:44 PM	#13
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,683	Well, I suppose what you mean by "collectable" has a lot to do with it. To me there's a distinction between "collectable" and "desirable" Most any Rolex can be called desirable, but collectable might be another story. I would agree with those that say modern Rolex watches are certainly desirable, but to call them collectable might be stretching things a bit given the sheer number of pieces out there. References like the 16710, 16610, etc... are many and while they, over time, will pay back their current prices I'm not sure they will be true "grails" to the serious collector. Rather one has to look at the references that brought Rolex their "fame and fortune" and for that I would submit we have to go back to the golden era of the Rolex tool watch. For the serious collector that is the domain of the acryllic crystal and matt dial. Your price range opens a few doors --- provided you take your time and be paitent. A key is to buy THE BEST CONDITION watch you can find. New collectors see prices for pristine example of a given reference and feel an example they purchased is equal when in fact it might only be an average example of the reference. Disapointment then sets in. Were I to look at pieces in the price range you set I would look to the gilt dial 1675s, 16660s, 5512s, even pristine 5513s/1680s (though 7K would include box&papers here.) Condition is critical when the hunt is on for a "collectable". Not only the dial/hands set, which sometimes IMO gets over rated, but case, lugs, and caseback condition are major concerns (and affect the price by a wide margin). Originality is also paramount though, to me, replacement crystals, crown, tube, have little effect as it shows the watch has been well cared for. (Remember protection of the dial/movement is critical). Most consider the 1680 RED to be the next step in collectability, but you price limit is going to be a factor here. Good luck in the hunt and remember--Patience and knowledge are you friends.

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