Advice needed on a 1977 Submariner...

[MAJSmith]

Hi, I’m relatively new to the forum and shopping for my first Rolex. Prior to this I’ve been a life-long Omega wearer. The Navy Exchange here in Hawaii sometimes gets pre-owned Rolex watches from the factory and resells them. Right now they have a 1977 Submariner without the date. It’s in near-perfect condition and it’s priced at $6300.00. I can likely get it for $5670 tax-free. Is this a good deal?

Thanks in advance!

CPTSmith

[Beaumont Miller II]

Thank you for your service. Pics of the watch would be helpful.

[SUBversive]

From the factory? Are you sure about that? Do you know the condition and date of last service?

[Warnsboy]

Could be worth the price. Pics and serial number info would be helpful!!

[MAJSmith]

Thanks for your quick responses. I'll get the whole story tomorrow and post the info with pics.

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by CPTSmith

Thanks for your quick responses. I'll get the whole story tomorrow and post the info with pics.

HAGOne

[MAJSmith]

My third attempt to post this info!!!

Two watches, both sold by WLRX (no info on this company) through the Naval Exchange, both in seemingly great condition. What do you think?

1994 Rolex GMT "Coke"
Model# 16710
SN# W458694
$5499


1977 Submariner (No date)
Model# 5513
SN# 5276320
$5999




So what do you think? Are they worth it?

[SPARTAN2161]

I would say pass and if you are interested in a nice watch reach out to a trusted seller here. One can have a 5513 with WG markers for much less than 6k. If your interested let me know and I can point you in the right direction.

[MAJSmith]

Quick correction, I meant both watches are being sold by WLXT not WLRX. They have about 10-12 watches for sale. I'll also get 10% off of the price by purchasing from the Navy Exchange. I've been in the market for either a vintage Submariner or a no-holes case GMT for a while (this one is not no-holes) and I've kept an eye on the posts in this forum. There aren't many options here in Hawaii if you want to buy pre-owned.

[jbird]

You can find a better example for that price if you want vintage. Just my opinion. Check this site and WatchRecon.

[swish77]

The Sub is nice, but it's lost the vintage look because the dial and hands have been replaced, probably during a Rolex service at some point through the years. If you're after a vintage Sub that retains its original tritium dial and hands, you should continue your search. There are several great sellers here and on the VRF who could help you out, and probably for a better price. Good luck!

[MAJSmith]

Originally Posted by swish77

The Sub is nice, but it's lost the vintage look because the dial and hands have been replaced, probably during a Rolex service at some point through the years. If you're after a vintage Sub that retains its original tritium dial and hands, you should continue your search. There are several great sellers here and on the VRF who could help you out, and probably for a better price. Good luck!

That's a really good point. I've also always enjoyed the idea of being able to switch bezels from Coke to Pepsi to all black, if I wanted. The GMT is looking more appealing now.

Thanks for all your advice.

[TurboWatch]

the 5513 dial is a replacement. Should be a matte maxi 4 or 5 dial

[MAJSmith]

Originally Posted by TurboWatch

the 5513 dial is a replacement. Should be a matte maxi 4 or 5 dial

Does that mean it's fake or just a new old-stock part? I agree a new vintage piece is no longer a true vintage piece, so I'm passing on the 5513. I do love the watch and will most likely seek a true vintage piece elsewhere. I'm going to search around for a GMT II in decent condition. I love the history of the GMT (huge fan of Pan Am) and I could actually use the second time zone function.

[SUBversive]

Looking at what I can see from the sign they are not an AD and the op thought these watches were made available from "the factory" so that would bother me if someone there gave him that impression.

[high5]

too expensive. and get a matt dial instead.