Which of these heavyweights would you choose?

[shammad10]

I’m looking for my next and I’m stuck.
Out of two mint watches-
A white 1680 submariner or a great white 1655 sea dweller, what would you go for and why?

Love them both, the sub is just so quintessential and cool. Love the top hat and the fit.
Love how purposeful the sea dweller is, and the gas escape valve just adds that coolness.

What’s your choice and why? Interested to hear!

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by shammad10

I’m looking for my next and I’m stuck.
Out of two mint watches-
A white 1680 submariner or a great white 1655 sea dweller, what would you go for and why?

Love them both, the sub is just so quintessential and cool. Love the top hat and the fit.
Love how purposeful the sea dweller is, and the gas escape valve just adds that coolness.

What’s your choice and why? Interested to hear!

I assume you meant 1665 instead of 1655. Just personal preference IMO. You should probably try them both on your wrist and go with the one that looks and feels better.

[shammad10]

Damn yes, autocorrect!
Have tried lots of 1680s and a DRSD once. Both were great, hence the dilemma!

[KY..]

For some reason it feels like really nice sea dwellers are harder to come by to me.
It should sing to you in order for you to treasure it.

[Filipão]

For me it's all down to the plexi shape.

Top hat with cyclops or super domed.

Give it a thought.

[Phwtch1]

I think they're both too good to just pick one out. Maybe you should try both on and post pictures of both so we pick the better option.

[tekno]

If you’re considering a great white could you buy a red sub for roughly the same amount? I’m not up on the market of these. You may strictly be wanting a late 70’s sub or SD, I didn’t know if price was a factor or not.

I know white 1680’s seem to still be reasonably priced for a nice one. Ive noticed a jump in 5513’s recently, either it’s a jump in price or the forum members are raising my standards & I’m looking at nicer watches.


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[Filipão]

Originally Posted by tekno

I know white 1680’s seem to still be reasonably priced for a nice one. Ive noticed a jump in 5513’s recently, either it’s a jump in price or the forum members are raising my standards & I’m looking at nicer watches.

This is happening to me too, it's called experience

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by tekno

If you’re considering a great white could you buy a red sub for roughly the same amount? I’m not up on the market of these. You may strictly be wanting a late 70’s sub or SD, I didn’t know if price was a factor or not.

I know white 1680’s seem to still be reasonably priced for a nice one.

I think that red and white 1680 Subs are both great watches, and they've grown on me recently, although the no-date Sub is still my favorite. I agree that it's easier to find a decent white 1680 at a lower price point. The price difference isn't necessarily astronomical, but I do think that the red 1680s are harder to find, for obvious reasons.

[tekno]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I think that red and white 1680 Subs are both great watches, and they've grown on me recently, although the no-date Sub is still my favorite. I agree that it's easier to find a decent white 1680 at a lower price point. The price difference isn't necessarily astronomical, but I do think that the red 1680s are harder to find, for obvious reasons.

Both amazing watches Dan!

I have been looking @ 5513 because I don’t own a no date. I bet when the time comes i end up with a 1680 if prices keep climbing. We shall see.


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[Dan S]

Originally Posted by tekno

Both amazing watches Dan!

I have been looking @ 5513 because I don’t own a no date. I bet when the time comes i end up with a 1680 if prices keep climbing. We shall see.

I would say be patient and you will find a 5513 that appeals to you at a fair price, especially if you're not picky about a specific variant. Matte 5513s were made for at least 15 years, and there are a LOT of them out there.

[996marty]

Two very cool watches and for me I’d have either of them. I see the OP is in the uk maybe check out the oldwatchshop Mike is a good guy to deal with

[shammad10]

Originally Posted by Phwtch1

I think they're both too good to just pick one out. Maybe you should try both on and post pictures of both so we pick the better option.

Thanks all for the insight.
Yep, a red sub also on my radar, but just very aware that if I want one in great condition, I have to pay a big premium.

Here’s some photos of a 1680 on and a DRSD (I know I’m after a great white, but closest thing I have!)




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[tekno]

Back then the only difference in the case was the valve on the side correct?


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[Dan S]

Originally Posted by tekno

Back then the only difference in the case was the valve on the side correct?

I believe the entire case is a bit different and the 1665 is slightly thicker, I assume because it was needed for the depth rating. Very different crystal, obviously.

[tekno]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I believe the entire case is a bit different and the 1665 is slightly thicker, I assume because it was needed for the depth rating. Very different crystal, obviously.

I’ve never tried one on, it looks like the bezel is thicker too.

That’s pretty neat, I like the SD more a little more but I would have a hard time saying no to the right 1680.

I appreciate the encouragement in regards to the 5513 Dan. I do think there are more nice Rolex subs available compared to Tudor subs. Now that I have a nice snowflake I want a Rolex next. The 5513 is at the top of the list.

I’m not sure if the lack of nice Tudor Subs is because less were made, inferior materials were used on the dials, or people didn’t take care of them as well. Maybe a combo of all those issues? It’s something I was recently pondering. I would love a nice 7928 too later on.

[996marty]

Originally Posted by tekno

I’ve never tried one on, it looks like the bezel is thicker too.

That’s pretty neat, I like the SD more a little more but I would have a hard time saying no to the right 1680.

I appreciate the encouragement in regards to the 5513 Dan. I do think there are more nice Rolex subs available compared to Tudor subs. Now that I have a nice snowflake I want a Rolex next. The 5513 is at the top of the list.

I’m not sure if the lack of nice Tudor Subs is because less were made, inferior materials were used on the dials, or people didn’t take care of them as well. Maybe a combo of all those issues? It’s something I was recently pondering. I would love a nice 7928 too later on.

Looking at the Tudor subs I’m always under the impression that because they were cheaper maybe people weren’t as precious with them and actually used them as intended because they were more of a tool watch than say the Rolex equivalent.
I love my Rolex GMT but hold my Tudor’s in just as much high regards. But as you say above it could be a combination of all the issues.

[1675-David]

My experience is the 1665 is a much bulkier watch than the 1680, I’ve tried on a couple and always felt like I’m putting on a substantial piece of kit.

[tekno]

Originally Posted by 1675-David

My experience is the 1665 is a much bulkier watch than the 1680, I’ve tried on a couple and always felt like I’m putting on a substantial piece of kit.

I put my 94110 sub on this morning after wearing one of my Datejust for a week. I thought “man this is a big watch”.

Since the SD is bigger than the sub, I would definitely want to consider the size before pulling the trigger… I can’t see turning a nice one down though if I was in the market. The more I look at these great whites the more I like them. I like the fact that they are just a little different.

Taken from DRSD.com





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[TuRo]

Utterly personal taste, and apapro of little else but that, my top 6 Rolex (irrespective of cost/value) in this order :

1. 6541 Milgauss
2. 1665 thick case Sea Dweller d.red or white tbh
3. 1655 pref. mk1 thin hand
4. 6265 black sigma dial (prefer to exotic !).
5. 6542 GMT
6. 5510/6538 Sub.

So it's the 1665 for me of the two you are considering, I love the way it sits on the wrist and domed plexi - weirdly not keen on a DRSD when on the albeit correct 9315 as bracelet, too thin for watch head...so a 93150 I prefer to fit :-)

[Hafagonia]

Great white - that plexiglass is beaut.

[colpol]

I’ve both - the 1680 gets most wrist time
Personal taste - the top hat crystal just makes it for me

[swish77]

The condition of each watch would be a big factor in my decision, especially the patina of the tritium.

Assuming the 1680 and the 1665 were identical in condition, look and feel (impossible of course), I'd definitely choose the SD. Chunkier, not as common, cool domed crystal, and overall more special, IMHO.

I've owned both references numerous times, and the SD always wins.

[saxo3]

Originally Posted by swish77

The condition of each watch would be a big factor in my decision, especially the patina of the tritium.

Assuming the 1680 and the 1665 were identical in condition, look and feel (impossible of course), I'd definitely choose the SD. Chunkier, not as common, cool domed crystal, and overall more special, IMHO.

I've owned both references numerous times, and the SD always wins.

+1 on all points