Maybe a "new to me" 16613...

[bigwatchman]

I came across a deal I have had a hard time passing up. I saw an ad on Craigslist for a 16613 blue face Submariner. I went in as I had a watch to try and sell. I already sold one three weeks ago. I wore my DJ as I was curious if we could make a deal but we were going to be too far off on his end so he wasn't interested.

The next day, he calls me and tells me that he will take my watch in trade, and also my DJ plus a little cash to move it. This got me thinking. I could offload my DJ as it is a face to face locally, and I believe a fair deal too. Wouldn't have to go through the trouble of trying to sell electronically. Truth is, I actually could make this deal without spending a dime of new money on this watch. It is in good condition but needs maybe a light polish on the PCL's only (a little cape cod).

Anyway, I told him I would have to think on it (stupid.... I know...) and I have. I really didn't want to part with the DJ but that watch (16613) has always been a grail to me. It took me two days to convince my better half that this is a good deal. When looking at asking prices all around on this model, what he is letting it go at is very good (about $5k trades/cash total). I figure that if I hold on to it for a few/many years, based on Rolex history, I should at least break even in the even of a necessary sale long down the road.

I called him first thing today and he said he traded it to someone else for some other items (he sells items that can't be mentioned on here -- Think Rick Harrison). He said that he could probably get it back (as it is a good buddy of his doing the same thing) and make the deal happen. I am an anxious mess right now. I should have moved on it two days ago but I wanted all to be OK with the Mrs... I guess if it's meant to be, it will be. I'll have to post some pics if it does happen. Oh, and I will be having it authenticated at my local watchmaker if this deal does happen.

[Wolfgang427]

If you really want a TT Sub there are plenty out there from which to choose from. Your best bet will be always be to sell your DJ yourself and then go and find the best deal for the Sub with cash in hand.

[316lad]

Originally Posted by bigwatchman

I came across a deal I have had a hard time passing up. I saw an ad on Craigslist for a 16613 blue face Submariner. I went in as I had a watch to try and sell. I already sold one three weeks ago. I wore my DJ as I was curious if we could make a deal but we were going to be too far off on his end so he wasn't interested.

The next day, he calls me and tells me that he will take my watch in trade, and also my DJ plus a little cash to move it. This got me thinking. I could offload my DJ as it is a face to face locally, and I believe a fair deal too. Wouldn't have to go through the trouble of trying to sell electronically. Truth is, I actually could make this deal without spending a dime of new money on this watch. It is in good condition but needs maybe a light polish on the PCL's only (a little cape cod).

Anyway, I told him I would have to think on it (stupid.... I know...) and I have. I really didn't want to part with the DJ but that watch (16613) has always been a grail to me. It took me two days to convince my better half that this is a good deal. When looking at asking prices all around on this model, what he is letting it go at is very good (about $5k trades/cash total). I figure that if I hold on to it for a few/many years, based on Rolex history, I should at least break even in the even of a necessary sale long down the road.

I called him first thing today and he said he traded it to someone else for some other items (he sells items that can't be mentioned on here -- Think Rick Harrison). He said that he could probably get it back (as it is a good buddy of his doing the same thing) and make the deal happen. I am an anxious mess right now. I should have moved on it two days ago but I wanted all to be OK with the Mrs... I guess if it's meant to be, it will be. I'll have to post some pics if it does happen. Oh, and I will be having it authenticated at my local watchmaker if this deal does happen.

You're between a rock and hard place in that:

"Fools rush in where others fear to tread"
&
"The Early bird gets the worm"

Tbh neither of those maxims are going to serve you particularly well when buying an expensive time piece. Slow down, research and buy when you have everything in place; cash, proof of authenticity and love of the thing you're buying.

[bigwatchman]

Thanks for the advice. Truth is, I have been following Rolex for the past 12 plus years. I have had less expensive nice watches and a nice little collection. My DJ was my first NICE watch, although I have never been in love with it. Recently I got the idea to sell off my lesser watches and possibly my DJ to fund a 14060. I have also thought about a Tudor 79280 Dateona. When looking to sell my second watch, I happened across this 16613 Submariner by chance. Even though this will require me to give up the DJ, i had already planned for the possiblilty of that. I had three dollar amounts for all three watches, DJ included, and with this deal, I will actually be right where I had planned on being. No better, no worse, and practically breaking even with my total investment in all three. My philosophy with this hobby is to enjoy nice watches, but to have something that will retain a good portion of its value too. So far, for the past 12 years, I have been able to do this. I believe that by selling two quartz watches and a DJ, my investment, both in happiness and monetary, will both be met should this deal go through on the blue sub. Sure I went into the store thinking about one watch, but how many of us here have walked out wearing something totally different?

[J. Alan]

I don't blame you for making the 16613 your grail - I have one and it is a stunning watch. I actually prefer it over it's replacement - the 11613 - as the blue color on the older model is far better, IMO. If they could only get the same dazzling color on the new ceramic -------, oh well.

There a lot of them for sale out there including a couple on the TRF For Sale site, but at a much higher price than the Craigslist deal you found. Some do advertise that they take trades. As you know, servicing a Rolex can be expensive so if the 16613 needs it you will have to keep this in mind. If it does not have the engraved rehaut if will be pre 2007 or older and may need a service.

One other point - if you are looking at the 16613 as an investment, TT subs, at this time, are not as popular as the SS ones. However, with the constantly shifting desires of buyers, this could change in the future.

I wish you luck on your search for your 16613 grail.

J. Alan

[dysondiver]

ive a couple of 13s , best bit of advice , make sure the bracelet is tight , they are expensive to replace after that , just enjoy , i also think its woth paying a little more for the gold thru clasp version , but i do wear my watch face in , so it matters to me.
good luck , and enjoy.

[dpkong]

buy a 16613 here from a trusted seller and then take your time selling your watches you don't want. safer.

[wantonebad]

Even with the over whelming preference of buyers towards SS models TT have held their value fairly well over the last couple of years on the resale market. And fashion, and markets for that matter are cyclical. Buy what you like, but do your due diligence and get the best price you can. No reason to jump at a deal cause it's close, that's the beauty of the internet.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Hope you get it Scott, it's a pretty sweet iconic ROLEX. And yes, double check everything, nothing worse then a beat up/stretched TT bracelet.