New to Forum - Questions on purchasing a Submariner

[bebrewer]

I've been looking into purchasing a Submariner and this forum has been a wealth of information! I have decided that a pre-ceramic black bezel/face Submariner is the watch for me based on several factors, including cost. I also decided to buy locally to help support a local jeweler and the fact that they will provide a 2 year warranty with the watch.

The jeweler has 2 Submariners that I am interested in purchasing. The first is a '96 (T series?) that has been offered at $4,500 out the door. The other is an '02 (Y series?) that is available for $5,300 out the door. Both watches are virtually identical to me and in near mint condition. It seems to me that unless you are going new enough to the get the ceramic bezel and updated body style that there isn't really a difference but I am admittedly a novice. I was hoping that someone here more knowledgeable than myself on the subject matter could help answer this question-

Is there a reason to purchase the newer watch at the higher price?

[swedenwatch]

I would go for the newer one but basically the only difference is the clasp is gold not silver on the newer one

[LA_LEC]

Not knowing which Sub you are thinking about but by the pricing I am going to assume the 16610. Based on that one thing that you might consider is that the new one would have the solid end links on the bracelet which is gives the watch a better feel and overall balance on your wrist...significant improvement over the older style.

Do you know if they have been serviced? That would be a factor. IF they have not then certainly the newer one would be in better to get just for the reason of less wear and tear on the movement. So it could prove less costly when the time does come to have it serviced.

So really a bit more information would be helpful to give you any additional input.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by bebrewer

I've been looking into purchasing a Submariner and this forum has been a wealth of information! I have decided that a pre-ceramic black bezel/face Submariner is the watch for me based on several factors, including cost. I also decided to buy locally to help support a local jeweler and the fact that they will provide a 2 year warranty with the watch.

The jeweler has 2 Submariners that I am interested in purchasing. The first is a '96 (T series?) that has been offered at $4,500 out the door. The other is an '02 (Y series?) that is available for $5,300 out the door. Both watches are virtually identical to me and in near mint condition. It seems to me that unless you are going new enough to the get the ceramic bezel and updated body style that there isn't really a difference but I am admittedly a novice. I was hoping that someone here more knowledgeable than myself on the subject matter could help answer this question-

Is there a reason to purchase the newer watch at the higher price?

First Rolex have never made a series of any watch they are case serials,both watches will have exactly the same movement.The Y serial will have the solid endlink bracelet now that was a big improvement and it will have Luminover dial lume and could have a non lug hole case.And apart from the price and approx production dates thats the only real important difference to the 16610 in that time frame since introduction in 1988.

[TSW]

Welcome

[Johny]

welcome to the forum

[impalass]

Welcome, all things being equal I'd go for the newer one based on the Luminova alone.

[watchwatcher]

Welcome. I believe I would go for the Y.

[mrbill2mrbill2]

Originally Posted by swedenwatch

I would go for the newer one but basically the only difference is the clasp is gold not silver on the newer one

What???

[SUBversive]

Lug holes are cool. Factor that in...

[gpfps]

The clasp has the inlayed gold strip of gold through the clasp on the newer one I believe. If he's talking TT.

[bebrewer]

Thanks for the welcomes and feedback everyone! The watches I am looking at are both model 16610 with a solid stainless bracelet (not two-tone). The newer one did have the "no holes" case, which seems to be a cosmetic feature to me and I would be fine either way. It sounds like there might be an advantage on the newer watch with the Luminover dial.

[kilyung]

No difference between those models so I'd always get the newest one I could afford.

[mruhland31]

Either way I love my sub and hope you enjoy yours...welcome!!

[Passionata]

Originally Posted by bebrewer

Thanks for the welcomes and feedback everyone! The watches I am looking at are both model 16610 with a solid stainless bracelet (not two-tone). The newer one did have the "no holes" case, which seems to be a cosmetic feature to me and I would be fine either way. It sounds like there might be an advantage on the newer watch with the Luminover dial.

Some more hints,i assume both watches are with box and Rolex paper-not only jeweler s paperwork-,also assume both are freshly serviced by RSC or a rolex trained watchmaker ,my personal opinion the lug hole case is cooler than the one w/o holes however luminova might offer better luminosity in dark the tritium aging very very nicely.aldo chec how stretched the bracelet are not neccesarily the younger is in better shape.