So You Want To Own A Vintage Submariner?

[JohnBaker3]

Hey Guys:

I wanted to post this thread as a checklist of getting into vintage submariners. I have spent the last 6 months on this odyssey finding out the hard way, what it actually encompasses.

So, I decided I wanted a vintage Red Sub. Lots of good reasons, but how to go about finding one?

I surfed a dozen or so sites for several weeks. I looked at all the pictures and descriptions. I made lists. In the end I felt that I knew what I wanted, now I just had to find the right watch.

Even as I narrowed down the list of candidates, they all had "issues". A great watch should have the following:

1. Great dial with matching hands and lumes. Nice patina is a plus.
2. Crystal in good condition.
3. Correct insert and pearl in good condition.
4. Case with no problems with over polishing.
5. Correct crown but not a deal breaker.
6. Period correct bracelet in good condition.

Since none of the candidates were 100%, I decided to get the best watch for the money and fix any issues after the fact.

I paid good money for a 1970 Ref 1680 Red Sub with nice patina. The pearl was missing and the bracelet wasn't correct. Six weeks later I was able to find both the pearl and a 9315 band in good condition.

I am at peace that this watch is everything I set out to get; it can be worn on special occassions and is a great investment!

Bottom Line: This is a great hobby but there are many pitfalls. Some "issues" may not be fixable. Don't buy a watch that you will later regret. Take your time and do your homework. It will more than pay off in the end when your favorite watch is AWESOME!



PS: Try looking at sellers here at TRF, at VRF, at Sheartime, and at HQ Milton. They are honest sources. eBay rarely has vintage watches at fair prices.

[Vincent65]

Well done - I'd say the pearl, bracelet and crystal are all fairly minor considerations, in the big scheme of things. Dial, hands, case and movement are key, and where the value lies!

Nice 1680 - enjoy!

[lhanddds]

Nicely done, love that insert


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[dysondiver]

yep , dial , case and hands ,,, the rest are just a bonus ,,, but so nice to see a plan come together.

[007Sub]

Originally Posted by JohnBaker3

Hey Guys:

I wanted to post this thread as a checklist of getting into vintage submariners. I have spent the last 6 months on this odyssey finding out the hard way, what it actually encompasses.

So, I decided I wanted a vintage Red Sub. Lots of good reasons, but how to go about finding one?

I surfed a dozen or so sites for several weeks. I looked at all the pictures and descriptions. I made lists. In the end I felt that I knew what I wanted, now I just had to find the right watch.

Even as I narrowed down the list of candidates, they all had "issues". A great watch should have the following:

1. Great dial with matching hands and lumes. Nice patina is a plus.
2. Crystal in good condition.
3. Correct insert and pearl in good condition.
4. Case with no problems with over polishing.
5. Correct crown but not a deal breaker.
6. Period correct bracelet in good condition.

Since none of the candidates were 100%, I decided to get the best watch for the money and fix any issues after the fact.

I paid good money for a 1970 Ref 1680 Red Sub with nice patina. The pearl was missing and the bracelet wasn't correct. Six weeks later I was able to find both the pearl and a 9315 band in good condition.

I am at peace that this watch is everything I set out to get; it can be worn on special occassions and is a great investment!

Bottom Line: This is a great hobby but there are many pitfalls. Some "issues" may not be fixable. Don't buy a watch that you will later regret. Take your time and do your homework. It will more than pay off in the end when your favorite watch is AWESOME!



PS: Try looking at sellers here at TRF, at VRF, at Sheartime, and at HQ Milton. They are honest sources. eBay rarely has vintage watches at fair prices.

Beautiful mk1 fat font insert!

[PoderEsBueno]

Really nice one

[Base-Z]

Great watch, really like the insert.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

Well done - I'd say the pearl, bracelet and crystal are all fairly minor considerations, in the big scheme of things. Dial, hands, case and movement are key, and where the value lies!

Nice 1680 - enjoy!

x2. Great red Sub! Homework, homework, and more homework. It always pays off.

[crowncollection]

Nice work