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Old 21 January 2016, 04:24 AM   #1
Air Tzar
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What are my options for a 1983 Rolex?

Hello everyone!

I am kicking around the idea of finding a vintage 1983 (birth year) Submariner or Sea-Dweller. What are my options in terms of model, rarity, and price? I am completely green when it comes to vintage Rolexes, so please be gentle.

Thanks!
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"It's hard to find the proper adjectives to describe the Submariner. It's the watch that can both begin and end a collection. It's the watch that you can wear every single day of your life and not worry about, or it's the watch you can put in a safe and have it rise in value year after year. The Submariner is, in my belief, the quintessential timepiece for many. When my mind thinks of the word 'watch,' it is a Submariner I see."
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Old 21 January 2016, 04:26 AM   #2
Lordofrolex
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I would go with a 1983 Sub. Probably go with a 16800.
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Old 21 January 2016, 04:33 AM   #3
Max72
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Explorer II 1655
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Old 21 January 2016, 04:33 AM   #4
Air Tzar
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Thank you.

My preferences are as follows:

1. Plexi over Saphhire (I love the look of a warm Plexiglas and its curvature)
2. Can be either on a strap or bracelet
3. Creamy lume color
4. Not too beat up
5. Preferably never polished...
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"It's hard to find the proper adjectives to describe the Submariner. It's the watch that can both begin and end a collection. It's the watch that you can wear every single day of your life and not worry about, or it's the watch you can put in a safe and have it rise in value year after year. The Submariner is, in my belief, the quintessential timepiece for many. When my mind thinks of the word 'watch,' it is a Submariner I see."
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Old 21 January 2016, 04:36 AM   #5
droptopman
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Hi Andy,

Good news is you have some good choices in 1983 as plexi was still king. One of my all time favorite Rolex models is a 5513 "Maxi Dial" from that era. Generally, these models have appreciated quite a bit over the last couple years. Prices range from 7-12 K depending on condition.
Some nice plexi Date Justs from that era as well. I am not as familiar with the SD and Sub dates from that era.
This is a good place to get an idea of what is out there and prices: http://www.hqmilton.com/search/resul...rds=5513+Maxi/

I have been looking for a birth year (1966) gilt Sub for a couple of years so sometimes it takes a little patience. You will find more available examples for your birth year.

Ask a lot of questions. People here are very knowledgeable and helpful.
Good luck on the hunt.
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Old 21 January 2016, 04:44 AM   #6
Air Tzar
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Thanks Mark. The 5513 with Plexi is really a lovely watch.
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"It's hard to find the proper adjectives to describe the Submariner. It's the watch that can both begin and end a collection. It's the watch that you can wear every single day of your life and not worry about, or it's the watch you can put in a safe and have it rise in value year after year. The Submariner is, in my belief, the quintessential timepiece for many. When my mind thinks of the word 'watch,' it is a Submariner I see."
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Old 21 January 2016, 07:21 AM   #7
rootbeer7
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Definitely this. 1983 and quite rare as it's pretty close the end of the run and was produced alongside 16660.
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Old 21 January 2016, 08:03 AM   #8
JustinK
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If you want a sub and it has to be plexi you only have two options, the 1665 or 5513. The 1665 aka Great White will run you over 10K. Not really sure what the 5513's are going for but they will be less $$$, still a very nice option.

I would try them both on prior to making a decision as they wear completely different.

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Old 21 January 2016, 07:35 PM   #9
lexor123
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I also bought a birth year (1983!) rolex quite recently so I know exactly what youre going through. Its very hard to find an unpolished example these days.

My options were 5513, 16800, 16660 and 1016. All lovely watches for sure.

In the end I went for the 5513. Fell in love with the simple symmetrical design that can be worn in any occasion.

Early 1983 5513s have dials without rings around the hour marker. Late 1983 5513s have the rings around the hour marker. The latter tend to be a little cheaper at the moment.

Make sure you do your homework on this forum before you take a dive :)
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Old 22 January 2016, 01:57 PM   #10
blowfish89
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My 1983 16800
Good luck in your hunt.
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Old 23 January 2016, 03:07 AM   #11
studioal
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rootbeer7 View Post
Definitely this. 1983 and quite rare as it's pretty close the end of the run and was produced alongside 16660.
A 1665 would surely be killer. An '83 5513 will likely have the white gold surrounds, sort of a mark against simplicity. A 16800, while neat, lacks something the 1665 has.
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Old 23 January 2016, 03:42 AM   #12
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Go for the one that speaks to you the most.
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Old 23 January 2016, 03:46 AM   #13
datejust24
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Originally Posted by blowfish89 View Post
My 1983 16800
Good luck in your hunt.
love the look of the Sub without the cyclops....beautiful congrats.
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Old 23 January 2016, 06:54 AM   #14
Wing Zero
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16800 all day long
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Old 23 January 2016, 07:40 AM   #15
JJL
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Triple 6 Matte Sea Dweller all the way (16660).
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