1979 Submariner 1680 vs Sub 16610 from 1988,1998 or 2000s

[lilvalval]

Hi, for the record, I've very naive to this as I'm not a collector and simply looking to make a good purchase for my husbands 40th. I've been reading and researching for about a month but there is just SO much info. Any input on the options I've narrowed it down to would be super appreciated!!!

Note: I chose to go w/ more of an e-tailer than forum style just b/c I’m new & naive to this. I understand this means I might pay a premium vs buying direct from seller.

1. 16610 - circa 2000s: Seems to be the best price option. I eliminated several others like this b/c they do NOT have the holes in the lugs. I think he’ll want to wear a Nato strap often and I prefer the look of it vs w/o.

2. 16610 - circa 1987/88 : Not sure the Pros/Cons, given same cost to option 3, which is a 1997/98 model

3. 16610 - circa 1997/98: Again, not sure why same price as option 2 if 10 years newer. Pros/cons buying the newer/older one?

4. 1680 - circa 1979: Quite higher in price to other options, but its vintage and happens to be the year my husband was born. If you zoom in on the second photo, you can see dial damage between 40 & 50. Do you think this hurts the value/is a red flag…or just character? Also, I noticed the Dot on the Dial does not have the same patina as everything else on the face….is it supposed to (I read about the importance of even patina but not sure that dial dot is the same material as dots on the face)? Is this vintage version really worth spending ~$4k more than the others?

[N5XTC]

circa 2000's you get the SOLID center and end links on the bracelet. also 2007 on, you get an engraved rehaut (rolex engraved on the silver on the inside of the dial with serial # also). i think this is a BIG plus, was for me. just purchased a 2008 sub. i prefer the NO HOLES case. but that is just me. i understand you can get holes 2001 with solid end links or not solid end links. you want solid end links. other ops can correct me if i am wrong. not an expert.

[strafer_kid]

You may also wish to consider how much wear the watch is going to get. The 1680 is a superb looking watch - I am fortunate to have one and love it, but it does not get the same amount of use as my more modern Subs etc. The simple reason being the even though it is a great design and well constructed piece, it is not quite as durable as the more modern versions, primarily imho on account of the raised crystal. The 16610 is also a great watch and it would be hard to go past a really good one!