The next Rolex Variant collectors will be fighting over...

[Onikage]

Originally Posted by dannyp

As long as we’re predicting the collectibility of watches we happen to own, I think that the 16570 with the 3186 meets all the same criteria the OP lays out: relatively unpopular, made for about 5 yrs.

In all likelihood the most collectible of these down the line will be those with the original jumping hour hand spring working and intact, since so many 3186s are being updated at service (like mine is currently).

Agree on the 3186 16570 and 16710 being extremely sort after but who, in their right mind would place any value in a defective and unreliable part? Or consider a ticking timebomb watch equipped with one more collectible?

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Onikage

Agree on the 3186 16570 and 16710 being extremely sort after but who, in their right mind would place any value in a defective and unreliable part? Or consider a ticking timebomb watch equipped with one more collectible?

Simply an issue of scarcity, though I'm talking some 20 years own the road, when the majority have been retrofitted and only a few "all original" remain.

Much less so on the 16710, already a rarity in any form with a 3186.

[Polarbears]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Simply an issue of scarcity, though I'm talking some 20 years own the road, when the majority have been retrofitted and only a few "all original" remain.

Much less so on the 16710, already a rarity in any form with a 3186.

The only issue is the movement isn’t seen. Not saying it’s not collectible as 3186 models are selling for more already but it’s not an aesthetically unique component.

[Onikage]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Simply an issue of scarcity, though I'm talking some 20 years own the road, when the majority have been retrofitted and only a few "all original" remain.

Much less so on the 16710, already a rarity in any form with a 3186.

RARE 3186 *Still retains original dodgy spring (or whatever the problem part was). I really don't see it myself, but ok. I guess time will tell.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Onikage

RARE 3186 *Still retains original dodgy spring (or whatever the problem part was). I really don't see it myself, but ok. I guess time will tell.

You may well be right. And it certainly wouldn’t stop me from doing the update. It was more a question of there being X watches with the original spring and 10X with the modified. I suppose it’s a question of the value of originality for its own sake.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Polarbears

The only issue is the movement isn’t seen. Not saying it’s not collectible as 3186 models are selling for more already but it’s not an aesthetically unique component.

I’m going to have to call a respectful “bullshit” here. Nobody says they’re after a Zenith Daytona because of the sub-dial layout. They want it because it has a Zenith inside. That there’s an external visual distinction identifying it as such is irrelevant.

[Polarbears]

Originally Posted by dannyp

I’m going to have to call a respectful “bullshit” here. Nobody says they’re after a Zenith Daytona because of the sub-dial layout. They want it because it has a Zenith inside. That there’s an external visual distinction identifying it as such is irrelevant.

Right but it’s made by ZENITH not Rolex and I’m not saying it won’t affect desire ability and a premium in price just that there’s a difference.

[Frakis]

Originally Posted by Polarbears

The only issue is the movement isn’t seen. Not saying it’s not collectible as 3186 models are selling for more already but it’s not an aesthetically unique component.

I believe there is an aesthetically unique component on the dial for some of the 16710 - 3186 models. The "-" in between the GMT - Master is not centered and shifted to the left as well as having a rectangle look for the II.

[Polarbears]

Originally Posted by Frakis

I believe there is an aesthetically unique component on the dial for some of the 16710 - 3186 models. The "-" in between the GMT - Master is not centered and shifted to the left as well as having a rectangle look for the II.

The 16710 I’m not as educated on the versions but I think you may be right.

[Frakis]

https://www.minus4plus6.com/paracromblu16710.php

[Frakis]

Originally Posted by Polarbears

The only issue is the movement isn’t seen. Not saying it’s not collectible as 3186 models are selling for more already but it’s not an aesthetically unique component.

Originally Posted by Frakis

I believe there is an aesthetically unique component on the dial for some of the 16710 - 3186 models. The "-" in between the GMT - Master is not centered and shifted to the left as well as having a rectangle look for the II.

Originally Posted by Polarbears

The 16710 I’m not as educated on the versions but I think you may be right.

My personal opinion is the rectangle II is more rare than the stick dial II. There have been stick dials reported on D-serials and service dials.

1. All other fonts are slightly different.
2. "-" is shifted to one side on Rectangular II.
3. "Oyster Perpetual Date" has larger spacing in between on Rectangular II.
4. "Swiss Made" is smaller on Rectangular II.
5. The rim on hour markers are thicker on Stick II.

[Onikage]

Two beauties! Yours? My D serial has another dial variation - Stick II but with thinner WG surrounds. Obviously no 3186 though ;*(

[JR16]

Originally Posted by Polarbears

There’s definitely an uptick in price and demand. Prior to Christmas I saw a few in low $4,000 range. Now mid $5k and selling quickly.

Nearly all SS Rolex watches have increased in price on the secondary market since Xmas


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[Polarbears]

Sure enough these are getting harder and harder to find. The collectibility path is secure.

[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by Polarbears

Sure enough these are getting harder and harder to find. The collectibility path is secure.

Don't all discontinued watches become harder to find as time goes on, compared to when they were in production?

[eyeheartny]

Interesting. It’s a Rolex model I’d never consider purchasing. Don’t like it one bit!

[arcentaur]

Reduce the size to 36mm and change the dial to white, then I’ll buy two. Until then, the Rolex shills and hired guns (AKA influencers) can FRO and drown in its over-supply.

[meganfox17]

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

Don't all discontinued watches become harder to find as time goes on, compared to when they were in production?

There is an exception..or two. I can think of once upon a time, a great revolutionary discontinued watch with a production run 2005 -2012 that defies logic, now behaving exactly the opposite : The Eterna KonTiki Diver power reserves 1000m . The MSRP at Baselworld 2005 was US $9500, now US$2500-3900

It was basically The Right watch, at The Wrong place, at the Wrong time at the Wrong price ! It was due to
✓poor marketing strategy
✓almost no brand recognition but that has changed now and people are slowly starting to take notice
✓ onset of global recession
✓ Introduction of the Rolex DSSD + Omega PloProf 1200m
✓ Expensive two piece hybrid, PVD Titanium + Steel bridge+ some neat proprietary stuff

[Polarbears]

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

Don't all discontinued watches become harder to find as time goes on, compared to when they were in production?

I’d say not always. Not this dry at least and I think that’s because it was made for such a short time period.

[Polarbears]

Originally Posted by arcentaur

Reduce the size to 36mm and change the dial to white, then I’ll buy two. Until then, the Rolex shills and hired guns (AKA influencers) can FRO and drown in its over-supply.

The OP39 is 39mm with a nice white dial.

[arcentaur]

Originally Posted by Polarbears

The OP39 is 39mm with a nice white dial.

Yeah and it comes in white 36mm, too. But it doesn’t offer as much versatility as Explorer does. I just don’t like the black dial.

[dnpina]

Originally Posted by AK797

Can't really see it as we are in an overexposed internet age now so hard to see how cold watches can sneak up to become hot, like in the past.

Exactly correct.

[Atone]

Meh. We’ll see

[SPEIRMOOR]

Originally Posted by Polarbears

I have both 39mm versions and... I must say I am really happy with my newest pickup. I can see the potential. There is a little more shine to the black on the dial on the MK1, The white gold 3,6,9 look classic and the hands... are not obnoxiously short. I could collect just Explorers. Great watches.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just to clarify. The one on the left has shorter hands and no lume?

[rolexpatek363]

Originally Posted by Polarbears

Here’s the thought process:
The Explorer is an icon.

Short hands, an anomaly.

Made for a short run 5-6 years and was not highly coveted at the time therefore low numbers. Contrast that to the 1016 which was made for 27 years and is fetching big $$.

Many have and are being updated to full lume dial and updated hands either by request or done during service which means even less available.

White gold numerals and the slightly more glossy dial and more dial exposure by less hands equals a more “dressy” version vs the more sporty full lume.

Rolex collectors like mistakes and oddities.

There have already been cult like names given to the watch like short hands, T-Rex, etc. Cult status already in motion.

This looks very like wishful thinking from an owner!

[LINVS]

The 39mm is too big; I prefer the 36mm!

[Speed]

Originally Posted by IAN1

Hmmmm. Hard time buying that.

Same here...

And what’s all this about “secret discussions”

Is there some illuminati group who deems Watches “collectible”

Oh boy!

[lovetherolex]

Originally Posted by rolexpatek363

This looks very like wishful thinking from an owner!

It is.

Originally Posted by Russell996

Do you like it or simply think it will increase in value?

Originally Posted by Polarbears

In fact I like all explorer watches and could collect just explorers. I think your post further supports the MK1 214270 as becoming collectible, most explorers become collectible and unique variants with short runs especially so.

Rarely have I seen someone try so hard so make something true to please themselves.

[jrs146]

Hey Maybe you're right. Only time will tell!

[Polarbears]

I know a collector that since this thread was posted who has picked up 3 in NOS condition and has them in a bank vault. This is a collector mind you that is quite well known in collector circles and has focused his collection largely on vintage Daytona’s and Submariners. This watch is a safe bet. Do as thy will.