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jimcameron · 17 January 2007, 06:14 AM

We've both gotten some age spots over the years. Looks pretty good. AD said that he can service for $500 replace the dial for $300 and the bezel insert for $51. In July of 1985 I paid $1000 for the Sub brand new from an AD. Times change.

kakalika · 17 January 2007, 06:20 AM

Congratulations on keeping it for so long. I would go ahead and have it serviced, but I think I would keep the original dial. From the pictures, your looks pretty good to me.

Solo118 · 17 January 2007, 07:38 AM

wow looks amazing for its age, imagine what its going to look like after the service!

Is this SUB your primary daily worn watch?
And do you have any tips/pointers for those who want to keep their watch in the same condition as yours 20 years from now?

quinson418 · 17 January 2007, 07:39 AM

Just have it serviced and keep all the original parts.
I always like the vintage look that older dials bring.

jimcameron · 17 January 2007, 07:51 AM

I have had a love hate relationship with the Sub since it was new. I wore it pretty much 24/7 for a few years and then drifted away to other watches that were more comfortable to wear. But I have always come back to it with great enthusiasum and enjoyment. Clearly, I have gotten substantial enjoyment out of the ownership of the watch over the years. Considering the money I've spent on lost fishing lures and mediocre dining, the Sub is a fantastic investment in enjoyment. I don't abuse my "stuff" and try and avoid wearing it while busting up concrete or similar activities.

It is interesting that one of the reasons that at times I was less than thrilled with the Sub was the size. I always felt that it was too big. Nowadays it almost looks like a 3/4 size watch and it is feeling pretty good on my wrist.

mike · 17 January 2007, 09:34 AM

Jim that's a great looking watch! 16800? I'd certainly get it serviced, but I would not change the dial. I can't see it to well, does it say swiss T<25? If so that's a tritium dial--leave it alone.
Secondly, you mentioned changing the insert. I wouldn't do that either. I noticed your bezel pearl is yellowed more than the dial. For some reason that was a common occurance on inserts of that era. Guys look for that feature!

rolexfan21 · 17 January 2007, 09:41 AM

that's awesome how u paid 1000$ for it from an AD too! :) sick stuff. awesome watch and great condition... 22 years... how thats like marriage.

jimcameron · 17 January 2007, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vic_the_pro

... 22 years... how thats like marriage.

....or in my case, it's like two marriages.

thanks guys, I feel better about how it looks.

colemanitis · 17 January 2007, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimcameron

In July of 1985 I paid $1000 for the Sub brand new from an AD.

Think of what a new Sub will cost in another 22 years. At this same rate it will cost $25k.

tonelar · 17 January 2007, 10:15 AM

I dunno... I think you should, keep the original dial in it... if it's only for cosmetics that you're changing it out.

jimcameron · 17 January 2007, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike

Jim that's a great looking watch! 16800? , does it say swiss T<25? If so that's a tritium dial--leave it alone.
Secondly, you mentioned changing the insert. I wouldn't do that either. I noticed your bezel pearl is yellowed more than the dial. For some reason that was a common occurance on inserts of that era. Guys look for that feature!

Thanks Mike. Yes, it is a 16800 or as it says on the warranty/certification R16800A30.

The dial does say T<25 and I recall being told it was a tritium dial.

I'm glad you told me about the bezel insert pearl. Honestly, I was going to take my dremel tool to it before you warned me.

I owe you lunch as you just saved me about $350 between the dial and the bezel insert. When I asked the AD about getting the old dial back he kindly laughed and said, "not from Rolex" strictly exchange. I just thought of this old dial going into the smelter. I will get it serviced, and enjoy the "mature" appearance that both my watch and I have developed over the last 22 years. Big changes for both men and machine from age 35 to 57.

Rodmo · 17 January 2007, 12:18 PM

Congratulations on a fine piece that you have had the pleasure of personally "aging".

I would also keep the cosmetics as is............you and the watch have come by this mature patina honestly.

Cheers..........Rod

Rockrolex · 17 January 2007, 12:43 PM

Beautiful watch, Jim. You have both matured beautifully. Enjoy.

henry2703 · 17 January 2007, 01:41 PM

how come i can't see any pictures?

A. Jacobs · 17 January 2007, 02:36 PM

Get it serviced, but keep the original parts-they give it a nostalgic look. hope mine looks that good in 22 years.

JJ Irani · 17 January 2007, 04:50 PM

Sentimental stuff, Jim....well done!!

mike · 17 January 2007, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimcameron

Thanks Mike. Yes, it is a 16800 or as it says on the warranty/certification R16800A30.

The dial does say T<25 and I recall being told it was a tritium dial.

I'm glad you told me about the bezel insert pearl. Honestly, I was going to take my dremel tool to it before you warned me.

I owe you lunch as you just saved me about $350 between the dial and the bezel insert. When I asked the AD about getting the old dial back he kindly laughed and said, "not from Rolex" strictly exchange. I just thought of this old dial going into the smelter. I will get it serviced, and enjoy the "mature" appearance that both my watch and I have developed over the last 22 years. Big changes for both men and machine from age 35 to 57.

padi56 · 17 January 2007, 08:04 PM

Great watch and very good advice from Mike vintage subs never die
they were built to last a few lifetimes.

Alcan · 17 January 2007, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimcameron

I will get it serviced, and enjoy the "mature" appearance that both my watch and I have developed over the last 22 years.

Jim, I'm glad to read that you're keeping the original dial and bezel. The beautiful patina give the watch character.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimcameron

Big changes for both men and machine from age 35 to 57.

That's for sure. I have one month left at 57, still wondering where those last 22 years went!

Prince · 17 January 2007, 10:19 PM

Ahhh Jim, going down life's highway with your Rolex. That's my plan. I bought mine to keep, and since I have no children to leave them to, and I'm facing 60 next October, they are lifetime purchases, to be sure.

Cheers, and here's hoping you will still be enjoying your Sub in 40 years!

Gedanken · 17 January 2007, 10:26 PM

Whoa, 22 years with the Sub - that must be some feeling, Jim. I get sentimental about my oldest watch (18 years now), and that's just a Seiko!

jac67 · 17 January 2007, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by henry2703

how come i can't see any pictures?

Open your eyes

Jim - DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES change the dial, hands, date wheel, bezel including the insert. This WILL affect the price.

Also go for a Rolex service, and just advise them what you want done. They are pretty accommodating (most times).

However it dosen't appear that you will ever sell that watch, so do as you wish.

Just my opinion as a collector - we like things as original as possible, even with a few flaws.

Good luck.

John.

17 January 2007, 06:14 AM	#1
jimcameron "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: ByDawns Earlylite Watch: 16800 Posts: 3,580	22 years and counting We've both gotten some age spots over the years. Looks pretty good. AD said that he can service for $500 replace the dial for $300 and the bezel insert for $51. In July of 1985 I paid $1000 for the Sub brand new from an AD. Times change.

17 January 2007, 06:20 AM	#2
kakalika "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Minnesota, USA Watch: SS Sub-Date Posts: 505	Congratulations on keeping it for so long. I would go ahead and have it serviced, but I think I would keep the original dial. From the pictures, your looks pretty good to me. __________________ I thought I was mistaken, but then I realized I was wrong.

17 January 2007, 10:15 AM	#10
tonelar "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: Tony Location: san francisco Watch: Seadweller Posts: 1,368	I dunno... I think you should, keep the original dial in it... if it's only for cosmetics that you're changing it out. __________________ It's a rarity that something popular is actually right... Wear 'em with PRIDE, y'all.

17 January 2007, 12:43 PM	#13
Rockrolex TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: God Location: Washington, D.C. Watch: What do you think? Posts: 37,968	Beautiful watch, Jim. You have both matured beautifully. Enjoy. __________________ Despite the high cost of living, it's still very popular. *Tosser Cabinet Member* Official Member: 'Perpetual 30' Vegas International GTG 2016 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2017 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2018 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2019

17 January 2007, 01:41 PM	#14
henry2703 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: too far from HK Posts: 129	how come i can't see any pictures? __________________ If your friend is using numerous strokes to get his ball out of the bunker, don't stand around him and count his strokes.... It's justifiable Homicide.

17 January 2007, 07:38 AM	#3
Solo118 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: USA Watch: Daytona Posts: 6,092	wow looks amazing for its age, imagine what its going to look like after the service! Is this SUB your primary daily worn watch? And do you have any tips/pointers for those who want to keep their watch in the same condition as yours 20 years from now?

17 January 2007, 07:39 AM	#4
quinson418 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Washington, USA Watch: Rolex Sea-dweller Posts: 207	Just have it serviced and keep all the original parts. I always like the vintage look that older dials bring.

17 January 2007, 07:51 AM	#5
jimcameron "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: ByDawns Earlylite Watch: 16800 Posts: 3,580	I have had a love hate relationship with the Sub since it was new. I wore it pretty much 24/7 for a few years and then drifted away to other watches that were more comfortable to wear. But I have always come back to it with great enthusiasum and enjoyment. Clearly, I have gotten substantial enjoyment out of the ownership of the watch over the years. Considering the money I've spent on lost fishing lures and mediocre dining, the Sub is a fantastic investment in enjoyment. I don't abuse my "stuff" and try and avoid wearing it while busting up concrete or similar activities. It is interesting that one of the reasons that at times I was less than thrilled with the Sub was the size. I always felt that it was too big. Nowadays it almost looks like a 3/4 size watch and it is feeling pretty good on my wrist.

17 January 2007, 09:34 AM	#6
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,683	Jim that's a great looking watch! 16800? I'd certainly get it serviced, but I would not change the dial. I can't see it to well, does it say swiss T<25? If so that's a tritium dial--leave it alone. Secondly, you mentioned changing the insert. I wouldn't do that either. I noticed your bezel pearl is yellowed more than the dial. For some reason that was a common occurance on inserts of that era. Guys look for that feature!

17 January 2007, 09:41 AM	#7
rolexfan21 Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Toronto Watch: 16610 Posts: 379	that's awesome how u paid 1000$ for it from an AD too! :) sick stuff. awesome watch and great condition... 22 years... how thats like marriage.

17 January 2007, 12:18 PM	#12
Rodmo "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Canada Watch: 3 Subs/2 Daytonas Posts: 305	Congratulations on a fine piece that you have had the pleasure of personally "aging". I would also keep the cosmetics as is............you and the watch have come by this mature patina honestly. Cheers..........Rod

17 January 2007, 02:36 PM	#15
A. Jacobs "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: Andrew Location: Ohio Watch: SS Sub Date 16610 Posts: 629	Get it serviced, but keep the original parts-they give it a nostalgic look. hope mine looks that good in 22 years. __________________ Rolex Submariner 16610 "Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity."

17 January 2007, 04:50 PM	#16
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	Sentimental stuff, Jim....well done!! __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

17 January 2007, 08:04 PM	#18
padi56 "TRF" Life Patron Join Date: Jun 2005 Real Name: Peter Location: Llanfairpwllgwyng Watch: ing you. Posts: 53,063	Great watch and very good advice from Mike vintage subs never die they were built to last a few lifetimes. __________________ ICom Pro3 All posts are my own opinion and my opinion only. "The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop. Now is the only time you actually own the time, Place no faith in time, for the clock may soon be still for ever." Good Judgement comes from experience,experience comes from Bad Judgement,.Buy quality, cry once; buy cheap, cry again and again. www.mc0yad.club Second in command CEO and left handed watch winder

17 January 2007, 10:19 PM	#20
Prince "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Real Name: Allan Location: St. Augustine, FL Watch: Daytona/Sub/GMT/DJ Posts: 20,323	Ahhh Jim, going down life's highway with your Rolex. That's my plan. I bought mine to keep, and since I have no children to leave them to, and I'm facing 60 next October, they are lifetime purchases, to be sure. Cheers, and here's hoping you will still be enjoying your Sub in 40 years! __________________ Member: Rolex Keeper's Society "You see, you can't please everyone, so you got to please yourself." - Rick Nelson

17 January 2007, 10:26 PM	#21
Gedanken "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Sir Location: Melbourne Watch: F-series SD Posts: 8,589	Whoa, 22 years with the Sub - that must be some feeling, Jim. I get sentimental about my oldest watch (18 years now), and that's just a Seiko! __________________ You buy a Casio to make sure you're on time; you wear a Rolex because you don't have to be on time.

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