Can you help with my next rolex purchase (vintage)

[ColdBore]

Hello all,

I have been lurking on the forum for awhile and have been learning quite abit. i currently own only one rolex a Sub LV. I have been wanting to purchase a rolex that was made in 1977. I was wondering what would be a good choice as far as rolex goes for that year? I enjoy the stainless sports models most of all and would like to wear it on a daily basis so do not want a rare collectable. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Regards
Kendall

[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by ColdBore

Hello all,

I have been lurking on the forum for awhile and have been learning quite abit. i currently own only one rolex a Sub LV. I have been wanting to purchase a rolex that was made in 1977. I was wondering what would be a good choice as far as rolex goes for that year? I enjoy the stainless sports models most of all and would like to wear it on a daily basis so do not want a rare collectable. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Regards
Kendall

A good choice for a 1977 watch would probably anything you can find. They're not that ubiquitous.

You just have to keep looking for something that might come up.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Welcome to TRF!

I would go for a Submariner 1680 Red. Those were made until about 1977/78, but they are hard to find and EXPENSIVE.

Nevertheless, it is my personal GRAIL Sub!

Have a look at this link:

Vintage Subs! CLICK!

[gmt 16750]

My thoughts are:
if you need a date: GMT 1675
if you don't: Sub 5513

[mike]

Originally Posted by ColdBore

Hello all,

I have been lurking on the forum for awhile and have been learning quite abit. i currently own only one rolex a Sub LV. I have been wanting to purchase a rolex that was made in 1977. I was wondering what would be a good choice as far as rolex goes for that year? I enjoy the stainless sports models most of all and would like to wear it on a daily basis so do not want a rare collectable. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Regards
Kendall

Kendall,

I would say your best bet centers around three references. The 1675 GMT-MASTER, the 5513 SUBMARINER, and the 1680 WHITE SUB.DATE.

Any of these three, depending on your preference, would be a great start into the world of vintage and are still available without selling a kidney.
As with all things vintage, take your time and learn about the piece you chose. On thing I've learned is to buy the very best piece you can afford. It will pay many times over down the road in satisfaction and value.

I would caution againt buying any RED 1680 past a 3.8 to 3.9 ser. no. at the outside. 1977 is well past that range and will always be looked at with suspicion by collectors should you choose to sell the piece.
I'm aware (as are most) that certain reference material states the RED was made well into the late 70s, but the record does not seem to bear this out. Rolex was known to use what ever was on hand at the time and there have been cases of RED booklets being used in the sale of WHITES.
Adverts of the era also used REDs in photos, but again you'll always be looking at issues.
There have a LOT of cases in which people have bought REDS with high serial numbers only to find the dial was swapped (or faked).

Good luck on the hunt and take your time.

[SSD]

For vintage, I'd go RED. Just my preference! They are very nice and are collectible.