Oh man! What to do??!!

[rockinray]

I am stuck here trying to decide what to do!

I have a 16803 TT Sub that I have owned since 1987, I bought this Sub new.

This watch has been serviced by RSC in Dallas every 7 years, and over the course of service, the original dial, hands, and bezel have been replaced.

In working with two excellent TRF sellers, I have been able to locate an original dial and hands that would be correct with the time period for this watch. Still looking around for a bezel but I feel confident that I can find one.

Yesterday, I stopped by an AD here in Minneapolis to speak with their certified watch maker about installing the original parts back on the watch. No problem there. Very nice guy that know's his stuff when it comes to Rolex. He had numerous Rolex Certifications hanging on the wall.

Of course, while in the store, I had to check out the new "eye candy" and I came up with the GMTIIC TT as my new favorite.

The AD offered me a more than fair trade price for my Sub against the GMTIIC. They were quite generous in their offer.

So, I just do not know what to do! This Sub has seen many things of course as it has been on my wrist for so long! Sentimental value I guess.

My question is what would you all do? Keep the Sub? Put the Sub back to factory original since it is a 16803 transitional? Or would you do the trade and get in to the GMTIIC? Again, the AD is offering me an excellent trade value.

Since I have a DJ, TT, Black Diamond Dial, I just cannot justify both a Sub and a GMTIIC. No real need for both of them.

I am banging my head against the wall on this one....

Opinions would be great! Thank you!

[Mystro]

I would never trade a heirloom Rolex that has so much history. New watches come and go but real history can't be bought.

[brandrea]

I'd keep the Sub, and save for the GMT. Good luck with your decision.

[Tooomey]

Originally Posted by rockinray

I am stuck here trying to decide what to do!

I have a 16803 TT Sub that I have owned since 1987, I bought this Sub new.

This watch has been serviced by RSC in Dallas every 7 years, and over the course of service, the original dial, hands, and bezel have been replaced.

In working with two excellent TRF sellers, I have been able to locate an original dial and hands that would be correct with the time period for this watch. Still looking around for a bezel but I feel confident that I can find one.

Yesterday, I stopped by an AD here in Minneapolis to speak with their certified watch maker about installing the original parts back on the watch. No problem there. Very nice guy that know's his stuff when it comes to Rolex. He had numerous Rolex Certifications hanging on the wall.

Of course, while in the store, I had to check out the new "eye candy" and I came up with the GMTIIC TT as my new favorite.

The AD offered me a more than fair trade price for my Sub against the GMTIIC. They were quite generous in their offer.

So, I just do not know what to do! This Sub has seen many things of course as it has been on my wrist for so long! Sentimental value I guess.

My question is what would you all do? Keep the Sub? Put the Sub back to factory original since it is a 16803 transitional? Or would you do the trade and get in to the GMTIIC? Again, the AD is offering me an excellent trade value.

Since I have a DJ, TT, Black Diamond Dial, I just cannot justify both a Sub and a GMTIIC. No real need for both of them.

I am banging my head against the wall on this one....

Opinions would be great! Thank you!

I would do it. IMO you can't compare the older models to the new. You can make some new history with this watch.

Originally Posted by brandrea

I'd keep the Sub, and save for the GMT. Good luck with your decision.

He said he has no real need for SuB and GMT...

[kilyung]

Sell the DJ, keep the sub, and save for the GMT. Everyone needs a 2nd Rolex for when the other goes in for service.

[Jack T]

I like that GMT, TT with black dial. A close second to the new BLNR. It is closer in style points to your DJ, TT dresses it up, the PCL's give it a bit of bling, so it won't be as much of a day to day watch as your Sub. But it is a really nice watch.
Does that AD carry a large pre-owned selection? He evidently sees value in your Sub, perhaps you can squeeze him a bit more.

[alanc]

Originally Posted by Mystro

I would never trade a heirloom Rolex that has so much history. New watches come and go but real history can't be bought.

This

[Wllnv19]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Sell the DJ, keep the sub, and save for the GMT. Everyone needs a 2nd Rolex for when the other goes in for service.

Agree

[Mastergreenhand]

Don't trade it. It's irreplaceable if you have regrets later.

[Armyguy03]

That much history, nah, keep it.

[sea-dweller]

Keep the Sub, you have had it for a long time and will likely regret when you sell/trade it.

[rockinray]

Thank you so much for the feedback! It is a hard choice to make for sure!

Most likely, I will keep the Sub.

Would you guys spend the money on this Sub to get it back to "date correct"? I am not sure how much value that would add... All said and done, I think I could have it back to original condition for about $800 or so... Since it is a transitional model, would this be good spend or am I better off just keeping it as is with the service dial and hands?

What do you guys think?

Thanks again, I value the opinions here!

[Tools]

I would keep the Sub and I would not waste my money trying to get it back to the look of an earlier day..

I'm sure that they will give you a nice deal on the GMT by itself..

[jctrolex]

Keep the SUB you have kept it in good shape and I wouldn't spend money to put it back to "date correct" status unless it is important to you. Sounds like the AD is motivated to move the GMT I am sure he is willing to negotiate. Get the GMT TT it's a sweet piece and you won't regret, I know, I have one. Make sure you post a picture after you got it.

[Cc1966]

Originally Posted by Tools

I would keep the Sub and I would not waste my money trying to get it back to the look of an earlier day..

I'm sure that they will give you a nice deal on the GMT by itself..

x2

[bottom of the ninth]

Ray could you tell me the name of the AD I'm in the Twin Cities for the holiday and would like to go and see the selection. I have Wixion on my list so far...

[69mach351]

I would just keep the "date correct" parts in a box just in case you ever really wanted to put it back to its original shape or sell it. If you are wearing it day to day, you mind as well keep the newer parts on it, you never know what could happen to them.

[rockinray]

Originally Posted by bottom of the ninth

Ray could you tell me the name of the AD I'm in the Twin Cities for the holiday and would like to go and see the selection. I have Wixion on my list so far...

I sent you a PM....

[Widows Son]

Lesson learned, DON'T ALLOW AN AD TO REPLACE HANDS AND DIAL!!!! Sorry to yell. Since you have a DJ, I'd keep the Sub and save for the GMT. You'll take a beating on the DJ, and you would end up with two tool watches.

[AK797]

GMTc TT is a very seductive watch... "but if you go back once more and you can truly resist it then don't get it."

Oscar Wilde.

[rockinray]

Originally Posted by Widows Son

Lesson learned, DON'T ALLOW AN AD TO REPLACE HANDS AND DIAL!!!! Sorry to yell. Since you have a DJ, I'd keep the Sub and save for the GMT. You'll take a beating on the DJ, and you would end up with two tool watches.

Lesson learned for sure! Never again...

[rockinray]

I wanted to update everyone on what I decided I would do.

First of all, thanks for all of the comments!

Last night, I stopped by the AD and met and had a long talk with Len their watchmaker. I explained what I was thinking about doing to him. He looked over the Sub and told me I had two choices:

1. Leave the watch "as is" and wear it! It is in very good shape for a 26 year old watch!
2. Pick up the dial / hands / bezel and he would install them for me.

It was interesting that he stated if I were to have the parts installed, he would then recommend that I put the watch in the safe and wear it from time to time but I should keep it in the best condition that I could and let it "age". A very interesting guy that knows his stuff! It was nice to talk with him and now I need to decide what to do.

After some further negotiations, I left with this on my wrist...


So it all seems to have worked out. I keep the Sub and the DJ, and added this GMTIIC TT to my collection. I will post a picture of my Sub in the next couple of days...

[Jack T]

Wow, nice watch, way to go! Net gain all around, now you have all three watches you like!

[Ector495]

I'm a sentimental sap. Keep the sub, I feel like you may regret it later on down the road. Good luck.

[Mystro]

Good choice. Lets admit it, you are never going to sell the TT Sub. Change the face/hands only if you want the original look. Resale value means nothing on a watch that will never be sold. I am in the same position with my TT Sub. I purchased mine new in 1998 and have had so much history with the watch from the birth of my two children to many professional achievements all while my TT Sub was proudly worn on my wrist. I will never, ever sell it. My son will one day wear it and as long as Rikki services it, it will always look and run as new.

My Sub is now getting the beautiful patina money can't buy.

[Racerdj]

Keep the sub.

[rockinray]

Yep. The Sub stays for sure. The DJ may go, not sure yet.

The GMTIIc is a really nice watch and I find it very comfortable to wear.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DiamondJack]

The GMT is a great watch and one of the favourites in my colection.

But I think you made the right decision keeping the Sub..... although for $800 I would source all the original parts for the Sub and just store them away for the future.....wearing it as it is for now.

These parts are only likely to get more expensive or harder to find as time goes by and you then have the option of swapping them over if the value of these mid-80's Subs ever gets sufficiently attactive.

If you keep the newly sourced dial and hands in a dark place such as a safe you may even get a nice patina as years go by..........

[Fredd]

Any examples of what patina is? I don't know what it really means other than by its definition.

[cop414]

Happy that you're keeping the Sub, I feel that you made the right decision. Congrats on the new GMT!