Variation in Value of 16610 Serials

[illiguy]

Hi guys, quick question: all other things equal, are certain 16610 serials more or less desired than others? I feel like I see decent fluctation in prices between similar conditioned and provenanced Sub Date serial runs. Thanks in advance.

[Jason71]

It seems as if the latest serials (Z,M, and V) command more of a premium unless the seller has an older model still new in the plastic.

[Tools]

No. A 16610 is a 16610 and it's serial number has little to do with anything although anybody is free to ask anything they want for one.

Condition should be the driver in value although one that is 20 years old should be less expensive than one only a decade under it's belt.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by Tools

No. A 16610 is a 16610 and it's serial number has little to do with anything although anybody is free to ask anything they want for one.

Condition should be the driver in value although one that is 20 years old should be less expensive than one only a decade under it's belt.

x2

[ttomczak]

Originally Posted by Tools

No. A 16610 is a 16610 and it's serial number has little to do with anything although anybody is free to ask anything they want for one.

Condition should be the driver in value although one that is 20 years old should be less expensive than one only a decade under it's belt.

I wish should be would be...

[petenyc]

newer serial numbers demand more

[Cc1966]

Later made are more expensive in my neck of the woods...

[illiguy]

I wonder what the justification is for this. I know Rolex made changes to the 3130 movement by adding the balance bridge (hence 14060 became 14060M). Additionally, the later serial model (G and Random) Submariners were fitted with the parachrom bleu hairspring in the 3130 movement. Would these same changes/updates to the 3135 movement in more recent 16610s be the basis for the price disparities some of you guys speak of?

[miteemike3]

Perhaps one of the bigger cost drivers on newer serials are the fact that they are less likely to require service than older models. I think this does factor into higher prices as people are more willing to buy a newer watch at a premium than an older with the possibility of needing service sooner. And with WIS' who tend to flip watches faster than some people go through a roll of paper towels, flipping a newer watch is easier.

Now an older serial 16610 that has been serviced vs a newer (V,Z,M) and both in equal condition, no reason to see why there should be a price differential. I might actually favor the older

[Tools]

Originally Posted by illiguy

I wonder what the justification is for this. I know Rolex made changes to the 3130 movement by adding the balance bridge (hence 14060 became 14060M). Additionally, the later serial model (G and Random) Submariners were fitted with the parachrom bleu hairspring in the 3130 movement. Would these same changes/updates to the 3135 movement in more recent 16610s be the basis for the price disparities some of you guys speak of?

You're the one talking about price disparities.

A 14060 is older than a 14060M, so having the 3000 movement vs the 3130 doesn't make much difference. A mint 14060 will go for more than a trashed 14060M.

There is no value in the 16610 based on the hairspring, they are simply newer models and therefore go for more since they initially listed for more. Again, a G serial abused 16610 will be worth less than a pristine M or V serial.

There is no universal set price for a used watch. Asking price has little to do with selling price and if you see one listed for more, or somebody is touting some minor difference for a big price hike, don't buy it, get one at the price you want..

[Kobayashi]

I think part of it is due to the cost at the time the watch was originally purchased by an AD. A 16610 was X amount in 2000. Due to various Rolex increases over the last decade the cost is now X + increase to an AD which would make more recent models more expensive. That and of course condition.

[Racerdj]

Originally Posted by petenyc

newer serial numbers demand more

I am curious what the scrambled serial numbers will do to the used market?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Racerdj

I am curious what the scrambled serial numbers will do to the used market?

Nothing.

It means that enthusiasts will need to learn more about their watch besides "what letter does it start with"; same as we used to do before the charts started appearing back in 2000.

[Racerdj]

Originally Posted by Tools

Nothing.

It means that enthusiasts will need to learn more about their watch besides "what letter does it start with"; same as we used to do before the charts started appearing back in 2000.

This will be refreshing. I am one that is getting hung up on the value of V, G and scrambled for the 18K WG Sub.

[bayerische]

I guess the short answer is no.

However a 6 month old watch tends to have a higher asking price than a 6 year one.

[DiamondJack]

You need to remember that the 16610 was produced from 1989 until 2010 so, as Larry has said, there will clearly be a variation in price due to age as well as condition......

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by DiamondJack

You need to remember that the 16610 was produced from 1989 until 2010 so, as Larry has said, there will clearly be a variation in price due to age as well as condition......

Roger that. It sounds like there's no way to generalize as it is case-by-case, as it should be.

[nauticajoe]

Condition is always key. A NOS Z serial would probably command more vs. a used random serial.