Rolex Single Red Sub Swap

[curlychris1967]

Hi,

I have a query which I hope will be easily answered by the experienced viewers of the forum.

I have a 1974 single red sub which of course I love.

Full disclosure I had it serviced a couple of years back by a supposedly reputable Rolex service company and it didn't really come back any better than when it left me. The crown can come off when unscrewed to alter the time.
I don't suppose it's a major but this seems the only problem worth mentioning.
They also said it's just about impossible to guarantee the waterproofing of these older watches and I've never felt confident enough to risk testing the theory.

Hence, when I go on holiday I can't wear my watch all day and due to my fear of it wandering from the safe I don't often take it with me.

As such I would like something newer and more reliable.
I went through the process of interviewing etc for a new watch at my nearest Rolex dealer but am not holding my breath.

I fancied an updated single red anniversary model or Cameron deep sea or a batman.

After the long winded introduction my query is this.
Would it be realistic to expect to find someone who might be willing to do me a trade or is there a significant mismatch in value?
I have no accurate idea of the value of the old single red as I've seen so many varying results at auction which can be huge prices with the fees attached.

If I sell my watch and use the funds to buy a newer secondary market piece where is the best option for a fair selling price?

Thank you very much in advance for any advice.

[7enderbender]

Don’t until you understand the true value. If it’s all original you should be able to trade it for several new watches.

[Rentalcarman]

I would seriously consider having it restored properly by Rolex directly. I think watches such as yours are very special. Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum OP.

You might get some better feedback by posting pictures of your watch on the vintage forum here. Include details like whether you have a full set with papers, box etc.

[JDA0779]

Welcome !
Pls get your watch addressed by the biggest RSC closest to you. A proper watch ir crown not coming off will immensely add to its value being a single red sub.
Then best is to sell and go grey. You will have to put in a few dollars 3k maybe

[watchwatcher]

For starters, I would get it RSC serviced. Not some "reputable Rolex service company," whatever that might mean. The whole "crown-can-come-off" thing is a war stopper, whether you keep, trade, or sell.

My opinion only: forget about trading it and once you get it fixed. Never, EVER trade a watch you love. There are plenty of good, solid, daily waterproof divers out there, but none of them will ever take the place of your watch.

[Reinhard in SA]

I would be too scared to sent it to Rolex, there are too many watches out there with service hands and dials. Send it to one of the fantastic independents who can service it and will treat it with the respect it deserves.

Buy a Seiko diver for when you go on holiday and need something waterproof, or an Omega/Tudor etc. A red Submariner is a rare beast and you will most likely miss it. Just my 2 cents

[JohnBaker3]

[QUOTE=Reinhard in SA;12771920]I would be too scared to sent it to Rolex, there are too many watches out there with service hands and dials. Send it to one of the fantastic independents who can service it and will treat it with the respect it deserves.

+1

RSC's have a terrible rep for ruining the vintage/collectible value of an older Rolex by replacing parts with newer/non-period correct pieces...

Here is a link you might find interesting: https://www.watchprosite.com/?page=w...211&pi=4075146

Be safe.

[curlychris1967]

Thank you so much everyone for your comments so far.
I was put off going to Rolex direct as another owner told me that their watch came back with new parts and Rolex kept or binned the old parts significantly devaluing his time piece.
Does this sound like a realistic version of events?

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by curlychris1967

Thank you so much everyone for your comments so far.
I was put off going to Rolex direct as another owner told me that their watch came back with new parts and Rolex kept or binned the old parts significantly devaluing his time piece.
Does this sound like a realistic version of events?

Yes that can happen.

There are independents who have excellent reputations for servicing vintage Rolex while retaining their originality.

[swish77]

OP, you need to post photos of your red Sub to get meaningful responses. I'd suggest you post on the vintage section of the forum (or perhaps this one can be moved).

There are plenty of expert vintage watchmakers who can restore a red Sub. But if you are set on trading/selling it, and assuming it's authentic and in decent condition, it would have more value nowadays than a (single red) SD43.

As for servicing your red Sub at an RSC, they won't change anything you don't approve of in advance. The stories of an RSC changing dials, hands, inserts, etc .... without prior client approval are greatly exaggerated.

[Swearengen]

I have has my Red 1680 serviced by Bill Rice in Hull. You can speak directly to Bill and he will be doing the work on your watch. You can discuss exactly what you want done. I wouldn't send my 1680 anywhere else

http://williamricewatches.com/

[Filipão]

Originally Posted by Swearengen

I have has my Red 1680 serviced by Bill Rice in Hull. You can speak directly to Bill and he will be doing the work on your watch. You can discuss exactly what you want done. I wouldn't send my 1680 anywhere else

http://williamricewatches.com/

Bill Rice has two of my watches (Double Red SD + 16800 Sub) at this precise moment to be serviced.

Highly recommended.

[GONZO2LR]

Instead you guys telling him about these so called expert vintage watchmakers and others...he is asking for names...

Keep that red sub dude..it sounds like a good one to keep! you might regret it later if you sell it. If you can, get another Rolex...

[swish77]

Originally Posted by GONZO2LR

Instead you guys telling him about these so called expert vintage watchmakers and others...he is asking for names...

Keep that red sub dude..it sounds like a good one to keep! you might regret it later if you sell it. If you can, get another Rolex...

A quick search on the vintage section would give the OP many names.

[decisive]

This needs moved to the vintage section, you will get better answers.

Don’t send it to rolex, not for a watch as old as you describe. They will either not service due to age or want to replace many of the parts (making it worth less from a collector’s perspective). The crown is an easy fix.

Have it fixed and keep it.
Don’t trade unless you understand the value first. In fact, if parting with it you are better off selling than trading for many reasons.

[dhknola]

Do not trade an old red sub for any new drek! You will regret!!!

[Old Geezer]

You a special timepiece. As others have suggested, send it to an official Rolex Service Center to be sorted properly.

[daveswordfish]

I am a big advocate for manufacturer service and Rolex will respect your wishes as to what gets swapped out. That said, mistakes happen and it’s difficult/impossible to speak directly with an RSC watchmaker. For a piece like yours, seek out a respected independent. I don’t have one to recommend, but the guys in the vintage forum will have a bunch.

Also, I find the statement regarding older watches and watertightness to be a bit lazy. I have many watches from the 60s and 70s that have passed pressure testing. A good watchmaker will either return it pressure tested or be able to explain the issue, such as case threads being worn. “It’s old” doesn’t really cut it.

And no…I wouldn’t trade it in a million years for a modern reference.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jackie Daytona]

I would not take it anywhere near RSC.

Find a reputable independent first. After that get an appraisal. Next on the list compare that appraisal to real world prices and you should be in good shape. A good red Sub should fetch a decent sum.

SeaDwellers seem to be a little easier to get than some of the other references. Not completely easy, but I don’t think an AD will laugh at the prospect and toss your number either.

[Proto3]

Don’t let rolex touch it. Send it to Rolliworks in Miami.

[ratty]

Originally Posted by Proto3

Don’t let rolex touch it. Send it to Rolliworks in Miami.

From the UK!

[csaltphoto]

Just for an example here is a red sub from a trusted vintage dealer that doesn't even have the original bracelet. Your watch could be worth more if properly restored.

https://tropicalwatch.com/watches/cl31

It's a really cool watch and I can understand the forum members who are saying you should keep it. I get that sentiment but I also understand perhaps wanting something somewhat more practical for day to day wear.

[BLNR Nairobi]

Originally Posted by curlychris1967

Hi,

I have a query which I hope will be easily answered by the experienced viewers of the forum.

I have a 1974 single red sub which of course I love.

Full disclosure I had it serviced a couple of years back by a supposedly reputable Rolex service company and it didn't really come back any better than when it left me. The crown can come off when unscrewed to alter the time.
I don't suppose it's a major but this seems the only problem worth mentioning.
They also said it's just about impossible to guarantee the waterproofing of these older watches and I've never felt confident enough to risk testing the theory.

Hence, when I go on holiday I can't wear my watch all day and due to my fear of it wandering from the safe I don't often take it with me.

As such I would like something newer and more reliable.
I went through the process of interviewing etc for a new watch at my nearest Rolex dealer but am not holding my breath.

I fancied an updated single red anniversary model or Cameron deep sea or a batman.

After the long winded introduction my query is this.
Would it be realistic to expect to find someone who might be willing to do me a trade or is there a significant mismatch in value?
I have no accurate idea of the value of the old single red as I've seen so many varying results at auction which can be huge prices with the fees attached.

If I sell my watch and use the funds to buy a newer secondary market piece where is the best option for a fair selling price?

Thank you very much in advance for any advice.

Assuming this is legit, of course, and not a convoluted offer to sell.

If real, then you have a really good reference in your possession. One that you should not let go off unless there’s a very compelling reason to do so.

Also, even if that compelling reason arises, please ensure you do solid homework because they’d be a lot of people willing to take any advantage available.

Put it this way - even with the issue you describe, your watch is worth several modern references.

My advice is similar to what someone else said earlier - get a nice Tudor BB58 for your vacations, and keep the SR Sub. Do not sell/trade it unless the sky is falling and SR Subs are spontaneously exploding.

All the best, sir.

[Spoonage]

I would keep that red Sub over a modern any day of the week. Think about adding not replacing. I don't know personally who would be the best in your area to repair, but that would be my route.

[curlychris1967]

Thank you all so much for taking the time to offer your advice.

Yes, I'm in the UK and will be chasing up a couple of suggested reputable repairers to get the watch into good order.

I will probably then post it on the forum to get an idea of value from the experts but from what has been said it sounds as though I should keep it regardless and put some effort into finding some more funding for a second more practical timepiece.

I'll look forward to showing it off when it is in better order.

Thanks again everyone.

[Dan S]

Trades are logistically difficult, especially if you aren’t a well known collector or dealer. Generally speaking you would be better off selling and buying separately. Value depends greatly on condition and originality, so good photos will be needed.