Which is most desirable? 5513, 1680, 1680 red, 1665 BW or 1665 DRSD?

[growla666]

Hi All,

Am looking to invest some decent money in buying a 'monster' investment Rolex and will spend up to 15-16k however I'm undecided on what to buy. As you can see I already own a few modern Rolexes and am beginning to wish I'd bought fewer modern watches and more vintage ones - not wanting to loose too much cash over the years. Anyway I'm split between the following:

Double Red SD - cheapest I can find with papers and box is around 17k but not physically sighted by me so provenance as yet unproven.
Grand white SD, 1980 - about 6500k receipt but no box or papers
1680 Red submariner - no box or papers just under 5k
plenty of 5513s and white 1680s from about 3.5k.

Ok so which would be the best invest over say a 10-20 year period do you think?

Looking for some decent feedback here and b******y lottery win

[greekbum]

Your guess on if they will be worth more in 20 years is as good as others.I personally do not think they are an Investment and think the % move they have made in the previous 5-7 years will not be repeated.This is based on if you are buying at current mkt prices not if you found one for $100.00 from a little old lady.A general rule I follow when buying vintage is I try and find the best example possible.Box,Papers,Etc.Base your purchases on what you like and will wear not on if you think somebody will pay more than you did in a few years.This is called the bigger dummy theory.

[mike]

Nikos gives sage advice.

Speculation on where pricing may be in the future is just that..speculation.

Buying the very best example you can afford is always the prudent move. Of the ones you mention the DRSD would be my pick assuming all correct.

I think a nice RED at under 5K is a sweet deal. Again assuming condition and correctness.

[padi56]

Myself don't believe in buying watches at todays prices for investments any of the Reds would be desirable but highly priced now.Perhaps a more realistically priced watch might be a investment in a few years time will be the 14060 with the tritium dial.Could be the next vintage must have,now out of production.If you can get hold of one mint with box papers etc,I believe that prices will rise in a few years time,could be a sound buy.Take my 6263 that my Father bought new in 1982.At the time Rolex could not give then away, but now making silly money mine is not for-sale by the way but IMHO those days are now gone.

[mcjp6]

Agree with Nikos. I am in a similar position and am currently looking for a good condition red 1680 BUT I will not touch anything without the paperwork and preferably box/books as I believe even now, let alone in 10-15 yrs the provenance is paramount. OR an early gilt dialed 5513, again with box/papers etc. good luck with your search -

[growla666]

OK,

Some good feedback so far. I agree with comments made and will add that supply vs demand will always dictate pricing plus the current recession must be having an impact on prices. Like all my watches I buy to wear, the ROI question is more about which watch will loose less over time since interest rates are so cra*p I might as well enjoy my savings rather than sit in a bank.

My view is enjoy now not when I'm 75! Good example of my philosophy is the Tudor Submariner 79100 I bought for £408 in Zales, Stratford in 1989. Still have, box, papers and original receipt and is probably worth 4 times that now. So overall cost to me over 20 years of ownership has been pennies and has brought me a lot of satisfaction . One day my boy will own that watch.

Another one I failed to put down is the gorgeous Tudor Chrono 79170/160 Big Block. These are great and difficult to find with all the paperwork/boxes and good price.

Keep it coming...

[greekbum]

Thanks Mike and Michael. I would like to add that Box and papers cannot always be expected when buying a vintage watch. It is nice to have all the service history etc.Papers can easily be faked.This is becoming big business these days.And the opposite someone has everything but the watch and then poof a watch is created.Papers along with RSC documents is stretching it but would be the best.The condition of the watch is more important than if it has a box or papers.If I had to choose a mint watch over an overpolished watch that had everything I would take the mint watch.The emphasis on the complete package was added because the OP stated investment and the complete examples tend to bring more money.The question to ask yourself when buying is how much more should you pay for a box?Papers?All documentation?Than go back and ask yourself do I really wanna buy this in hopes it goes up X amount in 20 years or am I going to wear it and enjoy it.

[Alan111]

Drsd 1665!!

[Tools]

I agree with Nikos second statement..

The odds of finding a mint vintage with all documentation and goodies is so slim, it is already way overpriced and is not something that you would wear or the value is greatly diminished..

So.... Museum quality... large price now, and possibly a large price later ??

Or..

A mint, authentic vintage you like.. nurtured, properly worn and serviced over the next generation, and resulting in a proven heirloom, with established family provenance...

To me, the second option is where I play.. I am not into a museum collection just to say I have it.. I am into a watch to enjoy and show others how much I enjoy them.........

[growla666]

Right then, German Rolex Red 1680, looks well used, no papers but at least it'll always be in demand!

Thanks everyone