What's the best deal in vintage rolex right now?

[pk552502]

Some would say it's a buyer's market right now or that vintage rolex is soft.

Are there any particular models or variants that have taken a beating lately and that you would consider a great buy or a steal right now?

For instance, I think the 14270 and 16570 black dial are priced very attractively now to swoop up.

I'm curious about your thoughts on all vintage sport models. But I've been thinking about adding a 1680 to my collection. Any particular variant of the 1680 that you would consider a steal right now?

Thanks all!

[Dan S]

The common white Subs are easy to find at good prices right now. Even from dealers.

[TuRo]

Yes agree on those two...my 15 cents worth...

1) The early 90s 16570 tritium which used the same dial.mauf as 16550 hence great patina.

2) 16800 matte about 30% under what they should be compared to 16660 matte

3) 14270 lug hole tritium cheaper than later ones at moment!!

4) Fatty 16760 esp MK1 with it's rare sea dweller based case ....not much more than much more common 16710 or thinner 16700

5) 5508 four line cosc very rare 5512 precursor with no big premium on much more common non cosc.

6) Very early small block Tudor 79260/70/80 with Rolex caseback and crown. Made for just 1-2 yrs only.

7) All the very rare Tudor 'integrales' made from 1974 to 1980 only - 9101/11/21/30/40. Very cheap for full sized, quirky, v rare watch.

8) The exquisite honeycomb, cross hair, quadrant and tuxedo 34 Prince Date Tudors (esp 20mm lug versions that wear bit like 36mm tbh if on a 6251/62510h)

9) Enamel (like Stella) boiler gauge Datejusts eg 16030 etc

10) 79090/76100 Tudor plexi subs still cheaper than 79190 sapphires but for how long, I say this cos' I remember the late 90s when the 1680 was also cheaper than a 16800 now it's at least 50% more !?!

11) The humble 16600 tritium sea dweller - 80% rarer than a sub in the same period, and only £1500-2000 more !

12) All the 38mm Tudor Jumbo date and date days - very cheap for a full sized watch.

13) The sublime manual wind Monte Carlos 7149/59/69 much, much rarer than 6263/65 and a 1/4 of the cost.

14) Loose 6263/6265 were £60k in 2018 when a 16520 40mm Zenith was just £9k. Zenith's now £25-30k while 6265/63 are still £60k !! - they are too close now, and the...ahem & donning my tin hat here.. 'real' manual Daytona imho will jump again to give more daylight between the two...

15) Same above on 1665 - traditionally the DRSD was always at least twice the price of 'great' white, recently its narrowed to about 30-35% (2024 loose DRSD C £30K V GW £I9k) think the DRSD therefore will jump again to reinsert the variance.
__________________

[springer]

The high end vintage models have probably settled down in price the most lately. Look at models that sold for 30, 40 and $50,000 a couple years ago and that is where you'll find the most significant drop in prices. The other vintage models have corrected somewhat in price lately, and, relating to this correction, the demand for correct, quality vintage examples in stellar condition regardless of the model number seem to be doing quite well in the vintage marketplace even though the price for these examples are marginally soft.

You'll probably find the best buys right now on the neo or semi vintage tritium models such as the SUBMARINER 16610 and 14060 or the GMT-MASTER 16710 and EXPLORER models.

[Dom9]

Some great suggestions there Paul - been eyeing up a 14270 myself recently!

[alwayshere]

Originally Posted by TuRo

Yes agree on those two...my 15 cents worth...

1) The early 90s 16570 tritium which used the same dial.mauf as 16550 hence great patina.

2) 16800 matte about 30% under what they should be compared to 16660 matte

3) 14270 lug hole tritium cheaper than later ones at moment!!

4) Fatty 16760 esp MK1 with it's rare sea dweller based case ....not much more than much more common 16710 or thinner 16700

5) 5508 four line cosc very rare 5512 precursor with no big premium on much more common non cosc.

6) Very early small block Tudor 79260/70/80 with Rolex caseback and crown. Made for just 1-2 yrs only.

7) All the very rare Tudor 'integrales' made from 1974 to 1980 only - 9101/11/21/30/40. Very cheap for full sized, quirky, v rare watch.

8) The exquisite honeycomb, cross hair, quadrant and tuxedo 34 Prince Date Tudors (esp 20mm lug versions that wear bit like 36mm tbh if on a 6251/62510h)

9) Enamel (like Stella) boiler gauge Datejusts eg 16030 etc

10) 79090/76100 Tudor plexi subs still cheaper than 79190 sapphires but for how long, I say this cos' I remember the late 90s when the 1680 was also cheaper than a 16800 now it's at least 50% more !?!

11) The humble 16600 tritium sea dweller - 80% rarer than a sub in the same period, and only £1500-2000 more !

12) All the 38mm Tudor Jumbo date and date days - very cheap for a full sized watch.

13) The sublime manual wind Monte Carlos 7149/59/69 much, much rarer than 6263/65 and a 1/4 of the cost.

14) Loose 6263/6265 were £60k in 2018 when a 16520 40mm Zenith was just £9k. Zenith's now £25-30k while 6265/63 are still £60k !! - they are too close now, and the...ahem & donning my tin hat here.. 'real' manual Daytona imho will jump again to give more daylight between the two...

15) Same above on 1665 - traditionally the DRSD was always at least twice the price of 'great' white, recently its narrowed to about 30-35% (2024 loose DRSD C £30K V GW £I9k) think the DRSD therefore will jump again to reinsert the variance.
__________________

shhhhh not too loud, Paul...

[mineral]

Originally Posted by TuRo

Yes agree on those two...my 15 cents worth...

1) The early 90s 16570 tritium which used the same dial.mauf as 16550 hence great patina.

2) 16800 matte about 30% under what they should be compared to 16660 matte

3) 14270 lug hole tritium cheaper than later ones at moment!!

4) Fatty 16760 esp MK1 with it's rare sea dweller based case ....not much more than much more common 16710 or thinner 16700

5) 5508 four line cosc very rare 5512 precursor with no big premium on much more common non cosc.

6) Very early small block Tudor 79260/70/80 with Rolex caseback and crown. Made for just 1-2 yrs only.

7) All the very rare Tudor 'integrales' made from 1974 to 1980 only - 9101/11/21/30/40. Very cheap for full sized, quirky, v rare watch.

8) The exquisite honeycomb, cross hair, quadrant and tuxedo 34 Prince Date Tudors (esp 20mm lug versions that wear bit like 36mm tbh if on a 6251/62510h)

9) Enamel (like Stella) boiler gauge Datejusts eg 16030 etc

10) 79090/76100 Tudor plexi subs still cheaper than 79190 sapphires but for how long, I say this cos' I remember the late 90s when the 1680 was also cheaper than a 16800 now it's at least 50% more !?!

11) The humble 16600 tritium sea dweller - 80% rarer than a sub in the same period, and only £1500-2000 more !

12) All the 38mm Tudor Jumbo date and date days - very cheap for a full sized watch.

13) The sublime manual wind Monte Carlos 7149/59/69 much, much rarer than 6263/65 and a 1/4 of the cost.

14) Loose 6263/6265 were £60k in 2018 when a 16520 40mm Zenith was just £9k. Zenith's now £25-30k while 6265/63 are still £60k !! - they are too close now, and the...ahem & donning my tin hat here.. 'real' manual Daytona imho will jump again to give more daylight between the two...

15) Same above on 1665 - traditionally the DRSD was always at least twice the price of 'great' white, recently its narrowed to about 30-35% (2024 loose DRSD C £30K V GW £I9k) think the DRSD therefore will jump again to reinsert the variance.
__________________

Good summary and agreed.

One more worth to buy now is the early Yacht Master 5 digits reference with platinum dial. These are hidden gem in my opinion!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by pk552502

Some would say it's a buyer's market right now or that vintage rolex is soft.

Are there any particular models or variants that have taken a beating lately and that you would consider a great buy or a steal right now?

For instance, I think the 14270 and 16570 black dial are priced very attractively now to swoop up.

I'm curious about your thoughts on all vintage sport models. But I've been thinking about adding a 1680 to my collection. Any particular variant of the 1680 that you would consider a steal right now?

Thanks all!

Forgot to answer your direct 1680* question.

I've been monitoring 1680 for last three decades....

Like the 1665 DRSD - the whole world was captivated by the reds in the 90s and 00's with them being about 2.0 to 2.75 the cost of a white version **.

From then mid noughties (2005) to the mid teens (eg 2015) the white 1680 had risen slightly more to narrow to circa 2x difference (both with 50% increase on both) eg from £3k to £6k, while the red went from about £8-12k.

Then 2015-2018 the red went up to £16-17k and pretty much stayed there until 2021.

During this time the white gained traction going from £6k up to £10-11k.

So had you asked me this question in 2021 I'd have said the red was undervalued compared to the white.

However, the red has had a little spurt from 2021 to 2024 going from £17 to 21k and the white has remained at £10-11k so the 100% differential is now back in place.

So now I suspect neither are overpriced/underpriced compared to each other, and elasticity supply/demand will hit both equally in any market drops that we are clearly experiencing)***

This is imho not the case with DRSD over GW as the aforementioned spurt the 1680 Red enjoyed in 21-24 has not happened on the DRSD and it's therefore undervalued at £30-35k and I will stick my neck out and say £25k DRSDs will this not be a common thing, but 1665 white at £14-15k very possibly.

* Red are loose / more common ft first version
** EU prices retail, not trade.
*** MKT drop on vintage 1953-1988 is c 15% in 18 months, Neo Vintage (1988-99 etc) 20% and then contemporary 2000 to 2022 from 20% to an eye watering 110% on some new fancy dan hitherto non collectable (coloured perpetuals) hype watches !!) - Source sold items data sets C24/Ebay, which I have access to.

[illiguy]

I think YG 18238 Day-Date and YG 16528 Zenith Daytonas are good value propositions

[pk552502]

Originally Posted by TuRo

Forgot to answer your direct 1680* question.

I've been monitoring 1680 for last three decades....

Like the 1665 DRSD - the whole world was captivated by the reds in the 90s and 00's with them being about 2.0 to 2.75 the cost of a white version **.

From then mid noughties (2005) to the mid teens (eg 2015) the white 1680 had risen slightly more to narrow to circa 2x difference (both with 50% increase on both) eg from £3k to £6k, while the red went from about £8-12k.

Then 2015-2018 the red went up to £16-17k and pretty much stayed there until 2021.

During this time the white gained traction going from £6k up to £10-11k.

So had you asked me this question in 2021 I'd have said the red was undervalued compared to the white.

However, the red has had a little spurt from 2021 to 2024 going from £17 to 21k and the white has remained at £10-11k so the 100% differential is now back in place.

So now I suspect neither are overpriced/underpriced compared to each other, and elasticity supply/demand will hit both equally in any market drops that we are clearly experiencing)***

This is imho not the case with DRSD over GW as the aforementioned spurt the 1680 Red enjoyed in 21-24 has not happened on the DRSD and it's therefore undervalued at £30-35k and I will stick my neck out and say £25k DRSDs will this not be a common thing, but 1665 white at £14-15k very possibly.

* Red are loose / more common ft first version
** EU prices retail, not trade.
*** MKT drop on vintage 1953-1988 is c 15% in 18 months, Neo Vintage (1988-99 etc) 20% and then contemporary 2000 to 2022 from 20% to an eye watering 110% on some new fancy dan hitherto non collectable (coloured perpetuals) hype watches !!) - Source sold items data sets C24/Ebay, which I have access to.

Thanks for taking the time- that's helpful information. I plan to do some reading this weekend about the models mentioned in this thread.

I own a 1997 14060 tritium model in my collection, but I would really love a plastic crystal 1680. That way I would have a date and no-date and I like them both. I think there is room for both in the collection! Thanks All.

[Dr.Smellody]

Originally Posted by pk552502

Thanks for taking the time- that's helpful information. I plan to do some reading this weekend about the models mentioned in this thread.

I own a 1997 14060 tritium model in my collection, but I would really love a plastic crystal 1680. That way I would have a date and no-date and I like them both. I think there is room for both in the collection! Thanks All.

If you are going for a two watch collection, I wouldn't recommended a non-quick set date watch for your date model.

[4reRlxGuy]

Recently purchased a 6202 and a 5510 less than 50% of their highs

[scooba]

I bought a MK1 full set single red sub meters first , original sales receipt from 1972 ,I paid a Dealer in NYC $22,500 in 2014 , no idea what it’s worth now only what I paid for it .

[Bonano]

Originally Posted by pk552502

Are there any particular models or variants that have taken a beating lately and that you would consider a great buy or a steal right now?

Tudor.

Maybe an SS sub.

Rolex in general is still over-inflated, and dealers who paid $5000+ in 2020 for a 80's DateJust that was $2800 a year or two prior are still not willing to accept the hit despite the market cooling.

[Steele]

Originally Posted by TuRo

Yes agree on those two...my 15 cents worth...

1) The early 90s 16570 tritium which used the same dial.mauf as 16550 hence great patina.

2) 16800 matte about 30% under what they should be compared to 16660 matte

3) 14270 lug hole tritium cheaper than later ones at moment!!

4) Fatty 16760 esp MK1 with it's rare sea dweller based case ....not much more than much more common 16710 or thinner 16700

5) 5508 four line cosc very rare 5512 precursor with no big premium on much more common non cosc.

6) Very early small block Tudor 79260/70/80 with Rolex caseback and crown. Made for just 1-2 yrs only.

7) All the very rare Tudor 'integrales' made from 1974 to 1980 only - 9101/11/21/30/40. Very cheap for full sized, quirky, v rare watch.

8) The exquisite honeycomb, cross hair, quadrant and tuxedo 34 Prince Date Tudors (esp 20mm lug versions that wear bit like 36mm tbh if on a 6251/62510h)

9) Enamel (like Stella) boiler gauge Datejusts eg 16030 etc

10) 79090/76100 Tudor plexi subs still cheaper than 79190 sapphires but for how long, I say this cos' I remember the late 90s when the 1680 was also cheaper than a 16800 now it's at least 50% more !?!

11) The humble 16600 tritium sea dweller - 80% rarer than a sub in the same period, and only £1500-2000 more !

12) All the 38mm Tudor Jumbo date and date days - very cheap for a full sized watch.

13) The sublime manual wind Monte Carlos 7149/59/69 much, much rarer than 6263/65 and a 1/4 of the cost.

14) Loose 6263/6265 were £60k in 2018 when a 16520 40mm Zenith was just £9k. Zenith's now £25-30k while 6265/63 are still £60k !! - they are too close now, and the...ahem & donning my tin hat here.. 'real' manual Daytona imho will jump again to give more daylight between the two...

15) Same above on 1665 - traditionally the DRSD was always at least twice the price of 'great' white, recently its narrowed to about 30-35% (2024 loose DRSD C £30K V GW £I9k) think the DRSD therefore will jump again to reinsert the variance.
__________________

THIS IS GOLD thank you sir

[Dom9]

New acquisition from Paul's list: Recently serviced 76100 on the wrist today...

Still watching 14270s and 16570s.

Also quite fancy a T Jumbo day-date, after this thread got me looking!

Market still looking to be softening, for all but the very best watches. I feel like there are more 'projects' being unloaded now.

[Mark020]

Originally Posted by 4reRlxGuy

Recently purchased a 6202 and a 5510 less than 50% of their highs

Pics please!!

[dhknola]

Great list! #1 and #11 for sure!

[4reRlxGuy]

Originally Posted by Mark020

Pics please!!

Sorry for delay

[Vardy]

Originally Posted by 4reRlxGuy

Sorry for delay

Tell me more about the top picture. I have the same watch I think though it’s really beat up and parts missing. I’m interested in the history. Thanks.

[Rafabond]

Originally Posted by TuRo

Yes agree on those two...my 15 cents worth...

1) The early 90s 16570 tritium which used the same dial.mauf as 16550 hence great patina.

2) 16800 matte about 30% under what they should be compared to 16660 matte

3) 14270 lug hole tritium cheaper than later ones at moment!!

4) Fatty 16760 esp MK1 with it's rare sea dweller based case ....not much more than much more common 16710 or thinner 16700

5) 5508 four line cosc very rare 5512 precursor with no big premium on much more common non cosc.

6) Very early small block Tudor 79260/70/80 with Rolex caseback and crown. Made for just 1-2 yrs only.

7) All the very rare Tudor 'integrales' made from 1974 to 1980 only - 9101/11/21/30/40. Very cheap for full sized, quirky, v rare watch.

8) The exquisite honeycomb, cross hair, quadrant and tuxedo 34 Prince Date Tudors (esp 20mm lug versions that wear bit like 36mm tbh if on a 6251/62510h)

9) Enamel (like Stella) boiler gauge Datejusts eg 16030 etc

10) 79090/76100 Tudor plexi subs still cheaper than 79190 sapphires but for how long, I say this cos' I remember the late 90s when the 1680 was also cheaper than a 16800 now it's at least 50% more !?!

11) The humble 16600 tritium sea dweller - 80% rarer than a sub in the same period, and only £1500-2000 more !

12) All the 38mm Tudor Jumbo date and date days - very cheap for a full sized watch.

13) The sublime manual wind Monte Carlos 7149/59/69 much, much rarer than 6263/65 and a 1/4 of the cost.

14) Loose 6263/6265 were £60k in 2018 when a 16520 40mm Zenith was just £9k. Zenith's now £25-30k while 6265/63 are still £60k !! - they are too close now, and the...ahem & donning my tin hat here.. 'real' manual Daytona imho will jump again to give more daylight between the two...

15) Same above on 1665 - traditionally the DRSD was always at least twice the price of 'great' white, recently its narrowed to about 30-35% (2024 loose DRSD C £30K V GW £I9k) think the DRSD therefore will jump again to reinsert the variance.
__________________

Of all this list, the 16760 right now already has a price difference with respect to models like 16710 or 16700 and more and more will go up in price, it is one of the rarest and shortest GMTs in production, it was only 5 years. For me it is the best investment in GMT from the 80s to the present day. And regarding the Tudor oysterdate 79260 with bottom and Rolex crown I give you every reason, it is a very rare model, only the first units of 1996 were made and with a full set there are very few for sale. In my opinion, these two models that I have mentioned from Rolex and Tudor are the best investment for me. Apart from the fact that the two models are extraordinarily beautiful,

[DarknerImperator]

Originally Posted by 4reRlxGuy

Sorry for delay

Hello,

The 6202 seems to have a service dial...
The BC 5510 369 dial It doesn't seem to be original...

I think that specimens completely original and hight quality, cost a little more...

Obviously in my humble opinion.

[Mark020]

Also my conclusion....

[Rafabond]

Both the 16760 and the first generation 79260 are two magnificent watches, here is an example of my collection







With jubilee

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by Mark020

Also my conclusion....

Concur

[Dom9]

Really enjoying my 79090, having put it back on the original 9315 this weekend. I still think the 78500 is 'better' but sometimes it's just nice to have some rattle!

Matte dial, plexi, bi-directional friction bezel, 9315 + 380s, etc. Bargain when you look at the Rolex equivalents in this combination!

[1William]

Nice watches.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

- 14270/114270
- 16220

[studioal]

Seems like the early 14270's are a pretty solid buy now as are the 16570's that have been mentioned.

I also think 60's and 70's OP's and Precisions are a pretty good buy if you buy right. 6426, 6694, 1002, 1500, etc. And if you're willing to go Tudor, the Oyster Princes from the same era are an even better buy. 34mm turns A LOT of men off, but if your wrists are in that 6.5-7" range they wear beautifully.

Matte dial, plexi, bi-directional friction bezel, 9315 + 380s, etc. Bargain when you look at the Rolex equivalents in this combination!

I'll second the 79090/76100. Although, 7 years ago you could buy them around $3K so while they have doubled, I still think they are a lot of watch for the money and IMO scratch a 1680 itch all day long.

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by studioal

Seems like the early 14270's are a pretty solid buy now as are the 16570's that have been mentioned.

I also think 60's and 70's OP's and Precisions are a pretty good buy if you buy right. 6426, 6694, 1002, 1500, etc. And if you're willing to go Tudor, the Oyster Princes from the same era are an even better buy. 34mm turns A LOT of men off, but if your wrists are in that 6.5-7" range they wear beautifully.



I'll second the 79090/76100. Although, 7 years ago you could buy them around $3K so while they have doubled, I still think they are a lot of watch for the money and IMO scratch a 1680 itch all day long.

Agree on the 34mm Tudors. This 7909 with chunky case, smooth bezel and large crown wears very well.