1680 vs. 16550?

[uberman20]

Hi All!

I recently have had the great fortune of getting my hands on a beautiful 1979 Rolex Submariner, ref. 1680.



I am in love with this watch! And, by way of a very generous TRFer, I was able to purchase it for a superb price.

So here's my dilemma:

I am really enamored with the Explorer II 16550. (Of course, the dream watch for me is the 16550 with cream dial )

I am just wondering if folks would give me some feedback on:

1) Which watch is preferable?
2) Would I be making a mistake in letting go of a very nice, recently serviced 1680 in search of a 16550?
3) What trade value could I hope for if I tried to seek the grail 16550 cream dial?

I would be grateful for any help!

More pics of my "precious..."
http://s378.photobucket.com/albums/o...t=DSC02975.jpg
http://s378.photobucket.com/albums/o...t=DSC02978.jpg
http://s378.photobucket.com/albums/o...t=DSC02983.jpg

[watchcrank]

i am lucky enough to have both. the 1680 is a classic and imho the 16550 is as well but wear totally differently. the 16550 wears lower and is imo a stealth rolex not as noticed as the datejusts or subs. very classic look in cream, black or white. if possible i would keep the sub and save for the 16550. imo the 16550 will cost you two to three times the value of a nice sub depending on provenance and box and papers. both are nice watches but it depends on your wearing preferences of course. good luck. m

[greekbum]

Its what you like.The 1680 is like new but it has a replacement luminova dial and handset.Do you still have the original dial and hands?I have had 2 cream dials and can tell you I prefer a 1680 any day than an explorer but its a personal preference.

[uberman20]

Thanks for the helpful advice!

I don't have the original hands and dial (as this watch was serviced at the official Rolex Center in Dallas). But this 1680 is a real beauty... I wish I had the scratch to keep this and track down a nice 16550

[slcbbrown]

I bought two Exp II's for sons in the service. I bought myself a no-date Sub as a sport watch to go along with my daily wear, TT TOG.

The Exp II is definitely a more subtle looking Rolex. I like the GMT movement and the lack of extra moving parts (bezel) or plastic/aluminum/ceramic to damage (bezel insert). I also think the Explorer is less sought after and can be had cheaper than a comparable Sub.

When I went looking for a sport "beater", I would have taken a Sub or Exp. If you want your watch to shout "ROLEX", try a Sub. I'd keep the Exp and save for a Sub.