From your list I’d get the best example of a 5513, with painted dial. Reason, Submariner over Submariner Date every time.
But my favourite non ceramic version would be the Sub LV maxi dial, or last versions of the 14060m.
This conundrum which has likely been discussed many times before, so apologies in advance, but was unable to search such a unique topic!
In 1987 - 88 I purchased my first Rolex, which was a S/S Submariner Date.
I purchased from a High Street Jewellers in London, purely by just walking in and buying it..........remember those days and for under a thousand pounds!! If memory serves me correctly.
Back then I was totally oblivious to which model it was and whether it had a Matte or Gloss dial Perspex Glass or Sapphire Crystal and everything else that has been discussed to death.
Oh how (in hindsight) do I wish that it was still in my possession.
But from research may have been a 16800 or 168000.
Today, I am considering getting another S/S Submariner, but pre Ceramic models, so maximum of 5 digits.
My question is?
If you were looking to get, what IMO, is the classic S/S Submariner format, either with or without date, that is WR at least to swim with and ideally with B&P's hopefully to provide some provenance which of the following would you choice and why?
In reverse order :-)
16610
168000
16800
1680 (Sadly, not a Red, as I couldn't afford a genuine one)
5512 - 13
May I add that apart from the 168000 & 5513, I have owned & worn the others.
Would the 1680 and 5512/13 which has been correctly pressured tested be ok to swim with and use on a daily basis?
Please feel free to add some photos of your current or previous Subs :-)
From your list I’d get the best example of a 5513, with painted dial. Reason, Submariner over Submariner Date every time.
But my favourite non ceramic version would be the Sub LV maxi dial, or last versions of the 14060m.
Maybe this little writing helps you with your choice.
For me the 16610 is the best one. It has the best of "both worlds", vintage and modern.
Why? I tried to explain it here.
My Submariner 16610
16610
Old enough to be “vintage”; not so old that you soil yourself every time it goes for service worrying about the dial etc
(Or a 14060 if you prefer sans-date)
16610 - with sold end links. Recent enough to be safe in water, and discrete. It was my first Submariner and will never leave me. Also, if it matters, the last Bond Rolex (worn by Timothy Dalton), which I like.
I have always had a soft spot for the 16800, don't know why, cant explain but I prefer them the most of all the date versions..
1680 red or white. I like the dial layout and the top hat plexiglass.
Quick set date would be the perfect watch.
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5512/5513s are awesome... although a 16610 would be a great ‘daily wearer’
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What about a 14060M last of the 5 digits , parachrome hairspring, small case. Did I mention it has lug holes so easy strap changes. No issues with Rolex “ vintage” price servicing.
Steve
If you want date then the 16610. If no date then 14060M. I have a 14060M & 16610LV swapped black bezel. The newer references are more bling than tool.
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This one perhaps, but I'm a little biased.
None of the above, buy a 16600 instead, all the charm of a five digit sub but with the added build quality of a seadweller.
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14060M 4 line would be my choice of Sub although not on your list.
Thanks for the link :-)
My apologise for not including the 14060, an oversight on my behalf
Thanks Tony certainly consider the 5513, but for me the LV has never been one I took too, prefer the traditional colour
Stunning
Good points, thank you
I did consider the SD, but didn't' want such a chunky watch.
Incidentally I too have owned/ worn both the 16600 x 2 and the 4000 SD
Blimey what is WRONG with me this passion is crazy!!
Seadwellers were all the rage back in 2010/11. Beating subs in their price hikes and commanding respect. Now they don’t seem fashionable or desirable compared to the humble submariner.
But I agree, as I have a 2000 model, drilled lug holes.
16600 Swiss only dial.
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I think that if I get one it would have to be pre 2004, so the case would have drilled lug holes.
As do like to change straps on my watches.
To me a no date is the nicer looking watch whichever version you choose.
I had a similar revelation a few years ago and bought a stunning 5513 from 1972. At the time it was sub £5000 but when it came to wearing it I just always had a niggle of worry regarding it wearing it for everything and it getting damaged or having water ingress. I sold it and happily replaced it with a 16600 which has only recently go to make way for a 116600. I now love and appreciate older 4 digit references but as a watch to wear and enjoy I am a firm 6 digit reference person.
Between a 1680 and 5513, the 5513 wins every time.
I've tried quite a few and always come back to the 16610, my favourite Sub by far
Smallest lugs win......
Both my 5512 and 1680 which I bought at different times, were tested for their WR. And worn each day.
They had a fantastic patina and the 5512 had a chapter ring, exclamation mark at the six o’clock position,PCG and original paperwork.
But finally as already mentioned I got worried that should anything happen to the dial, hands etc the value would be dramatically reduced.
So I sold it to a collector in Germany.
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Id get (and took my own advice) an early tritium 16610 with lug holes, vintage charm with modern utility if I'm going to go wankspeak about it.
Uprated movement and steel from the 16800 and with sapphire you have more guaranteed WR than 1680/5513 with original plexi, although seals are the key thing some plexis can degrade perish warp etc.
If I wasn't going to get it wet though, id go 1680 as I love the top hat.
I have a 114060 but was in the same position as you, looking to add a pre ceramic. Safest bet would be the 16800/14060/16610 for everyday use ( especially with the sapphire and SELs). I have come to realise that 5513/1680s are a minefield.
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For me it would be a 16800 matte dial , best of both worlds vintage with a sapphire Crystal and in my opinion under valued at this moment in time ,however the 16610 is a fantastic watch and one you could easily have a lifetime and not be disappointed.
Having been fortune in owning most of the models listed I think my advice would be to go for a very late 14060M. You have the 5 digit charm along with the benefits of a relatively new watch. Failing that I would likely opt for a late model 5513. They have the advantage of an acrylic crystal which is a great look and adds a lot of warmth to the dial. Good luck with your search.
Second post here... I really miss my tritium 14060 after seeing the previous posts here. (Although it’s gone to a very good home on the forum).
Echoing the others - I didn’t worry about my 14060 at all when wearing it, but I’m not putting the 5513 anywhere near water etc
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Present bunch of Subs and SDs excluding ceramics
Great collection hood. Red Sub and the LV particularly.
Ally, I have the SDc but I need to go on a diet for it to work or chop it in.
That is stunning
Beautiful pair :-)
Beautiful patina
You have an amazing collection of Subs and SD's
I can't pick just one, but would have to be the Red and the 2nd SD, which I think is a 1665, but stand to be corrected.
i bought a 16610 back in late 90s early 2Ks. I too strolled into an AD and they happen to have one. I actually had to chose between the Sub and a GMT that was sitting in the window. I chose the Sub because I preferred the more hefty feel to it on my wrist. I absolutely loved that watch and wore it daily till around 2014/2015 when I sold it for a paltry £3600 to fund my Batman.
I now own a 116610 and enjoy it, but I still miss my beloved 16610.
Having weighed up my options, I think that my choice will be from one of the first 3 on my list.
It would be great to get one that has patina on the dial, which may limit the availability, and having B&P's + the booklets and anchor. So basically the full set.
The 168000 is quite a rare beast and the prices on them have already gone up, the 16800 and 16610 are unfortunately going in the same direction!
If I am totally honest with myself, as much as the non date versions are the choice of the purest, my watches have virtually always had a date, as even in today's world, I am lost without it.
So, I think that it would be foolish of me to change my thought process.
Let the hunt begin! LOL
Last edited by Topcat30093; 1st May 2021 at 13:55.
Out of that lot, and having owned most of them, I think the sweet spot for me is the 16800 matte.
You have a sapphire crystal and modern sub build quality but with pierced lugs, a matte tritium dial and open 6’s and 9’s on the date wheel.
This is mine, with a faded black and more minty blue insert from an old bluesy
Whoever does not know how to hit the nail on the head should be asked not to hit it at all.
Friedrich Nietzsche
^^^^^
Thanks Andy.
I am off today, so going to do some online searching :-)
Forgot how well the 16610LV looked when I had it with a ghost bezel insert. Quite the versatile piece really. Love the maxi lume plots.