Submariner Red Vintage

[zazwaldo]

Hi all, I'm looking for soem pointers from any learned souls out there.

I've been looking to replace my Breitling B1 with a LV submariner for a couple of weeks now but have been offered by a colleague a red script vintage submariner. It has its papers and has been serviced twice by Rolex so authenticity is not in question but it has no box etc which I personally don't care much about.
It's in reasonable condition, date window is not very well shaped (perhaps worn flat even) red script is superb, bezel has oyster missing at 12 o clock and face is scratched as is bracelet. But this only adds to the attraction, whats the point in buying a vintage watch with no patina?
Main question is whats it worth, I don't want to take the piss and offer this guy nothing for his watch just want a rough ball park figure for varying conditions etc. Also anything in particular I should look out for befor eagreeing a sale?

Thanks in advance

Alexander

[Dominic H]

zazwaldo said:

Hi all, I'm looking for soem pointers from any learned souls out there.

I've been looking to replace my Breitling B1 with a LV submariner for a couple of weeks now but have been offered by a colleague a red script vintage submariner. It has its papers and has been serviced twice by Rolex so authenticity is not in question but it has no box etc which I personally don't care much about.
It's in reasonable condition, date window is not very well shaped (perhaps worn flat even) red script is superb, bezel has oyster missing at 12 o clock and face is scratched as is bracelet. But this only adds to the attraction, whats the point in buying a vintage watch with no patina?
Main question is whats it worth, I don't want to take the piss and offer this guy nothing for his watch just want a rough ball park figure for varying conditions etc. Also anything in particular I should look out for befor eagreeing a sale?

Thanks in advance

Alexander

How much is the watch offered to you at?

The Rolex Submariner Date model 1680/0 was launced in 1966 with the word 'Submariner' in red. From 1974 onwards the word 'Submariner' was gradually changed to white. You need to check the 7 figure serial number, to determine the estimated date of production. The correct production range (serial numbers) for an original Red Sub is generally thought to be from 1,8**,*** to almost 4 million. Compare the size of the font of the word 'Submariner', red font is noticeably smaller than white. Be careful you are not buying a re-finished white sub.

In summary, the watch's serial number should be between 1,890000 and 3,999,999 (approx). If all the paperwork matches the serial number (which is engraved on the case side at 6 o'clock, take off the bracelet at 6 o'clock to check), you should be fine.

If it's all straight I'll swap you a new LV.....

Need anymore help PM me.....Dom

Enjoy the watch, lucky b*stard!

Edited by Dominic H on Friday 21st September 17:31

[zazwaldo]

There is no asking price, I've been told to make him an offer he can't refuse. Yeah that old chestnut. I was going to offer him 1000 notes see where we go from there. Your offer of a new LV makes me reconsider, is it that valuable, surely it would have to be mint to command that kinda money? Forgive my ignorance.

The watch looks used but I reckon with a better glass on the face it would look great. I would rate it perhaps 6 of 10 out but I'm no expert.

[Dominic H]

I suspect your pal may know what the watch is worth, if he doesn't you've a bargain at £1000...Try your luck.

Have a look at this first.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

[stiglet]

There's quite a lot on the web about red subs. e.g.

http://www.doubleredseadweller.com/rs1.htm

I'm lucky to have one LNIB with papers etc (may be for sale shortly) - but I paid a whack of a lot more than £1k for it. If you can get a genuine red sub for anything like that I would grab it!

JP

[16610LV]

zazwaldo said:

There is no asking price, I've been told to make him an offer he can't refuse. Yeah that old chestnut. I was going to offer him 1000 notes see where we go from there. Your offer of a new LV makes me reconsider, is it that valuable, surely it would have to be mint to command that kinda money? Forgive my ignorance.

The watch looks used but I reckon with a better glass on the face it would look great. I would rate it perhaps 6 of 10 out but I'm no expert.

Let us know what the watch's serial number is and also whether the depth rating starts with the metres value or the feet value - has an impact on what the watch is worth!

Don't swap it for a new LV!! You'd be selling yourself short!!

[zazwaldo]

Hello again gents, I've had a look and the serial # is 3862991 which I believe falls into the correct batch number.
I've taken a couple of pics which I'll try and attach for you guys to look over. Can someone point me in the right direction for posting pics.
Now I've shown interest it's all started to get a bit cagey i.e. not so sure he wants to sell without doing research etc etc. So back to my original question whats it worth in it's current condition?
What would a new glass, overhaul and service cost? Whats the minimum that should be paid for a working example?

[zazwaldo]

[Dominic H]

zazwaldo said:

Hello again gents, I've had a look and the serial # is 3862991 which I believe falls into the correct batch number.
I've taken a couple of pics which I'll try and attach for you guys to look over. Can someone point me in the right direction for posting pics.
Now I've shown interest it's all started to get a bit cagey i.e. not so sure he wants to sell without doing research etc etc. So back to my original question whats it worth in it's current condition?
What would a new glass, overhaul and service cost? Whats the minimum that should be paid for a working example?

Looks correct to me, and the serial number falls in the range for an original Red 1680. If you return the watch to Rolex UK in Bexley for a full service, the watch will get a new glass, full mechanical service and a complete case/bracelet refurbish. The difference when you get the watch back will be very impressive. Is the original Chronometer Certificate available with the watch?

In terms of value, you can see what a nice 1680 Red went for on the open market (my previous post). The present condition of your watch will detract from that value very little, as the above Rolex service will probably cost around £250 to return it to very good condition.

A dealer will pay well, even for such a well used piece as it appears to be correct and original. If you can buy it for £2000+ you are laughing, £3000+ you've a very good deal and £4000 you're paying the right money for an appreciating watch.

Get it and I'll still swap you a 16610LV :tongue firmly in cheek:

[MaxNg]

Lovely watch! Got mine in Hong Kong in 1974 for about £150. Done over 700 hours of diving, so the face & back gets scratched - but came back from recent service in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, looking like new.

Is this vintage of Submariner really worth that much?

[Rav]

I have a Rolex GMT Master II for sale.

Unworn since recent strip-down, polish and re-calibration service by Rolex, so it looks like new, and comes with a year's guarantee!

I have all the relevant paperwork (original guarantee and servicing certificates), inner and outer boxes, manual, and original spare links, all of which are in immaculate condition.

A chance to own a pristine Rolex at ~ £800 LESS that the current retail price of £2790

I’m asking just £2000. Quick sale needed.

Picture of actual watch available : http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o310/rsb377/210...