How rare is a Red Submariner??

[eparisini]

Originally Posted by onkyo

As a general statement, I would say the answer is 'no'.... red subs are not rare. There are a lot floating around....

X2

[dalip]

Originally Posted by Paracentesis

They do have parts, don't they?

dalip: STOP showing me Vintage subs....of any kind....NOW

[conrail]

As with all vintage pieces, even those reference numbers that aren't considered "scarce" or "rare," really nice examples are still harder to come by and require some patience, so that qualification can add to their "rareness."

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by conrail

As with all vintage pieces, even those reference numbers that aren't considered "scarce" or "rare," really nice examples are still harder to come by and require some patience, so that qualification can add to their "rareness."

I couldn't agree with you more. I was after a red sub for several months, and while there were quite a number available, it was difficult to find a really clean example............and I wasn't looking for a MF or a chocolate dial piece either.

[Racer X]

I agree. We have to decide what we mean by "rare." If we are talking about the number of examples in existence, a given reference may not be "rare" in the absolute sense. If we're talking about availability (i.e., owners' willingness to sell), a reference may be rare in terms of the difficulty in actually acquiring one.

[Spark]

Originally Posted by Racer X

I agree. We have to decide what we mean by "rare." If we are talking about the number of examples in existence, a given reference may not be "rare" in the absolute sense. If we're talking about availability (i.e., owners' willingness to sell), a reference may be rare in terms of the difficulty in actually acquiring one.

I totally agree Dave.
Some dealers will always use the term ''Rare'' as a selling point these days, I've seen '' A Rare 1675 GMT from the 70's'' for sale .
There are very few Rolex watches that are rare in terms of actual numbers and some of these are not very valuable, but there are many that are scarce/hard to come by in good condition as many collectors hold on to their best examples, which makes them rare to the market rather than rare in the true sense of the word.

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by Spark

I totally agree Dave.
Some dealers will always use the term ''Rare'' as a selling point these days, I've seen '' A Rare 1675 GMT from the 70's'' for sale .
There are very few Rolex watches that are rare in terms of actual numbers and some of these are not very valuable, but there are many that are scarce/hard to come by in good condition as many collectors hold on to their best examples, which makes them rare to the market rather than rare in the true sense of the word.

Perfect dial and hands with original inserts.......Chocolate dials (like Ken's pictured earlier in this thread)........and Chamfers like this make a Red sub Rare IMHO

[WatchTimes]

I thought I posted these the other day but guess not

Here are some pics of mine

I need a new pearl!!!
Anyone???









I have another pic somewhere where the lighting just shows how beautiful the chocolate really
is, I will have to try and find it to add here.

[conrail]

Nice! Its interesting your insert's "10" is relatively skinny looking, whereas the "30" is fat. Might just be the light/angle. When is that insert from?

Regardless, lovely MF piece!

[hennabav]

That's a stunning watch my friend!!

[Spark]

Originally Posted by Jason71

Perfect dial and hands with original inserts.......Chocolate dials (like Ken's pictured earlier in this thread)........and Chamfers like this make a Red sub Rare IMHO

I agree Jason, but Brown/Chocolate/Tropical Subs or whatever you want to call them are just a Red Writting 1680 Submariner.
It didn't leave the Factory Brown, it has faded over time or aged like Tritium can.
That is something we as people have gained a liking for, it wasn't meant to look like that and Rolex as always would have changed them all if they could, just as they would a Cream Explorer II.
The question was are Red subs rare and they are not particularly rare in regard to production figures and surviving numbers.
The Chamfer isn't particularly a rare feature unless it is an unpolished case as Rolex will put that chamfer back on for you at service if you live in a counrty where they will still service a Red Sub.

[WatchTimes]

It is the angle of the pic, I am not sure when the insert is from to be honest.