Vintage bug bitten....which would you?

[rmlovett1]

Looking at my second vintage piece to purchase. If choosing between these two, which one would you choose?

Regardless of what's in my collection already

Both great condition

Both from trusted seller here on TRF

prices Very close, so not an issue.




A. 1655 MarkI dial, straight hand.

B. 1680 Red Sub

[nick c]

1680 Red Sub for me good luck Richard

[HERITAGE82]

1655 for me... it's just such a cool looking piece!

[jdmi32]

I would go with the Red Sub because if they are close in price then the Sub should be in better condition.

[onthedial]

Richard,
If both are similar in price and condition, I'd just get the one that speaks to you more profoundly. Obviously they're both terrific/iconic timepieces. It might be more rewarding all around if you tell us your reasoning for acquiring one over the other.
__________
Instagram: @onthedial

[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by nick c

1680 Red Sub for me good luck Richard

Originally Posted by HERITAGE82

1655 for me... it's just such a cool looking piece!

Thank you. Agree, much different than the others.

Originally Posted by jdmi32

I would go with the Red Sub because if they are close in price then the Sub should be in better condition.

The ones I'm looking at are both very fine examples.

[QUOTE=onthedial;7303605]Richard,
If both are similar in price and condition, I'd just get the one that speaks to you more profoundly. Obviously they're both terrific/iconic timepieces. It might be more rewarding all around if you tell us your reasoning for acquiring one over the other.



Thank you. I love all black dial subs, new and old. I love the idea/look of vintage pieces on a rugged leather strap. To me I lean towards an explorer because i think it's the ultimate vintage to put on leather, being the land going rolex,(so to speak)it is a "different/unique" piece in the vintage world and a lot less seen (as vintage pieces go)
I love the vintage Sub & sea-dwellers and will have one...just see the 1655 as a piece to add as it just seems 'cool'.
If that gives you an idea :cheers

[Sjmoore11]

For me it would definitely be the 1655. I just love the unique look and think it would look great on any sort of vintage leather or the bracelet. Pretty much my grail actually! Good luck with your decision.

[droptopman]

For something a little different a nice 1655 is a great choice. Don't see many out there even in the forums.
Good luck on the hunt. I will keep my eyes open for you as well.

[thomaspp]

1680 for me. Like i always say, it's not the most exciting or exotic or expensive, but they are just damned cool.



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[Nsx_23]

Can't go wrong with either one.

[sensui]

I have to say the 1655 is growing on me (someone I know is saying I told you so)......but I'd say if you got a diver as your vintage now, do the 1655....otherwise the red sub is a stunner if original and right condition.....that's only between those 2....personally I think the maxi dial subs look great and the reds aren't worth the premium....but that's a choice you have tgo make.

[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by Sjmoore11

For me it would definitely be the 1655. I just love the unique look and think it would look great on any sort of vintage leather or the bracelet. Pretty much my grail actually! Good luck with your decision.

Originally Posted by droptopman

For something a little different a nice 1655 is a great choice. Don't see many out there even in the forums.
Good luck on the hunt. I will keep my eyes open for you as well.

Originally Posted by thomaspp

1680 for me. Like i always say, it's not the most exciting or exotic or expensive, but they are just damned cool.



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Beautiful!

Originally Posted by Nsx_23

Can't go wrong with either one.

Originally Posted by sensui

I have to say the 1655 is growing on me (someone I know is saying I told you so)......but I'd say if you got a diver as your vintage now, do the 1655....otherwise the red sub is a stunner if original and right condition.....that's only between those 2....personally I think the maxi dial subs look great and the reds aren't worth the premium....but that's a choice you have tgo make.

Thank men! Keep the opinions coming!

[BristolCavendish]

If you already own (or are planning to purchase) a modern-day Submariner, the 1655 will add variety to your daily/weekly watch selection/wear.

A 'straight-hand/MkI' Explorer II would be a sound choice if the price is right.

[AK797]

Red Sub for me, even with your gilt.

[springer]

The Explorer II is one vintage Rolex that you do not see very often and it would be my preference over a red Sub.

[Recaro18]

1655 for me..

[yannis]

Another biased 1680 vote from me although both references are fantastic Chris!

[crowncollection]

1665 for me


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[yannis]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

1665 for me


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Hey Dave he is after either a 1655 or 1680

[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by yannis7777

Hey Dave he is after either a 1655 or 1680

Typo sorry 1655


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[onthedial]

Cool Richard. When you say, "To me I lean towards an explorer because i think it's the ultimate vintage to put on leather, being the land going rolex,(so to speak)," I think you've established that the 1655 is the way to go, for you. [btw,I've never thought a leather strap on a sub makes conceptual sense].
Show us pics once you've acquired the Exp II.
__________
Instagram: @onthedial

[Zoran]

Hi Richard,
It sounds like a though choice, but for me it would be an easy one

1655 any day! A red sub can be bought at any moment later on if you would still want one. Almost every dealer has one for sale
To pull you over that thin line..

[theflywrist]

Definitely red sub for me!!!

[roh123]

Since you have a nice gilt 5513 I don´t really see the need for a 1680. The gilt is quite similar and much more fun in every way. Go for the 1655 if these two are what you looking at.

Good luck!

Edit: Missed that you are selling the gilt. Not sure why but if you didn´t get along with that I doubt you´d get along with a red sub.

[superstarmar]

1680 for sure...
1655 is way too busy for me...

[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by superstarmar

1680 for sure...
1655 is way too busy for me...

Originally Posted by roh123

Since you have a nice gilt 5513 I don´t really see the need for a 1680. The gilt is quite similar and much more fun in every way. Go for the 1655 if these two are what you looking at.

Good luck!

Edit: Missed that you are selling the gilt. Not sure why but if you didn´t get along with that I doubt you´d get along with a red sub.

Love the GILT...love Subs in general! There's a couple "age" spots on the glossy finish that bug 'me'. It's one of those things that, if you didn't know it were there, it wouldn't be seen. Just something that bothers me. So I've decided to go with something with a mat dial or a dial that's a little more stable/bulletproof. As I like to wear my vintage pieces, not 'collect' them. This is my own personal preference, so not doubting I'd love the red Sub. Just thinking I do own a deepsea blue, I'm not a diver, more of a land-loving, adventure type. So it seems the Explorer may fit in nicely with DSSD, Daytona, and GMT. But, as I said, whichever comes first....the other will follow down the road at some point.

Originally Posted by theflywrist

Definitely red sub for me!!!

Originally Posted by Zoran

Hi Richard,
It sounds like a though choice, but for me it would be an easy one

1655 any day! A red sub can be bought at any moment later on if you would still want one. Almost every dealer has one for sale
To pull you over that thin line..

Originally Posted by onthedial

Cool Richard. When you say, "To me I lean towards an explorer because i think it's the ultimate vintage to put on leather, being the land going rolex,(so to speak)," I think you've established that the 1655 is the way to go, for you. [btw,I've never thought a leather strap on a sub makes conceptual sense].
Show us pics once you've acquired the Exp II.
__________
Instagram: @onthedial

Agree, the leather definitely fits well with an explorer. I have leather on my GILT, (leather looks great on most any vintage), but 'conceptually' ....bracelet and canvas nato, fit the divers well!

Originally Posted by crowncollection

Typo sorry 1655


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Originally Posted by yannis7777

Another biased 1680 vote from me although both references are fantastic Chris!

Originally Posted by recaro18

1655 for me..

Originally Posted by springer

The Explorer II is one vintage Rolex that you do not see very often and it would be my preference over a red Sub.

Originally Posted by AK797

Red Sub for me, even with your gilt.

Originally Posted by BristolCavendish

If you already own (or are planning to purchase) a modern-day Submariner, the 1655 will add variety to your daily/weekly watch selection/wear.

A 'straight-hand/MkI' Explorer II would be a sound choice if the price is right.

appreciated men!!

[roh123]

Originally Posted by Richris1

Love the GILT...love Subs in general! There's a couple "age" spots on the glossy finish that bug 'me'. It's one of those things that, if you didn't know it were there, it wouldn't be seen. Just something that bothers me. So I've decided to go with something with a mat dial or a dial that's a little more stable/bulletproof. As I like to wear my vintage pieces, not 'collect' them. This is my own personal preference, so not doubting I'd love the red Sub. Just thinking I do own a deepsea blue, I'm not a diver, more of a land-loving, adventure type. So it seems the Explorer may fit in nicely with DSSD, Daytona, and GMT. But, as I said, whichever comes first....the other will follow down the road at some point. :

Ah. Then I understand.

I'd personally keep looking for that perfect gilt but I do know how difficult it is and yes, they are fragile. A good red sub is not a bad choice eventhough I personally prefer no-dates. From my experience a great early matte 5512/5513 is more rare to find than a red sub for some odd reason so perhaps that could be something to look into? Depending on what you like of course but I think no-dates look better and also has the benefit of you not having to fix the date every time you decide to wear it.

Whatever you go for; try to get the best possible quality so you don't get in the same position again where you get annoyed by the smallest little detail. Even if it is difficult to wait for that perfect piece it usually pays off in the end.

Best of luck!

[swish77]

Not a tough choice .... 1655 all day. Red Subs are cool, of course, but they seem to be more and more common. For a watch that's not being made any more, where are they all coming from? The white 1680s even seem more uncommon.

The 1655s have the coolest, funkiest vintage dial out there. And you just don't see that many. Good luck either way.

[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by swish77

Not a tough choice .... 1655 all day. Red Subs are cool, of course, but they seem to be more and more common. For a watch that's not being made any more, where are they all coming from? The white 1680s even seem more uncommon.

The 1655s have the coolest, funkiest vintage dial out there. And you just don't see that many. Good luck either way.

Thank you Aaron

[lhanddds]

Hey Richard, in my opinion, you have the sub world nailed with your gilt (love to have one myself). I've had a 1655 before and made a big mistake getting rid of it early in my collecting days. They are difficult watches to read, however. Maybe it's because of the many indices in the minute track. But who cares about telling time.