16800 or 16610

[Newbie2277]

So I was bitten by the vintage bug about 2 years ago. So far all I have is a 16013 that i adore. I always thought that my next would be a 16613, but as much as I love the blue dial, I just don't know that it would get as much wrist time as if I were to go with all SS. I figure I already have a TT in the Datejust, so I've just been all over the place as to what my next will be. A black sub was NEVER on the radar because I feel like they're a dime a dozen, however, I've recently become a bit smitten with the 16800 matte dial version with pumpkin tritium lume color on dial and hands.

I know a watch isn't an "investment" but I'd still like to purchase something that I could as least get what I paid or very close to it should I decide to sell down the road. I've also checked out the 16610 tritium version that would be a little lower purchase price, however not as much of a "collectible." Of course I like the vintage Day-Dates but they're more than I'm looking to pay and I feel like a little too similar to my Datejust, so that's what brought me back to the 16800 or 16610. Not really sure what my question is, just looking for some opinions. Would a 16800 (probably no later than a 1984 due to looking for matte dial) in good working condition last me many years? I'm thinking, if a 16800 costs about $3-$4k more than a 16610, how long would it take to make up that value on resale market. If it's decade and decades, I should probably just go with an early 16610 glossy dial w/tritium. Sorry for the ramblings...happy Saturday!

April

[0nly5iv3Digits]

I own two 16610s and love them to death. But I’ve always lusted after the 16800 “palletoni”matte dials. They are simply gorgeous!

As far as resale value, I doubt that you’d have any issues making up the difference in a short period of time. You wouldn’t be “waiting” a decade. They are very few and far between - truly a rarity in Rolex land. Anyone who tells you otherwise is, unfortunately, misinformed. That means there will always be a market for them. And as I’m sure you know, for rare pieces, prices can quickly get away from any potential buyer. They have a strong following to be sure!

The only thing I will say is that they aren’t the most robust. And that isn’t a “dig” at the watch, but rather the fact that the lume plots become brittle as all hell. It’s important to consider your lifestyle and how often and during what occasions you’d want to wear a palletoni. Any tritium piece with sufficiently aged luminescence will require special care.

But I’m in camp palletoni for sure!!!

[Newbie2277]

Originally Posted by 0nly5iv3Digits

I own two 16610s and love them to death. But I’ve always lusted after the 16800 “palletoni”matte dials. They are simply gorgeous!

As far as resale value, I doubt that you’d have any issues making up the difference in a short period of time. You wouldn’t be “waiting” a decade. They are very few and far between - truly a rarity in Rolex land. Anyone who tells you otherwise is, unfortunately, misinformed. That means there will always be a market for them. And as I’m sure you know, for rare pieces, prices can quickly get away from any potential buyer. They have a strong following to be sure!

The only thing I will say is that they aren’t the most robust. And that isn’t a “dig” at the watch, but rather the fact that the lume plots become brittle as all hell. It’s important to consider your lifestyle and how often and during what occasions you’d want to wear a palletoni. Any tritium piece with sufficiently aged luminescence will require special care.

But I’m in camp palletoni for sure!!!

Thank you, very good info to have! I've also read about the paint on the tritium dial flaking off on some. Honestly, I'd probably baby it. Definitely wouldn't plan on getting it in or really near any water...just wear it for normal day to day wear. Do the tritium plots on the early 16610s have the same issues? I just LOVE the matte dial of the 16800 but of course don't want the lume plots flaking off lol. Wonder if I should throw in a later 16610 with the luminova to the mix for consideration...this vintage world can lead down the longest rabbit holes lol.

[Dan S]

Maybe you should consider a real vintage watch, with a 4-digit reference.

[Newbie2277]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Maybe you should consider a real vintage watch, with a 4-digit reference.

Maybe one day, I think that's more than I want to get into at this point. I'm looking for more of a daily and saw someone compare a 4 digit to recommending a 1963 911 to someone as their daily driver. At this point, the more I read, the more I'm worrying about the lume of even the 16800 coming off. I guess I want the best of both worlds, a little vintage, but not something that's going to "stay in the shop" so to speak, because things keep needing repair.

[Dan S]

That's going to sound pretty silly to most readers of this forum. 4-digit Rolex watches are extremely robust daily wear watches. The car analogy is not appropriate at all.

You started the thread asking about a watch that will hold its value. You want something that will hold value, buy something collectible. Step up to the plate.

[Newbie2277]

Originally Posted by Dan S

That's going to sound pretty silly to most readers of this forum. 4-digit Rolex watches are extremely robust daily wear watches. The car analogy is not appropriate at all.

You started the thread asking about a watch that will hold its value. You want something that will hold value, buy something collectible. Step up to the plate.

I want it all Dan lol. Collectible, hold value, be a daily wearer, etc. How common is it that the tritium starts to flake off of an early 16880, or even a 1680? Is it feasible that it could be a daily wearer (not abused) and retain its lume plots for quite a while?

[Dan S]

I rarely see lume flaking from well maintained watches of any age. Buy a watch that is in good condition, have it serviced and pressure tested, and you will be fine. You are worrying about nothing.

[Newbie2277]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I rarely see lume flaking from well maintained watches of any age. Buy a watch that is in good condition, have it serviced and pressure tested, and you will be fine. You are worrying about nothing.

Okay, that makes me feel better. Now you have me looking at 1680s lol.

[Dan S]

Now we're getting somewhere.

[hutch300]

A serviced 5513 is a great daily. I’d look at one of those or a 1680.

[Newbie2277]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Now we're getting somewhere.

Beauties!

[Newbie2277]

Originally Posted by hutch300

A serviced 5513 is a great daily. I’d look at one of those or a 1680.

Thanks for the input, I'll look into those as well :)

[Erpin]

Love my 16800 with tropical dial.




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[TuRo]

Good luck with the hunt....ref your comment :

''I've also checked out the 16610 tritium version that would be a little lower purchase price, however not as much of a "collectible."

That's true about a 16800 v 16610, although the tritium 16610 will like the T 14060,16600 in my opinion be much more valuable than a post 2000 L version in 15 to 20 yrs, when they have nearly all been tucked away.

The 16800 matte is imho actually underpriced, as it is only about £2-3k more than a wgs version. By comparison a 16660 matte is getting on for twice that of a 16660 WGS, as is the 16750 matte over a w.g.s...so i think they are a good bet long run.

Having said all that, I prefer a plexi/matte combo of an earlier 1680/5513.

Ps nothing wrong with a 1964 (G) - 911 as a 'day - driver', had one.....

[Swearengen]

I don't think you can go wrong with a matt 16800 as it is the best of all worlds IMHO:

Fast beat movement
Quick Set Date
Matt/tritium dial
Saphire crystal

It is under appreciated at the moment, go get one while you can

[alwayshere]

Originally Posted by Swearengen

I don't think you can go wrong with a matt 16800 as it is the best of all worlds IMHO:

Fast beat movement
Quick Set Date
Matt/tritium dial
Saphire crystal

It is under appreciated at the moment, go get one while you can

gorgeous piece!

[Newbie2277]

Originally Posted by Swearengen

I don't think you can go wrong with a matt 16800 as it is the best of all worlds IMHO:

Fast beat movement
Quick Set Date
Matt/tritium dial
Saphire crystal

It is under appreciated at the moment, go get one while you can

My mind keeps wandering back to this one, as you said, best of both worlds, especially in the matt dial. Decisions decisions.

[Newbie2277]

Originally Posted by TuRo

Good luck with the hunt....ref your comment :

''I've also checked out the 16610 tritium version that would be a little lower purchase price, however not as much of a "collectible."

That's true about a 16800 v 16610, although the tritium 16610 will like the T 14060,16600 in my opinion be much more valuable than a post 2000 L version in 15 to 20 yrs, when they have nearly all been tucked away.

The 16800 matte is imho actually underpriced, as it is only about £2-3k more than a wgs version. By comparison a 16660 matte is getting on for twice that of a 16660 WGS, as is the 16750 matte over a w.g.s...so i think they are a good bet long run.

Having said all that, I prefer a plexi/matte combo of an earlier 1680/5513.

Ps nothing wrong with a 1964 (G) - 911 as a 'day - driver', had one.....

Thanks for the input, and I am in total agreement on the 911. Much worse daily drivers out there lol.

[jedione65]

Originally Posted by Newbie2277

Maybe one day, I think that's more than I want to get into at this point. I'm looking for more of a daily and saw someone compare a 4 digit to recommending a 1963 911 to someone as their daily driver. At this point, the more I read, the more I'm worrying about the lume of even the 16800 coming off. I guess I want the best of both worlds, a little vintage, but not something that's going to "stay in the shop" so to speak, because things keep needing repair.

Sorry but the 4 digit references are great daily wear watches and run really well and also quite easy to service and regulate. I think you’ve got the wrong idea.

[jedione65]

Also the only trouble with some 4 digit references is the non quickest date, which really shouldn’t be an issue if you wear your watch daily like you intend to.

[Newbie2277]

Originally Posted by jedione65

Sorry but the 4 digit references are great daily wear watches and run really well and also quite easy to service and regulate. I think you’ve got the wrong idea.

Very good to know. I see different opinions on the maintenance aspect of a true vintage but consensus seems to be that they function great as a daily and don't require much upkeep as long as they aren't abused.

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by Swearengen

I don't think you can go wrong with a matt 16800 as it is the best of all worlds IMHO:

Fast beat movement
Quick Set Date
Matt/tritium dial
Saphire crystal

It is under appreciated at the moment, go get one while you can

That's a beauty!

[IgCarr]

Here's my 1986 16800. Though this is a later example, the lume is turning a warm creamy hue and the previously gloss dial is turning matte. I love the earlier models but couldn't pass this one up.