Trade a 1680 white for a 1016.. Would you?

[slowhand]

Am itching for a 1016, and will be going to Hong Kong soon which I hear is vintage rolex heaven..

A friend has sent me pictures of a beautiful matte 1016 in one of the HK watch shops which certainly whets the appetite..

Problem is at this time I would have to trade in my white 1680 to fund it..

Would you do it? Am afraid I will have regrets after getting back from HK if I do find a nice piece.

This is not a value fairness question, more of whether you think it would be a step up/down in terms of collectability/desirability.. Of course it's subjective but I would like to know what you guys think!

Cheers all....

[SubKing]

no way, i wouldn't. Sub is an iconic model over any other model rolex, in terms of collectability and functionality. I think you will regret it. Not to say the explorer isn't a nice watch, But were talking about a Submariner here regardless of the year or model.

[Renoir]

If it were me I wouldn't do it, but if you really have the itch for a 1016 it probably won't go away 'til one's on your wrist.

[Jason71]

Absolutely not. NO WAY.

[swish77]

Never. Keep the Sub. You will regret getting rid of it. Now, the Explorer is a beautiful watch, but it serves a very different purpose and has such a different look and feel. If you can, keep your Sub AND get the 1016. Good luck!

[kooltzar]

I would. You can later get another 1680 back, there much easier to find than good explorer 1016 ones.

[andromeda160]

I think there both about equally collectable and desireable at this point. but I think you'd probably do better in the long run on the 1016. but its all purely speculation, both models are still made and prices are going up for both of them whats gonna be collectible in 20 years is beyond me. But from what i've noticed the least collectible stuff tends to be the most collectible in the future.

also there were alot less explorers made that subs, and I think that explorers are undervalued right now.

[apan]

Originally Posted by kooltzar

I would. You can later get another 1680 back, there much easier to find than good explorer 1016 ones.

I agree. Explorers are much harder to source, especially mint examples.

1680s, white or red, are relatively much more common.

Also, it appears like the Explorer is starting to rise in value again. Demand and tastes fluctuate.

[Frogman4me]

I wouldn't do it. Much prefer the Sub.

[turpe]

Originally Posted by slowhand

This is not a value fairness question, more of whether you think it would be a step up/down in terms of collectability/desirability.. Of course it's subjective but I would like to know what you guys think!

Cheers all....

I don't feel that the desirability of a watch within collectors' circles should be a factor in your decision - it's simply a question of if you prefer the 1016 over the 1680.

Whilst a majority of folks would say that the Sub is the more iconic of the two, one of my friends deliberately sought out a 1016 as he preferred the simplicity and understated styling.

I, on the other hand, had the opportunity to pick up a fantastic 1016 a while back, but held off because I knew that what I really wanted was a Red 1680. Now that I have that watch (thanks, Jaçek!), I know that I made the right choice for myself.

Provided that you neither sell your 1680 for a pittance, nor overpay for a 1016, the only thing that should factor into your decision is which watch 'sings' to you the sweetest.

With market fluctuations and the vagaries that surround the supply/demand chain with vintage Rolex watches, there's no way to predict which is more likely to appreciate in value or desirability over time - just get the watch that you like the most.

[katana]

NEVER, no matter how you count, do not. Submariner is the Submariner .....

[HL65]

Not for me however if it is what you really want then go for it. For me though the Sub works just fine! Cheers,

[mks4]

You probably need to try on a 1016 and that will answer 90% of your question. My opinion is that it wears more "delicate" than a 14270 whereas a 1680 compares more similarly to a modern Sub.

All that being said, 1016's are awful to source, seem to flow to Japan (read: expensive) and are tough to find in later models. Subs are classic but they're everywhere.

You'll own both eventually...maybe wait a bit and buy a 1016 straight up?

[arabesque]

For me, it all depends on the condition of the particular watches. I will compare and choose the one with the better collectible-quality condition.

[RC2]

Originally Posted by Jason71

Absolutely not. NO WAY.

Agree

[Tudor66]

I just did a trade that some would consider unthinkable, I traded one of my submariners, a 16800 + cash for a vintage GMT 1675. I am really happy with the result of the trade. I recommend doing what you really want to improve your collection, only you know if it's the right trade...

[Z-Dweller]

Depends on which watch "sings to you." I'm sold on my 1680, for now.

One day, a Red Submariner. It doesn't end.

[James 45]

Do it! And if you get tried of it go back. Just don't sell low or buy high. Its' half the fun of collecting!

[nick c]

No don't it

[subtona]

1 of the things i like about the 1016 is the significant vintage parts are under glass.

vs

the Sub, wear the Bezel often takes a beating and is replaced without matching... just always bugs me.... pip gets replaced or falls out or doesn't match patina etc.

not to mention the 1016 is a super comfortable under the radar piece!

[strafer_kid]

1680 Sub is awesome!

[slowhand]

Thanks for the feedball all...

Pics of the watch in question...

[adam78]

A very hard question which I can't answer. I had 2 1016s (matte and gilt) and a 5513 Sub before I bought a 1680, and still have all of them, and love them for different reasons.

[ghostdial]

I would keep the 1680. But that my personal favorite, so I'm a little biased