1980 birthday sub

[Bonesey]

First post on these boards, still spending a lot of time absorbing the huge amount of information available! As a 35th birthday present to myself (a few years off yet) I was thinking about getting a black sub. I was tempted to purchase a new one that I could then hand on down to my son, but the idea of buying one from my own year of birth is tempting as well.

I'm not too fussed about condition as this would be a daily wearer, but of course has to be good internally. What sort of price am I looking at for a 35 year old Sub (with or without date)

Any advice/thoughts much appreciated. Thanks for your time

Rich.

[Rickster]

Welcome to the forum!

I would say pick a budget might be the best way to go. There are so many options/styles/conditions etc etc all will reflect a different price. Take some time (months) and watch the classified section. You will begin to get an idea of what you can get for your money.

[Bonesey]

Thanks for the advice, having thought, I'm not even sure 1980 classifies as 'Vintage'?

I have a budget in my head of £3.5-4.5k.

[dsio]

Originally Posted by Bonesey

Thanks for the advice, having thought, I'm not even sure 1980 classifies as 'Vintage'?

I have a budget in my head of £3.5-4.5k.

1980 Gets you into a 1680 Submariner (final year) or 5513. Price would fit too. The 1680 production run was late 1960s through to 1980, so getting a final year model would fit your requirements, and as the only difference between the 1980 model and the 1960s model is red/white writing and hacking, it definitely counts as a vintage model.

[Bonesey]

Just out of curiosity which would be the most desirable from a collectors point of view? I've had a look about and some of the 1980 role have some amazing patina and character. Looking forward to the chase towards my Grail watch now :)

[Poohsan]

Its hard to look into the future to determine what will be "hot". Things change each year and there is always something that will become hot for some unknown reason. The 1680 is a classic and has a strong following. It should retain its value and increase over time. If the watch is for you then I would suggest getting the one that makes you smile when you try it on as that is the only thing that truly matters. Personally I like the date function as I never know what day it is. I also own a birth year 1680 from 1973.

[globoat]

How well would a 1981 watch be running? Would it be decent but in need of servicing, or hacked up and patched up like a B? I always think about getting a watch of my birth year...

[Badfish179]

Originally Posted by globoat

How well would a 1981 watch be running? Would it be decent but in need of servicing, or hacked up and patched up like a B? I always think about getting a watch of my birth year...

It should run great. I have a 5512 from 1963 and it runs perfectly and within COSC standards.

[Racer X]

Originally Posted by globoat

How well would a 1981 watch be running? Would it be decent but in need of servicing, or hacked up and patched up like a B?

It depends upon when it was last serviced. Once serviced though, it should run great. My '69 sub is more accurate than my 2010 sub!

[Poohsan]

X3 Depends on the last service.
My (1973) Sub 1680 keeps better time than my (2002) Sub 16610. In addition I prefer the plastic crystal over sapphire as it shows fewer finger prints.

[dsio]

My '79 1680 averages +2/week on the wrist full-time. These vintage pieces tend to get more attention and love from watchmakers from their owners than modern watches do, which is probably why they're all regulated to perfection.

I get the feeling watchmakers themselves probably take a bit more care and effort in regulating vintage pieces, as they know what they're capable of and how impressive it is when an old watch outdoes its newer cousins.

[conrail]

I'm also on the lookout for a 1980 (birth year) Sub, probably a 1680/0 or 5513. Very good choices! :)