Opinions on my First Rolex Early 16800

[Tarek307]

Hey guys, i'm not a watch guy, just recently got into a watches, being a Porsche fanatic a few months ago i bought a new Heuer Monaco Gulf Edition, love it but i have small wrists and it feels a just a bit cumbersome-

Wanted something vintage but could also wear daily and not feel like i need to take off every time i came home and wanted to relax, did some research and decided on a 16800 Matte Dial.

Friend of a friend happened to be selling the particular watch with the right patina i wanted, he's a dealer w a great reputation online M&B watches in Dallas ..he overnighted me the watch to try on with no obligation to buy it.

Watch got here and i literally love it love love it..fits perfect and i absolutely love the leather strap its on.

The watch was just serviced by their in house watch maker & came with a period correct box but no bracelet or papers, i don't care about the bracelet because i don't wear them, but i do understand it effects the value down the road.

The asking price was $10k but i got a nice friends and family discount though and didn't pay that.

I really love the way this particular watch aged, the Patina is spectacular IMO and the case still has sharp edges and isn't overly polished from what i can tell.

Let me know your opinions as i'm new to all this, thanks

[Tarek307]

was my first post so i guess pics didn't show up! here they are

[Glosstritium]

Originally Posted by Tarek307

was my first post so i guess pics didn't show up! here they are

Very nice, wear in good health...

But the insert is a later insert for the 16800 transitional gloss dial starting in 1984...

The datewheel is a later service 16610 and suppose to be a silver or off white open 6 and 9...

And of course I don't see the oyster bracelet, did it come with it? Does the date code match and is the end links 593 a flat top 3?

What did you pay? Just curious...

[Tarek307]

Originally Posted by Glosstritium

Very nice, wear in good health...

But the insert is a later insert for the 16800 transitional gloss dial starting in 1984...

The datewheel is a later service 16610 and suppose to be a silver or off white open 6 and 9...

And of course I don't see the oyster bracelet, did it come with it? Does the date code match and is the end links 593 a flat top 3?

What did you pay? Just curious...

You must have not read the post at all lol. The dial is a matte dial not a gloss dial. The watch did not come with a bracelet and i paid less than asking price of 10k by a pretty good amount

[Tarek307]

Originally Posted by Glosstritium

Very nice, wear in good health...

But the insert is a later insert for the 16800 transitional gloss dial starting in 1984...

The datewheel is a later service 16610 and suppose to be a silver or off white open 6 and 9...

And of course I don't see the oyster bracelet, did it come with it? Does the date code match and is the end links 593 a flat top 3?

What did you pay? Just curious...

The dial is a matte dial not a gloss dial (maybe pic is a bit glossy) . No bracelet as i mentioned in the post -

They were asking 10k gave me 15% off rite off the top, compared to what else i saw on the market i'm pretty happy, the patina is what does it for me and that matte dial is so sexy!

[Tarek307]

Dial is matte- is that what you are talking about? what is the insert something different?

[TimeLord2]

The insert is the black aluminum ring with the numbers on the rotating bezel. Those are often replaced when they are sent in for service but Vintage watch people treasure the faded look and originality much more than pristine condition examples. Vintage is a whole other area. Very nice watch and a nice patina on the hands and lume dots, the case looks very nice too. Beautiful.

[Tarek307]

Originally Posted by Glosstritium

Very nice, wear in good health...

But the insert is a later insert for the 16800 transitional gloss dial starting in 1984...

The datewheel is a later service 16610 and suppose to be a silver or off white open 6 and 9...

And of course I don't see the oyster bracelet, did it come with it? Does the date code match and is the end links 593 a flat top 3?

What did you pay? Just curious...

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

The insert is the black aluminum ring with the numbers on the rotating bezel. Those are often replaced when they are sent in for service but Vintage watch people treasure the faded look and originality much more than pristine condition examples. Vintage is a whole other area. Very nice watch and a nice patina on the hands and lume dots, the case looks very nice too. Beautiful.

Thanks man, what i was after was a clean looking case, nice patina on the dial and lumes and a trusted seller- So i'm happy with it- Not real worried about the insert thing, it does look a little vintage doesn't look brand new so it matches the watch fine

[lhanddds]

Very nice patina. The matte dial with sapphire is always an interesting combo.

[Styles Bitchley]

Very nice hand and dial patina. If the pearl matched it would bring it all together nicely. Not sure about that date wheel too. Not only is it a closed 9, but it looks awfully small.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Glosstritium]

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

Very nice hand and dial patina. If the pearl matched it would bring it all together nicely. Not sure about that date wheel too. Not only is it a closed 9, but it looks awfully small.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Possibly also the crystal is aftermarket since the magnification is weak, we already know the datewheel is incorrect...

[Tarek307]

So is it normal that the date wheel was changed due to servicing sometime in its life?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Tarek307

So is it normal that the date wheel was changed due to servicing sometime in its life?

Rolex will recommend replacement of anything that doesn't meet their aesthetic standards. When a watch is relatively new, often an owner will simply agree to these recommendations, since he is not really thinking about the watch as something that will be collectible far in the future. So yes, it's fairly normal to find replaced hands, bezel insert, date wheel, etc. That's why watches in original condition are rare and desirable.

[onthedial]

@Tarek307
Buying a vintage watch isn’t easy. It’s important to “question” every potential acquisition...really interrogate the timepiece, if you will. One approach is to list all the deviations the watch currently embodies compared to how it originally left the factory or retail shop. Some deviations can be expected and rectified; too many deviations can be a red flag.
——————
IG: @onthedial


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Woody]

Looks like a great watch to me and a good buy for your first venture into vintage Rolex. The date wheel and bezel insert can always be replaced at a later date (should you wish to do so) and a bracelet sourced.......but the important thing is that you have a very strong case and a dial and matching handset with great patina. I am sure that you will have many years of good service and enjoyment from this Sub. Congratulations.

[Tarek307]

Thanks dnc09c you are rite lol, i don't wanna start doubting my choice here lol. I think for what i paid, having a serviced newer date wheel & insert aren't a big deal, i don't see any matte dial ones in even close to comparable condition under $8000, cheapest ones being in the $6500 range and look like turds put together.

[Tarek307]

Originally Posted by Woody

Looks like a great watch to me and a good buy for your first venture into vintage Rolex. The date wheel and bezel insert can always be replaced at a later date (should you wish to do so) and a bracelet sourced.......but the important thing is that you have a very strong case and a dial and matching handset with great patina. I am sure that you will have many years of good service and enjoyment from this Sub. Congratulations.

Thanks Woody , appreciate the compliment- best part is i dont think i'll ever worry about a bracelet, they are not my style, i'm a leather strap guy

[springer]

Looks like a very nice example and a great price. I wouldn't worry at all about a replaced date wheel or insert - many of these vintage Rolex watches have had those parts replaced.

[CPRWATCH]

Congratulations on a great pick up , I have a 16800 & it's one of my favourites .And as others have already posted , you can always change the date wheel & insert at a later date . But you have a great case & lovely matching dial & handset, which are the things that really matter & I really hope you get as much enjoyment from wearing yours as I do from mine

[Tarek307]

Originally Posted by CPRWATCH

Congratulations on a great pick up , I have a 16800 & it's one of my favourites .And as others have already posted , you can always change the date wheel & insert at a later date . But you have a great case & lovely matching dial & handset, which are the things that really matter & I really hope you get as much enjoyment from wearing yours as I do from mine

Thanks CPR...and u had to trade me with that open 6 in your pic ?? Hahaha

[cardiel]

Looks like a very nice example and a great price. I wouldn't worry at all about a replaced date wheel or insert - many of these vintage Rolex watches have had those parts replaced.

this!!

[JustinK]

Nice watch, I love the 16800 as it has the vintage look but a quickset movement. Congrats!

[Tarek307]

Originally Posted by JustinK

Nice watch, I love the 16800 as it has the vintage look but a quickset movement. Congrats!

I do as well, thing i like the most about it is that i can wear it daily, i'm actually selling all my other watches (Heuer Monaco / 2 Modern Carrera Tag) but maybe keeping my 1970s vintage Heuer Montreal