Rolex Submariner 16610 Links

[Dan2394]

Hi,

I am looking to purchase my first Rolex. The Submariner 16610 is my top choice at the moment.
I have a few questions I was hoping someone could help me with.

- I have read about the solid end links, which years of 16610 have the solid end links?
- Do all 16610 have hollow mid links or did they change to solid after a certain year?
- Many of the 16610 I have seen are similar prices to a brand new 116610, is this a more sensible option than buying a brand new?
- I wanted to purchase a watch with box and papers, some of the watches come with a manual as well. Is this important or are the box and papers the most important items?

Any help or advise you could give me would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

[Tools]

Solid end links started around 2000 on the Sub Date.

All 16610 with the 93150 or 93250 bracelets have "hollow" center links. However, the later so-called "solid" centers are not really solid, they simply have a couple of connecting webs around the screw-bar holes.

Prices are what they are. Older and "vintage" Rolex can cost quite a bit more than a new one, depending on the reference in question.

The most important item is the watch.

[Watchgeek5000]

Solid end links began late "A" serial number 1999 or so.
Papers are the most important in the set, but remember.... They are just expired warranties. A box and books could always be found separate if needed. Let the condition of the watch dictate your decision, I'd rather have a clean non polished/none stretched bracelet watch without papers than an over polished example with a bracelet that has stretch that has papers. When looking for these older examples, condition is key!

[mtgjr]

Originally Posted by Watchgeek5000

Solid end links began late "A" serial number 1999 or so.
Papers are the most important in the set, but remember.... They are just expired warranties. A box and books could always be found separate if needed. Let the condition of the watch dictate your decision, I'd rather have a clean non polished/none stretched bracelet watch without papers than an over polished example with a bracelet that has stretch that has papers. When looking for these older examples, condition is key!

+1. Full sets are nice, but the condition of the watch is far more important. If you can find a mint condition full set at a fair price, that's fantastic. But if I had to choose one or the other, I'd absolutely opt for the mint example and forego the other stuff that just stays in the closet.

[Dan2394]

Thanks very much for the replies.
I’ve found a pre-owned 16610 with box, papers & manual says it’s in 1 mint condition for £750 less than a brand new 116610. Would you say the pre-owned submariner is a better purchase as it shouldn’t lose money? Or are there any reasons why the new model is a better buy? I think prefer the small/thinner looks of the 16610.
Thanks again for your help & advise.