The Case/Dilemma of two Grail watches.

[ABM]

Gentlemen (and any Ladies), I could use your advice.

Backstory: As a boy growing up I had two watches that I fell in love with: the GMT Master and the 1680 Red Submariner. I vowed I would one day own at least one of them, and after a long time and many stars aligning, I now own two 16710 GMT Master II’s, which I refer to as “The Twins!” (see pic below). The Pepsi is a D-Series, and the Coke on Jubilee is an A-Series, both in excellent condition. I have only owned them for about 3-4 years, so to me they are still “new.”



However, the stars never aligned and I was never able to procure the Red Submariner, until recently! In browsing the internet I came across the following on HQMilton, https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/...k-iv-dial-A337 and it spoke to me. I know it is not the most perfect example, but it does “fit” my budget.

Dilemma: And here is my dilemma: to buy this one, I would have to sell “The Twins” as I cannot afford to purchase it outright (two sons heading for college so expendable income is tight).
I emailed them a proposal for trade, and received a polite reply saying that they would take my “Twins,” along with an Omega Moon watch (861), and if I could add a few more thousand dollars, the Red Submariner was mine. Ouch! But, business is business and they buy at wholesale prices and sell at retail, so I am not that surprised.

So, here is where I could use your advice:

1. Sell the twins privately (on here or on WUS) for considerably more money than I am being offered, and have almost enough to pay for the Red outright? Add the balance from savings.
2. Pass on the Red, and enjoy my “Twins” knowing I have two of my grail watches already, and watch the Red Submariners continue to escalate in price.
3. If I buy the Red, it will be many years until I can afford another 5-digit GMT. If I PASS on the Red, I may never be able to afford another one.
4. I currently wear my Twins most days of the week, while the Red will become my primary wear and my only Rolex.
5. The Red is not in the same condition as my Twins, but buying one in excellent condition will cost me my marriage and family, so this one is it.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[dlav]

I could never, ever, part with a Pepsi 16710...

Good luck on this one!

[lguevara91]

I wouldn't do it.. but then again i dont own either of your beautiful watches soooo lol

[steversaurus]

I don't mind the patina on the Red, but I think the chipping would bug me too much.

[cangelosijeff]

Two sons, two gmts to pass on later down the road. I’d say keep ‘em.

[Jack T]

You own two great watches, sit tight.

[ras47]

I would not trade/sell anything to get something else in worse condition. I'd enjoy the twins.

[PLNYC]

Originally Posted by cangelosijeff

two sons, two gmts to pass on later down the road. I’d say keep ‘em.

+1

[Uhtred59]

I think you are getting sound advice.

[Colin10101]

I’d flip one and the moonwatch and pay the difference. If that’s an option....

[dave023]

This a good deal...for them!

[Boaters]

Your in a good place now don't do a thing but enjoy the twins

[jed11]

Originally Posted by Boaters

Your in a good place now don't do a thing but enjoy the twins

Agree.


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[stratguy]

Forget it. Keep these and give one to each son when the time is right.


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[DavidUK]

The red looks old and dull compared to the Pepsi (for its colourful bezel) and the Coke (Bezel & Jubilee).

Who wants a "collectors" watch to have to worry about and maybe keep in the safe ("my precious") when you can wear your two dailys and not worry so much.

Pull yourself together, blow away the misty haze, and switch your brain back into gear. Forget the awful red thing.

[mementomori1983]

Seriously. You have two very desirable 16710s. If you sell both you will regret it in a few months.

[ABM]

I very much appreciate the sage advice of the wise members of this forum; you have been affirming what my brain has been saying as it battles my heart.

I will gladly keep and enjoy my twins and go out and buy a lottery ticket this afternoon.

[JayB]

Originally Posted by ABM

I will gladly keep and enjoy my twins and go out and buy a lottery ticket this afternoon.

Good choice

[sensui]

I'm a terrible hypocrite for saying this because I own so many GMTs.....but if one of your grails is the red sub.....why not just sell one of the 16710's here privately for market value and come up with the rest if possible? I know having kids go off to college is a big expense but amybe there's something else you can work to get the red sub? Realistically there's no need for so many GMTs....once again I am being a big hypocrite here but I'm trying to speak logically for normal collectors/people.

[101031-28]

Originally Posted by ABM

I very much appreciate the sage advice of the wise members of this forum; you have been affirming what my brain has been saying as it battles my heart.

I will gladly keep and enjoy my twins and go out and buy a lottery ticket this afternoon.

Yes! The red 1680 has charm but the ones you have are not watches I would let go of. Maybe the Omega for a white 1680 but that's about it. Good luck with the lottery ticket!

[GodZji]

Keep both GMT and forget the red. You are doing the right thing.

[ABM]

Originally Posted by sensui

I'm a terrible hypocrite for saying this because I own so many GMTs.....but if one of your grails is the red sub.....why not just sell one of the 16710's here privately for market value and come up with the rest if possible? I know having kids go off to college is a big expense but amybe there's something else you can work to get the red sub? Realistically there's no need for so many GMTs....once again I am being a big hypocrite here but I'm trying to speak logically for normal collectors/people.

Great advice, and I have thought about doing this. However, here is what I have come up against: If I sell the Omega and one GMT (and selecting which one is another story), I am still too far away from meeting the balance without taking out a loan, which I am not prepared to do. It would take me about a year to come up with the necessary funds, and who knows where the price of the Reds will be then. So keeping both, and possibly revisiting this idea next year may be the way I'll go. But thank you for taking the time to share your suggestion with me.

[sensui]

Originally Posted by ABM

Great advice, and I have thought about doing this. However, here is what I have come up against: If I sell the Omega and one GMT (and selecting which one is another story), I am still too far away from meeting the balance without taking out a loan, which I am not prepared to do. It would take me about a year to come up with the necessary funds, and who knows where the price of the Reds will be then. So keeping both, and possibly revisiting this idea next year may be the way I'll go. But thank you for taking the time to share your suggestion with me.

Yeah that would definitely be a no go.....taking out a loan for a watch. Revisiting the idea next year I'd say probably wouldn't be a terrible idea.....I think the red subs have long taken off in pricing and are starting to reach some resistance in the market in terms of demand.....the ones that's been shooting up like crazy are the maxi 5513's/white 1680s....so maybe waiting a year wouldn't be that bad of a move.....but the future is anyone's guess on vintage IMO.

[dafuture]

I think given the condition and cost of that Red, I'd stick with the two GMTs. I do understand the frustration of never owning one of your grails, but on the other hand that sounds like a massive amount to swap for a single watch (which, even patina-wise, isn't in such great shape). The ONLY way I'd consider doing this if you desperately wanted the Sub is to sell the two GMTs privately and fund it that way, while hanging onto the Omega as a variable for when you need a change of pace.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by dlav

I could never, ever, part with a Pepsi 16710...

Good luck on this one!

This.

Originally Posted by cangelosijeff

Two sons, two gmts to pass on later down the road. I’d say keep ‘em.

And this.
dP

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by cangelosijeff

Two sons, two gmts to pass on later down the road. I’d say keep ‘em.

Excellent advice.

Originally Posted by ABM

I will gladly keep and enjoy my twins and go out and buy a lottery ticket this afternoon.

Well done.

[ABM]

Originally Posted by dafuture

I think given the condition and cost of that Red, I'd stick with the two GMTs. I do understand the frustration of never owning one of your grails, but on the other hand that sounds like a massive amount to swap for a single watch (which, even patina-wise, isn't in such great shape). The ONLY way I'd consider doing this if you desperately wanted the Sub is to sell the two GMTs privately and fund it that way, while hanging onto the Omega as a variable for when you need a change of pace.

I never thought I'd be seriously considering trading/buying a $20K watch, and here I am. But your and other's comments have helped clarify my decision making process. Thanks

[paltak]

Sell one GMT and moonwatch and get SD43 instead.

[Onequik135i]

Keep the twins to pass down to your kids when the time is right.

[Fleetlord]

Have you seen a 1680 in person?