Beater Sub

[WatchEater666]

I want a vintage sub as a "beater" that I don't have to worry about damaging or swapping parts on. I love the look of tropical/cream dials.

Any idea where to look for a "frankenstein" vintage sub that has already had a few parts swapped out for newer ones? Honestly I don't even mind something with the entire movement swapped, etc.

[Dan S]

These show up all the time on eBay, and I'm sure you can find several 5513s right now with a lot of service parts, usually dial/hands/insert. I don't call these Frankensteins, but the service parts don't have much value. The problem is that sellers often think they're worth more than they really are, so you may need to wait for an auction.

[Sublovin]

Unfortunately, I think the ship sailed on that idea several years ago. I see “beater” vintage subs everyday.....the problem is everyone thinks they have something much more special than they do and are asking “non-beater” money.
You can wear anything as a beater, just be prepared to pay.

[springer]

Originally Posted by WatchEater666

I want a vintage sub as a "beater" that I don't have to worry about damaging or swapping parts on. I love the look of tropical/cream dials.

Any idea where to look for a "frankenstein" vintage sub that has already had a few parts swapped out for newer ones? Honestly I don't even mind something with the entire movement swapped, etc.

Dan nailed it. Ebay...ebay...ebay. Most reputable dealers don't care to sell beaters.

[WatchEater666]

That's my problem too...it seems like a lot of asking prices don't discount enough for the condition some of these pieces are in but I guess it's just a game of watching eBay!

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by WatchEater666

Any idea where to look for a "frankenstein" vintage sub that has already had a few parts swapped out for newer ones? Honestly I don't even mind something with the entire movement swapped, etc.

I wouldn't advise this approach. If you buy a decent piece you probably won't lose money - you're just shifting the money to a different vehicle, and you can sell a good vintage Rolex any time without losing much. Possibly even gaining.

Intentionally buying a frankenstein is just pouring money down the drain. Do yourself a favor.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by WatchEater666

. . .
Any idea where to look for a "frankenstein" vintage sub that has already had a few parts swapped out for newer ones? Honestly I don't even mind something with the entire movement swapped, etc.

You would be hard pressed to find an older Sub that didn't have a few parts swapped out, it's normal.

New and replacement parts on an older watch doesn't make it a "frankenstein", it makes it a well maintained time-piece that would bring top dollar.

[arcadelt]

Buy new and turn it into a beater all by yourself. Once you make the decision that it’s a watch for life and not an "investment", it becomes very easy to build your own story into it.

[Kingsking]

I had the same fantasy but like others said I quickly realized beater subs don't equal beater prices lol. I ended up settling on a pretty nice Tudor Lolipop Sub for about 5k USD instead.

[tekno]

All day every day... I wouldn’t call it a beater, but it’s a watch I wear daily that I don’t worry about.


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[JustinK]

I used to wear a 16750 daily but since prices went crazy I bought a beater sub to wear daily. The lume even glows

[WatchEater666]

Originally Posted by JustinK

I used to wear a 16750 daily but since prices went crazy I bought a beater sub to wear daily. The lume even glows

Pretty much exactly what I'm after. I don't even care about the bracelet as I intend on throwing it on rubber.

Where did you pick it up? Any good ideas on where to find a similar watch?

[JustinK]

I found it at a jewelry shop with a refinished dial and in need of service. The insert was really the only thing I liked about the watch but I wanted something cheap to wear daily. I sourced a replacement dial and hands and love the result.

I would look local and be prepared to pay cash. You never know what you might find.

[Filipão]

Two liner Submariner 14060M, beautiful balanced ideal beater with Luminova that glows like hell:

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Filipão

Two liner Submariner 14060M, beautiful balanced ideal beater with Luminova that glows like hell:

Very nice.

The 14060M is the archetypal beater for me. Rugged as hell, simple, relatively affordable, easily serviceable, versatile for any bracelet/strap choice, no date complication to bother with, and not bad looking either.

OP, you'd be much better off considering something like this rather than some kind of franken vintage piece.

[214270Explorer]

Originally Posted by zapokee

The 14060M is the archetypal beater for me. Rugged as hell, simple, relatively affordable, easily serviceable, versatile for any bracelet/strap choice, no date complication to bother with, and not bad looking either.

OP, you'd be much better off considering something like this rather than some kind of franken vintage piece.

This man knows his stuff.

[tekno]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Very nice.

The 14060M is the archetypal beater for me. Rugged as hell, simple, relatively affordable, easily serviceable, versatile for any bracelet/strap choice, no date complication to bother with, and not bad looking either.

OP, you'd be much better off considering something like this rather than some kind of franken vintage piece.

I agree, there isn’t any real good reason to buy a Frankenstein watch. You will spend the same amount.

Is a Tudor 79090 out of the picture... meaning does it have to be a Rolex...


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[donq]

The times of cheap beater Subs sadly seems to be over.
Even the rough ones are over $6000.00 on EBay.

[vintagetudor]

That is beautiful !!!

[MAJ75]

Originally Posted by tekno

All day every day... I wouldn’t call it a beater, but it’s a watch I wear daily that I don’t worry about.


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Love this shot, sums up the natural tool watch environment well.....

[Styles Bitchley]

Have a look at offerings from forum member ponycar350 (no affiliation). I find he often has some very well used (beaterish) pieces at reasonable prices.

[plexigary]

Originally Posted by tekno

All day every day... I wouldn’t call it a beater, but it’s a watch I wear daily that I don’t worry about.

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Perfect "tool" for the job. What year is this Tudor?

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by plexigary

Perfect "tool" for the job. What year is this Tudor?

It is super-nice, but I'd have that lollipop lume stabilized if it's worn as a daily. It's going to fall out sooner or later.

[Tools]

Here is one of my Beater Subs. Cost me $3,800 brand new, but wears like a million bucks.

It's been in more than a couple of oceans and seas too.

MSub8.JPG

[Yachtbuoy]

Originally Posted by Tools

Here is one of my Beater Subs. Cost me $3,800 brand new, but wears like a million bucks.

It's been in more than a couple of oceans and seas too.

Attachment 1170545

Definitely wish I could go back in time to where you could pick up a Submariner for the cost of a vintage Datejust these days.

[Filipão]

@Tools, I am in the search for the correct anchor for a 1994 Sub.

Yours above has what seems to be the latter issue of the Sub anchor, can you please disclose its prod. year, please?

Thank you so much!

Filipe

P.S. Please, if you know which is the correct anchor for 1994... (flat 3, round 3, long stem?)

[interestedwatcher]

Originally Posted by tekno

I agree, there isn’t any real good reason to buy a Frankenstein watch. You will spend the same amount.

Is a Tudor 79090 out of the picture... meaning does it have to be a Rolex...


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Love Tudors - especially the lollipop. Good choice sir.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Filipão

@Tools, I am in the search for the correct anchor for a 1994 Sub.

. . .

P.S. Please, if you know which is the correct anchor for 1994... (flat 3, round 3, long stem?)

Around '94 is when Rolex went from the long to short anchor, then a decade later they stopped altogether.

Rolex did not really package watches with these accessories, the Dealer had them in a box and just reached in, picked one out, and stuck it in the package. Even when Rolex changed depth ratings on the Sub Date with the 16800, they didn't make new anchors, they just glued a green dot with the new rating over top of the old rating.

As with most things Rolex, you cannot draw a line in the sand - there was always carry over and many times it was through several years.

[Filipão]

Originally Posted by Tools

Around '94 is when Rolex went from the long to short anchor, then a decade later they stopped altogether.

Rolex did not really package watches with these accessories, the Dealer had them in a box and just reached in, picked one out, and stuck it in the package. Even when Rolex changed depth ratings on the Sub Date with the 16800, they didn't make new anchors, they just glued a green dot with the new rating over top of the old rating.

As with most things Rolex, you cannot draw a line in the sand - there was always carry over and many times it was through several years.

Thank you Larry. This means your Luminova Sub with long stem anchor is earlier than 1994?

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Tools

Here is one of my Beater Subs. Cost me $3,800 brand new, but wears like a million bucks.

It's been in more than a couple of oceans and seas too.

Perfect beater.