The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Old 2 June 2020, 09:42 PM   #1
Canary2323
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 55
Does year of submariner make a difference

I'm looking to buy submariner within the next week had a few I've been looking. There's a few I've been deciding on but two are form the 80s and one is from the early 90s all in fair used condition and about the same price . Is there any difference between the older vs slightly newer ?

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk
Canary2323 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 June 2020, 09:47 PM   #2
iliketime
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Real Name: Jack
Location: NYC
Watch: 16570, 16710
Posts: 1,534
yes, depending on what you are looking at, there were material changes to the case, and possibly movement changes as well.
iliketime is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 June 2020, 10:33 PM   #3
fskywalker
2024 Pledge Member
 
fskywalker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Real Name: Francisco
Location: San Juan, PR
Watch: Is Ticking !
Posts: 24,521
As said above would need to be more specific to say. No hole case / hole case, different fonts on inserts, dial variations, solid end links versus non solid, etc.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
__________________
Francisco
♛ 16610 / 116264
Ω 168.022 / 2535.80.00 / 2230.50.00
Zenith 02.470.405
Henry Archer Eclipse

2FA security enabled
fskywalker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 June 2020, 11:04 PM   #4
77T
2024 Pledge Member
 
77T's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: PaulG
Location: Georgia
Posts: 40,565
Quote:
Originally Posted by Canary2323 View Post
I'm looking to buy submariner within the next week had a few I've been looking. There's a few I've been deciding on but two are form the 80s and one is from the early 90s all in fair used condition and about the same price . Is there any difference between the older vs slightly newer ?

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk


There can be a difference inside but the outer appearance is fairly similar. Of course, condition is the most important matter.

But inside, early 1980s model 16800 Subs had the Rolex caliber 3085 movement. The 16800 was launched in 1979, and now called a transitional model - bridging the gap from the 4-digit 1680 to the 5-digit era.

By 1988, the new caliber 3135 had replaced the 3085. And the model 16610 became a new legend.

That didn’t change in the 1990’s - same movement inside but minor improvements in materials and better crafting. Those changes are invisible but they make for better longevity. You might see some minor visible dial and case differences, but none really affect an owner.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
__________________


Does anyone really know what time it is?
77T is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 June 2020, 11:11 PM   #5
Canary2323
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 55
These are the two I was deciding on , both no paperwork. 16800 vs 11610

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk
Canary2323 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 June 2020, 11:12 PM   #6
Canary2323
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 55
TheseScreenshot_20200602-083607_Chrome.jpgIMG_20200602_083628.jpg

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk
Canary2323 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 June 2020, 11:24 PM   #7
Parapraxis
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Toronto
Posts: 695
Details are everything with Rolex, especially older submariners. Do your research before you purchase.
Parapraxis is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 June 2020, 11:38 PM   #8
Spoonage
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: California
Posts: 3,054
Since they are similar appeance models it depends on what you're looking for as stated above. If you like the patina look the first pic you posted has more of a "creamy" coloration that many desire on an older model. I'm not too up on vintage models but I believe the 16800 was the "transitional" model with less years in production. Someone PLEASE CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG. I don't know if there was a clasp difference with those models maybe someone can chime in.

Not model specific but another thing that you'll see or read about is the case regarding polished / not polished. And make sure it's been serviced or take that into cost considerations. Service can be upwards of $500.

Most important buy the seller.
Spoonage is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 June 2020, 12:22 AM   #9
Parapraxis
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Toronto
Posts: 695
Quote:
Originally Posted by Canary2323 View Post
These are the two I was deciding on , both no paperwork. 16800 vs 11610

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk
No paperwork on the most copied watch in the world? Wow, you're brave.
Parapraxis is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 June 2020, 12:34 AM   #10
Swearengen
"TRF" Member
 
Swearengen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Real Name: Gabriel
Location: London, UK
Posts: 1,806
The paperwork isn't that hard to copy, easier than a watch so I am not sure what your point is?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Parapraxis View Post
No paperwork on the most copied watch in the world? Wow, you're brave.
__________________

1680 1675 16800 16570 16710 17000 16613 17013

Gone but not forgotten 16610LV 1016
16234
Swearengen is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 3 June 2020, 12:50 AM   #11
Melanotaenia
"TRF" Member
 
Melanotaenia's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Real Name: Jonathan
Location: NYC
Watch: Explorers and Subs
Posts: 620
Ask about most recent service, as this could also be a factor depending given the cost of service for a Rolex watch
__________________
16570 -- 16600 -- 16610 -- 116610LV -- 216570 -- 116400
Melanotaenia is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 June 2020, 04:01 AM   #12
Jimmy 1665
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Deva Victrix
Watch: 1665/16610/114060
Posts: 70
Hands look pitted in the 1st picture.
What's going on with those lume plots, some uneven patina in there.
Bezel looks like its had a hard polishing in both pictures.
Gaps between the inside of the lugs and the end links are too much for me.
That poor 16610 has had a kicking over it's life.
No service papers - ouch.

I'd personally keep looking.

Last edited by Jimmy 1665; 3 June 2020 at 04:03 AM.. Reason: Accuracy
Jimmy 1665 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 June 2020, 04:02 AM   #13
77T
2024 Pledge Member
 
77T's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: PaulG
Location: Georgia
Posts: 40,565
Quote:
Originally Posted by Swearengen View Post
The paperwork isn't that hard to copy, easier than a watch so I am not sure what your point is?

Agree - two fairly useless posts in same thread.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
__________________


Does anyone really know what time it is?
77T is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 June 2020, 04:06 AM   #14
77T
2024 Pledge Member
 
77T's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: PaulG
Location: Georgia
Posts: 40,565
Does year of submariner make a difference

Quote:
Originally Posted by Canary2323 View Post
These are the two I was deciding on , both no paperwork. 16800 vs 11610

Quote:
Originally Posted by Canary2323 View Post
If you must choose between only these two - and have no ability to find better ones for sale - then...

All other factors being equal or nearly so (price, condition, service history, long-term single owners, etc.) - I would have to opt for the 16610.

That’s because it’s 10 years newer and more likely to have service availability that much longer.


But I agree with the post above - keep looking.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
__________________


Does anyone really know what time it is?
77T is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 June 2020, 05:02 AM   #15
Swearengen
"TRF" Member
 
Swearengen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Real Name: Gabriel
Location: London, UK
Posts: 1,806
Quote:
Originally Posted by 77T View Post
Agree - two fairly useless posts in same thread.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Not the first time on this forum

Sent from my G8441 using Tapatalk
__________________

1680 1675 16800 16570 16710 17000 16613 17013

Gone but not forgotten 16610LV 1016
16234
Swearengen is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 3 June 2020, 05:09 AM   #16
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 42,989
Buy the watch in the best condition for the money that you are willing to spend.

There is no point in buying a 16610, for example, if the 16800 is in better condition.

They have slightly different movements, but are physically indistinguishable from one another. The 16800 is made of 316 Stainless, while the 16610 is made from 904L, if that means anything for you.
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member
Tools is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Takuya Watches

Bobs Watches

My Watch LLC

OCWatches

DavidSW Watches

Coronet


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.