Advice for purchase: 16800 vs 168000 vs 16660 vs 16622

[les_canadiens]

Hi guys,

Just want to know your opinion about a potential purchase for me.
I got offered a few items that really jam my brain:

1. a 16800 matte dial for USD 3.800.
2. a 168000 for USD 5000 (!!)
3. a 16660 gloss dial for USD 5.000.
4. a 16622 2008 (98%, with box and papers) for USD 5.500

I love the matte dial 16800, best of both worlds with vintage dial and sapphire crystal, a transition model so to speak.

However, I know 168000 is one of the rarest Sub that I only saw yesterday.
I never seen 168000 before.

A 16660 SD is also a great choice, over engineered and understated.

The last curve ball is for almost a little bit more, a 16622 is available with box and papers. It is quite recent and I really love the platinum look, red hands and lettering.

What do you guys think?

[Sixshooter]

Ym!!

[les_canadiens]

It's kinda good deal, don't you think for YM?
I love the whole package and it felt good on my wrist when I tried it on yesterday.

Decision, decision, decision!

[psv]

That gloss dial 16660 is way overpriced. It is the matte dials that are much more collectible IMO.

I'm not crazy about any of those models so it is hard to say. If you want vintage I'd go for a matte dial watch, but as always keep in mind that those are not as good everyday watches as they are less waterproof, no lume etc.

If this is something you'll wear everyday I'd go with the Yacht-Master.

[Sixshooter]

I am as well torn over the issue. I have finally settled on a 16610, but I want a YM in a bad way. But I think I will get the sub right now as I think it is a must have and the YM will be next when funds allow. But I don't know if I saw a YM in the condition and price you stated I would sure be tempted to pick it up personally! Your a winner either way in my book, but the YM is my all time favorite.

[fusionstorm]

What's the order of importance to make a decision?

Future appreciation
Comfort
"Blinginess"
Completeness (i.e. importance of box & papers)
Uniqueness

I'm sure there are plenty of other things to consider.......

[les_canadiens]

I like to wear the watch for everyday wear.
Comfort is must.
Obviously value is the best parameter to get what one has to pay for.
Uniqueness is quite important too.
Bling is never been in my mind, because I like something that does not really attract a lot of attention (but again, Rolex, who doesn't?)
Completeness is also not really that important.

[sakuraba]

Of the ones on your list, I would get the matte 16800.

Strange how you threw that YM in a list of transitionals! I had to double check the reference and tried to recall if there was a transitional YM!

[les_canadiens]

You're right Sakuraba :-)

I got offered a couple transitional pieces maybe because they don't have good stuff to offer me in the first place.

I know for sure the assistant from the shop did not really know or care about the difference between 16800 vs 168000 or 16660 gloss vs 16600.

He threw 16622 as a curve ball to me, makes me scratching my head as well :-)
Obviously it is the most expensive from his suggestion, so logically he was after the biggest sale to close.

[fusionstorm]

If you want more conservative, then the YM is at the bottom of your list. Though it's a 40mm like the others, I can attest from personal experience wearing my 16623 that it stands out more than a Sub or SD.

I agree with Jib's recommendation to go for the 16800. Though it's low profile, those who pay attention to such things will notice the matte dial. So you've got the uniqueness aspect.

As for value, the 16800 matte will have the highest upside IMO.

[George Ab]

I just picked up a YM with the intention of flipping. First time I have really handled a YM. Two minutes into this, I'm in love. After wearing for a day, I decided to keep the YM and sell my 16610LV. The refinement of the case.....well is very un-Rolex, as it is refined along the lines of a JLC, Girard Perragux, etc. Using Tools words from his excellent post on the YM http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=40684 "the YM also gets a unique look to it's case. Not only is the entire case polished but the lugs have been reshaped to give a more agressive look and perhaps a better flow around the wrist. It is a very nice look and doesn't leave the impression of a flat fit, but more of a fitted and custom tailored look:"

This could be new love talking; however, I understand why the list price is so high on the YM.

[sakuraba]

Originally Posted by fusionstorm

If you want more conservative, then the YM is at the bottom of your list. Though it's a 40mm like the others, I can attest from personal experience wearing my 16623 that it stands out more than a Sub or SD.

I agree with Jib's recommendation to go for the 16800. Though it's low profile, those who pay attention to such things will notice the matte dial. So you've got the uniqueness aspect.

As for value, the 16800 matte will have the highest upside IMO.

Wise words from someone who knows his way around transitionals.

I like the list on your signature!

[les_canadiens]

Thanks for the info.

I also think from the perspective of price, value, uniqueness and comfort, 16800 is the right way to go. The matte dial is really mesmerizing.

Now I got a few offers from 1680, 16660 matte dial and a Daytona (!!)
I really should put a stop on this; I wish I have unlimited budget to indulge in this crazy hobby.

Feel so excited guys :-)

[sakuraba]

Originally Posted by les_canadiens

Thanks for the info.

I also think from the perspective of price, value, uniqueness and comfort, 16800 is the right way to go. The matte dial is really mesmerizing.

Now I got a few offers from 1680, 16660 matte dial and a Daytona (!!)
I really should put a stop on this; I wish I have unlimited budget to indulge in this crazy hobby.

Feel so excited guys :-)

Good luck, J.

You really can't go wrong with your choices.

[L-16610]

168000 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

looks like any other sub but you know you have a very rare piece

[les_canadiens]

For a second, I was thinking that I hit a jackpot with when I saw a rare 168000.

Then I realized, I was the jackpot for him when the sales person saw me looking at the 168000, he then hit me with USD 5.000 price tag uppercut.

He must have thought I was the sucker he was looking for, since it seems he has been trying to offload that piece from his inventory (dead fish).

...still nursing my sore chin from the sales person's uppercut....

[L-16610]

Originally Posted by les_canadiens

For a second, I was thinking that I hit a jackpot with when I saw a rare 168000.

Then I realized, I was the jackpot for him when the sales person saw me looking at the 168000, he then hit me with USD 5.000 price tag uppercut.

He must have thought I was the sucker he was looking for, since it seems he has been trying to offload that piece from his inventory (dead fish).

...still nursing my sore chin from the sales person's uppercut....

i don't think 5K is too much
If the condition is great
and if it has box and papers it is a real bargain

[les_canadiens]

The 168000 does not include the box and papers.
Value wise, I suppose the 16800 gives a better value at USD 3.800 with a matte dial.

The ultimate value I think is the YM 16622 because it is 98% with box and papers.
Just never expect to own a YM.
It's kinda noticeable when it's that beautiful, isn't?

[sakuraba]

Originally Posted by les_canadiens

The 168000 does not include the box and papers.
Value wise, I suppose the 16800 gives a better value at USD 3.800 with a matte dial.

The ultimate value I think is the YM 16622 because it is 98% with box and papers.
Just never expect to own a YM.
It's kinda noticeable when it's that beautiful, isn't?

I love the pYM, but all the polished surfaces would make me paranoid to wear it.