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Old 20 January 2018, 07:25 AM   #1
rlohse
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1988 5513 vs 168000 vs 16610

Hi, I'm interested in a 1988 (birth year) sub. I've done some research on the various models available from the time period but would love to here others opinions on which model I should try to get and why.

I'd plan for this watch to be in my regular rotation and thus be worn on a weekly basis.

Thanks for your help and opinions.
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Old 20 January 2018, 07:30 AM   #2
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I would be interested to hear everyone's take on this topic regarding those references.
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Old 20 January 2018, 08:11 AM   #3
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I like all three so can't help much.
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Old 20 January 2018, 09:03 AM   #4
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First question, do you prefer date or no-date?
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Old 20 January 2018, 10:27 AM   #5
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How about a 666 Sea Dweller???
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Old 20 January 2018, 10:56 AM   #6
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How about a 666 Sea Dweller???
This, going to snag my 1983 16660 someday.
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Old 20 January 2018, 11:22 AM   #7
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5513, last of the plastic domes !
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Old 20 January 2018, 11:43 AM   #8
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The 5513 is a prime example of a collectable and truly notable model. The other two models you mention are not in the same category as the 5513.
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Old 20 January 2018, 11:55 AM   #9
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Transitional 5513 with perfectly matching aged Tritium is hard to resist.




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Old 20 January 2018, 09:55 PM   #10
mikkolopez
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^ now that is a fine example of a perfect 5513. Congratulations.


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Old 20 January 2018, 11:32 PM   #11
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5513 for classic clean look and plexiglass
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Old 21 January 2018, 12:16 AM   #12
tomilg
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Perhaps the 16610 and here is why, the R serial was the "birth" year of the 16610, which was in the '87-88 timeframe.
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Old 21 January 2018, 04:44 AM   #13
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Transitional 5513 with perfectly matching aged Tritium is hard to resist.




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That is one gorgeous watch and photo ! Thanks for sharing


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Old 22 January 2018, 06:00 AM   #14
rlohse
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Thanks everyone for your replies. DLRIDES that 5513 is really good looking.

Quote:
Originally Posted by sillo38 View Post
First question, do you prefer date or no-date?
I don't have a strong preference. I like the functionality of the date, but also appreciate the clean look of the no-date.

Quote:
5513 for classic clean look and plexiglass
For those of y'all with experience with the plexiglass, how easily does it scratch? I'll likely wear this watch pretty frequently and obviously plan to take good care of it but also don't want to have to worry about babying it.

Quote:
How about a 666 Sea Dweller???
This seems like a pretty great option as well that hadn't yet occurred to me. I'll have to look further into this as I'm not that familiar with this reference. Thanks for the idea.
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Old 16 February 2019, 09:29 AM   #15
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Bumping this thread to see if anybody has additional opinions between 5513, 16610, 16800, and 168000 (information online implies that all of the last 3 were made/sold in 1988, though I am not sure that is 100% accurate).

I don't see significant differences between the 16610, 16800, and 168000 during this time period so any reason not to go with whichever is cheapest (which I think is the 16610?).

The 5513 has the clean look, but I prefer having the scratch resistance of sapphire.
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Old 1 March 2019, 08:25 AM   #16
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Here is the story about my 5513 as a reference.

Rolex 5513 Serial # R90XXXX

I purchased mine at the Rolex Store in Geneva Switzerland on January 11th 1989. At the time this trip for my brother and I as French Canadians living in Montreal was tremendous we stayed in Europe from Jan 1st to the 28th.

My brother certified me as crazy spending $660 CAN to buy this watch…. He has since readjusted his statement from crazy to lucky!!!! It was however a big investment for this 24 year old at the time. I have never regretted it and the watch has been with me through thick and thin. All that is left from that trip are awesome memories and a terrific watch!!!!!
Thanks,
GL
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File Type: jpg IMG_2235.JPG (288.7 KB, 563 views)
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Old 1 March 2019, 08:35 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by glh64 View Post
Here is the story about my 5513 as a reference.

Rolex 5513 Serial # R90XXXX

I purchased mine at the Rolex Store in Geneva Switzerland on January 11th 1989. At the time this trip for my brother and I as French Canadians living in Montreal was tremendous we stayed in Europe from Jan 1st to the 28th.

My brother certified me as crazy spending $660 CAN to buy this watch…. He has since readjusted his statement from crazy to lucky!!!! It was however a big investment for this 24 year old at the time. I have never regretted it and the watch has been with me through thick and thin. All that is left from that trip are awesome memories and a terrific watch!!!!!
Thanks,
GL

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Old 1 March 2019, 08:57 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Clique View Post
Bumping this thread to see if anybody has additional opinions between 5513, 16610, 16800, and 168000 (information online implies that all of the last 3 were made/sold in 1988, though I am not sure that is 100% accurate).

I don't see significant differences between the 16610, 16800, and 168000 during this time period so any reason not to go with whichever is cheapest (which I think is the 16610?).

The 5513 has the clean look, but I prefer having the scratch resistance of sapphire.
I would go 16800 matte dial, perfect transitional ref., but I think in 88 the dials were already glossy.
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Old 1 March 2019, 09:38 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Clique View Post
Bumping this thread to see if anybody has additional opinions between 5513, 16610, 16800, and 168000 (information online implies that all of the last 3 were made/sold in 1988, though I am not sure that is 100% accurate).

I don't see significant differences between the 16610, 16800, and 168000 during this time period so any reason not to go with whichever is cheapest (which I think is the 16610?).

The 5513 has the clean look, but I prefer having the scratch resistance of sapphire.
I have all 3 references, except my 16800 is a matte dial and does not have the WG surrounds. Looking at all 3 watches from that time period, there is no noticeable difference. Inside the case, the 16800 and 168000 use the cal 3035 whereas the 16610 has the cal 3135. As far as rare goes, which is a word I do not like to use, the 168000 is probably one of the least produced of the mass produced modern Sub Dates. It was also the first Sub to make the switch to 904l steel. As a side note, dials of this era often have had issues with the paint, my 168000's dial is turning from a glossy to more of a matte look. Some dials will appear all cracked, referred as "crazed", so if you see that, it probably has the original dial.

To sum it up, I would look for the best condition and most correct watch from this era as you can not really go wrong with any of the 3. As far as the 5513 goes, I would look for an earlier version and opt for a matte dial thus putting it beyond your birth year watch. Good luck in your search and be patient. You will not see 168000 come up that often compared to the 16800 and 16610.
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Old 1 March 2019, 09:50 AM   #20
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That’s a beautiful 5513 glh64.
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Old 1 March 2019, 09:51 AM   #21
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I did a little digging and found some pics.

The first is a shot of the dial on my 168000 (the crystal is a little dirty )
The second is my 16800, 168000 and 16610
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File Type: jpg 168000.jpg (102.3 KB, 535 views)
File Type: jpg 16800 168000 16610.jpg (107.1 KB, 532 views)
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Old 1 March 2019, 12:04 PM   #22
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5513,no question.
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Old 1 March 2019, 12:07 PM   #23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rlohse View Post
Hi, I'm interested in a 1988 (birth year) sub. I've done some research on the various models available from the time period but would love to here others opinions on which model I should try to get and why.

I'd plan for this watch to be in my regular rotation and thus be worn on a weekly basis.

Thanks for your help and opinions.
I would be all over a Submariner 5513 from 1988. I love those glossy-dialed Subs and wear one myself.
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Old 1 March 2019, 01:25 PM   #24
sillo
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I would go 16800 matte dial, perfect transitional ref., but I think in 88 the dials were already glossy.
Switched to glossy in ~1984.

Quote:
Originally Posted by springer View Post
I would be all over a Submariner 5513 from 1988. I love those glossy-dialed Subs and wear one myself.
Yeah, I have to agree there's something really cool about the late 5513s. Old school charm of the plastic crystal with the modern style glossy dial.

Similar reason as to why I love the matte 16800, just the opposite.
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Old 1 March 2019, 01:37 PM   #25
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How these 3 references look & wear, is pretty subjective to the individual, so it's difficult to comment on this point.

If collectibility is important to you, then the 5513 makes most sense.

On the other hand, the 16800 & 16610 are still pretty good buys these days if you want a lower entry point into future collectibility.
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Old 2 March 2019, 05:57 AM   #26
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I would be all over a Submariner 5513 from 1988. I love those glossy-dialed Subs and wear one myself.
+1
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Old 2 March 2019, 07:12 AM   #27
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This, going to snag my 1983 16660 someday.
Keep a look out for an '82 for me and I'll look for an '83. 1665 or 16660.
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Old 2 March 2019, 07:40 AM   #28
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Out of these....I'm thinking the 5513 is more iconic. But a triple 6 would be a good choice also (16660).
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Old 2 March 2019, 11:11 AM   #29
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1988 5513 vs 168000 vs 16610

Quote:
Originally Posted by DLRIDES View Post
Transitional 5513 with perfectly matching aged Tritium is hard to resist.




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk


A year later, still utterly speechless!


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Old 2 March 2019, 08:00 PM   #30
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A year later, still utterly speechless!

Much appreciated !

This one has moved on to a fellow TRF member now.
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