Need help with possible purchase

[cadillacofwatches]

Hello all,

I just had a old friend call me and say he has a buddy that's looking to sell his 1980's Rolex Submariner. Now the way my friend talks this guy is meticulous with his possessions and states that the Rolex is pretty much brand new and was only worn a handful of times on special occasions.

I've not gone to look at the watch yet so I have no pictures. My question to the forum is what should have come with this year Submariner in regards to box and papers?

Are there any special models of Sub's that came from this era?

And my last question would be what would be a fair amount to give if the watch is as described complete with boxes and papers?

Any help will be appreciated and tips are encouraged because I've never purchased a watch like this before and don't want to get burned.

Thanks Dave

[brandrea]

Without pictures it's impossible to know

[Tools]

Through the 80's there were 5 different Sub and Sub Date models..

You need more than that for a decent answer..

As to "how much", you can do about 10 minutes of Internet research and find price ranges... I'm sure that your buddies buddy has done that already..

[cadillacofwatches]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Without pictures it's impossible to know

I figured that. Just wanted to get a crash course in vintage Rolexes

Originally Posted by Tools

Through the 80's there were 5 different Sub and Sub Date models..

You need more than that for a decent answer..

As to "how much", you can do about 10 minutes of Internet research and find price ranges... I'm sure that your buddies buddy has done that already..

Yea Im sure you're right about the price part.

If the watch has all the papers, could I contact Rolex with the serial number to get a better idea of year/model number?

[donaker]

Do a quick browse of the for sale section here. Try and get a few pics with as close to as much clarity and detail as you see in this site's postings. Post them here along with the model number and first 3-4 digits of the serial number. The knowledgable experts here will be able to tell you tons or identify questionable parts. Good luck, hopefully you'll score that much sought after "barn" find.

[cadillacofwatches]

Originally Posted by donaker

Do a quick browse of the for sale section here. Try and get a few pics with as close to as much clarity and detail as you see in this site's postings. Post them here along with the model number and first 3-4 digits of the serial number. The knowledgable experts here will be able to tell you tons or identify questionable parts. Good luck, hopefully you'll score that much sought after "barn" find.

Thanks for the solid advice.

I have talked to my friend again and he said that it would be a couple of days before his buddy could retrieve it out of his safe. But as soon as I can I will get pictures and post them here.

Thanks Dave

[Fredrik]

Originally Posted by cadillacofwatches

If the watch has all the papers, could I contact Rolex with the serial number to get a better idea of year/model number?

Simple answer, no.

However, if it has all the papers the model(eg 1680, 16800, 5512...) will be there and also the serial number. There is a serial number chart here on this forum where you can look it up and you will get an approximate year. Note that all the serial number charts are compiled from different sources and only approximations! Dating a vintage Rolex means that you have to take the serial number, the sale date, the clasp date and if it is pre -72 also the date on the case back into account. They will be different all three(four) of them.

[cadillacofwatches]

Thanks for the information. I'm just hoping, at this point, that the papers and all documents are with the watch. Hopefully, in the next couple of days, I will have some pictures for the pros on here.