Thinking about a vintage Submariner.

[warren G.]

A few weeks ago I noticed this one salesman was wearing a 5513 (the patina dial really stood out and caught my attention). Ever since that day, I can't get that watch off my mind. I should be in a good position to finally buy one end of this summer or fall. I basically did a lot of research and narrow down to 1680 (white), 5513, and the wildcard 16800. So lets see some pictures while I wait

[CesarG]

1680 gets my vote. Love the crystal on that one... the 5513 is nice too... classic. I'll also tale a matte dialed 16800 just for the mix of old school and sapphire crystal.

[warren G.]

On paper I'd love to own the 16800 Matte = quick date set and sapphire crystal. But really right now, it's between the 1680 and 5513. I really love the tophat on the 1680, and I just love the simplicity of the 5513. This vintage shop I always visit have both the 1680 and 5513. So I got to examine those two watches in person. Tbh, that made the decision even harder

[matt.wu]

1680 for me. It wins out over the 5513 only because I strongly prefer a date on my daily wearers.

A couple reasons why:

1) If you're going to go vintage, you really gotta go for a plastic model to get the full experience.

2) 1570 movement is a super workhorse movement for Rolex and generally considered one of the best. Yeah, non-quickset date kinda sucks, but that really is only an issue if you're only planning to wear the watch rarely. And if that's the case, go for the 5513.

3) The 16800 really is a little too close to the 16610 for me. I had one for a little while (albeit gloss), and really had a hard time considering it "vintage". Matte + sapphire is kinda cool, but would be more classified as "transitional" (between vintage and modern) rather than "vintage", if you want to split hairs.

Lots of good deals to be had on 1680's out there (as long as you're not set on a Red Sub or anything). Good luck on your search! I'd love to own a 5513 again someday.

[toxicavenger]

[smalls]

If it's your one watch then a 1680 just for the date feature but otherwise, 5513 for me. Love the simpleness of it and with that patina they just look fantastic.

[Oracle]

My vote would be for the 5513. The 1520 was a great movement, the matte dial w. acrylic crystal, and patina'd indices is a tough look to beat. If/when I ever buy a Rolex, this will be the model.

[warren G.]

I'm getting jacked, I'm breakin myself
I can't believe they taking Warren's wealth
They took my rings, they took my Rolex
I looked at the brotha said "Damn, what's next?"

My vote would be for the 5513. The 1520 was a great movement, the matte dial w. acrylic crystal, and patina'd indices is a tough look to beat. If/when I ever buy a Rolex, this will be the model.

nice..

1680 for me. It wins out over the 5513 only because I strongly prefer a date on my daily wearers.

A couple reasons why:

1) If you're going to go vintage, you really gotta go for a plastic model to get the full experience.

2) 1570 movement is a super workhorse movement for Rolex and generally considered one of the best. Yeah, non-quickset date kinda sucks, but that really is only an issue if you're only planning to wear the watch rarely. And if that's the case, go for the 5513.

3) The 16800 really is a little too close to the 16610 for me. I had one for a little while (albeit gloss), and really had a hard time considering it "vintage". Matte + sapphire is kinda cool, but would be more classified as "transitional" (between vintage and modern) rather than "vintage", if you want to split hairs.

Lots of good deals to be had on 1680's out there (as long as you're not set on a Red Sub or anything). Good luck on your search! I'd love to own a 5513 again someday.

That was my exact thoughts. The Submariner is going be a daily wearer, and a one watch for awhile. I'm planning on selling most of my watches to fund this. But who knows, I feel like this is going be like draft day for me. I can go with either the 1680 or 5513. Yeah I'm not set on the Red Sub, it's nice and all, but I can't afford to drop the extra 2.5-5k for it.

[425ranger]

WU

Whats the size situation? Are they all the same or are they older=smaller?

[matt.wu]

WU

Whats the size situation? Are they all the same or are they older=smaller?

Basically the same.

Caseback is slightly flatter, it seems, so it wears a little better on NATO and a little closer to the wrist. More comfortable, IMO.

[River Rat]

Here is what Matt was saying about the back cover being flatter.

[dukerules]

5513 for me. THE vintage Rolex to own IMO.

[ScottoLaw]

Hi Warren,

Here a few pics of a 16800 and 5513. Both are real nice but the 5513 without date and acrylic crystal screams vintage.

Regards,
Scott

[meta4ick]

I don't think you can go wrong with either vintage sub. I prefer the no-date version of any watch, given a choice.

[DownSouth]

I prefer the 5513. They are becoming rare now.

How do I post a photo in here, new to this?

[matt.wu]

I prefer the 5513. They are becoming rare now.

How do I post a photo in here, new to this?

You can upload it to a photo hosting site like photobucket or flickr and use the link that has the img tags around it, like this:

Code: Select all

[img]picture_link_would_be_here[/img]

Alternatively, you can upload it as an attachment a little bit below the posting box (see where it says "Upload an attachment")

Welcome to the forum.

[DownSouth]

Here's my 1967 model 5513 Sub with rare 200m=660' dial. This is my favorite.

[Pasquale]

Yo W.G your a little young to be thinking about all these rolexes...

You need to work your way up first young buck. Start with invicta,croton and renato first.. Baby steps mofo!

[craniotes]

Easy there, Pat; after all, I was 21 when I bought my first Rolex and I turned out okay:


As for the Rolex, I opted for a little old school and a little new school:


Why? Well for starters, I knew that I didn't want another acrylic crystal after dealing with the Hesalite on my cal.861 Speedy, and from a historical perspective I liked all the "firsts" the 16800 boasts (first sapphire crystal in a Sub, first time a Sub is rated to 300M, first use of the modern 3130 hi-beat/quickset movement...). The lovely tritium matte dial, tritium handset and tritium pearl are the icing on the cake.

IMO, this represents the best value in vintage Subs (yes, it's considered vintage these days), and it makes for one helluva daily wearer:


The trick these days is to find an all-original matte-dial version with matching hands/pearl where the tritium hasn't decayed too much, it hasn't been "frankened", and it hasn't been over polished. Find one of those, and I recommend that a body outta pounce because the price is only going up.

Regards,
Adam

[matt.wu]

Matte 16800's are actually a great deal now, undervalued even, especially when you look at the prices of matte 16660's, which have basically the same thing going on, just with the Sea-Dweller instead of the Submariner.

You're such a visionary, Adam.

[dukerules]

Now THAT is what a "maxi" dial should look like. I can't get over how great the pre-WG surrounds markers look.

[msa6712]

My only two vintage Rolexes:
1675

and 5513: