Rolex

Dear Purist

I want to start a collection of Rolex vitnage diving watch and I don't know where to start, can anyone give me some advice please.  As a first attempt, I don't want to spend too much, comex is too much for me.  I have in mind: 1680 red sub, 1665 double red and the tripe 6 matt dial.  I saw the tripe 6 first and I like it best becasue of the crystal glass, quick set date movement and the tritium lume markers, sort of a mix of new and old.  But would this be considered as a non-vintage piece due to the crystal glass v plexi glass?

please help me with the rarity (relative production vol or time period), the price range of these 3 pieces.  thanks.

As well as the Red Sub, because if you want one complete box and papers, you will have to pay for it.

In general, if you don't want to spend too much money, avoid the Rolex Vintage.

The Triple 6 SD is a nice compromise.

Some will tell you that the fact that it has a sapphire instead of a plexy is not making it belonging to the Vintage category, though.

I slightly disagree when it comes with the painted indexes.

But, here again, a box and papers will cost you a lot of money, if in good condition.

And another thing, if you're not very keen on plexys, you should consider another thema of collection.

Because plexy is one of the strong point of a Vintage Rolex.

Did you ever see a super domed plexy on a SD?

A domed plexy on a Big Crown?

Plexys are the cherry on the cake, they enhance the soul of the watch, which is the main flaw on the Triple 6, by the way, as it has a flat cold sapphire glass.

But, at least with a Triple 6, if you have a recent service, you can swim with it.

A last advice: In a certain way, the more you pay for a superb Rolex, the best it is.

I mean, if you want to save a thousand bucks and go for the less appealing one, it is not worth it.

You'll pay the condition, the patina, the box and the papers, all that has a price, and if you're not ready for that you'd better pass on it, or you will have regrets, with time passing.

Best,

Nicolas.

Aslo--each example varies in terms of rarity. Saying Red Sub is like saying Daytona. There are Tropical aka chocolate Red Subs, Mark I 's, and later examples with feet first on dial.

If you are looking to save money--Vintage Rolex not a good idea. Collector's demand the best of pieces which command premiums well worth it in the end! If you want a good middle

of the road watch -that is not too expensive--the triple 6 is a good one. Nicolas could not have said it better! Cheers and happy hunting!! Spend as much as you can for the best watch you

can afford from the best seller you can find!!

these are wonderful, why not a 5512 or 5513?

and as Nic said, 1665 "great white"..another fantastic piece,

good luck!

Imran

Thanks for the comment, yes you are right, dome plexi glass face gives it a special charm of yesteryears.  And I check out the price again, DRSD is a lot of money, red sub is a bit less but still a lot.  5512 and 5513 seems to be good start.  I have seen 1665 and 1680 wihout the red font, I assume they are the white face or rail dial?  They are cheaper than the red, can anyone help me to understand why, is it the rarity?

Thanks.

I would definitely go for it, but, once again, a complete one would cost the same price than a DRSD without box and papers.

The good question is: Are you willing to pay the price for a nice Vintage Rolex?

If not, forget it.

Best,

Nicolas.