Most probably a champion, in this category.

Jul 03, 2018,06:55 AM
 

I had it, not a MK 1, but a MK 5 which I regret a lot having it let go... 


This was a very cool modern Sub. 

Now, there are a few others which are worth a serious consideration. 

You want a maxi dial in a Sub? The Yacht Master was the first! And the only Sub with platinum ( dial and bezel ). And the only Sub to have a grey dial. The only Sub to have a red second hand. 

The Yacht-Master is certainly a collector " en devenir "... 

What else? 

I would go farther in time, and opt for a Rolex Explorer II 16550... The cream rail dial is unique, too. The Black Rail is top, too, but very hard to find with a dial in very good condition. 

What about a GMT MASTER 16760 Fat Lady, with its big case and sapphire glass, plus its tritium circled indices? 

The list could be a tad longer, but we'll see that later... 

Great post, Joe. 

Best,

nicolas




More posts: 1655016760ExplorerExplorer IIGMT MasterGMT Master IIYacht Master

  login to reply

Comments: view entire thread

 

Identifying future classic Rolex from the 1990-2018 era - Part I: Rolex 16610LV

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : July 3rd, 2018-05:55
I was recently chatting with a friend. He was bemoaning the fact that the current “hot” steel Rolex were just impossible to get from an AD and were now trading at a substantial premium in the grey market. A steel Daytona 116500 is now fetching $18,000+. I...  
login to reply

Very interesting post and future series.

 
 By: zabreg1 Mr White : July 3rd, 2018-06:42
It always amazes me the level of detail that a Rolex collector pays attention to. So, some great education on the fly for me. But damn it, I'm not falling down that trap (I keep telling myself). If they don't become collectors' darlings, do we get $$$ bac... 
login to reply

I am just trying to illuminate the path...... [nt]

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : July 3rd, 2018-07:04
login to reply

Sure. I believe that when Damjan's ghost comes back. [nt]

 
 By: zabreg1 Mr White : July 3rd, 2018-07:49
login to reply

Maybe.....

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : July 3rd, 2018-07:52
..... someone should explain that 178 concept to him.
login to reply

LOL [nt]

 
 By: Arie - Mr Orange : July 3rd, 2018-08:05
login to reply

The Navigator, I presume... [nt]

 
 By: TheMadDruid : July 3rd, 2018-08:11
login to reply

Question is: where does it end? [nt]

 
 By: Arie - Mr Orange : July 3rd, 2018-08:11
login to reply

do you want to take the red pill or the blue one? [nt]

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : July 3rd, 2018-08:12
login to reply

There is no spoon [nt]

 
 By: Arie - Mr Orange : July 3rd, 2018-08:17
login to reply

Blue sounds more interesting [nt]

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : July 3rd, 2018-08:57
login to reply

Try asking Paul Newman …

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : July 3rd, 2018-08:57
I doubt you will get a reply
login to reply

Looks that way.

 
 By: Miles_151 : July 3rd, 2018-10:40
I was offered nearly 10 times what I paid for mine the other day so definitely the cat is out the bag. M.
login to reply

But you only paid €10 ;)) [nt]

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : July 3rd, 2018-11:57
login to reply

+1 👍 [nt]

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : July 3rd, 2018-08:10
login to reply

Most probably a champion, in this category.

 
 By: amanico : July 3rd, 2018-06:55
I had it, not a MK 1, but a MK 5 which I regret a lot having it let go... This was a very cool modern Sub. Now, there are a few others which are worth a serious consideration. You want a maxi dial in a Sub? The Yacht Master was the first! And the only Sub... 
login to reply

Can't wait. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : July 3rd, 2018-10:03
login to reply

I’d love to see a stack photo of …

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : July 3rd, 2018-08:14
This lineup )
login to reply

I don't have them all! ;) [nt]

 
 By: amanico : July 3rd, 2018-10:03
login to reply

You disappoint me ;)) [nt]

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : July 3rd, 2018-10:31
login to reply

It’s definitely the lacquer that was used [nt]

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : July 4th, 2018-01:03
login to reply

Because it is 1000,-Euros more expensive! ;)) [nt]

 
 By: Walter2 : July 3rd, 2018-23:50
login to reply

You’ve nailed it yet again Joe.

 
 By: Miles_151 : July 3rd, 2018-07:17
Thank you so much for such an in-depth very well presented explanation of this great reference. Although I have to say the quality of the wrist shot you used makes the post 😉. The moment I saw it I knew it was something special and a watch that must sit i... 
login to reply

Very educating, Joe. Many thanks for taking us to that journey

 
 By: crown comfort : July 3rd, 2018-07:43
and yes, Fat 4 is a must
login to reply

Stop with Rolex collector code words!

 
 By: zabreg1 Mr White : July 3rd, 2018-07:52
Fat 4? Round 'O'? etc... My head is spinning.
login to reply

I was thinking....

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : July 3rd, 2018-07:54
Hulk and Kermit. Makes sense.
login to reply

Kermit before Hulk...for sure. :D [nt]

 
 By: crown comfort : July 3rd, 2018-07:58
login to reply

yes....but.....

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : July 3rd, 2018-07:59
matrimonial harmony
login to reply

Anyone discussing this with Ms. Piggy? [nt]

 
 By: TheMadDruid : July 3rd, 2018-08:12
login to reply

Try Miss Behavin !

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : July 4th, 2018-01:06
...  
login to reply

Wow! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : July 4th, 2018-02:04
login to reply

Ah, Captain...my Captain...

 
 By: TheMadDruid : July 4th, 2018-03:43
I don't know whether to quote Walt Whitman or Grand Funk Railroad. One thing is sure, you rascal...Ms Piggy will see what you've posted. And she won't be happy.
login to reply

Very interesting and timely post Joe.

 
 By: KamalRostov : July 3rd, 2018-07:58
Especially for someone like me who is a newbie in the world of Rolex. Sincerely appreciate all your time and effort taken to piece this together! 😃😃😃 I look forward to the next part of this series!
login to reply

I think when secondary market prices of the "new" watches have moved skywards.....

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : July 3rd, 2018-09:59
.....it really makes sense to look at neo-vintage or transitional models like this.
login to reply

You are so cheap Walter ;)) [nt]

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : July 4th, 2018-01:07
login to reply

Poor man has to buy cheap, my fate! ;)) [nt]

 
 By: Walter2 : July 4th, 2018-02:23
login to reply

Headmaster Baron!

 
 By: Arie - Mr Orange : July 3rd, 2018-08:12
tnx for this very informative document. Although on second thought....it will probably cost me money....
login to reply

depends..... [nt]

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : July 3rd, 2018-09:59
login to reply

I'm with Z.

 
 By: TheMadDruid : July 3rd, 2018-08:16
I am awed by your (and others) knowledge of the details of Rolex dials. So far beyond what I can ken. I'll buy new(ish) and hope I live long enough to see it grow in value. In the meantime I do applaud your post.
login to reply

2003-2010..... that’s newish [nt]

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : July 3rd, 2018-08:19
login to reply

2017 is newisher.

 
 By: TheMadDruid : July 3rd, 2018-08:21
The Sea Dweller for me. Miranda's blew me away.
login to reply

Well.....

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : July 3rd, 2018-08:28
..... this is the first of a series of 6 or 7. So maybe there will be a modern Sea-Dweller coming.
login to reply

I'm looking forward to more of this.

 
 By: TheMadDruid : July 3rd, 2018-08:36
While i can't, and never will, wrap my head around this degree of detail I find it fascinating. And it helps me in other areas of collecting. So keep it up. (And definitely examine the SD!)
login to reply

One of my fav as you know

 
 By: Passionata_george : July 3rd, 2018-09:29
...  
login to reply

looks great on you [nt]

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : July 3rd, 2018-09:59
login to reply

Ty! [nt]

 
 By: Passionata_george : July 3rd, 2018-10:53
login to reply

Why did you summon me

 
 By: Teacher Yang : July 3rd, 2018-11:17
Nice watch George. TY
login to reply

why not mate🤓 [nt]

 
 By: Passionata_george : July 3rd, 2018-12:23
login to reply

I felt i went back to thepurists forum year 2002 - 2004 now

 
 By: Teacher Yang : July 3rd, 2018-11:24
This is what i want to see more in this forum. Quality Post. Good One Baron.
login to reply

Thank you, Baron, for such a detailed and enlightening post to begin this series.

 
 By: BMR : July 3rd, 2018-12:08
There are many things here I was completely unaware of, and I’m grateful for the lesson. This is a piece I’ve considered off and on for the past few years, but it has jumped up here in the last month or so. I also have a Hulk, so I go back and forth betwe... 
login to reply

Hi Bill!

 
 By: Walter2 : July 3rd, 2018-15:19
The "thin 4" on a Mark 1 is always replaced. I asked my friend and Rolex watchmaker, if it is damaged the change it. Rolex had only "thin 4" to replace, they dont have the "fat four" inserts. Rolex dont sale the green insert, it is only in change with the...  
login to reply

Thanks Walter.... but I am Joe.

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : July 3rd, 2018-23:24
I did suspect that the inserts had been replaced but could not prove it. Also, with Rolex one can never be 100% certain of anything.
login to reply

Excuse de confusion JOE!

 
 By: Walter2 : July 3rd, 2018-23:47
I agree,100% your statement about Rolex watches, everything is posible! Have a nice day!
login to reply

No worries Walter......

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : July 4th, 2018-03:21
.....very cool watch that you own there
login to reply

Thank you Joe! [nt]

 
 By: Walter2 : July 4th, 2018-08:41
login to reply

Baron, thank you for this very detailed post. I really do appreciate but you put salt into my wounds

 
 By: Tyo : July 3rd, 2018-18:31
back in 2009, this Green Submariner was intended to be my first beautiful watch. A friend strongly advised against buying a Rolex and introduced me to JLC. I do not blame him because I used to have JLC that I loved, but deep inside me I always regretted n...  
login to reply

No sneak preview Tyo.... but trust me, it’s coming [nt]

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : July 3rd, 2018-23:23
login to reply

Very interesting information!

 
 By: patrick_y : July 3rd, 2018-23:08
Thank you for the educational post!
login to reply

It is my pleasure...glad you liked it [nt]

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : July 4th, 2018-23:47
login to reply

Bravo

 
 By: Rascal : July 4th, 2018-07:30
for this great post👌👌 Very intersting!
login to reply

you are welcome [nt]

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : July 4th, 2018-07:55
login to reply

Educational and informative

 
 By: maxfcc1 : July 5th, 2018-04:05
Thank you for taking the time to write this excellent article. Before reading it I didn’t realise how many details can change during the lifetime of a specific reference. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
login to reply

Thanks Maxfcc1

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : July 6th, 2018-03:53
I think historically, Rolex made many more "iterations" within a reference than they do now. Today, a new Sub looks essentially identical to every other new Sub. Historically, there were more iterations. The next post in this series will look at another e... 
login to reply

I am not sure if the first sentence under the LV picture is correct ...

 
 By: COUNT DE MONET : August 20th, 2018-06:40
You are saying that the 16610 LV is 100% inhouse, but as far as I know the balance spring is not inhouse. Albeit Rolex has developed their proprietary Parachrome spring already in 2000, Rolex did not use it for the 16610 LV models, to my knowledge. Prior ... 
login to reply

Thx so much for this impressive & great write-up & pictorial, J !.. :))

 
 By: hs111 : August 21st, 2018-09:57
.. One of those articles, to be bookmarked and re-read again ! Not only did I enjoy the fine details but also your comprehensive information ! Looking forward to reading your further parts of the Series ! Thank you again € My Very Best, hs.
login to reply

Appreciate this trip down the rabbit hole ( oval O in hole, regular O in down)

 
 By: Mostel : August 25th, 2018-17:18
LOL. This is a great post. And anyone who owns an LV should bookmark it. With that said, it's really a Rolex marketing chronology. The diary of a brand who knows its collectors are 'insane', gullible, and susceptible to utter nonsense. It has nothing to d... 
login to reply

Professor Brian Cox......

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : August 26th, 2018-04:23
.......I do enjoy reading about his thinking. "The correct statement of individual rights is that everyone has the right to an opinion, but crucially, that opinion can be roundly ignored and even made fun of, particularly if it is demonstrably nonesense."... 
login to reply

Professor

 
 By: Mostel : September 5th, 2018-15:15
Thank you for your reply-- being thoughtful and kind... it is minutia... and nothing else... except the crazy faith in a brand name-- which is very dependent upon insanity--that drives collectors to insanity... it is patently absurd that a few tick marks ... 
login to reply

Great detective work! Question...

 
 By: Euroasianstar : August 26th, 2018-11:35
...to the Rolex experts here. Do you think the same level of future collectability and desirability applies to the last no date Seadweller 116600 in 40mm? Would appreciate your thoughts. Thank you.
login to reply

How long was mk1 made? [nt]

 
 By: jonrus : August 31st, 2018-14:49
login to reply

I think around 9-15 months. [nt]

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : August 31st, 2018-23:58
login to reply

thats a much harder question...i couldn't guess [nt]

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : September 1st, 2018-02:33
login to reply

Thank you very much for this educational post.

 
 By: jonrus : September 1st, 2018-03:08
I learned so much from the details. I started looking at this model in a different way. Is it safe to assume that MK 1 is the rarest of the different dial variations, or simply the most collectible due to the model being attributed to be “the” anniversary... 
login to reply

Good question

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : September 1st, 2018-04:07
I think I view the Mk1 and Mk2 as similarly rare and equally collectible. Yes, I think it’s a nice bonus that the Mk1 is the original and the one that celebrated the Sub. If it was me, I would be happy with Mk1 or Mk2.
login to reply

Thank you.

 
 By: jonrus : September 1st, 2018-04:16
I think this is reflected on the resale sites. Models listed as MK1 are at a significant premium compared to the others. Now I understand.
login to reply

I consider the MK 1 to be the “true “ anniversary model.

 
 By: jonrus : September 3rd, 2018-17:06
I always wondered why an anniversary model was produced by Rolex for more than one year. Thanks to this article, I arrived at the conclusion that there was an anniversary model, unknown to me at the time.
login to reply