Advise on a vintage rolex

[dsiewmy]

just started reading a new book i got recently, the rolex report.
and realised that i have flogged off all my rolexes and switched over the pams. of cos i still have some iwc, ap and vc around but that's not part of this story.

i realised the newer rolexes didn't really keep my attention and the vintages *may*.
i've grown a real itch on the patina cream dials of the rolex (which i can say the same for my fetish for patina-ed pams).

i'm no expert on rolexes esp vintage ones but was wondering any sifu here can help shed some light.
since it'll be my first vintage rolex (coming from a long line of modern ones like 16610, 16610LV, 116610, 116610LV and even owned a 116660 for awhile), i'm looking at the 1680, 16800 and even the 1665.
my budget won't be too big for this as it's my first try and just want to have a taste of vintage rolexes.

what do u guys think?

(1) 1680
- red sub (cult following?)
- patina dial
- plexi - good n bad but i have'nt had a plexi watch before, so i don't know if i like them
- signifcantly pricier

(2) 1665
- won't be able to afford the double red but maybe the snow white version
- may/maynot be patina depending on budget and pretty difficult to come by (rare)
- very pricey (if not the priciest), but has major following and i think is one of the first vintage ones who got cult status reception

(3) 16800
- transition model with matte dial (good chance of patina cream dial)
- lowest entry? (no followers yet?)
- sapphire glass (practical day watch)
- youngest of the group, (condition to be better, perhaps?)

help me make a decision!

[TheHobbit]

dsiewmy,

Can't really give you advise on which watch to get, but can just say that I do like Rolex with plexi crystal. I have one, but not the sub or SD. However they do scratch and replacement is getting more and more difficult to get. But most important, it is a mine field out there with regards to vintage Rolex and Tudor, with many fakes and frankenwatches. Prices do vary from one example to another, just look at the prices of the Rolex Submariner reference 5513, e.g. feet first meter later dial, patina dial, those with or without the white gold circle at the hour markers and the list goes on. Even if the watch has the original crown tube or the newer crown tube can have an impact on the price and value.

Do note that parts for the 1665 is getting more and more difficult to get and I believe some RSC may not even issue full (service) warranty on the 1665 due lack of parts. But most important, there are experts out there, and there are forums dedicated to vintage Rolexes. So my advise is to perhaps seek the advice of these experts (if possible), to ensure the Rolex you are going to get is Kosher. Perhaps a visit to the local RSC to verify and confirm the watch is real (e.g. single red or double red or even red ranger) and not a franken piece or very good fake. I do know that there is a Malaysian, not sure if he/ she is on this forum, that is pretty good with Rolexes.

All the best with the hunt.

[chrisyen]

get any1 of them as long as u found a all genuine parts in good condition at right price....

[9tailsfox]

5512 and 5513 also a nice vintage... just without dates.

[Dominizlai]

It read for leisure To complement it.