Rolex 16610 question
Author
Discussion

crystalmethod

Original Poster:

1,279 posts

201 months

Wednesday 2nd October 2019
quotequote all
Hello - I'm in the market to buy a 16610. Am after the very best condition and know that the price will reflect that.

A question for the experts here. Does the age matter at all? I'm about to be offered one that's allegedly in great condition but it's a 1991 model.

The 16610 was made between 1989 and 2010 which makes it pretty early.

Is there any sense in even factoring age into the decision or does it tend to make a slight difference?

Thanks very much.

MarcelM6

587 posts

128 months

Wednesday 2nd October 2019
quotequote all
It's the same watch whether you buy the 1989 or the 2010 model. Condition and service history is the only differentiatior in that case so if it looks good and has had a service in the last few years the age shouldn't matter.

If it hasn't had a service recently then factor in about £350 for one at an independent watchmaker. Maybe negotiate it off the asking price.

For what it's worth I have a 1991 16610 and it's been serviced twice in 28 years.

crystalmethod

Original Poster:

1,279 posts

201 months

Wednesday 2nd October 2019
quotequote all
Thank you. That's really useful and appreciated.

Dolf Stoppard

1,380 posts

144 months

Wednesday 2nd October 2019
quotequote all
MarcelM6 said:
It's the same watch whether you buy the 1989 or the 2010 model. Condition and service history is the only differentiatior in that case so if it looks good and has had a service in the last few years the age shouldn't matter.

If it hasn't had a service recently then factor in about £350 for one at an independent watchmaker. Maybe negotiate it off the asking price.

For what it's worth I have a 1991 16610 and it's been serviced twice in 28 years.
It's not true all will be the same. Different lume, drilled / non-drilled lugs, and the engraved rehaut are all possible differences. Drilled lugs obviously make strap changes easier, and lots of people dislike the engraved rehaut - so decide if these things matter to you before buying.

crystalmethod

Original Poster:

1,279 posts

201 months

Wednesday 2nd October 2019
quotequote all
I definitely get that, and am considering it all, but the general question is about year. It intuitively feels better to have a later model but I stand corrected

-dadam02-

642 posts

91 months

Wednesday 2nd October 2019
quotequote all
crystalmethod said:
I definitely get that, and am considering it all, but the general question is about year. It intuitively feels better to have a later model but I stand corrected
It's not intuitive at all, it's preference. If you want newer then go for newer, I prefer older trit dial versions so earlier is better for me, others prefer older lunimova dials. Horses for courses. If it's in great condition, then please let me know if you don't buy as I may well do so.

Good luck whatever you do. beer

crystalmethod

Original Poster:

1,279 posts

201 months

Thursday 3rd October 2019
quotequote all
Thanks very much. Will let you know if I go for it or not.

MarcelM6

587 posts

128 months

Thursday 3rd October 2019
quotequote all
There is an excellent forum called www.rolexforums.com

It will give you all the geekery you need about Rolex, including details of all subtle changes over the last 20 or so years.

Also look at www.hodinkee.com - they've done an extensive write up on the history of the Submariner recently, although not the 16610 as it's considered a 'modern' reference.

DJMC

3,574 posts

125 months

Thursday 3rd October 2019
quotequote all
Here's an odd question...

Why do you want a 16610?

I bought one two years ago, wore it for 4 weeks, traded it against another watch.

I bought it because I was was brainwashed into thinking it's THE watch to wear. I'll admit it'll hold its value better than the new DJ41 I subsequently bought, but for me it was just a dull monotone thing with little to distinguish it from the multitude of dive watches worn by everyone these days.

So I'd advise you to think about what you've had before, and why you're after one. To be a follower of the long-term diver trend?

Before you plump for one, try on some other models and brands and see what you personally like the look of on your wrist.

Buying a 16610 wisely won't be a costly mistake. I got my money back in full buying retail and then trading at a Rolex AD. But it annoyed me I'd been sucked in by the hype. That was because I'd come onto the forums to research a GMT for my son. I'd been quite happy with my 1995 DJ36 for 15 years until, suddenly, it was "too small" as decreed by those style leaders who frequent the busier watch forums.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

crystalmethod

Original Poster:

1,279 posts

201 months

Thursday 3rd October 2019
quotequote all
Fair question.

I want it to replace the 16610 I previously had (2005 model bought earlier this year) and which was stolen.

I had one ten years ago and regretted selling it when I bought my Panerai, and covet the ones which a couple of my friends have.

The latest 16610 and my Panerai PAM48 are all the watches I need and nice alternatives to each other.

Am not keen on any other sports watches really, including the 116610. I do like the glide lock bracelet though.

I hadn't realised that there's a Tritium vs Luminova thing so will probably aim for done with Luminova as I'll be wearing the watch rather than keeping it as a collection piece.

anonymous-user

76 months

Thursday 3rd October 2019
quotequote all
DJMC said:
Here's an odd question...

Why do you want a 16610?

I bought one two years ago, wore it for 4 weeks, traded it against another watch.

I bought it because I was was brainwashed into thinking it's THE watch to wear. I'll admit it'll hold its value better than the new DJ41 I subsequently bought, but for me it was just a dull monotone thing with little to distinguish it from the multitude of dive watches worn by everyone these days.

So I'd advise you to think about what you've had before, and why you're after one. To be a follower of the long-term diver trend?

Before you plump for one, try on some other models and brands and see what you personally like the look of on your wrist.

Buying a 16610 wisely won't be a costly mistake. I got my money back in full buying retail and then trading at a Rolex AD. But it annoyed me I'd been sucked in by the hype. That was because I'd come onto the forums to research a GMT for my son. I'd been quite happy with my 1995 DJ36 for 15 years until, suddenly, it was "too small" as decreed by those style leaders who frequent the busier watch forums.

Good luck with whatever you choose.
Bit OT but I felt the same about the 39mm Explorer 1 I looked at yesterday. It's raved about on forums and youtube however I found the watch too plain and a bit of a let down.

jshell

11,908 posts

227 months

Thursday 3rd October 2019
quotequote all
MarcelM6 said:
There is an excellent forum called www.rolexforums.com
If you can dig through all of the:

- What should I buy?
- Can I swim/shower wth my Rolex Deep Sea?
- Incoming 'insert bland model'...
- Pulled the trigger...
- What's the best investment?
- Here's a pic of my watch with my steering wheel...

..utter dross!

There's bits of info, but it's a highly moderated wk-fest of a place.

DJMC

3,574 posts

125 months

Thursday 3rd October 2019
quotequote all
crystalmethod said:
Fair question.

I want it to replace the 16610 I previously had (2005 model bought earlier this year) and which was stolen.

I had one ten years ago and regretted selling it when I bought my Panerai, and covet the ones which a couple of my friends have.

The latest 16610 and my Panerai PAM48 are all the watches I need and nice alternatives to each other.

Am not keen on any other sports watches really, including the 116610. I do like the glide lock bracelet though.

I hadn't realised that there's a Tritium vs Luminova thing so will probably aim for done with Luminova as I'll be wearing the watch rather than keeping it as a collection piece.
Ooooh... coveting... that's the big problem. I went to Fellows watch auction a few years back. Every watch on every bidder's wrist was a diver, bar my DJ. But it's so easy to see the same object over and over and then it becomes an object of desire. Dangerous. Do I follow like a sheep or become an outcast by wearing something different? But... if you still like it after two previous ones it must be the one for you.

crystalmethod

Original Poster:

1,279 posts

201 months

Thursday 3rd October 2019
quotequote all
Think it's just a case of liking them.

I see my boss' Patek Philippe all the time - and it leaves me cold, as does my dad's DJ, although I quite like the Explorer 1 I bought for him a few years ago.

MarcelM6

587 posts

128 months

Thursday 3rd October 2019
quotequote all
jshell said:
MarcelM6 said:
There is an excellent forum called www.rolexforums.com
If you can dig through all of the:

- What should I buy?
- Can I swim/shower wth my Rolex Deep Sea?
- Incoming 'insert bland model'...
- Pulled the trigger...
- What's the best investment?
- Here's a pic of my watch with my steering wheel...

..utter dross!

There's bits of info, but it's a highly moderated wk-fest of a place.
Haha - yes it certainly can be - stay away from the General Discussion sub forum. The technical ones are better.

Facebook groups are worse. That's where you find the 'Here's my Rolex and my pistol/knife/semi-automatic assault rifle'

jshell

11,908 posts

227 months

Thursday 3rd October 2019
quotequote all
MarcelM6 said:
jshell said:
MarcelM6 said:
There is an excellent forum called www.rolexforums.com
If you can dig through all of the:

- What should I buy?
- Can I swim/shower wth my Rolex Deep Sea?
- Incoming 'insert bland model'...
- Pulled the trigger...
- What's the best investment?
- Here's a pic of my watch with my steering wheel...

..utter dross!

There's bits of info, but it's a highly moderated wk-fest of a place.
Haha - yes it certainly can be - stay away from the General Discussion sub forum. The technical ones are better.

Facebook groups are worse. That's where you find the 'Here's my Rolex and my pistol/knife/semi-automatic assault rifle'
I've been banned from 2 FB Rolex sites for taking the piss out of Muricans. Badge of honour!

Dolf Stoppard

1,380 posts

144 months

Thursday 3rd October 2019
quotequote all
jshell said:
MarcelM6 said:
There is an excellent forum called www.rolexforums.com
If you can dig through all of the:

- What should I buy?
- Can I swim/shower wth my Rolex Deep Sea?
- Incoming 'insert bland model'...
- Pulled the trigger...
- What's the best investment?
- Here's a pic of my watch with my steering wheel...

..utter dross!

There's bits of info, but it's a highly moderated wk-fest of a place.
You forgot the 'Wear it in good health' nonsense!

outnumbered

4,772 posts

256 months

Thursday 3rd October 2019
quotequote all
ruprechtmonkeyboy said:
Bit OT but I felt the same about the 39mm Explorer 1 I looked at yesterday. It's raved about on forums and youtube however I found the watch too plain and a bit of a let down.
I've got the original version of the 39mm Exp 1, which was almost universally slated when it came out. Interesting to hear that the current version seems more well regarded. (I'm still very happy with mine btw!)

jshell

11,908 posts

227 months

Friday 4th October 2019
quotequote all
Dolf Stoppard said:
jshell said:
MarcelM6 said:
There is an excellent forum called www.rolexforums.com
If you can dig through all of the:

- What should I buy?
- Can I swim/shower wth my Rolex Deep Sea?
- Incoming 'insert bland model'...
- Pulled the trigger...
- What's the best investment?
- Here's a pic of my watch with my steering wheel...

..utter dross!

There's bits of info, but it's a highly moderated wk-fest of a place.
You forgot the 'Wear it in good health' nonsense!
True! biglaugh

crystalmethod

Original Poster:

1,279 posts

201 months

Friday 4th October 2019
quotequote all
And in other news I bought a watch. A 2009 model. Getting it in a week or so.

Thanks for all the advice here. Very useful indeed.