Sea Dweller 16600

[Earthboundmisfit]

Afternoon all, I'm hoping for some advice from other who might have been in my position.

Since the passing of my father I have had some inheritance money sat in savings (earning virtually nothing in interest). Most of it has been put into Isa's but have about 10% of it sat burning a hole in my account.

I have always lusted after a Sea Dweller for as long as i could remember. It was the first watch that i actually knew the name of since my casio calculator watch in 1980's. Actually, thats a lie, i didnt realise that the SD and the sub were different as growing up in the North East in the 80's, we didnt get exposed to too many Rolex's.

About 5/6 years ago i bought an Invicta copy for £80ish (8926OB - its actually more like the sub but the thickness of a 16600 SD) which i love, not because it's a rolex copy but because its just a beautiful watch. However, i bang it against things, i wear it constantly and its looking worn but its a look i quite like. the knocks etc take the bling away from it. Only thing that annoys me is that ive knocked the lume of the 12oclock point on the bezel. Th lume on thease are like playdough so its to be expected i think.

Anyway, i seriously considering buying a 16600 SD but i want to buy it to wear. Like, wear everywhere, all the time.

Question i have for you guys is, do you think its stupid to but a cheaper "fair condition" without papers or would you still be tempted to go for the best i can with full papers etc. I'm scared that if i buy an "excellent" condition one, I'll be too precious about it. I don't want to be precious about it at all.

I'm not sure what i'd do with box and papers anyway, Id probably end up losing them as i dont have a safe. Ha Ha.

My wife is making noises about moving house and i'm thinking if i dont buy one now, this money might just be swallowed up in all that "house move" crap.

I saw one in York for £10250 with papers box etc and nearly went in to try it on but still had that nagging thought about buying cheaper with no box papers so didnt want to waste the mans time.

Have seen a few on Chrono24 for £6.5k to £7k from japan with Y serial numbers (late 90's/early 00's i beleive) which seem a good price but these come with no box and papers.

Can anyone offer any advise please?

Thanks

David

Edited to add: I would prefer to buy in the uk but these few from japan seem just what i think i am after. Does anyone have any experience with Chrono24?

Edited by Earthboundmisfit on Tuesday 7th March 13:39

[Earthboundmisfit]

Thanks TWW, great reply.

Please could you elaborate on what you mean by authentication, you mean once i receive it form Chrono24, take it to a dealer to authenticate??

I noticed that, Chrono24 have a authentication guarantee, I guess its up to me to get it checked out.

Copied from CHomo24 webpage:

"Guarantee / Appeal Period
This Guarantee of Authenticity applies only if the Buyer sends a complaint to [e-mail] within 14 days after receipt of the watch."


I noticed some of the no box/papers are shipped with a cert of authentication (some of the US ones anyway). These Jap ones don't seem to mention that.

DO you know if these would be liable to VAT when imported in?

Thanks again

[Earthboundmisfit]

Thanks Andy for your reply. I will check out those two that you linked to.

Do you guys insure your watches?

Thats good advice. Whenyou say 13 links, does that include the two that attatch to the lugs? Would it be a problem if it were a few links short as long as it still fits my wrist? I assume the issue would be at resale?

I have thin wrists hence the 40mm face and not the newer 43mm

[Earthboundmisfit]

Thanks Chaps. Hopefully I can post some pictures soon.

[Earthboundmisfit]

Hi all, please could you tell me what this is on the strap? The bit that looks not flat like the rest of the strap. Thanks.

Also, any thoughts on this? Maybe the clasp crown looks a little feint? Price ms at £7800 via eBay with box and papers. EBay authentication service available.

[Earthboundmisfit]

Thanks again for your replies. I’ve actually tried on a 16610 and felt it was a little light. I really like the heft of the SD. I agree, I prefer the 5 digit to the 6 as I feel the 6 digit looks more jewellery like (if that makes sense) although I love the clasp on the 6 digits though.

Regarding box and papers. I’m torn on this still. I do plan on wearing it everyday until I’m gone but I am nearly 50 so in 20 years my kids might be selling this. 20 years seems a long time away but in reality it’s not. Morbid I know but having had to deal with my dads estate, I want it to be as easy as possible for them.

A lot to think about.

[Earthboundmisfit]

Thanks again for your replies. I’ve actually tried on a 16610 and felt it was a little light. I really like the heft of the SD. I agree, I prefer the 5 digit to the 6 as I feel the 6 digit looks more jewellery like (if that makes sense) although I love the clasp on the 6 digits though.

Regarding box and papers. I’m torn on this still. I do plan on wearing it everyday until I’m gone but I am nearly 50 so in 20 years my kids might be selling this. 20 years seems a long time away but in reality it’s not. Morbid I know but having had to deal with my dads estate, I want it to be as easy as possible for them.

A lot to think about.

[Earthboundmisfit]

Thanks all. You make sone very sensible comments. I think that I really need to but as cheaply (within reason) as possible and just start enjoying wearing the watch.

[Earthboundmisfit]

Hi all. Just to update this thread. I’ve finally bought one. Took advice from here and bought through Dom Hackett. It was a pleasure to deal with him and he was very patient with me.
2006 11600.
Decided on no box and papers as I plan to wear daily and not take it off. I won’t say how much I paid but I got it at a price I was happy paying in a good unpolished condition.
Arriving Thursday so really excited.

Thanks again for all your advice and a big thanks to Dom (who I know reads these forums)

Edited by Earthboundmisfit on Tuesday 28th March 20:09

[Earthboundmisfit]

Certainly will Tony, once I stop looking at it ha ha ha.