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Old 20 January 2008, 01:07 PM   #1
Tools
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The Rolex Submariner (vintage)

Rolex Submariners non-date

Model ........ Mvt. ............. Years ....................Depth rtg
6205 ..........A296 .......... 1954-1955................... 600
6204 ..........A260 ...........1953-1954....................600
6200 ..........A296...............1953................. ........660
6536 ..........1030 ...........1955-1959....................330
6538 ..........1030 ...........1954-1959.....................660
5508 ..........1530 ...........1957-1961.....................330
5510 ..........1530 ...............1958.........................660
5512 .....1530/1560/1570..1959-1978.....................660
5513 ........1520/1530.......1962-1989.....................660
5514 ..........1520............1969-1977.....................660
5517 ..........1520.................1977............... .........660
14060.........3000..............1989-1999....................1000
14060M.......3130..............1999-today...................1000

Photos:

5513,
5513Sub.jpg

Points of Interest:

The bezel clicks:
5512,5513,1680,1665, models use a bi-directional friction fit (press to turn) bezel.
16800 and foward--use a uni-directional bezel with 120 clicks
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Old 24 February 2008, 05:12 AM   #2
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Rolex Submariners (date)

................-under construction-

The following information and photo contributions by Mike:

The 1680 made it's debut circa 1967 with the RED meters first dial.
Latter REDS with feet first began circa 1970,

Hacking is generally felt to have been introduced in the 70 to 71 timeframe as Rolex brought the modification on line, but some crossover exists.

1970 RED 2.5 mil. NON-HACK





Most collectors shy away from REDS over 4 mil.

Additionally, FEET FIRST dials had several different style fonts,

Note: Photo credit Bernard,

1970-72ish, opens 6s



72-73ish, semi-open--NOTEWORTHY, some feel these were Beyeler dials made in the 3 to 3.5 mil range,



73-74--closed 6s



The white came circa 1975 though many have noted finding one in this serial number range is a challenge. Some speculate the 1680 was made in very few numbers from circa 75-77 for what ever reason.
Most seem to fall into a serial number range after 77-78.

Mine, both 5 mils, circa 1978-79,



A luminova replacement dial,





May I also submit the reference 16800?

Making it's debut circa 1979-1980, the reference 16800 introduced several new features.
The first diver to have a 3035 fast beat movement. It also was the first to feature a true quick-set date, uni-directional ratching bezel, sapphire crystal, metal pearl cup, and of course an increased depth rating to 300 meters.

Early versions had a matt dial sans WG surrounds, while later versions came with a gloss dial with WGs (circa 1985)

Mine circa 1980,



Links:

http://www.doubleredseadweller.com/rs1.htm

http://www.doubleredseadweller.com/rs2.htm
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Old 24 July 2009, 10:43 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tools View Post
Rolex Submariners (date)

................-under construction-

The following information and photo contributions by Mike:

The 1680 made it's debut circa 1967 with the RED meters first dial.
Latter REDS with feet first began circa 1970,

Hacking is generally felt to have been introduced in the 70 to 71 timeframe as Rolex brought the modification on line, but some crossover exists.

1970 RED 2.5 mil. NON-HACK






Most collectors shy away from REDS over 4 mil.

Additionally, FEET FIRST dials had several different style fonts,

Note: Photo credit Bernard,

1970-72ish, opens 6s



72-73ish, semi-open--NOTEWORTHY, some feel these were Beyeler dials made in the 3 to 3.5 mil range,



73-74--closed 6s



The white came circa 1975 though many have noted finding one in this serial number range is a challenge. Some speculate the 1680 was made in very few numbers from circa 75-77 for what ever reason.
Most seem to fall into a serial number range after 77-78.

Mine, both 5 mils, circa 1978-79,



A luminova replacement dial,





May I also submit the reference 16800?

Making it's debut circa 1979-1980, the reference 16800 introduced several new features.
The first diver to have a 3035 fast beat movement. It also was the first to feature a true quick-set date, uni-directional ratching bezel, sapphire crystal, metal pearl cup, and of course an increased depth rating to 300 meters.

Early versions had a matt dial sans WG surrounds, while later versions came with a gloss dial with WGs (circa 1985)

Mine circa 1980,



Links:

http://www.doubleredseadweller.com/rs1.htm

http://www.doubleredseadweller.com/rs2.htm
I have a 16800 with the mat dial and the bezel only turns counter clockwise is this normal? serial number 7.2xetc...
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Old 3 May 2008, 06:50 AM   #4
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wow nice pics. i have i guess you would call vintage ''85''- 87'' year rolex sub 16800 3035 with the white gold indices. very nice watch to wear on the regular. i'll post some pics soon.
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Old 10 May 2008, 08:21 PM   #5
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Info on vintage sub models.

This came up in another thread and I posted the info below. Some members thought it should be included here for future reference so here goes...

I can't claim any credit for this info as it is something I came across a while ago and stored for future use. Apologies and thanks to the orignal source.

Following are the various Submariner vintage models (by case number):

6200 - Original Submariner
Launched in 1953. Depth rated to 200m (660 ft) with an 8mm crown. No crown guard and no depth rating on dial. Submariner not printed on dial. Dial similar to Explorer style dials of same period. Non-Chronometer A296 movement with 18 Jewels. Larger case than the 6204 or 6205. Larger crown marked Brevet.
Updated in 1955. Depth rated to 200m (660 ft) with an 8mm crown. No crown guard and no depth rating on dial. Submariner printed on dial. Included the Mercedes hands. Non-Chronometer A296 movement with 18 Jewels. Larger case than the 6536 or 6538. Larger crown marked Brevet.

6204 - Launched in two versions
Launched in 1954. Depth rated to 100m (330 ft) with a 6mm crown. No crown guard and no depth rating on dial. Submariner printed on dial. Dial revised from 6200. Used the upgraded non-chronometer A260 movement with 18 Jewels. Smaller than the 6200.
Updated in 1954. Depth rated to 100m (330 ft) with a 6mm crown. No crown guard and no depth rating on dial. Model name "blacked-out." Non-Chronometer A260 movement with 18 Jewels. Smaller than the 6200

6205 - Launched in 1954. Depth rated to 100m (330 ft) with a 6mm crown. No crown guard and no depth rating on dial. Model name not present on dial. Dial revised from

6200 - Used the upgraded A260 movement. Same size as the 6204. Smaller than the 6200
Updated in 1955. Depth rated to 100m (330 ft) with 6mm crown. No crown guard however depth rating now printed on dial (white). Model name present on dial. A260 movement. Smaller than the 6200

6536 - Launched in 1955. Upgrade of the 6205 model. Depth rated to 100m (330 ft) with the 8mm crown. No crown guard and no depth rating on dial. Submariner printed on dial. First time use of the Mercedes hands. Movement upgraded to the non-chronometer 1030 with 25 Jewels. Updated in 1956. Depth rated to 100m (330 ft) with a 8mm crown. No crown guard however depth rating now printed on dial (white). Submariner also printed on dial. Non-Chronometer 1030 movement. First time Bezel contained markers for first 15 minutes.

6536/1 - Launched in 1956. Depth rated to 100m (330 ft) with a 8mm crown. No crown guard with depth rating printed on dial (white). Model name also present on dial. Chronometer 1030 movement with 25 Jewels. Bezel with markers for first 15 minutes. Triangle on Bezel painted red.

6538 - James Bond Submariner (Dr. No)
Launched in 1955. Upgrade of the 6204 model. Depth rated to 100m (330 ft) with the 6mm crown. No crown guard and no depth rating on dial. Model name present on dial. Used the upgraded A260 movement.
Updated in 1956. Depth rated to 200m (660 ft) with 8mm crown. No crown guard with depth rating printed on dial (white). Model name also present on dial. Upgraded to the 1030 movement. Case upgraded to same size as the
6200 (larger). Updated in 1956. Depth rated to 200m (660 ft) with 8mm crown. No crown guard with depth rating printed on dial (white). Model name also present on dial. 'Officially Certified Chronometer' now painted on dial. 1030 movement.

5508 - Launched in 1958. Upgrade to the 6536/1 model. Depth rated to 100m (330 ft) with 6mm crown. No crown guard and depth rating on always printed on dial. Model name printed on dial. Upgraded to the new Chronometer 1530 movement. Updated in 1964. Luminous markers not enclosed by circular border.

5510 - Launched in 1958. Upgrade to the 6200 model. Depth rated to 200m (660 ft) with the 8mm crown. No crown guard and depth rating printed on dial. Submariner printed on dial. New Chronometer 1530 movement.
Updated in 1964. Depth rated to 200m (660 ft) with the 8mm crown. No crown guard. Depth rating printed on dial. Printing on dial changed to white.

5512 - Launched in 1959. Depth rated to 200m (660 ft) with 8mm crown. Crown guard. Depth rating printed on dial. Chronometer. 'Officially Certified Chronometer' printed on dial. Submariner printed on dial. New 1560 Chronometer movement. Updated in 1965. Depth rating to 660 ft (200m) with 8mm crown. Crown guard. Depth rating printed on dial. Superlative added to printing on dial.

5513 - James Bond Submariner (Live and Let Die)
Launched in 1962. Depth rated to 200m (660 ft) with 8mm crown. Crown guard. Depth rating printed on dial. Non-Chronometer. 1530 movement. Dial marked with Swiss. Updated in 1963. Depth rating to 660 ft (200m) with 8mm crown. Non-Chronometer 1520 movement. Swiss T<25 printed on dial.
Navy model launched in 1968. Depth rated to 660 ft (200m) with 8mm crown. Crown guard. Soldered strap bars. Large hour and minute hands. Large T printed above depth rating to indicate luminous material as tritium.

5517 - Launched in 1971 for the British Marines. Depth rated to 660 ft (200m) with 8mm crown. Crown guard. Crown with triple-lock. Bezel with 60 minute markers. Soldered strap bars. Large hour and minute hands. Large T printed above depth rating to indicate luminous material as tritium.

1680 - Launched in 1966. Depth rated to 660 ft (200m) with 8mm crown. Crown guard. Depth rating printed on dial. Chronometer. New 1575 Chronometer movement with Date. Raised and flat crystal. Submariner printed in red. Updated in 1972. Depth rated to 660 ft (200m) with 8mm crown. Crown guard. Crown with triple-lock. Depth rating printed on dial. Chronometer. 1575 Chronometer movement with Date. Raised and flat crystal. All dial lettering printed in white.

16800 - Launched in 1982. Depth rated to 1000 ft (300m) with 8mm crown. Crown guard. Crown with triple-lock. Depth rating printed on dial. Chronometer. New 3035 Chronometer movement with Date. Low-profile sapphire crystal. All dial lettering printed in white.

Last edited by Tools; 28 May 2008 at 12:27 AM..
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Old 30 May 2008, 07:50 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER View Post
I would like to add, since it seem to be missing in the above info:

Ref. 168000: marked the change from use of steel 316L to the use of steel 904L.

The Ref. 168000 Sub Date is said to have been manufactured for only about 9 months, btw.
I would like to make a correction of my above statement due to new information provided by Jocke.

The alledged 9 month period of manufacture of the Ref. 168000 (deriving from this article) is more like 6 months.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jocke View Post
The Sumariner ref 168000 was the first one that use the 904L and it was in the middle of 1988.
The next Submariner ref 16610 was released a few months into 1989 so the ref 168000 was
only at the market around 6 months.

Jocke
Thanks for the clarification, Jocke!
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Old 16 October 2008, 03:07 AM   #7
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I have two Red Subs . . . both 2.9 million numbers . . .

The UK one has punched papers, but the Canadian one has 'typewritten' papers

Was this normal?

Any info would be greatly appreciated

Brian
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Old 22 April 2009, 02:52 AM   #8
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Here's my "Red" 1680, Serial 3,789,xxx

Sorry about the quality.
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Old 24 December 2012, 03:52 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER View Post
I would like to make a correction of my above statement due to new information provided by Jocke.

The alledged 9 month period of manufacture of the Ref. 168000 (deriving from this article) is more like 6 months.



Thanks for the clarification, Jocke!
I know I am bring up an ancient thread but I had a question about the 168000 that was only introduced for a few months. How can you tell you are getting one with the 904l steel. I am assuming since this was made in short supply that it may be one of the ones that are more collectible in 30 or so years. A little more info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
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Old 29 May 2008, 01:35 PM   #10
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very nice photos and detailed information.
well done, many thanks~~
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Old 11 February 2009, 02:33 AM   #11
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My 5512 ser. 1.8XX.XXX

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Old 28 March 2009, 06:07 AM   #12
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Guys, "L series" 5513 was the last of the plastics, right? Have you got any idea how many were made for the 'L"? thanks
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Old 28 March 2009, 06:22 AM   #13
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These Subs look fabulous. Nice pictures, guys.
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Old 30 March 2009, 10:01 PM   #14
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stunning pics....
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Old 1 April 2009, 06:16 AM   #15
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Sheer Magnetism!
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Old 5 April 2009, 03:26 PM   #16
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Great pics.

Thanks for your info.
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Old 20 April 2009, 12:48 PM   #17
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Hey Larry, I'm brand new to the forum so please excuse me if this question is siloly but what do you mean when you said "Most collectors shy away from REDS over 4 mil." Which of the "red" are more collectable. Mine was a graduation gift from my father and I would never sell but I am curious. Mine is a 1680, serial number 3,789,xxx. Thanks!
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Old 23 April 2009, 01:01 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by caldoone View Post
Hey Larry, I'm brand new to the forum so please excuse me if this question is siloly but what do you mean when you said "Most collectors shy away from REDS over 4 mil." Which of the "red" are more collectable. Mine was a graduation gift from my father and I would never sell but I am curious. Mine is a 1680, serial number 3,789,xxx. Thanks!
Beyond 4 mil, authentic reds begin to get scarce, so rather than take a chance at a re-dialed/non-authentic red Sub, collectors simply don't go there.
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Old 22 April 2009, 11:25 PM   #19
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This is beautiful shots and highly privileged.
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Old 24 April 2009, 12:17 AM   #20
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Great thread, very educational
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Old 24 April 2009, 07:36 AM   #21
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My 1962 5512 gilt dial pointy crown guards Sub, a privilage to be a caretaker of this early classic.
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Old 24 April 2009, 12:37 PM   #22
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Thanks for all the beautiful pics and info...
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Old 26 April 2009, 07:05 AM   #23
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Butter hook!!!
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Old 29 April 2009, 10:31 AM   #24
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Great post and pics ,thanks for the knowledge
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Old 14 May 2009, 06:04 PM   #25
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thanks for the information.
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Old 13 June 2009, 09:15 PM   #26
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Here is mine

1982 7.3 mil with MAxi Type V spent it's hole life in Hawaii(now in Boston)

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Old 24 July 2009, 10:49 PM   #27
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I have a 16800 with the mat dial and the bezel only turns counter clockwise is this normal? serial number 7.2xetc...
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Old 25 July 2009, 08:56 PM   #28
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Quote:
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I have a 16800 with the mat dial and the bezel only turns counter clockwise is this normal? serial number 7.2xetc...
Yes. Among other things the 16800 introduced the 120 click unidirectional bezel.
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Old 25 July 2009, 11:04 PM   #29
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What's the deal some 'reds' look like they have white paint underneath 'submariner' and some look like they don't just solid red 'submariner' ???
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Old 20 December 2009, 06:12 AM   #30
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This place is like Wikipedia - incredible info. Thanks again.
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