Input Requested : 1680 Tropical

[abacona]

https://tropicalwatch.com/watches/tjkx

How difficult would it be to find a piece like this but with papers?

What are your thoughts on the case, dial mark, bezel insert, and overall?

Should I pull the trigger on this or wait for one with papers? How often do they come around with papers?


Lastly, I plan on wearing this nearly every day as part of a consolidated collection. Would entering the water be inadvisable with this watch? I’m fine with pressure testing it every year or more.

[abacona]

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[lupus66]

Difficult. Wouldnt bother papers. Nice watch case recut and yes you can swim if tested.

[abacona]

Originally Posted by lupus66

Difficult. Wouldnt bother papers. Nice watch case recut and yes you can swim if tested.

Thank you - how often would you pressure test it?

Would you avoid a steam room?


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[lupus66]

Once a year.

[lupus66]

Steam dont know

[996marty]

Originally Posted by abacona

Thank you - how often would you pressure test it?

Would you avoid a steam room?


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I wouldn’t risk it anywhere near a steam room.

[abacona]

Originally Posted by 996marty

I wouldn’t risk it anywhere near a steam room.

Thanks. Are the acrylic crystals more susceptible to knocks that may create a leak?


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[Swearengen]

Given most of the value of the watch is in the dial I would not go anywhere near water with my 1680. The risk/reward ratio isn't in your favour

[PVR]

Dial has a scratch, drag mark around center and lume has shrunken, but the color is very nice. Case has been re cut and price is 32k.

If you can accept the flaws and pay the price its a nice watch but, I feel you can get a nicer watch with papers for the same price.

Pressure test the watch. If it passes you can swim or steam with it and if It fails then you can't.

[abacona]

Originally Posted by PVR

Dial has a scratch, drag mark around center and lume has shrunken, but the color is very nice. Case has been re cut and price is 32k.

If you can accept the flaws and pay the price its a nice watch but, I feel you can get a nicer watch with papers for the same price.

Pressure test the watch. If it passes you can swim or steam with it and if It fails then you can't.

How difficult is it to find one with papers as you describe ?

Can you point me in the right direction?

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[ronricks]

Price is too high in this market. Notice none of his 1680’s have been selling.

[subx]

most 1680s from that period were bought by their first owners to be worn daily,
fast forward 50 years later and Most are found very worn and 'naked':
they either hit the market at auction unrestored,
or become available through dealers after restoration.

PS: I would never ever swim with a vintage Rolex, even pressure tested etc.

[lupus66]

Originally Posted by ronricks

Price is too high in this market. Notice none of his 1680’s have been selling.

Tropical mf

[abacona]

Originally Posted by ronricks

Price is too high in this market. Notice none of his 1680’s have been selling.

What would you price a watch with this dial at?


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[abacona]

Originally Posted by lupus66

Tropical mf

What would you price this at?


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[abacona]

Originally Posted by subx

most 1680s from that period were bought by their first owners to be worn daily,
fast forward 50 years later and Most are found very worn and 'naked':
they either hit the market at auction unrestored,
or become available through dealers after restoration.

PS: I would never ever swim with a vintage Rolex, even pressure tested etc.

What’s the reason you’d never swim with it after a pressure test?

Was hoping for this to be a daily + vacation watch


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[springer]

A professionally restored vintage case can add new life to an old, original Rolex, especially when properly done, but, the chamfers on this example are heavily exaggerated and much wider than the original chamfers which is something that would bother me.

As far as the remainder of the watch goes, to include the "tropical look," that would be an area that the buyer would need to consider if it is appealing to him.

As far as diving or wearing the watch in water, there is always a chance that something - like a hit on a door jam - could break the crystal seal causing the watch to take on water. Personally, and based on the value of this Submariner, I would leave it in the "sock drawer" and away from water.

[swish77]

Agree with Springer, case refinishing is overdone and not right.

But for me the dial blemishes are a bigger issue and would be an immediate deal-breaker. If I'm spending more than $30K for a watch, the dial needs to be virtually perfect.

[watchcrank]

Avoid moisture of any kind.

[abacona]

Originally Posted by swish77

Agree with Springer, case refinishing is overdone and not right.

But for me the dial blemishes are a bigger issue and would be an immediate deal-breaker. If I'm spending more than $30K for a watch, the dial needs to be virtually perfect.

Thank you will keep looking


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[abacona]

Originally Posted by swish77

Agree with Springer, case refinishing is overdone and not right.

But for me the dial blemishes are a bigger issue and would be an immediate deal-breaker. If I'm spending more than $30K for a watch, the dial needs to be virtually perfect.

What do you think fair value is ?


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[abacona]

Originally Posted by springer

A professionally restored vintage case can add new life to an old, original Rolex, especially when properly done, but, the chamfers on this example are heavily exaggerated and much wider than the original chamfers which is something that would bother me.

As far as the remainder of the watch goes, to include the "tropical look," that would be an area that the buyer would need to consider if it is appealing to him.

As far as diving or wearing the watch in water, there is always a chance that something - like a hit on a door jam - could break the crystal seal causing the watch to take on water. Personally, and based on the value of this Submariner, I would leave it in the "sock drawer" and away from water.

Thank you for the insight. I personally love the tropical look

What would you say fair value for this piece is at?

Will probably avoid too much exploration with this watch. Was originally planning on taking it diving etc.


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[seattleal]

I bought the submariner in my avatar new in 1970, and dove with it (as deep as 225ft) for years. If I still had it I wouldn't wash my hands with it on, even if it had just passed a pressure test.

I paid about $225 for it, which means even adjusted for inflation they are now worth over 10 times their original cost, and as others have said, most of that value is in the dial. It only takes one small mistake for that value to go down the drain.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by abacona

What do you think fair value is ?


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For me, the price is irrelevant when there are issues with the watch. I wouldn't buy it at any price. If I wouldn't want to wear it, what's the point?

[77T]

The fair value of this watch has little to nothing to do with the next one you'll be looking at. Each watch has its own issues.

The dealer on this one tends to be higher than the average Joe - I hope that helps somewhat.

Since you will keep looking, and are in a falling market in general, maybe consider one with a better dial but has a case needing refinishing. Like Springer said, a properly done case will be more pleasing.


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[springer]

Originally Posted by abacona

Thank you for the insight. I personally love the tropical look

What would you say fair value for this piece is at?

Will probably avoid too much exploration with this watch. Was originally planning on taking it diving etc.


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I have no idea on the value due to the over-exaggerated lug chamfers, I would send it back to the restoration shop and have those lugs redone.