single red 1680 MK1

[scooba]

I purchased a single red 1680 mk1 with the serial number 21863xx from references I looked up it appears it was manufactured around 1969 ,The sales invoice dates it first sold in 1972 ,I'm sure from memory the case back is 1970 .1 ?

It has a newer 93150 bracelet with 580 end links , I would like to source a era correct 9315 they do crop up on vrf , would it be acceptable to fit a 1970 9315 bracelet

Finally end links is it ok to fit either 280s-380s my ref guide seams to be unspecific

Many many thx for all the advice

[JohnBaker3]

Sounds good to me; many of the bracelets were not added to the watch until the actual sale.

Even then, some buyers wanted something different and the AD's were more than happy to swap them out...

Not every case back exactly matches the serial number estimated production date either.

A 1970 or 71 9315 bracelet would definitely be "period correct" for your watch.....my end links are 380's...

Good luck with your quest and welcome to the "Red Club" !



Good luck with your quest.

[drmovement]

Sounds good to me as well. I recently sourced a thick font faded bezel for my mk2 red sub, Cant wait to put it on!
Congrats on your purchase the red sub is truly an amazing piece!!

[swish77]

Case serial numbers, bracelet date codes and the actual date of sale are often a couple of years apart here and there. Totally normal. We'd love some photos!

[Vincent65]

Mine's an early f-first (2.63 mil) from 1/70, and first sold in Oct '72. Original bracelet clasp is '69.

[iclick]

Originally Posted by scooba

I purchased a single red 1680 mk1 with the serial number 21863xx from references I looked up it appears it was manufactured around 1969 ,The sales invoice dates it first sold in 1972 ,I'm sure from memory the case back is 1970 .1 ?

I would be surprised if your watch was manufactured that late. My 1675 is #2.32m and is IV-69, purchased 01/71. Vincent65's watch supports this notion.

[springer]

Originally Posted by scooba

I purchased a single red 1680 mk1 with the serial number 21863xx from references I looked up it appears it was manufactured around 1969 ,The sales invoice dates it first sold in 1972 ,I'm sure from memory the case back is 1970 .1 ?

It has a newer 93150 bracelet with 580 end links , I would like to source a era correct 9315 they do crop up on vrf , would it be acceptable to fit a 1970 9315 bracelet

Finally end links is it ok to fit either 280s-380s my ref guide seams to be unspecific

Many many thx for all the advice

Here is some information regarding case back/serial numbers from various Rolex models I have collected the past few years - hope it helps. Based on your serial number, 1972 is very likely the year it was sold.

19XXXXX, case back dated IV 68
194XXXX, case back dated IV 68
204XXXX, case back dated IV 68 (sold 3/70)
206XXXX, case back dated IV 68
209XXXX, case back dated IV 67
213XXXX, case back dated IV 68
21XXXXX, case back dated II 69
218XXXX, case back dated I 69
231XXXX, case back dated III 69
23XXXXX, case back dated IV 70
24XXXXX, case back dated IV 69
24XXXXX, case back dated IV 69
24XXXXX, case back dated II 70
241XXXX, case back dated III 69 (red Sub)
241XXXX, case back dated I 70 (red Sub sold 7/71)
24XXXXX, case back dated I 70
244XXXX, case back dated II 70
247XXXX, case back dated II 70
25XXXXX, case back dated I 70
250XXXX, case back dated I 70
26XXXXX, case back dated III 70
267XXXX, case back dated I 70
271XXXX, case back dated I 70
281XXXX, case back dated II 71
28XXXXX, case back dated IV 70 (red Sub sold 6/1974)

[scooba]

picture

[AS1]

that's a great looking one you have there

[CrownMe]

Originally Posted by scooba

picture

Stunner you have there. Great watch.

I think you will find that the 93150 fits and looks a lot better then a 9315. I don't like how the older end links are loose and overall the bracelet feels flimsy.

But I would certainly add one if I was trying to complete a full set.

[scooba]

Thank you , The idea of getting a 9315 is just to complete the set, The thinking is in another 10 or 20 years it will be even harder to find a decent bracelet, I'm happy to wear it on the 93150 knowing the 9315 is in reserve

[scooba]

Having found a suitable 9315 then realising its only 11 links how hard is it to add extra links to the bracelet , Also found some new unused 9315 links on VRF


Would it be best to speak with a RSC and have them extend the bracelet ?

Thx

[Dr DRW]

Killer insert

[iclick]

Correction on message #6 above: The case back number is IV68, not IV69 as stated. The SN is correct as previously stated (2.32m).

[ABChop]

My 1680 meters first is a Mark II, serial 2.21, case marked III69....as per my signature : )

[scooba]

I have been offered a full size minty 1970 9315 , should I wait for a 69 or tear his arm off before its sold else where ?

[RC2]

Quality matters. A lot of watches have bands close to the year. Imo a nice watch is a nice watch regardless of the year matching.

[Storky]

Originally Posted by scooba

I have been offered a full size minty 1970 9315 , should I wait for a 69 or tear his arm off before its sold else where ?

Go for it!
For what it's worth I have a later 1978 serial 1680 with it's original 95130 bracelet that's stamped with 1979 serial letter.

[brandrea]

Looks great! Gotta love RED!

[QueueCumber]

Originally Posted by scooba

picture

I like that you have your correct Mark I next to the incorrect Mark I in the book!

[AS1]

Originally Posted by QueueCumber

I like that you have your correct Mark I next to the incorrect Mark I in the book!

ha, good point!

[cell1010]

My meters first is a 2.15M serial and has a MK2 dial, which I believe is correct. Usually the line is drawn at 2.15M between MK 1 and MK 2. So yours is probably a very late MK1 while MK2 was already in production.