Franken 1680?

[Michael M.]

Looks like a 1680 converted in to a 2-tone




http://cgi.ebay.com/ROLEX-SUBMARINER...a#ht_500wt_920

[springer]

That it is. There were no 1680 two-tones. But, there was a time when many stainless models were converted to two-tones. You don't see this much anymore.

[mcjp6]

Originally Posted by springer

That it is. There were no 1680 two-tones. But, there was a time when many stainless models were converted to two-tones. You don't see this much anymore.

X 2

parts look genuine, but its still franken

[achova]

Originally Posted by mcjp6

X 2

parts look genuine, but its still franken

I am not sure this is correct. I have seen many references to the 1680/3 (also written 1680-3). and I know from experience that the 1675/3 is not so marked on the case (simply marked 1675). I have also seen reference to this beginning in about 1970 which is the date marked on this case-back. For example, http://www.vintagesubmariner.com/vintagesubs.html has this to say:

The 1680 also marked the philosophical transition of the Submariner from a pure "tool watch" built for serious divers to also being built and sold as a luxury sports watch. I say this, because the 1680 was the first reference to be sold in a steel and gold version ("two-tone" or "bi-metal") and also in an 18 carat gold model...

That said, I agree that conversions to two tone models was once common and the dial is a shade of blue I've never seen. There are threads here on TRF where well-respected members simply say the 1680 2-tone does not exist but I am not certain all 1680/3 are in fact Franken.

If anyone can weigh in either way with citations, I'd like to hear more.

[mcjp6]

That website is said to be incorrect. As you say, many well respected members here say that the TT 1680 does not exist, but not one says that it does exist either.

I have researched a lot of period Rolex adverts, magazines and archives for a TT 1680 and can find no reference to it.

Also discussed here http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...1680+blue+dial

[achova]

Fair enough. In reviewing some info, the reference to the TT models in 1970 was for the 1675/3.

I had read on VRF and possibly elsewhere but agree that, after people clarify 16803 versus the incorrect 1680/3, its not likely they existed. When they state the possibility it's usually framed as 'maybe in the far east'. Interesting that the nipple dial in the posting seems similar shade as the SS Asian blue 1680 referenced in some 1680x nipple dial discussions.

• http://www.network54.com/Forum/20759...63+or+%2773-!-
• http://www.network54.com/Forum/20759...like+the+16808
• http://www.network54.com/Forum/20759...on+Rolex+world...

In summary - Franken.

[springer]

There are many "claimed" Rolex anomalies that originate in the far east Asian countries. Usually it is a figment of someone's desires or imagination. There are no two-tone Submariners in any of the literature during the 1680 era - to include the Submariner owner's manual.