My "new red Sub

[highcotton]

I recently bought a 1680 from a trusted member on this forum. The watch was in the red sub serial (3.8xxxxx) range but had a white replacement dial. The white dial looked really well but when I noticed another member had a red dial for sale I decided to change it back to original. Here are the before and after photos. I know some on here will frown on replacing the dial but I feel it was appropriate in this circumstance. What do you think?

[springer]

I had a 1680, serial number 386XXXX, that came with a first generation white dial. 38XXXXX is close to the end of the production era for the red Submariners. There would obviously be some overlap in the serial numbers from that era when both the red and white were being produced. Your white dial appears to be the second generation white dial which some refer to as the Mark II dial.

Below is a photo of the dial from my watch which is the first generation white dial. Also below is a photo of the four variations of the white dials.

[highcotton]

I noticed your white dial had the L in rolex perfectly centered with the coronet but the one on mine is shifted slightly to the left. Does that mean mine was more likely a replacement?

[springer]

Originally Posted by highcotton

I noticed your white dial had the L in rolex perfectly centered with the coronet but the one on mine is shifted slightly to the left. Does that mean mine was more likely a replacement?

Check the other photo I added to my post showing the variations of the white dials.

[highcotton]

Are they in order of earliest to latest? Thanks for the picture.

[JustinK]

I had considered doing the same thing but was concerned I would not find hands that matched the dial. It looks like yours match nicely.

[springer]

Originally Posted by highcotton

Are they in order of earliest to latest? Thanks for the picture.

Yes-earliest to latest in the white dials photo. I have not idea what the production years were, but can only guess that each dial was was produced for a year or two.

[CrownMe]

this is why im waiting to find a red sub with papers lol



congrats, you only have to make yourself happy. As long as your keeping it and not reselling it as a red sub then i see no issue at all. it looks beautiful

[highcotton]

I don't plan on selling it as it is my birth year. After I sold the white dial I have $7500 in it so I feel pretty good about it.

[Tudor66]

What do I think of it, are you kidding me. I think it's awesome. I own a white sub, and regularly drool at the red subs... Congrats...

[RolexPete32]

I see no problem with it.

[WilliamFoley]

Looks awesome..really great choice you made out there.

[DCheeta]

I thought it looked fantastic as a white. It looks cool as a red, too.

But how do I feel, ethically, about it? I don't judge. But it's interesting to ponder.

[1675-David]

I have this dial in this watch, a 2.9 mill 1680 and am planning to do the same thing, exchange the white replacement dial with the original red. Yours looks spectacular, well done!!

[Cc1966]

Looks great. As long as you disclose your change in any future sale, I see no problem (the next guy after that may get hit however).

[Vincent65]

If the 'new' red dial is period-correct for the case, there's no 'future sale' issue, and the OP has already said he has no intention of selling it.
Looks great to me, good job and enjoy.

[highcotton]

Thanks for all of the replies. I thought it would be an interesting debate.

[bridgs]

I think you made a good move.

[pdoukas]

Originally Posted by vincent65

if the 'new' red dial is period-correct for the case, there's no 'future sale' issue, and the op has already said he has no intention of selling it.
Looks great to me, good job and enjoy.

x2

[BNA/LION]

Looks nice. I'm not sure how I feel about the change. If you had the paperwork and it identified it as a "red" Sub, and I'm not sure they even do that, I would be totally cool with the change. As long as you like it and disclose the change if you sell it that is all that matters.