Hoping for Guidance on a 1680 Submariner purchase

[doublj70]

Hello,
I have been looking for my first vintage submariner for a while, and found this one on eBay from a dealer with good feedback. It also helped that ebay gave me a coupon for 15% off... To me, it looks like an overall clean example. I was hoping some of the experts out there could take a quick look and let me know if you see any issues with the watch. I attached pics below, and here is the description from the seller:

Rolex 1680 Submariner, stainless steel on a stainless steel 93150 Oyster bracelet with 580 end links, automatic, date window with cyclops at 3 o'clock, acrylic crystal, screw-down crown, centered sweep seconds hand, COSC, original matching hands and markers have beautiful patina, water resistant to 660ft, 5.4M serial, circa 1978, diameter: 40mm, thickness: 15mm. Excellent Condition

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[GGGMT]

Is this European Watch Co?


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[btinl]

It has asymmetric lugs from prior polishing. The bezel insert is a service replacement. The lume has some dark spots which may be from moisture infiltration. It is difficult to tell from the pictures if there are marks on the dial or just on the crystal.

[doublj70]

Hi GGGMT,
yes, it is from European Watch Co.

[bayareabuggs]

wow nice piece!

[1665fan]

Hands are super crusty....

[alwayshere]

its relisted again.... want to explain OP?

[XavierM]

Service replacement insert, crown, crystal.
Not a big fan of the dial because of the 7, 11 and 12 indexes, would like better pics to assess it
Hands are not so beautiful...
Case has seen some polish wheel, I have seen worse but still not a big fan.
What is the price ?

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by XavierM

would like better pics to assess it

Not sure how much more assessing is necessary. As you and others have stated, it’s got some issues. Up to the buyer if he actually wants to buy it. For what it’s worth, I’d keep looking.

[doublj70]

Thanks for everyone's responses and feedback! I should have included that I'm looking in the lower end of the price point for 1680's, like under $10k, so I'm expecting watches in this range will have some issues. After my offering a bit less, and the ebay 15% coupon, this one ended up at just over $8k. Do you guys think the issues mentioned in the previous replies would be considered deal breakers, or just typical at this price point? Thanks!

[Dan S]

I have been seeing matte Subs and GMTs with service parts going for about $8k recently.

[Boaters]

First off you basically know nothing about what you are doing in "Vintage". Not trying to be rude or disrespectful. I was in the same place at one time and purchased a beautiful 1680 but all the boxes where checked "Service this and that" So what I ended up with was a beautiful new old watch. I loved the watch but for Re-Sale value not much, is what I paid for it. You need to be VERY educated in vintage to buy an older era piece or be happy with a new older era piece at usually a vintage price. Be very careful on what you buy .. Or has been said "Buy The Seller First" Happy Hunting ..