Vintage - Getting Started

[hcivic91]

The longer I hang around the forums the more interested I get in vintage Rolex. I own a Sub-C and a silver dial Tudor Chrono, I would like to compliment them with a vintage Datejust. I don't know where to get started, sites to review places to buy etc......

Any input is appreciated.
Thank you,
Joseph

[dddrees]

You can look for them here, from time to time one will be advertised. You can also try here: http://www.vintagerolexforum.com/

[ct11127]

Hello, all.

I am rather new to collecting vintage watches, and have never purchased a vintage Rolex before, but I'm looking to buy a mid- to late-1970s 1680 Sub. Perhaps some of the forumers can help me clarify a few things.

First, I'm a little unclear on the difference between authentic and original. As I understand it, "original" would signify that the part in question came with the watch when the watch was first purchased, whereas "authentic" would signify that a part was made by Rolex and is correct for a particular model (e.g., a triplock crown for a Sub 16610) but could have been fitted to the watch at some point after the initial purchase (e.g., during a service). Am I understanding the distinctions between these terms correctly, or are the terms interchangeable?

Second, what is the correct crown for a mid- to late-1970s 1680 Sub? The seller told me (not on TRF) that a twinlock crown is correct for such a piece, but they also said a triplock would be considered authentic because Rolex would have replaced the twinlock with a triplock during service. He also said it's difficult to find the twinlock for a 1680. Is all this true? The reason I ask is that a 1680 I am considering has been fitted with a triplock crown.

Third, what is the correct bezel insert for a 1680 of this period, and how would I recognize it.

Fourth, what about the crystal? How can I ascertain whether it is authentic Rolex, and how important is this? From what I've heard, the crystal is considered to be one of the most unusual/interesting features of the 1680 (understandably so, as it protrudes so high), so I thought it would be a good idea to ask about this too.

Sorry to sound like such a novice (though I am a novice), and I hope I am not annoying anyone with this post. There really seems to be a wealth of knowledge here on TRF, and I hope some of you might help me with these questions so that I don't end up making a great blunder. I am rather afraid of spending a substantial sum on an incorrect or Frankened watch.

Many thanks

[Clay]

Just open your wallet and say: "Ahh!!!"

Just kidding...

[cruvon]

Hi ct11127, welcome. In short, an original watch is one that has all period correct parts preferably from when the watch was new. Now these period correct parts could have been original to the watch or put on later, is extremely difficult to tell unless you bought it from the original owner who knew it's history or if a seller who bought it from an original owner knows it's history. Offcourse service replacement parts are easier to tell. In both cases(excluding ones with service replacements) the watch would be called authentic from an originality perspective though is more desirable if you manage get one that came with all parts original to the watch. About the crown, the earlier 1680 redsubs had the twin locks( think were called something else) followed by later ones and the 1680 whites having the triplocks. Also all should have a fat font insert originally and the top hat crystal without bevelled edges. All this is extremely difficult for the novice eye to discern so your best bet is to post pics of the watch here before buying with its serial number and reference and learn from the comments of the knowledgeable guys here. You could also look up past threads that will have examples of all these.

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by hcivic91

The longer I hang around the forums the more interested I get in vintage Rolex. I own a Sub-C and a silver dial Tudor Chrono, I would like to compliment them with a vintage Datejust. I don't know where to get started, sites to review places to buy etc......

Any input is appreciated.
Thank you,
Joseph

Welcome and happy hunting!

[ct11127]

Hi Cruvon,

Many thanks for you help. I will post pics as soon as possible.

I noticed the list of vintage watch dealers you've been putting together, by the way, and I've been following its development. I like the way it's been thought out, and I think it will be a good resource.

Once again, many thanks

[Robbyvm]

hi CT
nice choise of watch and a great vintage to start with
this place is the best to inform about all the details, and it is very usefull to post pics of the watch before buying...
triplock on the white is correct to the watch, you should have a fat font (otherwise you surely will buy one afterwards) the crystal is a tophat (minor scratches can be removed)
the case should'nt be overpolished, the bracelet without stretch, the dial and hands preferably matching colour, etc...
you can read up on the different forums on the internet, there's tons of information available with pictures to compare to the watch your buying

good luck and keep us posted

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by ct11127

Hi Cruvon,

Many thanks for you help. I will post pics as soon as possible.

I noticed the list of vintage watch dealers you've been putting together, by the way, and I've been following its development. I like the way it's been thought out, and I think it will be a good resource.

Once again, many thanks

Thanks and all the best with the hunt. Do post pics before buying!:)

[ct11127]

Clay, Cruvon, and Robbyvm,

A great many thanks for your responses and support. This is incredibly helpful.

If I can ask another question: What can I expect to pay for a good, authentic late-1970s 1680? I'm looking at one for $6,200, but I think (though I'm not sure yet) it may have some aftermarket parts--possibly the bezel insert and the crystal. I'd like to avoid aftermarket parts altogether, and I expressed this to the seller. They said they could probably replace the aftermarket parts with authentic parts, but then implied that doing so would add to the price of the watch. The watch is being serviced at the moment by their watchmaker, and I don't think they'll be able to tell me precisely which parts are authentic and which ones are not till they get it back. I have not yet committed to purchasing it though. So I'm thinking about contacting some of the dealers on Cruvon's list. But either way I will post pics of the watch as soon as I can.

Again, many thanks

[Robbyvm]

http://www.chrono24.nl/rolex/1680-su...-id1552981.htm
This one has a service insert you should change but it's just to give you an idea.... (i have no connection to This watch)

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by ct11127

Clay, Cruvon, and Robbyvm,

A great many thanks for your responses and support. This is incredibly helpful.

If I can ask another question: What can I expect to pay for a good, authentic late-1970s 1680? I'm looking at one for $6,200, but I think (though I'm not sure yet) it may have some aftermarket parts--possibly the bezel insert and the crystal. I'd like to avoid aftermarket parts altogether, and I expressed this to the seller. They said they could probably replace the aftermarket parts with authentic parts, but then implied that doing so would add to the price of the watch. The watch is being serviced at the moment by their watchmaker, and I don't think they'll be able to tell me precisely which parts are authentic and which ones are not till they get it back. I have not yet committed to purchasing it though. So I'm thinking about contacting some of the dealers on Cruvon's list. But either way I will post pics of the watch as soon as I can.

Again, many thanks

Cheers. I am not exactly sure about prices on the late 1680's, some others here might be able to chip in on that, but you will get an idea from ones on sellers websites/sale listings,it all depends on the condition they are in. Look for one which has period correct parts(the most preferable being parts that were original to the watch) , a perfect dial and preferably matching tritium lume on hands, dial and on the pearl in the bezel insert if possible. A crystal replacement is fine but a original bezel insert could set you back quite a bit. Also if the watch is not recently fully serviced from a reputable watchmaker(don't take their word for it, insist on servicing documents if possible) , you would be looking at an expensive service, things to consider.
Also see what shade of patina interests you, white, off white, yellow, etc. Lastly, get opinions from the knowledgeable members here and/or people in the know and you should be fine.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by ct11127

Clay, Cruvon, and Robbyvm,

A great many thanks for your responses and support. This is incredibly helpful.

If I can ask another question: What can I expect to pay for a good, authentic late-1970s 1680? I'm looking at one for $6,200, but I think (though I'm not sure yet) it may have some aftermarket parts--possibly the bezel insert and the crystal. I'd like to avoid aftermarket parts altogether, and I expressed this to the seller. They said they could probably replace the aftermarket parts with authentic parts, but then implied that doing so would add to the price of the watch. The watch is being serviced at the moment by their watchmaker, and I don't think they'll be able to tell me precisely which parts are authentic and which ones are not till they get it back. I have not yet committed to purchasing it though. So I'm thinking about contacting some of the dealers on Cruvon's list. But either way I will post pics of the watch as soon as I can.

Again, many thanks

Buy the seller, if your unsure walk away. You can always post details and PICs here if you are unsure. But always, always buy the seller.

[ct11127]

Hello All,

Here are some pics of the 1680 I'm thinking about. I would greatly appreciate the your opinion of this piece. Does it look okay? Anything that looks problematic or that raises an eyebrow?

Many thanks

[ct11127]

Here are two more pics:

[ct11127]

To The Moderator:

Hello, can you please remove these pics, as I wish to re-post them in a new thread.

Many thanks