1655 vs 1680 red

[adamjohari]

Hi everyone, this has probably been discussed to death, so don't beat me up for revisiting this topic. Considering that both the 1655 and 1680 red are around the same value (money wise), would you choose one over the other? Why?

Thanks 🙏🏼

[zapokee]

1680 Red is more iconic for me, but it's hard to go wrong with either.

[Dan S]

Buy the watch that makes you happy.

[1665fan]

Meters first red or 1655

[swish77]

Red 1680s are nice, of course, but it's still a Submariner. And from even a short distance it looks like many other Submariners. Nothing wrong with that, and I have a couple Subs, vintage and new, so I'm a big fan.

HOWEVER, there is nothing that looks like a 1655. It's a funky, fun fabulous retro reference, and if I could only keep one vintage Rolex with a date, it would be my 1655. Way under-rated and under-valued at the moment, IMHO.

[btinl]

Tough decision. These were my first vintage purchases.




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[fusionstorm]

^^^ you still need to swap the bezel inserts on your Red Subs!!!

[mineral]

Definitely 1655 for me due to its unique design. Not easy to find one in good condition.


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[subx]

both are awesome

[scooba]

I think Mike Wood has two 1655 for sale at theoldwatchshop.co.uk

[jdmi32]

Exp II for me, especially if it’s in excellent condition. IMO much tougher to find in this condition compared to a ff Red Sub. Many Exp IIs suffer from poor polishing jobs, especially at the crown guards.

[SubKing]

Originally Posted by jdmi32

Exp II for me, especially if it’s in excellent condition. IMO much tougher to find in this condition compared to a ff Red Sub. Many Exp IIs suffer from poor polishing jobs, especially at the crown guards.

x2
I own both red 1680 and 1655. Both of them are equally stunning unpolished condition with full sets.

I found it was much harder for me to find the right 1655 than the right 1680red.

Much of what has already been stated here regarding condition issues/challenges. Most of the 1655's I came across were either over polished/missing enamel from bezel, small dial damages and the most common problem a cracked orange hand.

It's been said many times that condition is paramount. It can be a tough one to swallow because when a 1655 does pop up that ticks all the box's, you have to be prepared to pay the premium that will come along with it. It all depends on your standards.

That pretty much sums up my experience with the hunt.
If you ask me which one I like more? I can't answer that. I like both of them in different ways and could not pick between the two if I could only own one of them. This is why I own both.


here are mine for reference.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by SubKing

x2
I own both red 1680 and 1655. Both of them are equally stunning unpolished condition with full sets.

I found it was much harder for me to find the right 1655 than the right 1680red.

Much of what has already been stated here regarding condition issues/challenges. Most of the 1655's I came across were either over polished/missing enamel from bezel, small dial damages and the most common problem a cracked orange hand.

It's been said many times that condition is paramount. It can be a tough one to swallow because when a 1655 does pop up that ticks all the box's, you have to be prepared to pay the premium that will come along with it. It all depends on your standards.

That pretty much sums up my experience with the hunt.
If you ask me which one I like more? I can't answer that. I like both of them in different ways and could not pick between the two if I could only own one of them. This is why I own both.


here are mine for reference.

Stunning examples, from another 1655 lover!

[SubKing]

Originally Posted by swish77

Stunning examples, from another 1655 lover!

Thank you Aaron, I have always admired your 1655. Beautiful example