help on Rolex 1680 from 1972

[oscarmariner]

Hi guys,

I'm here again for a second 1680 I found online. This one is a 1972 1680.

Any comment, feedback will be appreciated.

THX

Oscar

[cascavel]

Wouldn't 1972 be a Red Sub?

[5513Mfirst]

appears to be Mk3 dial , insert in bezel is service/supply part. better (clearer) pics would help.
case appears to look good. Maybe redone bevels but still a lot of steel left in the lugs. A serial no. would be needed to verify what this is.
Like cascavel said. if it's a 72, it's org. a red sub.

[baumare]

If it's a 1972, in the 3.xxx serial number range, should be a Red Sub with a folding links bracelet 9315

[oscarmariner]

the serial is: 3181xxx

So I guess it should be a red dial. I'm wondering why they removed the original dial.

Is it still worth to buy it fro a good price, around 10k??

[oscarmariner]

other pictures (the bracelet for sure is not the original one)

[1665fan]

If your not concerned with service parts, I’d say it’s a decent deal....if you are looking for an original watch w matching hands, dial, and insert you won’t find one for that price...

[TimeLord2]

there are posts on this forum of people contacting Rolex Geneva and having a replacement "red" dial dial installed. Takes some time as they have to authenticate the watch but it has been done very recently. I did not read too far into this thread but this may help if you do purchase and want the appropriate dial. https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ight=1680+dial

[oscarmariner]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

there are posts on this forum of people contacting Rolex Geneva and having a replacement "red" dial dial installed. Takes some time as they have to authenticate the watch but it has been done very recently. I did not read too far into this thread but this may help if you do purchase and want the appropriate dial. https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ight=1680+dial

that's super helpful. thank you

[swaini3]

there are better examples out there.

[athom]

I've the ffeling you do not have the budget for a nice and 100% original 1680 and you propose us not appealing models...I'd say either you wait to have a bigger budget or you buy another ref that you like but like that you won't be happy and we won't say that what you show us the best is...

[swish77]

Originally Posted by swaini3

there are better examples out there.

x100. For $13K-$14K in today's market you could get a super nice, all-original white 1680, with great matching patina and fat case. I would never settle for a sub-par example, even at a bargain price. Much better to pay more for a better example.

[stewester]

If you're talking £10,000 (assuming you are since you're in the UK) rather than $10,000, you can definitely find a nicer example than this one, with most if not all original parts.

Do some research, look at plenty of examples to learn what good/correct looks like in terms of dial, insert, case profile, and go from there. Half the fun is in the hunt!

[5513Mfirst]

i second holding your money as well. put another $2-3k on top and you should absolutely be able to get a 100% correct and org. watch. from the pictures and info this one appears to be a "built" /reworked from assorted parts watch.

[77T]

I think if you shared your goal in seeking a vintage Sub then you’d get better input.

For example, do you want 100% cosmetic originality (case, dial, bezel/insert, hands, bracelet). Or is a well-serviced, authentic and documented Sub suitable?

The ones you’ve shared thus far are neither. Not a rant, just saying it’s better to define your wants up front and then the comments can focus on your goal.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[steversaurus]

If you are thinking of trying to work it back to original spec. The inserts are 2k+. An original loose red sub dial is probably 10k+ when they come up.

[Dan S]

I wouldn't enjoy it as much as one with original parts, and $10k wouldn't represent enough of a discount to compensate for that. But that is a personal decision, it's quite difficult to put a value on a watch with authentic but unoriginal parts. I also love the aged look of the dial on Aaron's watch, and I would be seeking out something like that.

[onthedial]

@oscarmariner

Please don't take this the wrong way...
Judging from your post it seems like there's a lot for you to learn. Consider that a good thing; after all we're all in the process of gaining wisdom, hopefully. Read and absorb all the information you can about the particular reference you're interested in acquiring. Never stop. Once you become aware and confident of what to look for (and what to avoid) then begin your search in earnest. Vintage watch collecting is infinitely fascinating and challenging. Enjoy the process. And btw, don't buy that watch you posted. Good luck!
__________
IG: @onthedial

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by steversaurus

If you are thinking of trying to work it back to original spec. The inserts are 2k+. An original loose red sub dial is probably 10k+ when they come up.

Yes, Red prices have gone silly.

[swaini3]

Originally Posted by onthedial

@oscarmariner

Please don't take this the wrong way...
Judging from your post it seems like there's a lot for you to learn. Consider that a good thing; after all we're all in the process of gaining wisdom, hopefully. Read and absorb all the information you can about the particular reference you're interested in acquiring. Never stop. Once you become aware and confident of what to look for (and what to avoid) then begin your search in earnest. Vintage watch collecting is infinitely fascinating and challenging. Enjoy the process. And btw, don't buy that watch you posted. Good luck!
__________
IG: @onthedial

Wise advice