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Racer X · 21 November 2010, 11:10 AM

Hi all,

I began my vintage collection not too long ago with a 1680 from the late seventies. I liked the watch so much that I decided to get a 1680 from the year of my birth, 1969. It wasn't long before I realized that buying a 1969 1680 means not only buying a red 1680, but a meters-first red 1680! At first I gave up on the idea of a 1680 birthday-year watch because I thought they were just too expensive. After a while, however, I thought "what the hell" and began the search for my watch. As it turned out, a nice meters-first red 1680 is not easy to find! It took months of searching, but I finally found the watch pictured below. This example was born in the second quarter of 1969, just like me. It has a Mark I dial and came with a 9315/280 Pat. Pend. bracelet stamped 4/69. Although I admittedly paid more than I wanted to, I am quite pleased with the watch.

Cheers!

dddrees · 21 November 2010, 11:12 AM

It looks excellent, Congrats.

smallcandle · 21 November 2010, 11:15 AM

Beautiful watch! I am on the hunt for a Red 1680 myself, so I can appreciate the patience that it takes to find the 'one'... Congratulations!

ABChop · 21 November 2010, 11:21 AM

Very Nice...congrats!!

fusionstorm · 21 November 2010, 12:45 PM

Bravo!!!!

TRW · 21 November 2010, 12:46 PM

Beautiful Score.Congratulations.

HL65 · 21 November 2010, 01:10 PM

Very nice!! Congrats! When did you get it?? Looks beautiful!!

Damage Inc. · 21 November 2010, 01:10 PM

Awesome man, simply awesome.

That exact watch is on my 'must have' (someday) list.
Major congratulations!

If you don't mind my asking, where did you find it?

jamesw · 21 November 2010, 01:33 PM

Congrats, a very nice example.

Michael M. · 21 November 2010, 02:22 PM

Huge Congrats!!! The 1680 redsub is a true classic! Love the mk1 dial's, yours has awesome patina!!!!

Beaumont Miller II · 21 November 2010, 02:58 PM

You're right, they are not easy to find...you're a lucky guy. Congrats

Frogman4me · 21 November 2010, 04:02 PM

Wow what a great example, the patina is perfect! Congrats.

AshUK · 21 November 2010, 07:54 PM

That's a beauty, fast becoming a favourite of mine.
Congrats
Ash

AirKing527 · 21 November 2010, 10:58 PM

Wow, what a good looking watch. Congrats!

caeden · 21 November 2010, 11:02 PM

Beautiful looking piece, with beautiful even patina!

A HUGE congrats!

Cheers!

eparisini · 22 November 2010, 12:11 AM

It looks very nice, enjoy it in good health

PhilM · 22 November 2010, 12:13 AM

What a wonderful example

Dan Pierce · 22 November 2010, 12:15 AM

Gorgeous vintage.

dP

lhanddds · 22 November 2010, 01:42 AM

Wow, that looks great

B333 · 22 November 2010, 02:18 AM

Looks like its starting to turn "chocolate"

Really, really nice.

Best,
B333

mike · 22 November 2010, 02:26 AM

Fat, even, and beautifull!!!

Major congrats on the "next level" in collecting and kudos for waiting and researching till the right one came along.

Nicely done!

Cannop · 22 November 2010, 02:39 AM

Beautiful!

Cannop

STEELINOX · 22 November 2010, 02:44 AM

Thats a sweet ROLEX, enjoy to the full !

sleddog · 22 November 2010, 02:48 AM

Beautiful piece....Congrats and enjoy!

JimSnyder · 22 November 2010, 02:52 AM

Breathtaking

Racer X · 22 November 2010, 03:08 AM

Hi folks! So great to hear all the positive responses. Thanks a bunch!

To answer a couple of questions, I received the watch last week and got it from Ralf Eichmann of Vintage Watches International in Berlin. It's a bit of a long story . . .

As I said above, I had a hard time finding the watch I wanted (MF with nice patina) so I had to expand my search beyond the U.S. This watch was living in Berlin when I found it online. I inquired about the watch and it was then that I learned about the problems with importing a Rolex from overseas. I initially gave up on the watch because I didn't think there was any way to actually receive it from Ralf. Soon thereafter, however, I learned that my girlfriend's friend's boyfriend, who lives in Austria, would be visiting the U.S. in December. I talked to him and learned that he would be in Germany on business early this month and that he would be happy to pick up the watch for me and hand carry it to the U.S. in December. Well, he apparently couldn't wait until December to see his girlfriend here in the U.S. and he decided to pop into the country last week. So, I got my baby a bit early, although none too soon if you know what I mean!

I should mention that Ralf is a great guy and is very knowledgeable. He was also quite patient with me as I had many many questions about the watch. Our email string must have included something like 50 emails back and forth. In dealing with him over the course of the emails, I became very comfortable with him and I developed a lot of trust in him. I realize that many of you in the U.S. may not have a chance to do business with Ralf, but I highly recommend him if you do ever have the opportunity. He has sold, and has for sale, some amazing Rolexes, which you can view on his web site. Also, there are many rave reviews for Ralf on the VRF web site.

darthmouse · 22 November 2010, 04:19 AM

Great example Mark I, and congrats on the birth year watch!

HL65 · 22 November 2010, 04:46 AM

Had to comment again--what amazing patina--perfect coffee color! Great pick up!!

SubKing · 22 November 2010, 04:57 AM

looks great! love that watch. enjoy it and thanks for sharing

Puffy · 22 November 2010, 05:18 AM

stunning watch mate

looks excellent, and with nice bevelled lugs!

21 November 2010, 11:15 AM	#3
smallcandle "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Brian Location: Kansas Watch: 16610, Omega PO Posts: 1,898	Beautiful watch! I am on the hunt for a Red 1680 myself, so I can appreciate the patience that it takes to find the 'one'... Congratulations! __________________ Things got out of control and I had to stab a clown...

21 November 2010, 11:21 AM	#4
ABChop "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 671	Very Nice...congrats!! __________________ - "M" 16600 Sea-Dweller - "A" GMT 16700. -“A” 16613LB Sub - 1680 Red Sub, Mark II, "Full Set" - 116660 DSSD D-Blue, 124060, 126613LN, 116710BLNR - 116500LN White Dial - “U” 16610 “SWISS” dial

21 November 2010, 12:45 PM	#5
fusionstorm "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Piedmont, CA Watch: various vintage Posts: 2,272	Bravo!!!! __________________ 1680 MK II 2.2M (my daily); 1655 MK IV 8.1M (my 1st vintage); 16660 x 4 - 8.0M spider & matte 7.4M, 8.0M, 8.0M; 16610LV F MK I/MK I; 116528 Z; 14060 M COSC; Tudor 75090 Gone.....never forgotten: 14000 F, 14060 V COSC, PAM 048, 16623 F, 1680 MK V 3.1M, 16800 matte 8.3M & 1655 MK IV 7.4M

21 November 2010, 01:10 PM	#7
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,986	Very nice!! Congrats! When did you get it?? Looks beautiful!! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

21 November 2010, 01:10 PM	#8
Damage Inc. "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Vic Location: Colorado, USA Watch: Mechanical!! Posts: 807	Awesome man, simply awesome. That exact watch is on my 'must have' (someday) list. Major congratulations! If you don't mind my asking, where did you find it? __________________ "Science tastes like vomit." Kari "Mythbusters hottie" Byron Z-serial GMT IIc 2.92M serial 1675 Pepsi V-serial 16610LV

21 November 2010, 11:12 AM	#2
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,251	It looks excellent, Congrats.

21 November 2010, 12:46 PM	#6
TRW Banned Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Tim Location: tennessee Watch: 16623 YM Posts: 3,630	Beautiful Score.Congratulations.

21 November 2010, 01:33 PM	#9
jamesw "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sydney Posts: 209	Congrats, a very nice example.

21 November 2010, 02:22 PM	#10
Michael M. Banned Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Newport Beach, CA Posts: 8,391	Huge Congrats!!! The 1680 redsub is a true classic! Love the mk1 dial's, yours has awesome patina!!!!

21 November 2010, 02:58 PM	#11
Beaumont Miller II "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: USA Posts: 2,615	You're right, they are not easy to find...you're a lucky guy. Congrats

21 November 2010, 04:02 PM	#12
Frogman4me Banned Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 6,268	Wow what a great example, the patina is perfect! Congrats.

21 November 2010, 07:54 PM	#13
AshUK "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 11	That's a beauty, fast becoming a favourite of mine. Congrats Ash

21 November 2010, 10:58 PM	#14
AirKing527 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Nick Location: USA Watch: Explorer I Posts: 256	Wow, what a good looking watch. Congrats!

21 November 2010, 11:02 PM	#15
caeden Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Ben Location: Singapore Watch: 1680 Posts: 98	Beautiful looking piece, with beautiful even patina! A HUGE congrats! Cheers!

22 November 2010, 12:11 AM	#16
eparisini "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Emanuele Location: Italy Watch: 6263 FAP Posts: 795	It looks very nice, enjoy it in good health __________________ EAT, DRINK AND BE MAUI

22 November 2010, 12:13 AM	#17
PhilM "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Phil Location: London Watch: Sea-Dweller Posts: 1,765	What a wonderful example

22 November 2010, 12:15 AM	#18
Dan Pierce 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: D'OH! Location: Kentucky Watch: Rolex-1 Tudor-3 Posts: 36,167	Gorgeous vintage. dP __________________ TRF Member# 1668 Bass Player in TRF "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Band Commander-in-Chief of The Nylon Nation The Crown & Shield Club Honorary Member of P-Club

22 November 2010, 01:42 AM	#19
lhanddds Banned Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: USA Watch: of course Posts: 8,429	Wow, that looks great

22 November 2010, 02:18 AM	#20
B333 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Malaysia Posts: 6	Great score! Looks like its starting to turn "chocolate" Really, really nice. Best, B333

22 November 2010, 02:26 AM	#21
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,683	Fat, even, and beautifull!!! Major congrats on the "next level" in collecting and kudos for waiting and researching till the right one came along. Nicely done!

22 November 2010, 02:39 AM	#22
Cannop "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Duncan Location: UK Watch: Lots Posts: 443	Beautiful! Cannop __________________ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "The quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten" - Sir Henry Royce (1863 -1933) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

22 November 2010, 02:44 AM	#23
STEELINOX 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Real Name: Sink-O! Location: a praire in AZ Watch: ROLEX-less atm... Posts: 14,020	Thats a sweet ROLEX, enjoy to the full ! __________________ *Positive Waves Baby* Lug Hole Loyalist / Chamfer Line Inspector INFORTHE WIN SUB-MAH-REEEN-ER ~ !

22 November 2010, 02:48 AM	#24
sleddog TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Rob Location: Nearby. Posts: 24,930	Beautiful piece....Congrats and enjoy! __________________ He who wears a Rolex is always on time, even when late!! TRF's "After Dark" Bar & Nightclub Patron-Founding Member..

22 November 2010, 02:52 AM	#25
JimSnyder "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: Jim Snyder Location: Ohio Watch: Ask me later..... Posts: 7,721	Breathtaking __________________ "You ain't lived, 'til you've had your tires rotated by a red-headed women."

22 November 2010, 03:08 AM	#26
Racer X "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Dave Location: Unknown Posts: 999	Hi folks! So great to hear all the positive responses. Thanks a bunch! To answer a couple of questions, I received the watch last week and got it from Ralf Eichmann of Vintage Watches International in Berlin. It's a bit of a long story . . . As I said above, I had a hard time finding the watch I wanted (MF with nice patina) so I had to expand my search beyond the U.S. This watch was living in Berlin when I found it online. I inquired about the watch and it was then that I learned about the problems with importing a Rolex from overseas. I initially gave up on the watch because I didn't think there was any way to actually receive it from Ralf. Soon thereafter, however, I learned that my girlfriend's friend's boyfriend, who lives in Austria, would be visiting the U.S. in December. I talked to him and learned that he would be in Germany on business early this month and that he would be happy to pick up the watch for me and hand carry it to the U.S. in December. Well, he apparently couldn't wait until December to see his girlfriend here in the U.S. and he decided to pop into the country last week. So, I got my baby a bit early, although none too soon if you know what I mean! I should mention that Ralf is a great guy and is very knowledgeable. He was also quite patient with me as I had many many questions about the watch. Our email string must have included something like 50 emails back and forth. In dealing with him over the course of the emails, I became very comfortable with him and I developed a lot of trust in him. I realize that many of you in the U.S. may not have a chance to do business with Ralf, but I highly recommend him if you do ever have the opportunity. He has sold, and has for sale, some amazing Rolexes, which you can view on his web site. Also, there are many rave reviews for Ralf on the VRF web site.

22 November 2010, 04:19 AM	#27
darthmouse "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: EC/Midwest Watch: 16710 Posts: 1,016	Great example Mark I, and congrats on the birth year watch!

22 November 2010, 04:46 AM	#28
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,986	Had to comment again--what amazing patina--perfect coffee color! Great pick up!! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

22 November 2010, 04:57 AM	#29
SubKing "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: USA Watch: where do i start?? Posts: 3,254	looks great! love that watch. enjoy it and thanks for sharing

22 November 2010, 05:18 AM	#30
Puffy "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Here and there Posts: 12,485	stunning watch mate looks excellent, and with nice bevelled lugs! __________________ Fine Quality is Long Remembered After the Pain of Spending Money is Forgotten

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