Is anyone here an expert on FAP Subs?

[Poohsan]

I would like to chat with anyone who knows about FAP issued 1680 subs.

I have a 1680 with 2 indicators that is may have been special issued. I’m hoping to discover if it was FAP issued. From my research FAP ordered 1680's.

The two items of interest I see on the 1680 are:
1. The serial number is redundantly stamped on the inside the case back
2. There is a registration hole within the flutes on the case back.

Sadly it looks like if there was engraving on the case back it was removed.
I sent a letter to Rolex requesting information and hopefully they reply. In the meantime I thought I would ask here.

Does anyone have a database of serial numbers or ranges of serial numbers for FAPs?

All the best,
Arron

[jedly1]

contact roberto randazzo...or jatucka as he is known...

jatucka@gmail.com ....

he's done quiet a bit of work on them and documented a lot of the serial batches i think...say i sent you :)..

[WatchTimes]

Pics????

[Poohsan]

Images:
1 Shows what I belaeave to be a registration hole within the flutes on the case back.
2 Shows the serial number redundantly stamped on the inside the case back (4 numbers obsured)
3 - 4 Shows the watch in the condition I recieved it.

[Poohsan]

Since these images were take I have replaced all the missing parts on the 1680: bezel, insert, spring, dial, hands, and bracelet.

[eparisini]

Jat is a great GUY!

[HL65]

Keep us updated!

[Poohsan]

Update !!

The Good - My watch falls into the serial number range to be a FAP, and it has two of the 3 markings left.
The Bad - The engraving has been removed.

What to do next?
- Do I have it re engraved?
- Do I leave it as it is?

If the 1680 is not a FAP anymore then I think I should send it out to have case and champers cleaned up.

[Poohsan]

Update 2

I dropped the "ex-FAP" 1680 off to be serviced. The movement will be serviced and the last of the period correct parts will be added to resort the watch.

I was considering having the case slightly cleaned-up but after a long discussion with the owner of the shop we decided to leave the case as is. The watch has some of its original history intact and we decided it was best to preserve what is left.

[Poohsan]

Update 3

I recieved a letter from Rolex SA today. It was in response to my inquiry about the 1680 and if it was special ordered by the Fuerza Aérea del Perú (FAP). Rolex was very cordial but declined to answer any questions regarding the watch out of respect to their customers.

The only information Rolex SA did provide in the letter was: “However, on the basis of the information you provided, and according to our records, we can tell you that your watch corresponds to an Oyster Perpetual Submariner produced in 1974.”

I hope their estimate on the manufacture date is incorrect. If so then I will need to sell this 1680 and find an earlier one. As I was under the impression that this watch was from 1973. The serial number I provided was 374xxxx.

Without any further information form Rolex I am back to where I left off in my last update.

After speaking with 2 FAP experts they stated that this 1680 does have a serial number that falls within the production run of watches provided to the Fuerza Aérea del Perú.

Form here I guess I am at an end in my search for information on this 1680.

[eparisini]

Keep it as is

[Michael M.]

Cool, FAP rolexes are highly sought after!

[Poohsan]

Update 4

The watch is back from being serviced. I took it to ABC watchwerks in Downtown Los Angeles. They cleaned, oiled, and regulated the movement, replaced the main spring, crown, seals, bezel spring, spring bars, and Tritium pearl. The case was pressure tested to 2 bars making the watch pool and shower safe. We decided not to touch the case. The watch has had enough of its history removed so we thought it was best to leave the case as it is. I will replace a few links on the 9315 bracelet and then the project is done!

I also need one of those new fancy Nato bands with the red strips.

Picture or it didn’t happen:

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by Poohsan

Update 4

The watch is back from being serviced. I took it to ABC watchwerks in Downtown Los Angeles. They cleaned, oiled, and regulated the movement, replaced the main spring, crown, seals, bezel spring, spring bars, and Tritium pearl. The case was pressure tested to 2 bars making the watch pool and shower safe. We decided not to touch the case. The watch has had enough of its history removed so we thought it was best to leave the case as it is. I will replace a few links on the 9315 bracelet and then the project is done!

I also need one of those new fancy Nato bands with the red strips.

Picture or it didn’t happen:

You are going to keep it now........aren't you??? That thing is a beaut!!!!

[Poohsan]

I plan on keeping this 1680 for a long time but I would like to figure out its value for the sake of knowing and for insurance purposes. I am considering selling its younger brother. Both are from 1973.

White Sub 393XXXX ............... Red Sub 374XXXX