1680 Two Tone Questions

[LUGNUT]

Hello all, New to Forum but not to Rolex,Just got my third, a Sea Dweller,(I dive) but am interested in my first Rolex. Its a two tone 1680 Sub. have had it 20+ years now and wear it every day,Its a 7 million serial # dating to 1978 I believe, Does anyone know first year of the two tones, Any idea on resale appeal not that I would sell it but I see early 1680 models seem to have jumped in price recently? Thanks Kim

[mike]

Could you post a photo of the watch? The 1680 was never made in a TT version. It possible you have an early 16803. Made in the early 80s (which is closer to your serial number) and not made very long (mid 80?)
It's sometimes called the transitional TT sub as it used a 3035 movement as opposed to the 3135 that replaced it.

[LUGNUT]

Case is a 1680 stainless, Blue dial and bezel, No picture but will take one and figure out how to post, Serial is 528xxx, Band 93150,
As I say bought it this way 20 Years ago, Been serviced by local
watchmaker and been to Ad with no feedback as to anything not "origonal" so dont know? Thought 1680 came all gold and two tone in the 70s at some point?

[LUGNUT]

Sorry about origonal post as 7 million serial number had to recheck and is 5 million number so 1977-78? Kim

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by LUGNUT

Case is a 1680 stainless, Blue dial and bezel, No picture but will take one and figure out how to post, Serial is 528xxx, Band 93150 (...)

Welcome to TRF, Kim!

As stated, the 1680 was never issued as a TT.

But some say that Rolex made a 1680 like this one for the Asian market in the 70ies, but it has been discussed if the bezel insert is taken from a Tudor Sub and the dial is aftermarket:

[LUGNUT]

Bo,Dial is different, No large metal around hour lumes.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by LUGNUT

(...) No picture but will take one and figure out how to post, (...)

Here is MY suggestion how to post pics here:

1) Go to www.photobucket.com and create an account (it's FREE!)
2) Upload the pic to photobucket from your PC
3) When it's uploaded, copy the IMG code (BOTTOM bar under the photo in photobucket - there are four bars, but you'd wanna use the LAST bar - see my arrow on the Print Screen underneath). You copy the IMG code by simply clicking on the bar:



4) You then note that photobucket tells you "copied".
5) Then go to rolexforums and start your post.
6) In your post, press the "Add picture" button and a prompt pops up with http://. Delete that http:// and press CTRL + V (now that address of the photo - the "IMG tag" - is inserted in the prompt you got.
7) Then DELETE the last and first [IMG] to get rid of "IMG" standing before and after your photo when you post it. (not important, but just looks better).

Or you can skip # 6 & 7 and just rightclick in your post and choose "paste"...........BINGO your photo will be there as soon as you press Submit reply.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT DELETE THE PICTURE FROM PHOTOBUCKET (OR ANY SERVER YOU USE) SINCE DELETING IT THERE WOULD ALSO DELETE IT HERE ON TRF! (RED CROSS INSTEAD OF PIC).

That's it!

[mike]

Originally Posted by LUGNUT

Case is a 1680 stainless, Blue dial and bezel, No picture but will take one and figure out how to post, Serial is 528xxx, Band 93150,
As I say bought it this way 20 Years ago, Been serviced by local
watchmaker and been to Ad with no feedback as to anything not "origonal" so dont know? Thought 1680 came all gold and two tone in the 70s at some point?

Well, the case serial number and bracelet all indicate a correct time frame. But the dial and insert leave me puzzled.

The gold 16808 is indeed an accurate reference and a highly sought after watch. The examples I've seen have the nipple dial.

I know that a lot is placed on "authentication" by an AD, but with respect, most ADs have never seen a reference this old and may not know what is correct.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by LUGNUT

Sorry about origonal post as 7 million serial number had to recheck and is 5 million number so 1977-78? Kim

Lug,
As Mike mentioned, the 1680 never came out as a TT.............However, when the TT models did come out in ~'83, it was not unusual for some folks to get the parts from the solid gold model (released in the 70's) and make their own TT at a fraction of the cost of a new watch. We're only talking about a bezel, dial, crown, and a new bracelet.....cheap parts back then, and items frequently replaced.

It was a lot more common 20 or 30 years ago (or more) for owners to update their watch at service time rather than buy new.. it just made sense if you were planning to keep it a long time.. the RSC wasn't as fussy back then either..

[LUGNUT]

Thanks for all the comments, never really wondered about it before,just love my watch but thats why I'm here ,to learn more,
always thought might be a "built up" tt but didnt know,or really care for that matter as long as case and movt. was genuine which it is. Thanks for the photo posting help,not a problem just have no picture of it or camera here a work to post.Kim

[rjw0501]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

Welcome to TRF, Kim!

As stated, the 1680 was never issued as a TT.

But some say that Rolex made a 1680 like this one for the Asian market in the 70ies, but it has been discussed if the bezel insert is taken from a Tudor Sub and the dial is aftermarket:

I'd buy that watch, I really like the way it looks

-Bob