1680 with service dial and case

[sagester101]

Just curious what the members here think. I know from a vintage collector's standpoint this is probably sacrilege but, what do you think would be a reasonable price for a 1680 with a service case and dial. Nice looking patina on the dial and hands, good condition.

I realize there is little collector's appeal to a watch like this, I'm considering it as a daily wear that has the vintage look without having to worry about it too much.

[albaserver]

Everything service? Dial, insert, bezel, hands, glass, case and caseback?

If you find the rolex price list you can find how much they cost... plus the caliber!

[Cheutc]

if everything was service parts i would rather just buy a new submariner to be honest

[Tomas Eriksson]

A picture and a little more information is needed to give a estimate.

[albaserver]

Originally Posted by Cheutc

if everything was service parts i would rather just buy a new submariner to be honest

I didn't ever know why buy a vintage modern, but this is a different topic :)

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by Cheutc

if everything was service parts i would rather just buy a new submariner to be honest

Except a new Sub looks nothing like a four-digit Sub.

[Gliderguy]

I would definitely buy such watch. Best of both worlds.

[05carbondrz]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

Except a new Sub looks nothing like a four-digit Sub.

You can say that again!

[TheDude]

Pricing should be on the lower end of the spectrum, like a really beat up 1680.

Documentation from Rolex for the recasing is essential, otherwise you can’t prove it’s not just put together from scraps.


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[sagester101]

Sorry I should have posted pics. Sadly no documentation of recasing. The price im being offered is def on the low end, in fact i dont think even a beaten up 1680 can be had for it...

[exador]

Go for it! Beautiful watch and you won't be paranoid about wearing a small fortune on your wrist.

If for some reason you don't decide to proceed, please drop me a PM

[TheDude]

Not sure that would be a service dial??

Definitely a replacement case as these started with 44.

Bezel and bezel assembly definitely older but have an expert confirm authenticity of all components. If someone wanted to make fake cases to cobble together frankenwatches, they’d be smart to put replacement serial numbers (starting with 44 or 47) on them, that way the new-ish condition wouldn’t raise suspicion. Be careful.

Movements can be matched to cases, but without original paperwork only Rolex can do that.


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[albaserver]

The dial is an old service replacement... but it's service. Case (of course) as well...

Based on the caseback, it was a red sub feet first, mark IV I suppose... what a pity!! :(

[sfc rick]

Buy it and wear it, you get to enjoy it and since it's serviced more years of use comes with it.

I wear my serviced Sub every day and it's the best! My 1680 at 40+ years old is better looking.

[1William]

For me it all depends on the price and the documentation on the replacement parts and service. If you can not verify, I would stay away at almost any price.

[sagester101]

Does anyone see anything glaring in the pictures that would suggest counterfeit? Sadly documentation is not available. I'm planning on paying 5k, which is probably close to what the parts (if authentic) with labor cost. Given what a decent 1680 is going for these days, that seems reasonable.

Anyone disagree? I mostly want to make sure I'm not missing any obvious indicators that this counterfeit case, or dial? Also the crown seems to be a newer 703 replacement, which is fine by me.

[sagester101]

Unfortunately there is no documentation that comes with this watch. Does anyone appreciate anything cosmetically that would indicate any of these parts are counterfeit?

Not mentioned previously but i believe the crown is a replacement as well, looks like a 503 to me.

If all the parts are in fact genuine Rolex, I accept that this may very well be a franken. If these parts were sourced separately, i'm estimating they would cost around 4-5k, do you think this is accurate?

[stevedssd]

Originally Posted by albaserver

The dial is an old service replacement... but it's service. Case (of course) as well...

Based on the caseback, it was a red sub feet first, mark IV I suppose... what a pity!! :(

Correct

[Woody]

I don't like to go against the general flow of the thread but I have a 1680 with a service case and dial.....plus hands, bezel and bracelet and I love it and wear it all the time!! It has all the functionality and usability of a modern reference with the added advantage of the styling and design of the classic submariner. I bought the watch with the service dial etc and then asked Rolex to replace the mid-case which they agreed to. I have the documentation to evidence the change etc. The watch has cost me a fortune, I will make no money from it but I just don't care......I am lucky to not have to purchase watches with an eye on their resale value so can buy what I like/need and just enjoy them for what they are. To the OP, I wouldn't worry too much about what others think.....just buy what you like.....there is enough room (and watches!!) in the hobby for us all.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by sagester101

Unfortunately there is no documentation that comes with this watch. Does anyone appreciate anything cosmetically that would indicate any of these parts are counterfeit?

. . .

Looks good, I'd buy it for the right price.

Collectors like original cases, but a replacement is a new case making the watch as close to new as you can get. It won't fetch an original price, but it will price better than a beat up example.

No papers necessary, the case number shows it a re-case. If you send it to Rolex later they will give you a fresh warranty and legit paper.

[springer]

Originally Posted by Woody

I don't like to go against the general flow of the thread but I have a 1680 with a service case and dial.....plus hands, bezel and bracelet and I love it and wear it all the time!! It has all the functionality and usability of a modern reference with the added advantage of the styling and design of the classic submariner. I bought the watch with the service dial etc and then asked Rolex to replace the mid-case which they agreed to. I have the documentation to evidence the change etc. The watch has cost me a fortune, I will make no money from it but I just don't care......I am lucky to not have to purchase watches with an eye on their resale value so can buy what I like/need and just enjoy them for what they are. To the OP, I wouldn't worry too much about what others think.....just buy what you like.....there is enough room (and watches!!) in the hobby for us all.

I also had a service (44 million serial) 1680. It had the service case, bezel insert and bracelet. (The dial and hands were original.) I sold it last year for $6,000 to a dealer which, to me, indicates there are definitely buyers for these service watches. Same holds true for the GMT 1675s.

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by Tools

Looks good, I'd buy it for the right price.

Collectors like original cases, but a replacement is a new case making the watch as close to new as you can get. It won't fetch an original price, but it will price better than a beat up example.

No papers necessary, the case number shows it a re-case. If you send it to Rolex later they will give you a fresh warranty and legit paper.

This. Also at the right money you have an impeccable, brand-new daily vintage!

[airforce1]

so in general are do replacement cases start with a 4.4 mil serial#?

This is new info to me.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by airforce1

so in general are do replacement cases start with a 4.4 mil serial#?

This is new info to me.

Both 44xxxx and 47xxxx are replacement case allotments. There may be other later numbers for the more modern examples as well.

[sagester101]

Tools: are you suggesting i take it to an AD, or send it for Rolex service to get it authenticated/serviced? I was under the impression that they'll replace things with even newer service parts.

[zapokee]

Buy what you like, but be aware that this would be hard to resell if you ever decide to do so. Personally I'd look at alternatives within a 5 G budget. Good luck with your choice.