New Mk I Red Sub!

[Yazo]

What a perfect example!! HUGE congrats.... and you've got an awesome story to go with it buddy!!

[Rickster]

Great find! Enjoy it!

[clum19]

that is beautiful. congrats.

[bb3188]

Originally Posted by Racer X

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.

That is a very, very nice MF......look at that dial!!......I guess that you didn't pay an "entry level" price for that mf...... this is the way to go

[Maxtor]

Beautiful watch. Congrats on finding your dream.

[dsio]

Looks perfect man, you need to take some nice side on shots of that huge crystal.

Love how its so clean that it looks like its part of the book.

[TheDude]

Big congrats!!!!!

Question. Did they ever make this kind of dial in any significant numbers? No minute markers? Not that it's very functional (I find dials without minute markers frustrating), but it looks cool...

http://rolex.watchprosite.com/show-n...ost/ti-481641/

[Racer X]

Originally Posted by TheDude

Big congrats!!!!!

Question. Did they ever make this kind of dial in any significant numbers? No minute markers? Not that it's very functional (I find dials without minute markers frustrating), but it looks cool...

http://rolex.watchprosite.com/show-n...ost/ti-481641/

It's my understanding that the watches without the minute markers were made in very limited numbers as prototypes not intended for sale. Now that watch would be a grail.

[t e x]

Absolutely awesome, congrats. Man Racer, I just visited Berlin for the second time in 2 years...it'd be great to have checkout the watches

[Racer X]

Originally Posted by t e x

Absolutely awesome, congrats. Man Racer, I just visited Berlin for the second time in 2 years...it'd be great to have checkout the watches

You'll have to pop in on the next trip! Wish I could do the same, but I have no plans on visiting Berlin any time soon.

And thanks!

[tamba]

A classic Rolie vintage and a beautiful example

[fortes]

Very Nice. Is a dream....

[phiengin]

Congrats!! Beautiful 1680. I don't have a MK1 but here's mine

[RLX-lvr]

Congrats on the fine purchase!

Those early MK1 dial watches are really special. Hard to find one that is in really good shape like yours. |And I love the patina it has developed.
Wear it in good health.

Bought from one of the trusted sellers as well.

[Racer X]

Originally Posted by RLX-lvr

Congrats on the fine purchase!

Those early MK1 dial watches are really special. Hard to find one that is in really good shape like yours. |And I love the patina it has developed.
Wear it in good health.

Bought from one of the trusted sellers as well.

Thanks Jeff! I don't know the productuion numbers but, according to Mark L's red sub post, the Mk1s made up 1.6% of the 1680s made and only 4.1% of the reds. So I suppose they are pretty rare. I've seen two others for sale over the course of the last few months, but they had whiter hour markers and I wanted more patina.

[conrail]

Older thread but I came across it in my searching of the forum. Absolute beauty, and just the one I am now hunting for as well!

[Racer X]

Thanks conrail. Good luck with your search!

[rallepeng]

Originally Posted by Racer X

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.

hey my friend, what awesome story and kind words! thanks and appreciate it watch arrived safely in your hands! you didnt gave me update but now i see its done! nice watch of course and rare bird LONG F mark I. have fund and good time with her!
regards ralle

[Racer X]

Originally Posted by rallepeng

hey my friend, what awesome story and kind words! thanks and appreciate it watch arrived safely in your hands! you didnt gave me update but now i see its done! nice watch of course and rare bird LONG F mark I. have fund and good time with her!
regards ralle

Hey Ralle, sorry for not updating you my friend! I thought I had, but maybe I was so focused on my new arrival that it slipped my mind. Yes, the watch arrived safely and I have really enjoyed wearing it since then. Although I have sold other watches I've purchased, this one will be with me to the end! Thanks again.

[rallepeng]

you´re always welcome my friend!
and you have really good taste! i have similar mark I with all belongings and is one of my "never will sell" parts of my collection!
it was pleasure to have conversation with you and the thirt party from austria who´s helping you was excellent contact too!
i always have to say that the rolex community is trustfull and we learn to know all over the world excellent guys and girls!
cheers

[Racer X]

I didn't know you had a Mk I too. Please post a photo if you have one handy!

I agree that the Rolex community is great. I was just telling my girlfriend that it's interesting how my collecting Rolexes has resulted in my making new friends all over the world. It just adds to the experience!

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Racer X

I didn't know you had a Mk I too. Please post a photo if you have one handy!

I agree that the Rolex community is great. I was just telling my girlfriend that it's interesting how my collecting Rolexes has resulted in my making new friends all over the world. It just adds to the experience!

No doubt!!! X2!!!

[YetiBiker]

Congrats! Wear in good health. Beautiful Red Sub!

[bluemartinifan]

Stunning watch - looks like it should be featured in a magazine article abut vintage Rolexes

[sea-dweller]

Very classy!

[Racer X]

Originally Posted by YetiBiker

Congrats! Wear in good health. Beautiful Red Sub!

Thanks. I am and I will!

Originally Posted by bluemartinifan

Stunning watch - looks like it should be featured in a magazine article abut vintage Rolexes

Wow, what a great complement! Thanks so much Russ! I typically wear my 16610 during the week and the red on the weekend. It's hard to tell time with the red though because every time I look at it to read the time I become a bit mesmerized by those creamy plots and the red lettering. It's great to have this one in the rotation.

Originally Posted by sea-dweller

Very classy!

The red sub is definitely a classic. No disagreement there!

[Esexx]

Stunning...A huge congratulations!

[1680red]

Fugazi!!! Look at the date wheel in the first picture- printing is WAY too thin- even compare the date printing with the picture from the book sitting next to it... don't look kosher!

[Chris B]

Originally Posted by 1680red

Fugazi!!! Look at the date wheel in the first picture- printing is WAY too thin- even compare the date printing with the picture from the book sitting next to it... don't look kosher!

Probably distortion though cyclops due to angle of shot

[rallepeng]

Originally Posted by 1680red

Fugazi!!! Look at the date wheel in the first picture- printing is WAY too thin- even compare the date printing with the picture from the book sitting next to it... don't look kosher!