Sub 1680 vs. 16800

[audicruisn]

Hi all, I am new to the vintage rolex scene and have decided to go ahead and purchase a birth year (1980) Sub. I have found through my research that the 1680 and 16800 were both produced in 1980.

I am thinking I should go with the 16800, but do you guys think there are any reasons to go with the 1680 instead?

Thanks!

[adam78]

The main differences lie in the 16800's sapphire crystal (hence greater water resistance) and quick-set date. The earlier 16800 should have a matte dial (like the 1680), but often these were changed to a white-gold-surround dial during routine service. Many collectors prefer acrylic crystal to sapphire (I am one of them). If you don't mind the slow-set date, the 1680 also is slightly more collectible (although both should hold their value if condition and originality is above average).

It might be difficult to find a precisely 1980 model for either.

[audicruisn]

sorry for my ignorance, but what is "quick-set date."?

[conrail]

Originally Posted by audicruisn

sorry for my ignorance, but what is "quick-set date."?

You can pop the winding crown out one more notch and adjust the date by turning it. Without a quick set feature you need to manually advance the hands 24 hours.

[audicruisn]

Originally Posted by conrail

You can pop the winding crown out one more notch and adjust the date by turning it. Without a quick set feature you need to manually advance the hands 24 hours.

makes sense. thanks.

[GeorgeK]

There is something to be said for a 16800 as a daily watch, especially the early matte dials. Looks great and has the advantage of the scratch-proof crystal.

[audicruisn]

it would be a daily watch so the scratch proof feature would be nice to have.

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by audicruisn

it would be a daily watch so the scratch proof feature would be nice to have.

I might agree........If wearing it daily, I would probably get a matte dial 16800

[audicruisn]

thanks everyone.

now the fun part begins... the hunt is on

[mike]

That's a tough one.

Both references have a strong following for very good reasons. Let's take a look at each.

The 1680 is a desired piece among collectors for several reasons. The first Sub. to feature a date function, the 1680 opened up a wider audience to the world of Rolex divers because of the added complication.

Of course the 1680 with it's unique "tall" crystal presents a look found in no other diver and that it is acryllic has a strong following for those wanting a diver from the "Golden years".

Using a friction fit bi-directional bezel it's rotation is extremely smooth (assuming good working order) and was the last of it's breed in Sub. dates.

In use before the era of the gloss dial with WG surrounds it has the dial favored by collectors.

The 16800 (in it's matt dial) has been called by some to be the best of both worlds. It was the first diver to use a quick-set date and introduced the uni-direction bezel to the diver line. Because it was fitted with a sapphire crystal the depth rating was increased to 1000 ft. as opposed to the 660 of the 1680.

Additionally the 16800 introduced the fast beat 3xxx movement to the diver line--the 1680 using the slow beat 1570 movement.

Debate will rage forever among collectors and WIS about the advantages and disadvantages of either movement.

My own experience with both has shown in the real world either can handle anything the wearer can (actually more) and either can be regulated to extreme consistency and accuracy.

If there is a difference (based on my own use of both over the years) it's that the 3xxx may have the least positional variation, but that's just my experience. Others no doubt will have different experiences.

The 16800 did change to a gloss dial with WGs during it's run and because of that a service replacement dial (should that happen) will be Gloss/WGs/luminova. Not so with the 1680 as it never used a Gloss dial. Service replacements will be matt albiet with luminova.

Why is that important? If originality is important to you take your time and find the best dial/hands set you can even if it means a bit more (cry once and be done).

If functionality is important (lume) the greater surface area of the 1680 has the advantage IMO.

Either will make a grat daily wear, but of course the sapphire 16800 will hold up better to scratches (not that big a deal to me as acryllice can be polished in most cases).

Good luck on the hunt and take your time.

Some pics,

the 1680.



Gotta love that crystal.



The practicality of the 16800 is well woth considering though.

[jdc]

Great write up Mike

[fusionstorm]

Excellent compare/contrast analysis, Mike!!

[HL65]

Well said Mike!! For me --1680 all day long--matte dial with a top hat!!

[Racer X]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan1965

Well said Mike!! For me --1680 all day long--matte dial with a top hat!!

Agree on all counts.

[colpol]

thanks Mike for the taking the time to put together that response

[Beaumont Miller II]

I have 3 1680's and 2 16610's. One of the 16610's has a bezel insert and dial from a 16800. You might be saying, " Why would you do that?". Perhaps I didn't want to spend 4.5k on another Submariner, but really I was bored and wanted a project. So the 16610/16800 is my daily wearer the majority of the time over the 1680 for the simple reason that I like the heavier weight of that watch on my wrist. You can't go wrong with either one, but try both on and see which one has a better feel. Good luck.

[Beaumont Miller II]

Originally Posted by colpol

thanks mike for the taking the time to put together that response

x2

[Warnsboy]

Originally Posted by Jason71

I might agree........If wearing it daily, I would probably get a matte dial 16800

Beautiful dial and hands Jason. Thats a great daily beater!!

[audicruisn]

wow, thanks mike. i really appreciate your detailed comments. they actually have me now leaning more to the 1680. still on the fence.

there is a 1680 in the classifieds from a reputable dealer that's from 1980 that I am considering.

i'd appreciate anyone's feedback/advice on this? I am in no rush but also don't wanna let "the one" slip by.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...highlight=1680


Thanks everyone!

[greekbum]

It comes down to do you want vintage (plastic) or modern (sapphire). If its vintage than its a 1680 if its modern well you have allot to choose from and my choice would be a LV Submariner. The 16800 is a transitional submariner and the sapphire even with matte dial never did it for me but I do know others love them. Try and always buy the best example within your budget.

[MitchSteel]

Mike hit every nail on the head in his write up.
I own both (1680 and 16800), personally.The 1680 gets most wrist time, just because of the top hat crystal....I just love plastic.
As far as parts availability, maybe 16800 wins, but, both references can still be serviced for some time to come.Both references are becoming more and more collectable, especially 1680.
Im partial to plastic, so I say 1680.

[zkd217]

I think this comes down to a personal preference. I have another watch with a matte dial, but I've been wearing a 16800 with glossy dial that I recently purchased. It feels like a nice combination of new and old with the open 6's and lug holes.

[adam78]

Originally Posted by audicruisn

wow, thanks mike. i really appreciate your detailed comments. they actually have me now leaning more to the 1680. still on the fence.

there is a 1680 in the classifieds from a reputable dealer that's from 1980 that I am considering.

i'd appreciate anyone's feedback/advice on this? I am in no rush but also don't wanna let "the one" slip by.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...highlight=1680


Thanks everyone!

That particular 1680 that Steve M. is selling predates 1980 by a couple of years...

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by Warnsboy

Beautiful dial and hands Jason. Thats a great daily beater!!

Thanks Michael.

There is just something AWESOME about a matte dial with a bit of patina.

[hennabav]

1680 for me any time of day!! It's such a beautiful design!!

[technovox]

My vote goes for a 1680 without a doubt. I was also torn between the 1680 and the 16800 (and even the 168000.) But once I actually saw the acrylic crystal next to the sapphire (and tried both on my wrist) it was obvious- for me the 1680 acrylic has that undefinable cool factor and character. The sapphire just didn't have that classic vintage vibe.

So my advice- if you're searching for that ultimate vintage look... go with the 1680. However- if it's a situation where your daily watch is subjected to abuse and hazards, and you're concerned about constantly scratching crystal, then the 16800 would be a functional compromise. Just my humble opinion.

[alanski]

love my 1680 but i cant wear it everyday
but the 16800s i can as its more robust in my eyes , the thought of catching or chipping the original crystal of my 1680 will be painful and hard to replace where as a sapphire crystal is more robust and can take the abuse i give it

heres my two 16800 well the matt ones been sold to an old friend this wk and a pic of my 1680 aswell

[Juggernaut]

Rise from the dead!
Great topic to revisit!
I'm a returning Sub owner with a newly acquired 16800 matte dial and I just love it.
I enjoy the combination of the conveniences of the quick set date and sapphire crystal, but absolutely adore the throwback to the matte dial lacking the WG surrounds...nice!
HOWEVER...
I must admit, I am getting a taste for the earlier older models with acrylic crystals (1680/551X).
One thing that I really like in the older plastic models is the bezel with the narrower insert and wider bezel frame. Can someone who has handled both new and old please comment on how they compare and contrast (function/feel/looks etc.) between the 5513/1680 vs 16800/168000/16610
Thank you!

[John in MA]

1680 bezel teeth are more pronounced than those on my 16800. The 1680 is obviously smooth turning though the 16800 is a very smooth turning click. TO add the bidirectional feature to my 16800 I put in a 16710 click spring and now can use it just like my 16800.

Go for it on the 1680. Nothing wrong with owning both.

[Tudor66]

Keep these pictures coming, I love both of these models, but settled on the 1680, see my comparison post

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=278906