Question re: Submariner 1680 and 16800 cases

[alanc]

Hello all - regarding the 1680 and 16800, are the cases the same, dimensionally? Also, are the crown guards the same size?

I'm a fan of the look of the 1680 and see the 16800 as a less expensive alternative; however, only if they are the same dimensionally.

thanks in advance.

[ToniH.]

I think they are about same but the biggest difference is that 16800 comes with sapphire crystal. For me the plexi glasses of the vintage pieces is a really big part of their charm. I would suggest to save up for 1680 if you are looking for that vintage feel but as a daily, no fuss wearer the 16800 should be great.

[alanc]

Originally Posted by ToniH.

I think they are about same but the biggest difference is that 16800 comes with sapphire crystal. For me the plexi glasses of the vintage pieces is a really big part of their charm. I would suggest to save up for 1680 if you are looking for that vintage feel but as a daily, no fuss wearer the 16800 should be great.

yes, you are right about that! All things equal, I'd love the "top hat" plexi. I wear my watches gently, being somewhat OC about such things, so I'd probably keep the plexi in fine shape.

Well, half the fun is in the hunt, as they say.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by alanc

Hello all - regarding the 1680 and 16800, are the cases the same, dimensionally? Also, are the crown guards the same size?

I'm a fan of the look of the 1680 and see the 16800 as a less expensive alternative; however, only if they are the same dimensionally.

thanks in advance.

16800 was a complete re-design of the Sub Date. It introduced the 120 click bezel, sapphire, etc. and is dimensionally the same as the 16610.

[alanc]

Originally Posted by Tools

16800 was a complete re-design of the Sub Date. It introduced the 120 click bezel, sapphire, etc. and is dimensionally the same as the 16610.

Thank you, Larry. So it sounds like the 16800 has little if any vintage flair over the 16610, unless one finds a 16800 with a matte dial.

Tell me, are the 16800/16610 dimensionally different from the 1680, as far as case size, dial size, crown guard size?

Thanks again.

[Wesley Crusher]

The 16800 is a nice model, though I'd only be interested in the matte dial version. If you can, I'd just save for a 1680. The plexi crystal really is awesome.

[alanc]

The questions keep popping up-

Does anyone know whether current service dials from RSC for the 16800 are matte or gloss?

[Vincent65]

I would think they'd use gloss with WG surrounds. ^^

[springer]

Originally Posted by alanc

The questions keep popping up-

Does anyone know whether current service dials from RSC for the 16800 are matte or gloss?

Gloss from the RSC - for a couple decades now.

[MATCH1969]

16800 is nice to wear as a daily, I really enjoy wearing mine

image.jpg

[Dr DRW]

16800and 16660 with matte are both great transition pieces, and prices are not far behind the 1680 and 1665 you get the great dial with the saphire crystal and quick set . Though I agree love the plexi on my 5513, 1680 top hat and 1665. Still 16800 is great collector

[alanc]

I'm leaning toward the 1680 - that tall crystal just looks great to me. I could, however, be lured by the right 16880. I suspect it may depend on condition and price of the first really good one of either I find.

thanks again, all

[Pict]

Good luck with the hunt, I love the 1680:

[John in MA]

Both are great watches. I've owned a 1680 and loved the darn thing but found the lack of quick set date a major PITA as I wear my watches in rotation. That's when I decided to go with the 16800. Matte dial with the quickset, silver date wheel with old font, sapphire crystal. To me it was the best melding of both new and old. Plus it works with the 93250.

Here's my updated one. Added the AR cyclops crystal, relumed an extra matte dial, service hands, 93250 bracelet and various inserts that will work.

[Tudor Guy]

I have a tudor sub with the plexi (and quick set date) and a 16800 with the matte dial. For the price of a nice 1680 you could have both. Just a thought.

[colpol]

Originally Posted by MATCH1969

16800 is nice to wear as a daily, I really enjoy wearing mine

Attachment 581460

Thats a beauty !!

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by Tudor Guy

I have a tudor sub with the plexi (and quick set date) and a 16800 with the matte dial. For the price of a nice 1680 you could have both. Just a thought.

I agree with this.........

I have a 16800 and also a couple Tudor subs with the plexi top-hat crystal. You might be able to scratch the itch with 2 watches rather than just one.....

[landroverking]

IMHO the 16800 May some day have collector value, short run around 88/89 right?

[alanc]

Originally Posted by landroverking

IMHO the 16800 May some day have collector value, short run around 88/89 right?

I think you're thinking of the 16880, no?

[alanc]

Originally Posted by Tudor Guy

I have a tudor sub with the plexi (and quick set date) and a 16800 with the matte dial. For the price of a nice 1680 you could have both. Just a thought.

Not a bad thought! What's the reference # of the plexi Tudor sub?

[bzabodyn]

Originally Posted by alanc

I think you're thinking of the 16880, no?

168000 actually. A transitional version of a transitional watch.

BZ

[bzabodyn]

Originally Posted by alanc

Not a bad thought! What's the reference # of the plexi Tudor sub?

That one is a 76100 - I love mine:



BZ

[bieb1]

Alan, your question was about case sizes and no, they are not the same where it concerns thickness. I have been looking at the same choice for a while now (and still not decided) and the difference is in the case back and the way they wear on the wrist. The 1680 has a flatter case back and wears a little closer = more comfortable on the wrist versus the 16800, which has a more rounded and slightly thicker case back and thus sits slightly higher on the wrist. But as has been pointed out by others, the 1680 has the top hat plexi, which in turn is higher than the saffire crystal on the 16800 and can thus be more prone to accidental damage. If you would look at them from the side, with the bezel at the same hight, you will notice that the 1680 is higher above and lower below the bezel ring compared to the 16800. The only way to find out what you prefer is to try them on at a vintage dealer. Besides feeling the difference in wear, this will then also allow you to see how different they look on the wrist based on being either the high plexi or flat saffire look.

You can look at as many pictures as you want, but until you try them on the wrist, you will not be able to appreciate the difference. Good luck with the hunt!

[Tudor Guy]

Originally Posted by alanc

Not a bad thought! What's the reference # of the plexi Tudor sub?

There are many references spanning from the early mid '70's to the mid 90's. The last one (which I think is 79090) has a sapphire crystal so you probably want to avoid that as if you are going one of each you want "one of each."

[John in MA]

Originally Posted by Tudor Guy

There are many references spanning from the early mid '70's to the mid 90's. The last one (which I think is 79090) has a sapphire crystal so you probably want to avoid that as if you are going one of each you want "one of each."

It's actually a 79190 with the sapphire. 79090 still has the acrylic.