1680 wrong dial?

[Chasecup]

I have 1680 sub that I aquired through a family friend. He was the original owner of the watch. It has a 277 serial # so I assume it is around 1971. The dial however is not red, and it should be if I'm not mistaken. I know it has gone to RSC a fewtimes from talking with the original owner, and the inside of case back is marked.

My wife and I are expecting our first child soon and it's time to part ways with a few of my luxuries that are not enjoyed as frequently as I would like "boats, cars, watches" . So I'm thinking about selling this watch soon but I want to be clear as to what I am selling as to not lead somebody in the wrong direction.

Can anybody lend some advice as to whether this is a genuine dial or maybe service dial? What should I do?

[omitohud]

For serial 2.7, yes it's the wrong dial. It should be red. It looks real, need better pics, but it's not period correct. The insert is also not period correct. It should be fat font, not mid font like the one u have right now. The hands r probably later replacement. The case is quite polished. If everything checks out, it's still worth some serious money but don't have a too high expectation.

Btw, congrats.


I blame it on the autoconnect.

[Chasecup]

Thank you!

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[Chasecup]

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[jmv831]

277 mil serial is around 1969. somewhere down the road the watch might have been serviced and the dial was replaced.

[fusionstorm]

Originally Posted by jmv831

277 mil serial is around 1969. somewhere down the road the watch might have been serviced and the dial was replaced.

1969? I'd go by the VRF serial number database. 2.7M is solidly in 1970 based on collector input.

[Chasecup]

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[Chasecup]

Assuming the inside caseback engraving indicates 1970?? Maybe I'm wrong. Would it be worth trying to find an original red dial??

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[fusionstorm]

Genuine red Sub dials in nice condition are hard to come by and not cheap. Considering you'd also need to source a fat font bezel insert and (likely) hands, you're probably better off selling it as-is and highlighting the fact the case is suitable for a red 1680. A dealer or collector who has such a dial would be interested.

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by fusionstorm

Genuine red Sub dials in nice condition are hard to come by and not cheap. Considering you'd also need to source a fat font bezel insert and (likely) hands, you're probably better off selling it as-is and highlighting the fact the case is suitable for a red 1680. A dealer or collector who has such a dial would be interested.

Agreed. I'd say $3,000+ for a good dial (and incredibly hard to find), $500 for hands (and hard to match colors through pics), $750 or so for very nice/correct insert.


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[swish77]

There's nothing "wrong" with that dial. It is a correct Rolex service replacement dial, and still a great vintage piece. Sure, it would be more desirable to have the original "red" dial, but I'd leave it alone if it were mine. Finding a decent red dial will be very difficult and very expensive. And where do you stop when searching for a dial for the watch? To do it properly, you should find the correct Mark dial with the correct font/markings etc .... for that serial number. That makes the search even harder. I'd wear and enjoy as is. Good luck either way.