Rolex 5513 vs red 1680

[kans86]

I got an offer to exchange my 5513 + USD 1000 for a Red 1680.
Mine is an MK3 with unpolished case. The 1680 is dated 1972 in very good condition. How do you think I should do it? I don’t have pic of the 1680.

[SubKing]

I would do that deal in a heartbeat... pending the red sub is in nice condition.

when comparing a red 1680 to a 5513, there is a large price gap, so 1k+your 5513 seems to be a sweat deal

[05carbondrz]

I wouldn’t,I honestly think a unpolished 5513 maxi has more potential than a Red Sub.

[dhknola]

Got to see the other watch, but I would do it. Largely bc the sub red does a whole lot more for me than the 5513 (date function and that red 'sub' line!)

[Tom1675]

Lets look at the Red sub... the 5513 Maxi is a nice piece but the Red Sub will always fetch a better premium. +$1k I would do that all day. Pending pics of course. I would even do it with a meters first...

[SubKing]

Originally Posted by 05carbondrz

I wouldn’t,I honestly think a unpolished 5513 maxi has more potential than a Red Sub.

this comment makes me laugh

[05carbondrz]

Originally Posted by SubKing

this comment makes me laugh

Laugh all You want.

[cajuntiger]

I have both, personally I prefer the 5513. Its a better looking watch and it doesnt have a date.
Setting the date every time I pull it out is a PIA...for the most part I avoid wearing the 1680 until the date aligns :)

anal or not...think condition condition condition. Choose the watch in best overall condition, this will never disappoint you.
A perfect 5513> a tired 1680

[KarlFr]

I on the other hand really prefer the red text and currently have 2 red subs and a DRSD. Just sold my 5513. I find the 5513 a bit too plain for my taste. But condition is everything , unless it really sings to you

[Lol-x]

A photo of the red 1680 would be useful.
Generally I would prefer a red 1680 but who knows without seeing both watches side by side.

[swish77]

Even assuming condition is identical, including the very nice patina on the 5513 and faded insert, my vote would be with the 5513. Cleaner look, more iconic and simple ... just as classic as it gets for a vintage Sub. (That comes from a place of watch passion, not investment/value. I've all but stopped worrying about that.)

And unless I have my reading glasses on, I can't even see that tiny line of red on the dial of a 1680! (only half-joking).

[Dan S]

Going by value alone, it might be a good deal. But like @cajuntiger, I prefer the no-date, so if I did the deal, I'd immediately be looking to do another deal to get a no-date back on my wrist. If you enjoy buying, selling, and trading, then it's probably a good deal that could allow you to upgrade. For me, making deals is just a PITA, and if I was happy with the 5513, I would just keep it. Yours is really nice BTW.

[sensui]

I prefer the 5513 for sure as well....I still haven't quite "gotten" the red text on vintage yet. That said even with a date I prefer a white dialed 1680. Probably wouldn't make that trade.

[cowboy music]

I agree with the others that I like the no date aspect of the 5513 way more than the red text of the 1680. In fact, I think the 5512 and 5513 have become my favorite watches, and I'm considering exploring a trade of my 16750 for one of those references.

[onthedial]

@kans86
The fact that you’re considering the trade in the first place already assumes that you’re amenable to the exchange. And, since you’ve used your expertise to determine that the red 1680 is in “very good condition,” then you don’t need any noise/personal opinion to confuse the matter.
...you know what to do.
———————
Instagram: @onthedial

[Chope Man]

I would do it.

Decades ago I sold my 5513 because I was lost without a date ( personal problem, though).

I just love the red sub, although I have to admit that the glass of a 5513 is more elegant that this "hat" glass of a 1680.

What about a 1680 with "super dome" ?

[zapokee]

A good Red 1680 currently sells for considerably in excess of $1,000 more than a non-gilt feet-first 5513 (more like a $10,000 difference). I'd be looking very carefully at why the seller is making such a generous offer.

[kans86]

Thank you all for the feedback.
Here are some pics:

[zapokee]

Looks to be a Mark IV dial, but it's hard to tell if those marks around the four o'clock marker are on the crystal or on the dial. If they're oil stains on the dial, that will bring the value down considerably. Need higher-res photos.

[kans86]

It’s on the crystal. Dial is pretty clean except the edge of hour marker at 12 oclock is somewhat not crispy anymore.

[SubKing]

I own both and I would choose a red sub any day of the week over a 5513. A red sub in equal condition is much more valuable than a 5513. Pushing value aside, I just like the red sub more..

Assuming the red sub considered in this trade is in equal condition to your 5513, I would do it.

[nsxnext]

Originally Posted by zapokee

A good Red 1680 currently sells for considerably in excess of $1,000 more than a non-gilt feet-first 5513 (more like a $10,000 difference). I'd be looking very carefully at why the seller is making such a generous offer.

^^^ This. Sounds too good to be true (for you at least).

[donsidhu]

Got with your gut. That Red Sub is nice. Great case too. We'd need to see more pics of your 5513. Perhaps more lugs shots and a close up of the dial. But just going on what you've shown, I'm taking that deal all day if I were you. Just my opinion.

But damned if you do, damned if you don't. If you do then you'll miss your maxi and regret it. If you don't then you'll always remember that shot at a nice Red Sub. Unfortunately there's no peace of mind in this hobby (or addiction).

[1675-David]

am I missing something? What's the catch?

[kans86]

Thank you. I think I will keep my 5513 and add the 1680. May need to let go a 5 digit pirce in my collection to do that. Otherwise I will end up having the 1680 then again look for another 5513 which is not easy to find in this condition.

[Filipão]

Originally Posted by SubKing

I own both and I would choose a red sub any day of the week over a 5513. A red sub in equal condition is much more valuable than a 5513. Pushing value aside, I just like the red sub more..

Assuming the red sub considered in this trade is in equal condition to your 5513, I would do it.

The 5513 is a Submariner. The real one.

One 1680 is a Submariner date, not a Submariner.

BTW, why is yours (Submariner Date) on a 5513 T19 and not on a top hat?

Ha!

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by Filipão

The 5513 is a Submariner. The real one.

One 1680 is a Submariner date, not a Submariner.

BTW, why is yours (Submariner Date) on a 5513 T19 and not on a top hat?

Ha!

Can’t speak for SubKing, but I think a T19 on a 1680 is so much nicer than a TopHat. Such a smooth, uncluttered look. I’ve replaced a number of 1680 crystals with T19s and would do it again if I got another.




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[subtona]

Prefer the 5513

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

Can’t speak for SubKing, but I think a T19 on a 1680 is so much nicer than a TopHat. Such a smooth, uncluttered look. I’ve replaced a number of 1680 crystals with T19s and would do it again if I got another.




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Agree love the way this looks!!!

[cajuntiger]

1680 is not a 1680 without a top hat :)