Rolex crown tube N 702 N 703 questions

[timlo]

Hi all,

Does anyone know when Rolex changed from 702 triplock to 703 triiplock?
Should a 1680/8 or 1680 4.0mil have a 702 or 703 triplock?

thanks

[ianmcg]

703 starts in early 80s. For example 6mil 1665 still has 702.

Many original 702s will by now have been replaced by 703s though.

Ian

[timlo]

Is it a big concern if it has been replaced?

[ianmcg]

No.

The 703 is better and it was a routine item replaced at service. It would be mad not to buy an otherwise good watch because of that and only the most pedantic would care.

It's also not easy or cheap to find a 702 so it's not like retrofitting one is easy.

Ian

[timlo]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rolex-ori...-/272651549505

is this one here the 702? The tube is called 7020 right? What is the visual difference between the two crowns?
And can they share the same stem?

Also, should a 1680/8 have a gold tube or just steel one? I find that the 7020 seems to have no gold version but the 7030 has a gold version.

[timlo]

When did Rolex change from 703 to monobloc crowns?