Submariner 1680

[TocksTick13]

I'm new to this guy's but I'd appreciate any and all opinions on this watch. Value, parts to replace now vs service parts to just wear as a daily ect. Things to be aware of or run away fast...Thanks

[Dan S]

Is this something you inherited, a purchase you are considering, what? In case of the former, I don't want to say too much, but there are some pretty sketchy parts. Any chance you can remove the bracelet and post photos from between the lugs?

[TocksTick13]

It is a potential purchase and I'm aware that the bracelet, crown and quite possibly the bezel/insert are service items or otherwise. I have pictures of the movement as well and I had no real concerns there.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by TocksTick13

It is a potential purchase and I'm aware that the bracelet and quite possibly the bezel/insert are service items or otherwise. I have pictures of the movement as well and I had no real concerns there.

I appreciate that apparently you don't want to give too much information. However, is there anything else that you would care to share? For example, some portion of the serial number so that the dial can be checked? The quality of the engraving between the lugs?

[Tools]

The parts are mismatched, not necessarily service items.

It's a watch that would need close inspection and not be at the top of values that you find on the Internet.

[TocksTick13]

I'm just trying to get unbiased opinions but I'm definitely willing to provide any needed info as I realize there is a Ton of info needed in accessing vintage watches. I don't have photos or the tools at the moment to pull the bracelet off to inspect serial number and what not.

[TocksTick13]

One of my main concerns was that the bezel/insert were potentially aftermarket as I have not seen any where the knurling or teeth are so worn down. I assume it's possible that area was just over polished or polished incorrectly?

[Dan S]

The bezel looks extremely over-polished and the insert is definitely not original, possibly aftermarket but I haven't inspected it carefully. The lugs and lower crown guard are also badly over-polished. Respectfully, I think your biggest concerns should be the authenticity/identity of the dial and the case ... and whether they match. And of course, all of this is relative to the price, and what you intend to do with it.

[TocksTick13]

I can agree with that, what do you suspect in regard to the dial?

[Dan S]

I will be more motivated to look closely at everything once you've posted comprehensive photos. Others may be willing to take a close look in a piecemeal way. Alternatively, you can take the watch to an expert and pay for an evaluation.

[TocksTick13]

Here's a slightly better photo, I'm struggling with pictures being oversized, I do apologize.

[TocksTick13]

I suppose I'll need to have things disassembled a little further to better document everything and evaluate from there. In regard to price I believe it would be on the low end of things for a 1680 at around $9500 out the door. I don't intend for it to be a collector's master piece as it may be more of a daily wear type of deal at least until I can get some AD's in the area to take me seriously.

[Tools]

Hands are likely filled and colored.

This watch has been put together to make it presentable in the marketplace. Some may be fine with that, others may want something more original.

[TocksTick13]

I just checked and the serial number is visible and comes back as 1976 year and is marked as a 1680 model on opposite side

[Dan S]

Nick, no offense, but some people use terrible references for approximate serial number dating, and other people can't distinguish a service case serial number, which is potentially in the range you mentioned. If you don't mind, please post the first 3 or 4 digits of the serial, e.g. 4,546,xxx.

[TocksTick13]

Dan, thank you! I greatly appreciate your patience in working through this with me and replying despite my novice tendencies. The first 4 of the serial number are 4210... I struggled to capture pictures of the numbers on both sides as there is some wear present and the artificial light was not permissable to this sort of photo.

[Dan S]

OK, good. That is likely a little earlier than 1976, but most importantly not in the typical ranges used for service replacement cases.

[TocksTick13]

Dan, what are some good reference guides for things like serial number dating?

[Styles Bitchley]

Quite a bit of abuse on the back of the lugs and case back. Looks like someone who didn’t know what they’re doing tried to force it open at one point. As noted, the bracelet is put together from mixed parts. Probably a good indicator that you should be very cautious with the rest.

[TuRo]

Looks like an ok MK1 but a bit of hotch-potch of bits - date wheel is not correct to add to list
This is the number 1 properly 'empirical' database of serial numbers to year/and QTR if before 1974.
http://vintagerolexforum.info/vrf/index3.html

[XavierM]

It might sound a bit tough but it does not look like there is much to love about this watch…

Dial is period correct but outer edge has a lot of missing paint and pictures aren’t good enough to see if there the rest of the dial is free from other defects.
Hands look badly relumed.
Case has been abused, hard to judge on these pictures if a proper polish could bring it back to life without having to add new material.
Bezel is gone.
Insert is wrong (feels like an aftermarket version)
Bracelet is a mix of a service 93150 buckle with a 78360 band and correct 580 endlinks.

Globally, it feels like there is a lot of work to be done to bring this piece back to a beautiful condition :(

[TocksTick13]

Originally Posted by pauldavidthorpe

Looks like an ok MK1 but a bit of hotch-potch of bits - date wheel is not correct to add to list
This is the number 1 properly 'empirical' database of serial numbers to year/and QTR if before 1974.
http://vintagerolexforum.info/vrf/index3.html

What do you see in the date wheel that makes it incorrect? I'm just trying to gather all the Intel. I can, thanks for your response.

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by TocksTick13

What do you see in the date wheel that makes it incorrect? I'm just trying to gather all the Intel. I can, thanks for your response.

Should be brushed/lined silver not white Rgds Paul

[TocksTick13]

Thank you all for your invaluable input. I've come to the conclusion that this is essentially a frankenwatch. That being said what is something like this worth realistically? I understand many of you would stay far far away but I'm still considering it as a daily wear watch with some possible service at an RSC in the future.

[TuRo]

I see this as a 'ground floor' watch.... that you'd want to pay 65-70% of mkt value to be safe - £6500-7000 imho all other factors 1670/5 mvt being legit/ok, engravings/case being ok/legit....the nibbles on minute markers of the dial edge are a bit of a demerit and in my valuation too.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by TocksTick13

Thank you all for your invaluable input. I've come to the conclusion that this is essentially a frankenwatch. That being said what is something like this worth realistically? I understand many of you would stay far far away but I'm still considering it as a daily wear watch with some possible service at an RSC in the future.

It's interesting how often we are seeing this recently, people who are willing to pay $10k USD for a "daily wear" watch that is missing most of its collectible charm and has no viable path to redemption. The best thing one could do with this watch is replace everything with authentic service parts and sell the dial.

Personally, I don't get it. With some patience one could find something decent for $15k. Yes, $10k is less than $15k, but $10k is still a lot of money in absolute terms. There are so many great vintage watches that one can buy for that price.

Rant over.

[TocksTick13]

Thanks Dan, I am realizing that after combing through lots of 1680 posts specifically. I am feeling pretty silly at the moment for all these questions. I hope I haven't wasted anyone's time.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by TocksTick13

Thanks Dan, I am realizing that after combing through lots of 1680 posts specifically. I am feeling pretty silly at the moment for all these questions. I hope I haven't wasted anyone's time.

You shouldn't feel silly. It's new to you, and you are asking legitimate questions.

[karleone]

This watch is in really bad condition. Way over polished and the bezel teeth looks completely worn. It’s a hard pass. If you are not an expert I would advise not to buy a vintage Rolex

[karleone]

There are some well known and reputable vintage Rolex dealers that sell nice pieces. It’s a good start.