Red Sub

[astcell]

$7500 (http://www.classicwatch.com/asp/watches/results.asp?Title=Wrist+Watches&TypeCode=1&Where=%28tblUsers%2EActive%3Dtrue%29+AND+%28tblInv entory%2EArchive%3DFalse%29+AND+%28%28%28tblTransa ctions%2EStatus%29+Is+Null+Or+%28tblTransactions%2 EStatus%29%3D%27Pending%27%29%29+AND+%28TypeCode%3 D1%29&Page=13)....good deal or shall I pass?

http://www.classicwatch.com/graphics/images/watches/rxvi0152.jpg

[padi56]

Well just checked the serial its from the correct time line serial dates it 1968-69.Most collectors like them from the 1967-73 time line,and if genuine quite a good buy from retail outlet,but top end of scale.But with watches like this always best to check if any documentation to the red dial with Rolex etc.Looking at case back there are three service marks on it thats a good sign.The movement number is D715936 so that could be checked out.

[jac67]

Hello Robert

As you may be aware, condition is paramount with value on the red Subs, as well as whether dial, hands etc. are original.

The picture doesn't seem clear, but ensure that the date wheel is matt silver NOT white (replacement).

From the picture, the dial and hands look very nice.

$7,500 from a dealer seems to be at the top end. Does it come with box/papers etc?

If it looks good to you, then go for it as good, clean examples of these will always at the very least retain and increase in value.


Good luck.


John.

[astcell]

I saw a few others with terrible hands. It looked like rust or dirt. How does something affect the inside of the watch? Is it not sealed?

[JJ Irani]

I saw a few others with terrible hands. It looked like rust or dirt. How does something affect the inside of the watch? Is it not sealed?

Seals don't last forever. They do wear out at some stage and that's when the natural elements like moisture and dust act on the insides of the watch.

JJ

[jac67]

Agree with JJ, most likely cause with hands due to moisture through crystal, crown or even caseback.

All watches are different, and movement condition should be examined thoroughly irrespective of the condition of the hands. Since many vintage subs were actually used for diving, it is likely that some will have corrosion in the movement as well as the case.

Hands get changed for a variety of reasons:
- during a service
- swapping to put nicer hands in another watch. For example, it would make
(financial) sense to swap nicer hands into a 1680 Comex from a red/white
1680.

At the end, buy the BEST possible watch in the best condition at the p;rice you can afford.

I purchased a mint 1971 Red Sub with ALL the box/papers, tags, booklets, anchor, EVERYTING, but it cost me dearly.

At the end, I waited until one came around and spent more than I wanted to, but I am very happy with my decision, and in the event that I want to sell, I'm sure I'll get a good return on it.


John.

Here's a couple of pictures:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d199/jac18/My%20Watches/DSC02781.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d199/jac18/My%20Watches/DSC01563.jpg

[JJ Irani]

Nice....very nice!! :thumbsup:

[astcell]

Is there an order of importance? I mean if you found the perfect watch you always wanted but ONE thing was not right (not counting papers or the band), what could you live with? Rusty hands? Seized movement? Cracked case?

And on the flip side, is there ONE thing that should always be on any investment style watch purchased? What one thing is a non-negotiable item for you?

[padi56]

The Hands are not a paramount of importance,most collectors would understand that sometimes in a watches life the hands, could have been changed.The most important thing is the original dial,case, movement,now it would be great to have all 100% original watch.But things like bezel inserts hands and bracelet are secondary important.These can still be found if you look hard enough.

[mike]

Hi Bob,

As others have said that price is near the top for dealer 1680 reds, however the dial and hands look good.
A couple of things if I may, the serial number might fall into the time frame of a meters first dial. Since your watch has open 6s (normally associated with 70-72ish time frame it MIGHT be a latter replacement dial. That's ok but maybe a barganing chip?
The case back is said to be a 5512--same part as the 1680, however SOME fussy collectors may look at that. It's my understanding Rolex has no more 1680 casebacks so that's a correct replacement.
The most important thing is to me is orginal case and dial--that's the money on these pieces.
Good luck!!:thumbsup:

[mike]

Bob,
I checked again that serial number seems right for an open 6 feet first dial.:thumbsup:

[jac67]

Well you have been given some good advise.

Now, what could I live with? That's a huge question. However, another question would come to mind before I answered, that is:

How rare is the watch?

If we're talking about Red Subs, I think there are still plenty around to be a little picky. If you're talking about Comex, MilSubs, PN Daytona, then that's another story.

RE: Red Sub - rusty hands I could live with, original NOS replacements can still be found, although hard.
Seized movement - depends how bad. More importantly how's the dial?
Cracked case - no brainer - NO WAY!
Incorrect caseback - I'll pass. Another watch will come up.
Bracelet - original can easily be found.
Box & Papers - depends on price.

Investment style watch purchased? What one thing is a non-negotiable item - original case, original dial, hands to be type wrt lum material. Again, depends on the watch.


John.

[astcell]

Thanks for all the info. I have found another dozen for sale on various websites, so they are in no way rare.

[padi56]

Well Robert 100% genuine mint examples are now getting harder to find.But they will only increase in value over the years.

[NickTiming]

your right, they are not rare, but they are increasing in prices at an amazing speed. just a year ago we would by them in europe for $4 to 5000, now we by them for 8000 EUROS, thats an incredicble gain in price when you think about it. i actualy just pick one up today, very glad of the purchase, and hoping to keep it for a while till it gains more.

check exoticwatches.net i know they has some pretty often!

[TempoKing]

IF YOU DO NOT BUY...
...and everything checks out fine......I am a buyer at 9500

[Welshwatchman]

IF YOU DO NOT BUY...
...and everything checks out fine......I am a buyer at 9500

If only you had a time machine (14/12/2006) , Tempo,:chuckle::chuckle:

[Ed Rooney]

If only you had a time machine (14/12/2006) , Tempo,:chuckle::chuckle:

He DOES have a time machine.

[Rawhyde]

I saw a few others with terrible hands. It looked like rust or dirt. How does something affect the inside of the watch? Is it not sealed?

I have often wondered the same thing. I'd like to amplify your question since some people gave an answer to your original question....

OK if moisture gets in past old or worn seals like some said, how does the moisture corrode the hands? I thought they were made of white (or yellow depending on model) gold. Gold is one of the most corrosion resistant materials available.

Rawhyde

[TempoKing]

He DOES have a time machine.


Oh yes...I do have a perpetual time machine...Rolex 14060M SCOC $4400..LOL:dummy: