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greatgoo · 14 April 2013, 05:25 AM

Love would everyone's opinion on this 1680 that I'm considering to purchase. Sorry took pictures with my phone but didn't take some of bracelet. Everything seemed correct and tight. Any concerns I should have about this watch?

Owner is offering low $5k for the watch. Fully serviced and ready to go. I want to throw into the purchase my TT DJ which I bought from owner just 6 months. Haven't discussed trade in yet though. I love my DJ but I'm a one watch guy. Plus I struggle to wear my DJ with casual wear. I think subs can be worn at any occasion.

Would love your input. Thanks in advance!

Moreece · 14 April 2013, 07:00 AM

Does look strange. Font on the insert and the dial doesn't do it for me.

My two cents.

Maurice

etp095 · 14 April 2013, 07:28 AM

Nice looking piece,some of the experts will chime in soon.

greatgoo · 14 April 2013, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by etp095

Nice looking piece,some of the experts will chime in soon.

Thanks. Looking forward to others opinions.

cop414 · 14 April 2013, 11:17 AM

Looks great to me but I have little to no vintage knowledge. Service dial perhaps? Experts will chime in soon...

grahamcoxon · 14 April 2013, 07:08 PM

Incredible condition. My 1680 is the same serial range and the dial doesn't look as crisp as that.

Very nice though.

grahamcoxon · 14 April 2013, 07:09 PM

Sorry, just re read your post. I thought you'd mentioned it was a 5.2m serial. My mistake.

greatgoo · 14 April 2013, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grahamcoxon

Sorry, just re read your post. I thought you'd mentioned it was a 5.2m serial. My mistake.

Thanks. I don't know the serial number but I believe he said it was produced in 1978.

strafer_kid · 14 April 2013, 11:45 PM

1680 Sub wears well whether in tee shirt or tux! Either on bracelet or NATO!

TimeToGo · 15 April 2013, 12:15 AM

Could you expose the dial/hands to bright light to see if they glow?

If they shine, it is replacement dial/hands as mentioned above.

Based on the limited pictures, the case looks great. You should also verify the case reference numbers.

springer · 15 April 2013, 12:49 AM

Below is a 1978 to compare to the pictured watch. It is hard for me to make any judgements based on the photos.

swish77 · 15 April 2013, 01:11 AM

Here is my 1977-78 (5-mil.) Submariner 1680 for comparison. You really should get the seller to provide the first few digits of the serial number, and even provide a photo showing between the lugs. That Sub looks nice, but it's almost too clean, suggesting new dial, hands and insert that could be luminova. Keep in mind that just because the dial has the tritium mark at the bottom doesn't mean that it is tritium. Rolex kept that writing even on some luminova replacement dials. There's nothing wrong with a correctly refurbished Submariner done during a Rolex service, as long as you know about it and it is priced accordingly. The true vintage elements of it would be lost, but it's still a very nice watch. Good luck!

greatgoo · 15 April 2013, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swish77

Here is my 1977-78 (5-mil.) Submariner 1680 for comparison. You really should get the seller to provide the first few digits of the serial number, and even provide a photo showing between the lugs. That Sub looks nice, but it's almost too clean, suggesting new dial, hands and insert that could be luminova. Keep in mind that just because the dial has the tritium mark at the bottom doesn't mean that it is tritium. Rolex kept that writing even on some luminova replacement dials. There's nothing wrong with a correctly refurbished Submariner done during a Rolex service, as long as you know about it and it is priced accordingly. The true vintage elements of it would be lost, but it's still a very nice watch. Good luck!

Thanks for the input! So what is a fair price for a correctly refurbished 1680?

drainaps · 15 April 2013, 10:28 AM

Dial and hands are too crisp. Either replacement or worse. Even if dial is marked T<25 at the bottom, it can be a replacement Luminova dial. Do the dial / hands shine in the dark with a greenish glow? Font in "Submariner, 660ft, etc etc" looks too bold to me. Looks strange but I'm not used to the replacement dials, so maybe that's only my limited knowledge.....

greatgoo · 15 April 2013, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drainaps

Dial and hands are too crisp. Either replacement or worse. Even if dial is marked T<25 at the bottom, it can be a replacement Luminova dial. Do the dial / hands shine in the dark with a greenish glow? Font in "Submariner, 660ft, etc etc" looks too bold to me. Looks strange but I'm not used to the replacement dials, so maybe that's only my limited knowledge.....

Good catch the 6's in the 660ft. The font is for sure different than the original dials posted in this thread.

Now the question is it a Rolex service dial or a fake?

therolexguy · 15 April 2013, 11:31 AM

Looks like a tritium marked luminova dial. I bet it glows. Looks like a nice 1680. Price seems fair.

John in MA · 15 April 2013, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by therolexguy

Looks like a tritium marked luminova dial. I bet it glows. Looks like a nice 1680. Price seems fair.

I agree.

Here is my 1680 with the original tritium dial and the service dial. That one looks like my service dial.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk HD1365994527.864231.jpg

ImageUploadedByTapatalk HD1365994544.490429.jpg

Tudor66 · 15 April 2013, 02:27 PM

My 1680 has the service dial with the "swiss" at the bottom of the dial.

5k for a watch in that good of condition looks like a deal to me...,

R44 · 15 April 2013, 10:44 PM

I have a 1680 white with exactly the same dial on it (part of a collection that includes a Daytona and a 1680 Red amongst others) and I can tell you the following about it, It has never glowed in the dark in any shape or form which leads me to believe it may have been an early Tritium service dial (fitted fairly early on in the watches life or even from the factory). My watch is a 1978 watch sold in 1979 and came complete with original papers and Rolex AD sales receipt. I've seen a number of these dials around since I started looking and I am convinced some of them were fitted at the factory as most of them seem to be from 1978 or 79 (happy for someone to prove different / put forward other ideas). The dial and hands are super clean shade of white and it's a perfect combination of vintage without the decay, over the top patina / badly aged look that personally doesn't work for me.

What I will say is if you like it buy it! I did and I find it gets the most wear out of any of my watches, the 1680 is a classic and and in a different league in my opinion to the 16800 with a sapphire crystal. I've worn mine for weeks and weeks at a time over other watches as it wears very comfortably and looks great with anything. At $5k you won't regret it - I'd have to think carefully if I'd part with mine for double that!

Rolexis · 15 April 2013, 11:24 PM

I would say hold out for over the top patina. Vintage mustard is where it's at.

R44 · 16 April 2013, 01:54 AM

Very nice Sea Dweller ... here's my vintage mustard - The dial is slightly more vanilla coloured in real life than the photograph shows (this photo makes the plots look whiter).

lhanddds · 16 April 2013, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R44

I have a 1680 white with exactly the same dial on it (part of a collection that includes a Daytona and a 1680 Red amongst others) and I can tell you the following about it, It has never glowed in the dark in any shape or form which leads me to believe it may have been an early Tritium service dial (fitted fairly early on in the watches life or even from the factory). My watch is a 1978 watch sold in 1979 and came complete with original papers and Rolex AD sales receipt. I've seen a number of these dials around since I started looking and I am convinced some of them were fitted at the factory as most of them seem to be from 1978 or 79 (happy for someone to prove different / put forward other ideas). The dial and hands are super clean shade of white and it's a perfect combination of vintage without the decay, over the top patina / badly aged look that personally doesn't work for me.

What I will say is if you like it buy it! I did and I find it gets the most wear out of any of my watches, the 1680 is a classic and and in a different league in my opinion to the 16800 with a sapphire crystal. I've worn mine for weeks and weeks at a time over other watches as it wears very comfortably and looks great with anything. At $5k you won't regret it - I'd have to think carefully if I'd part with mine for double that!

This is what I believe I have. It has absolutely no glow. Here's a pic.

sdwtchlvr · 16 April 2013, 04:40 AM

The dial in the is indeed an early tritium service dial. You can tell because the "=" and "<" are slightly bigger on the early service dials vs the standard original dials. I had a 1680 with one of these dials. It's not necessarily a bad thing as long as you pay what you consider a fair price. The insert looks to be a service replacement too.

lhanddds · 16 April 2013, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdwtchlvr

The dial in the is indeed an early tritium service dial. You can tell because the "=" and "<" are slightly bigger on the early service dials vs the standard original dials. I had a 1680 with one of these dials. It's not necessarily a bad thing as long as you pay what you consider a fair price. The insert looks to be a service replacement too.

I don't mind because I like the look on this particular watch. It has also been polished more than I like but it was my first vintage Rolex and I've learned a lot since then. Some watches remind you of where you have been and others of where you are going. I like that. Wouldn't mind FF insert as an option.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Rolexis · 16 April 2013, 09:33 AM

I wouldn't let it pass for $5000. Super watch and the price justifies a service dial.

greatgoo · 16 April 2013, 09:35 AM

Wow super helpful everyone! Really appreciate it.

I spoke to the owner today and offered my DJ (pictured in first post) and $2,500. He said he is going to think about it, but I feel like he is going to accept. He is going to let me test drive it on Wednesday before purchase. I'll add more pics then.

therolexguy · 16 April 2013, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greatgoo

Wow super helpful everyone! Really appreciate it.

I spoke to the owner today and offered my DJ (pictured in first post) and $2,500. He said he is going to think about it, but I feel like he is going to accept. He is going to let me test drive it on Wednesday before purchase. I'll add more pics then.

Nice! Hope it works out.

JCW1980 · 17 April 2013, 03:05 AM

All of this insite is great! I've been pouring over some of these 1680 threads and learning a LOT! As someone who's been thinking of vintage Rolex as my next watch purchase, I am just blown away by what a great resource this forum is!

Looking forward to the Wednesday test drive pics.

katana · 17 April 2013, 04:04 AM

Sub..1680 from..1977...!!!

etp095 · 18 April 2013, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katana

Sub..1680 from..1977...!!!

Nice watch,what is that black band your wearing?

14 April 2013, 07:00 AM	#2
Moreece "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Holland Posts: 7	By no means an expert... Does look strange. Font on the insert and the dial doesn't do it for me. My two cents. Maurice

14 April 2013, 07:28 AM	#3
etp095 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: rudolph Location: chicago burbs Posts: 2,026	Nice looking piece,some of the experts will chime in soon. __________________ tt date circa 69' 5513 circa 81' ss sub w/date (z) pepsi gmt for dad(D) polar expy II(z) 1675 gmt circa 68' ladies datejust on jubilee for mom (z) sea dweller16600(M) SS Sub-C(g) Omega Planet Ocean,45.5 on mesh(2500D)

14 April 2013, 11:17 AM	#5
cop414 TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Tim Location: Pennsylvania Watch: 14060M Posts: 71,852	Looks great to me but I have little to no vintage knowledge. Service dial perhaps? Experts will chime in soon... __________________ Rolex Submariner 14060M Omega Seamaster 2254.50 DOXA Professional 1200T Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons TRF's "After Dark" Bar & NightClub Patron P Club Member #17 2 FA ENABLED

14 April 2013, 07:08 PM	#6
grahamcoxon "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: York Posts: 48	Incredible condition. My 1680 is the same serial range and the dial doesn't look as crisp as that. Very nice though.

14 April 2013, 07:09 PM	#7
grahamcoxon "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: York Posts: 48	Sorry, just re read your post. I thought you'd mentioned it was a 5.2m serial. My mistake.

14 April 2013, 11:45 PM	#9
strafer_kid "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Kenny Location: northern ireland Watch: SDs, Subs & GMTs Posts: 5,127	1680 Sub wears well whether in tee shirt or tux! Either on bracelet or NATO!

15 April 2013, 12:15 AM	#10
TimeToGo 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: North Florida Posts: 16,613	Could you expose the dial/hands to bright light to see if they glow? If they shine, it is replacement dial/hands as mentioned above. Based on the limited pictures, the case looks great. You should also verify the case reference numbers.

15 April 2013, 10:28 AM	#14
drainaps "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Shanghai Watch: Too many to tell Posts: 522	Dial and hands are too crisp. Either replacement or worse. Even if dial is marked T<25 at the bottom, it can be a replacement Luminova dial. Do the dial / hands shine in the dark with a greenish glow? Font in "Submariner, 660ft, etc etc" looks too bold to me. Looks strange but I'm not used to the replacement dials, so maybe that's only my limited knowledge.....

15 April 2013, 11:31 AM	#16
therolexguy 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: Todd Location: US Posts: 3,525	Looks like a tritium marked luminova dial. I bet it glows. Looks like a nice 1680. Price seems fair.

15 April 2013, 10:44 PM	#19
R44 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Surrey UK Posts: 111	I have a 1680 white with exactly the same dial on it (part of a collection that includes a Daytona and a 1680 Red amongst others) and I can tell you the following about it, It has never glowed in the dark in any shape or form which leads me to believe it may have been an early Tritium service dial (fitted fairly early on in the watches life or even from the factory). My watch is a 1978 watch sold in 1979 and came complete with original papers and Rolex AD sales receipt. I've seen a number of these dials around since I started looking and I am convinced some of them were fitted at the factory as most of them seem to be from 1978 or 79 (happy for someone to prove different / put forward other ideas). The dial and hands are super clean shade of white and it's a perfect combination of vintage without the decay, over the top patina / badly aged look that personally doesn't work for me. What I will say is if you like it buy it! I did and I find it gets the most wear out of any of my watches, the 1680 is a classic and and in a different league in my opinion to the 16800 with a sapphire crystal. I've worn mine for weeks and weeks at a time over other watches as it wears very comfortably and looks great with anything. At $5k you won't regret it - I'd have to think carefully if I'd part with mine for double that!

16 April 2013, 04:40 AM	#23
sdwtchlvr "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: SoCal Watch: Rolex Posts: 1,308	The dial in the is indeed an early tritium service dial. You can tell because the "=" and "<" are slightly bigger on the early service dials vs the standard original dials. I had a 1680 with one of these dials. It's not necessarily a bad thing as long as you pay what you consider a fair price. The insert looks to be a service replacement too.

16 April 2013, 09:33 AM	#25
Rolexis Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Real Name: Hank Location: Wachula Watch: Had many love all Posts: 476	I wouldn't let it pass for $5000. Super watch and the price justifies a service dial.

16 April 2013, 09:35 AM	#26
greatgoo "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Cleveland Watch: GMT 16750 Posts: 212	Wow super helpful everyone! Really appreciate it. I spoke to the owner today and offered my DJ (pictured in first post) and $2,500. He said he is going to think about it, but I feel like he is going to accept. He is going to let me test drive it on Wednesday before purchase. I'll add more pics then.

17 April 2013, 03:05 AM	#28
JCW1980 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: DFW, TX Watch: Speedmaster Posts: 672	All of this insite is great! I've been pouring over some of these 1680 threads and learning a LOT! As someone who's been thinking of vintage Rolex as my next watch purchase, I am just blown away by what a great resource this forum is! Looking forward to the Wednesday test drive pics.

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