Thoughts on a 1680 please

[Jamwill79]

Hi everyone,

I'm just looking for some piece of mind and am wondering if anyone can just cast their eyes over these images please. Not the best images but they are all I have.

From my research on the head, it looks fairly original. The pip looks new, although the insert looks right. Looks like a fat font mk 2 dial. Hands seem to match the lume plots. Date wheel looks original. The crown has been replaced apparently. Lugs look thick and chamfers are visible. Not sure about the top hat? And I haven't seen the back or movement. Anyway, assuming it all checks out, I like the look of it at first glance.

Not sure what the bracelet is really like from the pictures, however I'm told it's pretty tight and that the clasp has been replaced.

It's got Rolex service history as recent as last year.

I look forward to seeing if anyone has any comments to make. I'm still very much in the learning phase!

Thanks very much in advance

[swaini3]

Can't zoom in to the pictures to check details. Mark 2 dial, insert looks ok, Service crystal. looks like the pics with the black background are before the polish / refinish. (Compare the marks on the 5 oclock lug) .
You need pictures of engravings too to check the case.
first few digits of serial?

[Jamwill79]

Originally Posted by swaini3

Can't zoom in to the pictures to check details. Mark 2 dial, insert looks ok, Service crystal. looks like the pics with the black background are before the polish / refinish. (Compare the marks on the 5 oclock lug) .
You need pictures of engravings too to check the case.
first few digits of serial?

Thanks. I'll see if I can upload larger pictures.

Serial is 5976*** and is stated on both pieces of service paperwork.

Does the service plexi affect its appeal much?

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[Jamwill79]

I'm hoping I've managed to replace the original images with larger ones........

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[swaini3]

Originally Posted by Jamwill79

Serial is 5976*** and is stated on both pieces of service paperwork.

Does the service plexi affect its appeal much?

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Not really personally, it wouldn't stop me if everything else checks out. You can source an original one later, just make sure you buy from a trusted source and know what it looks like.

[Jamwill79]

Several more images:-

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[Dench]

The case looks heavily polished. It might be worth getting some restoration/welding on it to beef up those lugs.

[Jamwill79]

Originally Posted by Dench

The case looks heavily polished. It might be worth getting some restoration/welding on it to beef up those lugs.

I thought the lugs looked ok side-to-side but agree that they have been re-shaped around and above the lug hole. Mainly the lug at 5 o'clock stands out but then again, some photos play tricks.

I was looking at the lug curvature in relation to the end link curvature and that would suggest the same thing, with the lug not being proud. But again, I guess it slightly depends on how the end link is positioned as they can obviously move around a bit.

Really tricky to know if any of that will get on my nerves!

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[Styles Bitchley]

Looks like someone took a belt sander to that 5:00 lug to remove the ding that was there in the black background photos. Too bad, as I'd prefer a ding to a shaved down lug.

[Dench]

Originally Posted by Jamwill79

I thought the lugs looked ok side-to-side but agree that they have been re-shaped around and above the lug hole. Mainly the lug at 5 o'clock stands out but then again, some photos play tricks.

I was looking at the lug curvature in relation to the end link curvature and that would suggest the same thing, with the lug not being proud. But again, I guess it slightly depends on how the end link is positioned as they can obviously move around a bit.

Really tricky to know if any of that will get on my nerves!

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Yeah, it is an odd polish job, leaving the lugs thick in places, but thin near the holes. And the crown guards look to be nubbed off as well.
Nice looking dial and matching hands tho.

[TuRo]

It's to my eyes ok-ish piece but had a bit of work, very straight lug sides no chamfers, service plexi. If priced low eg £6-7k or so might do a job ...

[Jamwill79]

Thank you everyone for your input.

I think that the more I look, the more I see 'stuff'. I'm going to think hard for a few more hours and make a decision.

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[Jamwill79]

I'm not fussed about box and papers per se, but what would be a reasonable amount to pay for something in good shape, running well and as original as possible?

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[swaini3]

Unpolished or with a good thick case with nice patina without box and papers, period correct parts are about $15k

[Dan S]

I’ve been seeing a lot of these show up in dealer inventory recently, it shouldn’t be hard to find some comps. It’s a common reference and prices are down.