1980 Watch for Posterity: 1680 vs. 5513

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by clarkhardball

The 1680 has a much fresher look since I have seen it in the metal but it did undergo some light polishing during service. Lugs still retain some edges. The 5513 on the other hand according to the seller is untouched. It looks it :))

Condition is King. However I would not limit yourself to these two watches, especially if you really desire a 1680 instead of the 5513. If it takes you a bit longer it is generally worth it to find the one you really want.

[clarkhardball]

To be honest I prefer a 5513, but the 1680 is in better shape, hence the indecision. I don't have that much options since I am confining the search parameters to a 1980 (6million serial) watch only..

[Twsns]

5513 all the way. The most iconic tool watch Rolex ever produced, but a 1680 is a great watch, but I have to agree that I would go for the 5513 and then save to get a Red Sub. Either way you can't lose.

[clarkhardball]

Friends, here she is. My 6mil 1680. Happy camper right here. :)

PS- I should learn me some photography haha.

[Robbyvm]

great looking watch, it's your decision so wear it with pride !! (and now you can start saving for a perfect 5513 )

[Mark020]

It all depends (imho of course ) whether you want date. I have to admit that without a date on my watch I'm most of the times not aware what date it it is.... But: your 1680 is nice! Enjoy it!

[ICARO]

1680 red....my next catch if I find any with papers and box....dreaming
Ab Alta Cuncta

[phillycheez]

Awesome example! Looks amazing.

If ya get bored the T19 also fits if you ever want a different look. :)

[Submarino]

That 1680 is really nice!

[bertberr]

I think you've bagged yourself a nice looking 1680, enjoy it, they are wonderful watches. However, I own both, and while both are keepers, if I absolutely had to sell one, it is the 5513 I'd keep. It was a one owner, unserviced, unpolished example, and though the 1680 is also very original, complete with scuffs and dinks, the 5513 is simply the more beautiful design IMO.

[Friedl41]

5513 ... Simple. The monther of all tool watches ... No date required. Onve you have a 5513 you can add to your collection. It was my first watch ... And i appreciate it more and more.

[z32turbo]

Your 1680 looks great.

Congrats!!!

[clarkhardball]

Thanks guys. I decided that if I wanted a 5513, I'd want it to have a rivet bracelet! So, the search is on! :)

I also wanted to ask, until what serial did they produce the 1680s? Cheers!

[bertberr]

Originally Posted by clarkhardball

Thanks guys. I decided that if I wanted a 5513, I'd want it to have a rivet bracelet! So, the search is on! :)

I also wanted to ask, until what serial did they produce the 1680s? Cheers!

Congratulations, a 6.0m 1680 is quite a find, I've only ever seen a 5.97m before. Is it literally a 6.0 or is it later such as 6.3/6.4 etc? Only I'd place a 6.0m around 1979 with either a VC or VD clasp code (if original to watch). Generally speaking 6.4/6.5 is where 1980's start from, though of course with vintage Rolex being such a minefield, it's quite conceivable that a few slipped through the net and were produced alongside the first 16800's.

It's equally possible that with reduced demand for the 1680 due to the release in circa 1978 of the 16800, your watch may not have been sold to its first lucky owner until 1980 or later.

You certainly won't be dissapointed with a 1680, they really are great watches, just make sure you now get yourself a 5513, to me they are simply the perfect tool watch.

[clarkhardball]

Originally Posted by bertberr

Congratulations, a 6.0m 1680 is quite a find, I've only ever seen a 5.97m before. Is it literally a 6.0 or is it later such as 6.3/6.4 etc? Only I'd place a 6.0m around 1979 with either a VC or VD clasp code (if original to watch). Generally speaking 6.4/6.5 is where 1980's start from, though of course with vintage Rolex being such a minefield, it's quite conceivable that a few slipped through the net and were produced alongside the first 16800's.

It's equally possible that with reduced demand for the 1680 due to the release in circa 1978 of the 16800, your watch may not have been sold to its first lucky owner until 1980 or later.

You certainly won't be dissapointed with a 1680, they really are great watches, just make sure you now get yourself a 5513, to me they are simply the perfect tool watch.

It's a 6,191,XXX with an "F" of the clasp

[How]

1680!!!