"Hand me down" Gift, 1680 Red Sub Questions

[VaRobot]

Firstly, Thanks to the great folks here for all the great information.

My generous older brother gave me a Red Sub he purchased new in October of 1973. Serial number is 2936***. I am having trouble finding a date code on this number. Below are some of my questions, I'm sure I will think of more as the day goes on, Thanks in advance for your replies. The only problem with the watch is that the stem is broken, meaning you cant set the time.

1. Can anyone tell me the build date off the 2936***, number. Both the serial number and 1680 number on the case have the top half of the numbers worn away from the band, perhaps the other Rolex band my brother put on. In the pics, you can see the original band next to the watch, Both bands are genuine Rolex. I know what the serial number is from the original paperwork that I have. How big of a deal is this wear?

2. I assume when I send this off for repair and service, I make it clear to keep original dial and hands. If RSC says they wont service, then I ask for it to be returned and I send to Rik Dietel at Time Care Inc. I plan on emailing him soon to see what he thinks about this plan to go to RSC first. What do you think???

3. The watch seems to be in beautiful condition, sorry for the rough pictures, Ill try to get some better ones. Any and all comments and Information on the watch is appreciated. Bottom of the "S" looks flat, is this a Mark 6 dial??? I know dial and hands are original.

I'm sure Ill think of more questions, thanks again for anything you can tell me about the watch. Ill attach the pics I have so far. Thanks, John

[VaRobot]

Any guesses on approximate value of this Red Sub???

[Zoran]

Looks like a really nice Mark4 dial in very nice condition.
A very strong case and beautiful bezel and insert.
Looks like he replaced the riveted bracelet with a more solid 93150, with is understandable for a daily wearer.

Such a nice complete set in this condition is getting harder to find.
You are a lucky person!

On the value: you can have a look on the FS section here and some other sites like VRM and HQ Milton to get an idea on the insurance value.
I suppose that's why you are asking the value? I would never sell a piece I got from a family member...

Good luck on servicing it, I am sure it will turn out even nicer!

[JustinK]

Serial puts it around 1970 and it looks like the 6's are open so probably a Mark IV dial but you need a better picture. The wear on the case is not a big deal as long as you can read the serial number.

If all checks out you probably won't want to tell your brother how much it's worth :)

Go to watchrecon.com and search 1680, a couple are for sale.

[VaRobot]

Thanks for the input!

[VaRobot]

Originally Posted by JustinK

as you can read the serial number.

You can read the lower half of the digits, which jive with the complete digits on the original paperwork.

[VaRobot]

Originally Posted by JustinK

looks like the 6's are open

Yep, 6's are open.

[southtexas]

I have a 2.955 serial red sub and the caseback is stamped IV.70

Congrats on a great heirloom (and quite valuable also with the papers).

Here's one that sold at Christie's a few years ago, and prices are increasing.

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/fo...e-pics-pricing

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[Robbyvm]

in good and serviced condition a red IV with papers would sell at about 15K (Europe)

nice gift !

[VaRobot]

Originally Posted by Robbyvm

in good and serviced condition a red IV with papers would sell at about 15K (Europe)

nice gift !

Thanks, I don't intend to sell but I may need to talk to my insurance agent.

[VaRobot]

Originally Posted by southtexas

I have a 2.955 serial red sub and the caseback is stamped IV.70

Congrats on a great heirloom (and quite valuable also with the papers).

Here's one that sold at Christie's a few years ago, and prices are increasing.

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/fo...e-pics-pricing

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Thanks for the link

[SLS]

Very nice and you have a great brother! I think you would get just as good if not better service from an independent considering the piece you have their. Good luck & congrats!

[VaRobot]

Originally Posted by SLS

Very nice and you have a great brother! I think you would get just as good if not better service from an independent considering the piece you have their. Good luck & congrats!

Thanks for the input

[SLS]

Also, you could have the original bracelet serviced by Michael Young. I am considering having it done to one of my older folded oysters.

[Lordofrolex]

great hand be down

[southtexas]

Don't bother sending it to RSC. Send it to abc or Rik or someone of that nature.


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[bkertzer89]

Originally Posted by southtexas

Don't bother sending it to RSC. Send it to abc or Rik or someone of that nature.


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I got mine serviced at AD and all they did was service the movement and replace the rotor on a 71 5512 sub

[watchpatina]

This is amazing ! Thanks for sharing. I think I speak for all of us when I say we dream of finds like this; good to know there's still honest, original owner watches out there (now if only I could find one; or the watch find me!)...

[photodork]

a wonderful hand me down.
congrats!

[GB-man]

Wow your brother is the man! I second the advice of using an independent to service. We have many good people who come highly recommended here.

Looks like you owe him a steak dinner and maybe a trip to Hawaii

[skprd13]

I would be buying your brother the best steak dinner ever! Just me two cents!

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by skprd13

I would be buying your brother the best steak dinner ever! Just me two cents!

To be fair that's only because you already greet people with aloha tom

[VaRobot]

Thanks Guys!

[subx]

lovely Mark IV red sub

[Storky]

Wow... nice Red Sub, Definitely MKIV
With papers, so harder and harder to find! Congrats
(Let a specialist do it - although I believe RSC are being more 'sympathetic' to these watches these days)

[05carbondrz]

When You send the Watch for a service I would send the original Band to Michael Young to get it looking like new.

[VaRobot]

Thanks again for all the input guys!

[Mauiguy]

You have an awesome brother! Congrats!

Congrats on the watch too!