Rolex Red Submariner Age? Value?

[rolexbound]

Hi, I won this watch on ebay a few weeks ago and the previous owner has literally told me nothing about it. From what I can gather it has been serviced at least once (Correct me here, but as it has a tri lock logo on the crown and earlier 'reds' did not have the three dots on the crown, this means it must have been serviced once?).

It has its original rolled stainless steel bracelet and everything else about it looks like it is original.

The serial is in the 30xxxxxx range so I this would make it around 1971/1972?

Any other thoughts and impressions of my purchase would be greatly appreciated! This was my first foray into vintage Rolex's so I hope I made a good purchase here.

The watch cost me $12,300 Australian.

Cheers

[petereoin]

Just my thoughts when making a vintage watch purchase

I am curious, why ask for opinions (originality) on your watch after purchase?
Most purchasers do their homework before buying.

If you find out that the watch is not original do you have any recourse?

[rolexbound]

I had to make a snap decision to purchase the item as the auction was ending. I am pretty confident I have good watch here. Yes I can have my money returned if it is not original.

I would just appreciate some of the members of this forums expertise.

[edtheaussie]

@Rolexbound Hey mate, i was also thinking of bidding on this, but the seller was really hard to get any information out of. I live locally and he didn't want to try and organise an inspection.

I thought it looked ok, there's more information on DRSD dot com if you want to look into the watch yourself :) .

[MonBK]

This sounds like a warning flag. ^

[rolexbound]

The RDSD site was quite handy leading up to me placing my bid. The owner was I believe was just a difficult person in general, getting him to send me an invoice post auction took five days.

[edtheaussie]

Originally Posted by rolexbound

The RDSD site was quite handy leading up to me placing my bid. The owner was I believe was just a difficult person in general, getting him to send me an invoice post auction took five days.

Yea he seemed very uninterested for a person selling a valuable watch, which if it is all legit, will be the reason you got a good deal!

However if it is not, with the listing description i don't think you'll be able to get returns under paypal, as it wasn't very descriptive!

[rolexbound]

Thanks, yeah I am pretty pleased with it. OK, well I will just do some more reading then. Cheers guys :-)

[roh123]

Without being an expert on these it looks pretty good. Mk5 dial in ok condition with some stains on the lume, slightly corroded hands and a a later insert. Good case and a nice folded bracelet. All and all a nice watch.

Value wise I am guessing you could make a few dollars selling it. It’s not the steal of the century but it is not a bad buy if you like the watch. The 3m serial is approx 1970-71.

[swish77]

That's a very nice, honest red 1680, by the looks of the photos. Great case, good matching patina, clean dial. (The slight discoloration on the lume wouldn't bother me.) Not sure about the insert, but it's certainly not a thin font service one. Looks good, albeit perhaps not original to the watch.

Slap a new top-hat crystal on there, fix up or replace the bent bracelet end links (change the pins/bars), and have the movement serviced (presumably, it needs it), and you're all set.

You paid about $9500 U.S. You did well.

[roh123]

Check the font of the four in 40 and you will see it is a late 70’s insert.

[btinl]

Originally Posted by roh123

Check the font of the four in 40 and you will see it is a late 70’s insert.

Is this considered a “mid-font” insert?

[offrdmania]

Hopefully, what you did on and what you receive are the same thing.

[roh123]

Originally Posted by btinl

Is this considered a “mid-font” insert?

The size of the font is not what tells you what it is. The square font of the four does. It is not a mk3 insert which would have been there originally. No dealbreaker at all; I just pointed it out.

[SubKing]

that is a later insert, commonly seen on 5513 subs. Your sub needs a mk3 to make it correct. hard tp tell true condition of the dial with all the scratches on the crystal, but at
9k you did well on it.

[watchcrank]

Great case and rest looks fine. Replace the insert if you want. I think you scored on that purchase.

[05carbondrz]

I would buy them all Day long at that price.

[frackas]

Good buy. This is 3-4K usd under market value, and a beautiful watch.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by SubKing

that is a later insert, commonly seen on 5513 subs. Your sub needs a mk3 to make it correct. hard tp tell true condition of the dial with all the scratches on the crystal, but at
9k you did well on it.

I personally wouldn’t sweat the insert. An authentic Rolex insert, even a replacement, that’s been on the watch for 40 years is in some ways more correct than a stray MK3 insert that’s been on another watch or in someone’s drawer for decades. I’d rather have the original MK3 insert, of course, but I wouldn’t consider this one incorrect.

[rolexbound]

Thanks for the comments guys! I was worried I was a little hasty with this impulse purchase, but it looks like I at the very least havent made a fool of myself.

The case does have some marks on one side. Would this decrease its value?

[lee fowler]

Originally Posted by rolexbound

Thanks for the comments guys! I was worried I was a little hasty with this impulse purchase, but it looks like I at the very least havent made a fool of myself.

The case does have some marks on one side. Would this decrease its value?

No not at all.

[rolexbound]

I got a little bit more information from the seller. He told me he bought it new in 1979 and he doesnt recall when it was last service.

I agree with you all though, a service has taken place.

Can someone tell me where I can obtain a pin for the bracelet on this watch? It has gone missing whilst in transit it to me.

[sleepyman]

Those white marks.. are they on the dial or on the crystal?
Did u inspect the inside?

[rolexbound]

Hi, the dial is immaculate, the crystal is pretty scuffed and those marks are on the crystal itself.

I am having the internal inspection performed this week. Hopefully I will be able to upload some photos.

[JustinK]

Nice watch congrats!
As already stated the insert is a mid font which is worth significantly less than a correct MK3. I think you got a very nice watch for the price, enjoy.

[edtheaussie]

Originally Posted by rolexbound

Hi, the dial is immaculate, the crystal is pretty scuffed and those marks are on the crystal itself.

I am having the internal inspection performed this week. Hopefully I will be able to upload some photos.

Looks like you did well mate, i was going to risk it - but the 12.3k was a bit too serious money for me! - i did however pick up a later matte dial sea dweller with the funds so i guess you win some and lose some ;)

The case, even if it has some dents, looks thick and unpolished with some of the original chamfers, which is a plus!

Looking forward to the internal photo's

[rolexbound]

Well done on the sea dweller! Any tips on other locations in Australia where we Rolex collectors can buy nice pieces?

Cheers

[scooba]

Hi ,

Looks lovely to me , Before you do anything rash maybe consider finding a good watchmaker and find a correct original top hat 127 plexiglass ? . because sure as sure the next pics you post someone will point out it has a service top hat plexiglass. Lots pop up on vintage rolex market .

I would leave the trip lock as is ,

Again bezel inserts are available on VRM

If it was me and living in Australia id been speaking with Sir Jedley and asking his advice on who to use for servicing in Au, myself I would find a 93150 bracelet with 501/580 end links or Post your complete bracelet to Michael young who owns classic watch repairs ? he will restore your bracelet to as new condition and for only a few hundred dollars . I think you will have a little peach with restored bracelet and new 127 OEM Plexi. movement service of course . Polishing is a very personal opinion , maybe ultra light polish or just leave it as found .

Nice little project finding the bits and not expensive .

Maybe source a pair off spring bars and a nato strap and send the bracelet to Michael young so you can wear it while the bracelet is being sorted out . Have you tried some poly watch on the top hat it won't make it like new but will improve its appearance

Well done great find !

[rolexbound]

Hi Scooba, thanks for your words of wisdom.

I was thinking of gradually collecting some original components which I know will require replacement and then take them with me when I have it serviced.

I am just trying to locate the right people in Melbourne to perform this work for me. I am not at all inclined to post this watch anywhere. I mean I would consider it, but the thought of doing so sems terrifying.

[scooba]

Hi Buddy,

Search Jedley

He is a Australian/UK member who has contacts in Au I'm sure he will point you in the right direction


Search Michael Young. He is the bracelet Magician 🎩 keep it original and he is very affordable , you only send him you bracelet ! So no worries posting ,

HTH