1680 white dial in a red case

[Frogdog]

I've come across threads discussing the negatives of placing a red dial in a white case and it makes complete sense. However, what is the impact to collectability or value of having a white 1680 dial in a red range case? Philippe at Exotic Watches has a georgeous example that admittedly falls into this category and it's really speaking to me!

I was hoping some of our experienced collectors could provide some insight on this topic.

Below is a link to the watch in question.

http://www.exoticwatches.net/img.php...2-00155deeb801

http://www.exoticwatches.net/img.php...2-00155deeb801

[lhanddds]

Many red dials were replaced by service dials when the time came. This looks like a tritium service dial (similar to mine). Whether yours originally came with a red dial, I couldn't tell you but maybe some experts here can. It looks nice.

[Frogdog]

Originally Posted by lhanddds

Many red dials were replaced by service dials when the time came. This looks like a tritium service dial (similar to mine). Whether yours originally came with a red dial, I couldn't tell you but maybe some experts here can. It looks nice.

Thanks for the info. I'm sorry, I should have mentioned the serial is 235XXXX! He clearly states it is a red range 1680 with a white dial.

[Mark020]

Value wise the difference is roughly the price of a loose red dial (count on USD 3k) minus the value of the white dial. Maybe a little bit more, maybe a little bit less.

[JohnBaker3]

Originally Posted by Mark020

Value wise the difference is roughly the price of a loose red dial (count on USD 3k) minus the value of the white dial. Maybe a little bit more, maybe a little bit less.

+1

The dial swap is easy enough but you would still have a nice watch that has a dial that didn't come with the watch originally.

I would spend the time and effort tracking down a nice original Red Sub.

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by Mark020

Value wise the difference is roughly the price of a loose red dial (count on USD 3k) minus the value of the white dial. Maybe a little bit more, maybe a little bit less.

To me it would be worth much less, the time, risk and effort to source and swap the dials, then sell the white one, would factor heavily into my calculation.

Unless the price is a great bargain, I'd take the time to find a correct one (if you're looking to end up with a red).

[evilfij]

If I could find out the magic trick to getting RSC to give me a red service dial, I would buy something like that, fit a junk genuine rolex dial, send it off to RSC and ask for the luminova red service dial.

[springer]

Finding a correct red Sub dial is not an easy task. Finding a nice, correct red Sub dial compounds the search.

[Mark020]

Well: you could try buying a scrap red dial and sending out the watch for a service. Somebody posted a pic last year which stated that a lumi red dial can be ordered on exchange base only. Problem might be that your service will/might cost you USD 2k if not more.

[Frogdog]

All good information guys.....I greatly appreciate it.

I apologize....I believe was unclear with what I was asking.

I would keep the watch as is with the white dial. I was just concerned that should I ever decide to sell the watch, would it be considered a parts watch due to the mismatched white dial? Is this looked upon in a similar way as placing a red dial in a white range case?

Again, sorry for the confusion. I'm trying to understand all of the ins and outs before making a decision.

[PoderEsBueno]

I've seen it before on the site. It looks attractive as it is, nice creamy patina, hands, case, pearl etc .. You might have some problems selling it though as the buyers always looking for all original condition pieces, it might not interest many hobbyist. Other than that if you just want to enjoy it and if it doesn't bother you i don't see any problems as long as it is priced fairly. Rolex serviced the dial at some point, like replacing the insert or some other part not functioning right. Good luck with your desicion

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Frogdog

. . .
I would keep the watch as is with the white dial. I was just concerned that should I ever decide to sell the watch, would it be considered a parts watch due to the mismatched white dial? Is this looked upon in a similar way as placing a red dial in a white range case?

Again, sorry for the confusion. I'm trying to understand all of the ins and outs before making a decision.

No, a 1680 in good condition is never going to be a "parts watch".

A white dial in a red serial range is not a "mismatched" watch, or unusual in any way. Many, many red dials were properly changed to white dials during service - that's why an original red dial is worth so much...

[Frogdog]

Great. Thanks again guys! 👍

[Jason71]

In my estimation, pricing would be similar to a regular white dial 1680 in comparable condition. Maybe marginally less due to the service dial, but difference would be negligible IMHO. Of course a white dial 1680 in top condition is going to bring a premium, but we all know how few and far between these are.

Buy it and enjoy it if the price is right

[mike]

Originally Posted by Tools

No, a 1680 in good condition is never going to be a "parts watch".

A white dial in a red serial range is not a "mismatched" watch, or unusual in any way. Many, many red dials were properly changed to white dials during service - that's why an original red dial is worth so much...

Spot on.

An interesting option might be trying to source a RED luminova service dial. Not easy, but they exist.