1680 Red Pricing

[chriswang0130]

Hello everyone!

My apology if this is a repeated thread.
Recently I have been looking into 1680 red. I have found very good resources here that show us how to distinguish different dials and look for some details about insert, case ...etc.

But I can’t seem to find a pricing source to know what really is a good price of the watch. I have seen from 15k to 50k. I understand it all depends on the condition and dial. But can you please let me know what is a good price range to look for for these? What would you consider a good price ( let’s say the condition is decent) what price would you consider as too high?

I am new to vintage Rolex and I would love to learn more from you all.
It will be great if you can let me know what is the price that you got 1680 red recently if you don’t mind.

Thank you !

[chriswang0130]

Any input will be appreciated!

[Styles Bitchley]

HQ Milton should give you a good idea of ballpark prices. They have a few on their site right now. But prices seem to be rising steadily for Reds, so act fast!

[waspy1]

I expect decent ones to start over 20k usd. Top of the prices will be mk1, tropical dials with full set at 50k. I’d be looking for a nice mk4 at around 25k with no box or papers.


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[oysterquartz17000]

Well some lucky chap picked up a mk4 for 6700K recently. So there are bargains to be had out there.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Rolex-Re...rdt=true&rt=nc

[chriswang0130]

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

HQ Milton should give you a good idea of ballpark prices. They have a few on their site right now. But prices seem to be rising steadily for Reds, so act fast!

Thank you! Yes I just found out about them recently , seems like they have good reputation.

[chriswang0130]

Originally Posted by waspy1

I expect decent ones to start over 20k usd. Top of the prices will be mk1, tropical dials with full set at 50k. I’d be looking for a nice mk4 at around 25k with no box or papers.


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Thanks!

[Racer X]

Not all red subs are created equal. There are several different versions ("marks"), meters first vs feet first, tropical or not, fat font or thin font bezel insert, etc. All of these factors have an impact on the value and, therefore, the price.

As waspy1 said, the oldest ones (Mk1 & 2, i.e., meters first) will be the most expensive, all other things being equal. Of course, full sets add a substantial premium and condition is king. While it's somewhat subjective, a nice even creamy patina on the hour plots typically increases the price as well. A Mk2 tropical will command an even larger premium.

IMO, for a solid red sub, you'll likely be looking at $20k+. Deals may be out there, but you may need to wait to get one. My personal view is, to get what you want, you need to be willing to pay more than you'd like when the right watch comes around.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by oysterquartz17000

Well some lucky chap picked up a mk4 for 6700K recently. So there are bargains to be had out there.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Rolex-Re...rdt=true&rt=nc

Lucky? That watch was an absolute wreck with a peeling dial.

Prices for red 1680s are so inflated, IMHO. If you want a 1680, I'd suggest putting your money into a better white version and save a ton. Ask yourself this question: Would you rather have a mediocre red 1680 for $25K, or a fabulous white 1680 with boxes/papers for $18K? I know which one I'd choose, and it wouldn't be close.

I've own both versions, a couple of times, and that line of red is nice, but it ain't worth the price difference, IMHO.

[boomtime]

Originally Posted by swish77

Lucky? That watch was an absolute wreck with a peeling dial.

Prices for red 1680s are so inflated, IMHO. If you want a 1680, I'd suggest putting your money into a better white version and save a ton. Ask yourself this question: Would you rather have a mediocre red 1680 for $25K, or a fabulous white 1680 with boxes/papers for $18K? I know which one I'd choose, and it wouldn't be close.

I've own both versions, a couple of times, and that line of red is nice, but it ain't worth the price difference, IMHO.

Very well said

[Styles Bitchley]

Originally Posted by swish77

Lucky? That watch was an absolute wreck with a peeling dial.

Agreed. It sold for what it was worth...probably a bit more.

[wsfarrell]

Originally Posted by swish77

Lucky? That watch was an absolute wreck with a peeling dial.

Prices for red 1680s are so inflated, IMHO. If you want a 1680, I'd suggest putting your money into a better white version and save a ton. Ask yourself this question: Would you rather have a mediocre red 1680 for $25K, or a fabulous white 1680 with boxes/papers for $18K? I know which one I'd choose, and it wouldn't be close.

I've own both versions, a couple of times, and that line of red is nice, but it ain't worth the price difference, IMHO.

I don't disagree with you, but the buyer probably knew what he was doing. He got a decent case and caseback that were in the proper serial range for a red Sub.

[chriswang0130]

Originally Posted by Racer X

Not all red subs are created equal. There are several different versions ("marks"), meters first vs feet first, tropical or not, fat font or thin font bezel insert, etc. All of these factors have an impact on the value and, therefore, the price.

As waspy1 said, the oldest ones (Mk1 & 2, i.e., meters first) will be the most expensive, all other things being equal. Of course, full sets add a substantial premium and condition is king. While it's somewhat subjective, a nice even creamy patina on the hour plots typically increases the price as well. A Mk2 tropical will command an even larger premium.

IMO, for a solid red sub, you'll likely be looking at $20k+. Deals may be out there, but you may need to wait to get one. My personal view is, to get what you want, you need to be willing to pay more than you'd like when the right watch comes around.

Thank you for very detailed response! I agree that I have to be patient to research and wait for the best example possible out there.

[42itus]

I'm still learning about vintage as well. I learned a lot from this page.

http://www.drsd.com/watch-info/red-sub/redsub.html

HQ Milton is a good reference for pricing. I've learned that there are some fakes on Chrono24 so it's difficult to gauge pricing.

[scooba]

Well I have a MK1 full set and have been offered $40k twice in recent months , this was by a London and then a NY Dealer ,TBH im actually tempted when it gets too $45 but I am not searching for a buyer if one came along and said $45 i would let it go .

When I bought mine five yrs ago it cost me $22,500

I always think you get what you pay for .

[othertbone]

Originally Posted by chriswang0130

Hello everyone!

My apology if this is a repeated thread.
Recently I have been looking into 1680 red. I have found very good resources here that show us how to distinguish different dials and look for some details about insert, case ...etc.

But I can’t seem to find a pricing source to know what really is a good price of the watch. I have seen from 15k to 50k. I understand it all depends on the condition and dial. But can you please let me know what is a good price range to look for for these? What would you consider a good price ( let’s say the condition is decent) what price would you consider as too high?

I am new to vintage Rolex and I would love to learn more from you all.
It will be great if you can let me know what is the price that you got 1680 red recently if you don’t mind.

Thank you !

Oy the prices can vary so much. Best advice is to buy from a trusted seller. It can be a mind field out there in vintage.

[oysterquartz17000]

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

Agreed. It sold for what it was worth...probably a bit more.

Incorrect, it was worth more just in parts than the sale price.

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by oysterquartz17000

Incorrect, it was worth more just in parts than the sale price.

It was junk not worth any more than it sold for....a good red 1680 is 20-25 no papers

[roh123]

Prices been going down lately imho. Just too many around. Buy to keep rather than to ”invest”.

[BrazenC5]

Originally Posted by scooba

Well I have a MK1 full set and have been offered $40k twice in recent months , this was by a London and then a NY Dealer ,TBH im actually tempted when it gets too $45 but I am not searching for a buyer if one came along and said $45 i would let it go .

When I bought mine five yrs ago it cost me $22,500

I always think you get what you pay for .

Nice, I also have a MK1 full set.

[1665fan]

Meters first chocolate command a premium and should be 30-35

[oysterquartz17000]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

It was junk not worth any more than it sold for....a good red 1680 is 20-25 no papers

Wrong. I think someone got a bargain. Movement was salvageable, dial can be restored as no text or hash marks were damaged. Hands can be relumed. I think someone got themselves a red sub for around 12k after the servicing is complete.

[oysterquartz17000]

Originally Posted by swish77

Lucky? That watch was an absolute wreck with a peeling dial.

Prices for red 1680s are so inflated, IMHO. If you want a 1680, I'd suggest putting your money into a better white version and save a ton. Ask yourself this question: Would you rather have a mediocre red 1680 for $25K, or a fabulous white 1680 with boxes/papers for $18K? I know which one I'd choose, and it wouldn't be close.

I've own both versions, a couple of times, and that line of red is nice, but it ain't worth the price difference, IMHO.

You do know peeling dials can be chemically reset and moulded carefully back into place. No? Well there you go. Someone is going to do that, have the movment easily overhauled, replace the seals and plexi and then read all this and laugh at you guys. I wish it was me, but it ended when I was asleep.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by oysterquartz17000

You do know peeling dials can be chemically reset and moulded carefully back into place. No? Well there you go. Someone is going to do that, have the movment easily overhauled, replace the seals and plexi and then read all this and laugh at you guys. I wish it was me, but it ended when I was asleep.

Six days ago you didn’t think a dial could be restored and were appalled that someone spent money on that watch.
“The dial is where all the money is and well, the dial is literally destroyed.”

[Juhuatai]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

Six days ago you didn’t think a dial could be restored and were appalled that someone spent money on that watch.
“The dial is where all the money is and well, the dial is literally destroyed.”

Exactly. You were ridiculing the person who bought this watch but now you’ve done a 180. Ironic.

[oysterquartz17000]

Originally Posted by Juhuatai

Exactly. You were ridiculing the person who bought this watch but now you’ve done a 180. Ironic.

Yup I have had time to examine the watch. It looks good to me. I think you guys are 100% dead wrong. I guess someone will post photos of it restored at some point.

[chriswang0130]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

Meters first chocolate command a premium and should be 30-35

Thank you. Good to know!

[chriswang0130]

Originally Posted by roh123

Prices been going down lately imho. Just too many around. Buy to keep rather than to ”invest”.

I agree with buy to keep rather than to invest. I am buying to enjoy myself. But I thought the price for these are going up

[chriswang0130]

Originally Posted by 42itus

I'm still learning about vintage as well. I learned a lot from this page.

http://www.drsd.com/watch-info/red-sub/redsub.html

HQ Milton is a good reference for pricing. I've learned that there are some fakes on Chrono24 so it's difficult to gauge pricing.

Hey yes this is definitely a great source! Also heard good thing about HQMilton. When are you going to pull the trigger?

[42itus]

Originally Posted by chriswang0130

Hey yes this is definitely a great source! Also heard good thing about HQMilton. When are you going to pull the trigger?

I actually purchased this one a few days ago and I just received it. A fellow TRFer found a listing on Vintage Rolex Forum and I checked it out. I paid just under $18. The insert is a newer replacement. The dial and hands are pretty close to flawless. It’s been polished but the price reflected it.

So I think you have to decide what’s important. Collectibility, condition, etc. For me I wanted one with a clean dial and hands.




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