Inherited a 1969 1680 18k NEED SOME INFO PLEASE

[Robert r thompson]

About a few months ago, I was inherited my grandfathers 1969 Rolex submariner 1680 18 karat gold. there is no box, nor is there papers, but it comes with a bracelet that I am a little confused about. it's a normal gold Oyster bracelet, but the clasp is what's confusing. the coronet is on the end of the clasp and sticks up it is marked patented on the diver's extension and is also marked patinaed registered Swiss made 18 K on the reverse side of the folding, it also says 4 71. I don't know if that is the year or what it could mean so please can somebody shed some light thank you.

[haven_seeker]

Pictures would help quite a bit. Then the experts could chime in with better info.

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by Robert r thompson

About a few months ago, I was inherited my grandfathers 1969 Rolex submariner 1680 18 karat gold. there is no box, nor is there papers, but it comes with a bracelet that I am a little confused about. it's a normal gold Oyster bracelet, but the clasp is what's confusing. the coronet is on the end of the clasp and sticks up it is marked patented on the diver's extension and is also marked patinaed registered Swiss made 18 K on the reverse side of the folding, it also says 4 71. I don't know if that is the year or what it could mean so please can somebody shed some light thank you.

That is a Rolex USA bracelet. 71 is the year

[waspy1]

We'd really appreciate papers. This is a rare piece, a very early 1680/8. Hopefully it still has the metres first dial.


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[southtexas]

Pics!!!!!!!!!!!!

[waspy1]

Originally Posted by waspy1

We'd really appreciate papers. This is a rare piece, a very early 1680/8. Hopefully it still has the metres first dial.


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Just reread. I mean pics not papers.


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[rootbeer7]

Sounds incredible. Pictures please and wait for all the messages offering to buy it! It is very valuable and if all original will need special care.

[Andad]

Pix would be good just to see ths one.

[superstarmar]

Where are the pix???

[Mauiguy]

As others have said, pictures would be helpful. In the meantime, here is some general info...

The description of the coronet on the clasp from the oyster bracelet of that period sounds correct. However, the diver's extension on the original gold oyster band from 1969 should say "Pat. Pend." (patent pending), not Pateted. The lack of pat. pend. on the extension could mean the bracelet and/or the extension was replaced at some point in time.

Other aspects of the original gold sub from 1969: The numerals and markers on the black bezel insert should be silver colored, not gold colored as they were in subsequent years. The crown from the 1969 watch is the older twinlock crown. It should *not* have the 3 dots underneath the coronet. The 3-dot triplock crowns came later. Most importantly, the depth rating printed on the dial should read "200m - 660ft", which is refered to as the meter's first dial.

Despite the bracelet, if your watch meets this criteria and has a serial number that corresponds with the 1969 year of production, then congratulations - you have one of the rarest, most historically significant Submariners ever produced. A real treasure as only a handful of these models are known to exist.

[roh123]

Most important on these would be the case condition. Very curious to see how it survived all these years.

[Robert r thompson]

Hi guys still trying to figure out how to use this website sorry lol how do I add pictures?

[fusionstorm]

If using a phone or tablet, then the easiest way to upload pictures is using the Tapatalk app. Otherwise, you'll likely have to be tech savvy enough to tweak your pics to fit into the size limit this site has.

[1675-David]

open an Imgur account

https://imgur.com

upload your image there then copy /paste the link here..

do it!

[herts9]

lets see that thing!

[Dangur]

Originally Posted by Robert r thompson

Hi guys still trying to figure out how to use this website sorry lol how do I add pictures?

Lol, it took you 8 months to figure it out?

[Robert r thompson]

No lol I forgot my password and just got it back ..... how do I upload pictures?

[Robert r thompson]

these are the pictures

[Robert r thompson]

Also the serial is 281****

[BDL]

Wow, that thing is awesome, keep it ALWAYS!

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Robert r thompson

Also the serial is 281****

I would say that this is closer to a match with the '71 bracelet and not '69.

[Robert r thompson]

Originally Posted by Tools

I would say that this is closer to a match with the '71 bracelet and not '69.

What do you mean

[diverdick]

1971 is consistent with serial number and the bracelet is also period correct.
Proceed cautiously with any type of service you may be entertaining. Just make sure the bracelet is sound enough to prevent any link from failing. Very desirable vintage Rolex you have there.

[JnmEaton]

Beautiful piece. Enjoy it.

[Robert r thompson]

Thanks for the info guys �� grandpa didn’t know much about it. Wish he was around to tell him

[Robert r thompson]

How would I value the watch?

[Jfullm42]

What a beauty and great family heirloom! Like others have stated don't send to Rolex, but rather I'd personally contact Rik Dietel at Time Care Inc or LAWW for service recommendations. Per values just jump on chrono24 or other forums and search for similar watches

[AS1]

Originally Posted by Robert r thompson

How would I value the watch?

Contact a reputable vintage Rolex dealer like Andrew Shear or HQ Milton. Definitely don't ask for valuation on here though, as that is against the forum rules.

It's a beautiful piece, truly!

[diverdick]

Beau can work magic on these Gold Submariners. Some may not agree with restoration but if you would like it to look like new it’s your decision. Better than Rolex Service Centers because original parts will not be replaced with modern parts.

[Robert r thompson]

Oops sorry guys kinda new to this form thing