SoCal 1680 Red Submariner evaluation

[Bearxj86]

Hi everyone,

Anyone else n SoCal that can help me inspect my incoming MK5 Red Sub?

I bought it off A German jewelrer I found on Chrono24 and it should be arriving in 1-2 weeks here is the listing:

http://juwelier-am-harras.de/produkt...ubmariner-red/

Appreciate observations from the crowd

[1665fan]

Open 6 is mark 4 dial and that is closed 6 but is mark 5 dial. Someone asking 20k for a red sub should be able to describe the watch accurately. And one would need to spend another 1500-2000 for the correct insert

[Bearxj86]

I thought both Mk 4 and 5 are open. Mk4 is very open while 5 is barely noticeable but open. Mk6 is completely closed?

Newbie here hehe

[thomaspp]

not good

[Bearxj86]

Originally Posted by thomaspp

not good

Can you elaborate please?

[offrdmania]

I love these, please help me evaluate my piece after I purchased it threads. I dont know enough about reds it to comment on the piece, sorry

[Bearxj86]

It takes 2-3 weeks to deliver; I also have the option to cancel....

[CPRWATCH]

I have little or no Reb Sub knowledge but ,That's a lot of money to spend on a watch unseen. For that kind of money I would much rather either see it in the flesh, post the link as you have before buying or do some serious research on the exact MK, I was buying before hand. Genuinely hope this watch is what its claimed ,as on the sale description .

[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by bearxj86

I thought both Mk 4 and 5 are open. Mk4 is very open while 5 is barely noticeable but open. Mk6 is completely closed?

Newbie here hehe

You’re right. looks to be a mkv but pics are very grainy to see the barely open 6’s, but the placement of the ft and = looks right for an mkv. Tough to tell from those pics how sharp the case is and if the dial has any discoloration, spots, chips etc... Those are all things I’d verify first.

[1911dude]

With some quality classic/vintage watch dealers right in CA why would you deal a with a Euro based seller ?

[Bearxj86]

Originally Posted by 1911dude

With some quality classic/vintage watch dealers right in CA why would you deal a with a Euro based seller ?

Pricing. I negotiated $17k for full set with everything but punched papers (includes service papers, full accessories etc). Local seller seem to be in mid to high 20s for service papers and mid 30s for full set.

[HarryLime]

The full length photo: http://juwelier-am-harras.de/wp-cont.../IMG_E3330.jpg

[Bearxj86]

Originally Posted by HarryLime

The full length photo: http://juwelier-am-harras.de/wp-cont.../IMG_E3330.jpg

How did you do that?

The jewlerer (who has a full shop) - mentioned to my question that the dial, bezel, hands and bracelet are all original.

Serial number is on the photos - 31XXXXX

[HarryLime]

Originally Posted by bearxj86

How did you do that?

The jewlerer (who has a full shop) - mentioned to my question that the dial, bezel, hands and bracelet are all original.

Serial number is on the photos - 31XXXXX

In Google Chrome, first enlarge the photo as offered on the site, then right click: open image in new tab. Voila.

[omitohud]

Originally Posted by bearxj86

How did you do that?



The jewlerer (who has a full shop) - mentioned to my question that the dial, bezel, hands and bracelet are all original.



Serial number is on the photos - 31XXXXX

Bezel might b original but the insert is not, it’s a service insert. Might want to factor that in the price.


I blame it on autoconnect.

[pozer]

I thought you couldn't import preowned Rolexes to the US?

[pozer]

And did you get pics of the serial number on the case? And the movement and case back, of course.

[springer]

Originally Posted by pozer

I thought you couldn't import preowned Rolexes to the US?

That changed several years ago. Import at your heart's content.

[HarryLime]

Originally Posted by omitohud

Bezel might b original but the insert is not, it’s a service insert. Might want to factor that in the price.


I blame it on autoconnect.

I'm not sure he should buy it either way, but I don't see the insert as that big of a deal. Easy to source a replacement and the price on this is *relatively* low.

[southtexas]

Here’s a collage of your watch with the 3 tritium feet first versions (as seen on drsd.com). Mk4 on top.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[twnturbo]

Without a punched cert or tags with serial # those accessories don't add much value & expect to get a nice bill for duty taxes , i recently bought an expensive bezel from a guy oversea's & was surprised when i got a hefty bill from Fed EX for the duty taxes ,like the others have said looks like a thin font bezel a correct one can cost you $2k ,i've looked at many watches on that sight myself but was always scared to pull the trigger ,they do have the escrow option though i think.

[Bearxj86]

Thanks everyone for your input!

While I am a vintage "newbie" since I only own one such GMT 1675. I did study the following two links very carefully and the seller is a legit german jeweler that sells other rolexes and has been around for a while:
http://www.drsd.com/watch-info/red-sub/redsub.html
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=353899

What I concluded from the above is that it is a Mk5 Submariner with rolex parts. The seller has said they are all original (to be verified) and the case number and dial seem to be period correct (circa 1972). I also did send an email with the pictures to Phillip at info@rolexpassionreport.com and he said it looks ok but obviously inspect in person.

From what everyone is saying from the photos. The bezel may be service since it has thin font - this concerns me. I was reading the above articles and they say that the MK 4 and beyond Red Subs had thin font bezels (non "fat font" originally. How can I tell between a thin font versus pure service ultra thin insert? Even with side to side photos I am having trouble. Can someone help with this comparison?

Finally - I am double protected via Trusted Checkout (Escrow) as well as my credit card. While I will likely have to pay 5% duty upon import, that puts me all in at around $17.9k - which is still at least about 20-25% cheaper than HQ Milton or Lunar. Note that the seller originally had it listed for closer to $20k but I was able to negotiate down. In general the red subs are cheaper in Europe so that is why I went this route. With buyer's protection and a good inspection, I hope to countermeasure.

Anyone in Los Angeles/California available maybe next week when it arrives to inspect it with me? : ) I am always looking to make friends.

[Chunky]

I dont know but there is something wrong with that dial to me...
Maybe it's the pictures so I would definately would have wanted to inspect this one in person. My 2 cents. Good luck

[bertberr]

Originally Posted by bearxj86

From what everyone is saying from the photos. The bezel may be service since it has thin font - this concerns me. I was reading the above articles and they say that the MK 4 and beyond Red Subs had thin font bezels (non "fat font" originally. How can I tell between a thin font versus pure service ultra thin insert? Even with side to side photos I am having trouble. Can someone help with this comparison?

I thought all Reds other than the first metres first up to 69/70 would have had Mk3 fat fonts? I realise the font thickness on Mk3's can vary, but even the thinnest would be a fair bit thicker than a thin font service...

[Bearxj86]

Originally Posted by bertberr

I thought all Reds other than the first metres first up to 69/70 would have had Mk3 fat fonts? I realise the font thickness on Mk3's can vary, but even the thinnest would be a fair bit thicker than a thin font service...

You're right. It's a service bezel. I was able to find a Mk2 fat font long 5 for $750 on ebay. Where else do we have folks selling Mk2 or Mk3? Here on the rolex forums?

[btinl]

Originally Posted by bearxj86

You're right. It's a service bezel. I was able to find a Mk2 fat font long 5 for $750 on ebay. Where else do we have folks selling Mk2 or Mk3? Here on the rolex forums?

That bezel insert on ebay is significantly damaged.

Also, a mk2 insert is too early for that red sub.

[twnturbo]

Check the VRF forum (are we allowed to mention that hear if not please delete mods) lots of bezels there ,i'm in LA area & got 3 watch show ctg meet ups in the next 2 weeks i'm going to, but i'm no expert .Just own a few legit examples.

[pozer]

Originally Posted by springer

That changed several years ago. Import at your heart's content.

Thank you! I was just told last month from an Italian dealer they couldn't ship second-hand rolexes to the US.

[05carbondrz]

Originally Posted by btinl

That bezel insert on ebay is significantly damaged.

Also, a mk2 insert is too early for that red sub.

I was going to say,$750 for a long 5 in decent condition is a STEAL.

[Mark020]

Interesting to see that a US based buyer buys in Europe. Most watches go the opposite direction I'd say