First time vintage purchase 1680 Red

[filippe_floppe]

Hi, looking to purchase my first vintage piece - a 1973 1680 Red Sub with what looks like a MKVI dial and a 3.7 range serial. Aside from the bracelet condition and the service bezel - are there any other red flags on this piece? It also looks like this one has been sitting since November which makes me think there is a reason why this is not a desirable sample.

The piece can be found on Wanna Buy A Watch's website.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

[michaelodonnell123]

You will need an experienced person specializing in vintage Rolex watches to fully examine the exterior and open the case back to validate its authenticity. If you don't do this, then you are playing with fire. There are countless threads on this forum of people getting stuck with a worthless vintage fake Rolex or frankenwatch and they only found out after they tried to sell it to someone else. Don't be that guy. Get it verified.

[swaini3]

that hour hand looks bigger than normal. You will need more pictures, serial engravings, movement etc. to make sure you're getting the right piece. I echo the above comment. Be careful.

[alwayshere]

I’m learning as well. The crystal mag also looks weaker so there is probably a bit to do to confirm everything checks out

[rmurphy]

Everything about it looks just a tad bit off. The hands, the magnification, the case doesn’t look anything close to crispy to me. If it were me I’m continuing to look. If it’s being sold at the cheaper end of the spectrum then really beware.


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[MorningTundra]

Much more pictures are needed to be able to give you a helpful assessment From that one poor picture, all you can really say is the condition of the case from the one angle, is about what you'd expect of a watch of this age. In other words, average. The service crystal is not a big deal. If they're asking average price for average condition, it's not unreasonable to expect decent pictures of the movement, caseback, case engravings.

I'm of the "who dares, wins" camp, and yes there are deals to be had out there. You can minimize the risk in several ways. Start by doing some background checking on the seller. Will the watch be crossing national borders? What's the return and refund policy? Is it in writing? Have you communicated directly with the seller and confirmed they actually have this watch in their possession? Are you and they willing to use an escrow service? Have you lined up a qualified watchmaker on stand by to give it a look over within the refund window?

[filippe_floppe]

Thank you everyone for the input. Really appreciate it. The watch comes from a trusted dealer Ken Jacobs (Wannabuyawatch) - from the List of vintage watch dealers list found on this forum. That said I'm going to backing out of this deal. Unfortunately I'm unable to post the link to the product since I don't have the post count yet. Here's a few more photos.

[indianmachine]

Great choice of reference! Red 1680 was my first vintage submariner.

That price seems high for a 1680 red with a service insert and that case condition. No guarantee papers make the rest not worth a lot.

Check out Jacek's site he has a few in stock and frequently gets more: https://tropicalwatch.com/watches/search?q=1680+red

[filippe_floppe]

Thanks! I reached out to Jacek regarding his stock!

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by filippe_floppe

Thanks! I reached out to Jacek regarding his stock!

Good move. You can't go wrong with Jacek. He'll even specifically advise you against buying a particular watch if it's not exactly what you're looking for, and has a great returns policy in the event that you're not 100% stoked with your purchase. You can't lose.

No affiliation - just a happy customer over many years.

[Alex The Watch Guy]

Be ready to pay with Jaceck, his prices have gone thru the moon, speaks to his quality and inventory for sure. Gone are the days one could get reasonable value, lately he’s putting up ridiculous prices just to see if anyone bites.

Good luck with your hunt, be patient and a good watch at a reasonable price will turn up. This is not a rare reference so plenty out there.

[Haveapair]

Would you mind if I bid on this too?

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Alex The Watch Guy

Be ready to pay with Jaceck...lately he’s putting up ridiculous prices just to see if anyone bites.

I'd say rather it's the market that's gone ridiculous.

Of course, you do pay a premium for buying a guaranteed piece from a highly respected dealer, but many would argue it's worth it.

If you're lucky enough to have the funds to be in the market for vintage sports Rolex, shell out that premium to sleep well at night knowing you've got exactly what you paid for.

[indianmachine]

Originally Posted by zapokee

I'd say rather it's the market that's gone ridiculous.

Of course, you do pay a premium for buying a guaranteed piece from a highly respected dealer, but many would argue it's worth it.

If you're lucky enough to have the funds to be in the market for vintage sports Rolex, shell out that premium to sleep well at night knowing you've got exactly what you paid for.

+1 My opinion but I think it's definitely worth paying the "sleep at night premium" on your first vintage piece. As you get more experienced in vintage you can decide for yourself if you'd like to go out hunting for diamonds in the rough that may be more attractively priced.

[Proto3]

Originally Posted by indianmachine

+1 My opinion but I think it's definitely worth paying the "sleep at night premium" on your first vintage piece. As you get more experienced in vintage you can decide for yourself if you'd like to go out hunting for diamonds in the rough that may be more attractively priced.

You can also send him an offer. I offered him below his asking for my first 1675 I bought through him and he took it. It is nice as a vintage noob to be able to know what I'm getting through someone like him.

[indianmachine]

agreed definitely send him and any dealers offers. In my experience deals rarely happen as high as the prices posted their sites.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Proto3

You can also send him an offer. I offered him below his asking for my first 1675 I bought through him and he took it.

As the gentlemanly discretion flies out the window...

[Proto3]

Originally Posted by zapokee

As the gentlemanly discretion flies out the window...

I didn't low ball him...I don't think

But he was great to deal with, and my next vintage watch will be through him.

[Orangeface]

After a quick look at the Wannabuyawatch listing, this one looks legit with history, which is always helpful. There's a few 1680s out there for sale - millions were made, after all - so don't jump at the first one that attracts your eye, and be sure to research and learn. Jacek is a good source, and though you won't get a "bargain", you'll get a nice Rolex.

[PVR]

HQ MILTON. check out their site. Been around forever with good inventory and they are in your Bay Area, San Francisco

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by PVR

HQ MILTON. check out their site. Been around forever with good inventory and they are in your Bay Area, San Francisco

Tropical Watch is in SF too. You're in vintage Rolex Nirvana!

[filippe_floppe]

Already in contact with Jacek ;) thanks for the input everyone!

[Lakeman]

Originally Posted by filippe_floppe

Already in contact with Jacek ;) thanks for the input everyone!

You’re welcome

[filippe_floppe]

Giving this thread some closure - I ended up purchasing this one off Jacek.

A 1969 1680 MKII dial. Not the finest example as it does have it's flaws but I'm looking to wear this and not having to baby it. Again thanks to everyone for your input!

WhatsApp Image 2021-06-03 at 10.44.14 PM.jpeg

[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by filippe_floppe

Giving this thread some closure - I ended up purchasing this one off Jacek.

A 1969 1680 MKII dial. Not the finest example as it does have it's flaws but I'm looking to wear this and not having to baby it. Again thanks to everyone for your input!

Attachment 1224938

I think you bought from the right guy. Jacek is good people.


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[ILuvSubs]

Beautiful catch! Jacek is one of the best in the business. Wear it in good health!

Originally Posted by filippe_floppe

Giving this thread some closure - I ended up purchasing this one off Jacek.

A 1969 1680 MKII dial. Not the finest example as it does have it's flaws but I'm looking to wear this and not having to baby it. Again thanks to everyone for your input!

[RandallBoris]

It looks fantastic

[zapokee]

Congrats. Beautifully detailed case. Meters first, too!

[Pilot1985]

Congratulations on your 1680 it looks amazing!!

[indianmachine]

congrats!