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Old 25 September 2017, 01:39 AM   #1
Speed
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16800 Vs. 1680

If you all had to choose between a nice 16800 and the infamous 1680 - with new luminova hands - I posted about in another thread, what would you do?

I know it's all up to me...but I'm just thinking out loud.

I do like the matte dial, nice case and great matching hands / lume on a 16800 - but no top hat plexi-crystal. Delta in price is about $2,000 US more for the 1680.

Age-wise, we are looking at ~ 1981 (16800) Vs. 1979 (1680)

I am also thinking the 16800 - apart from the dial - is pretty similar in appearance to my l6610 - with lugholes - save for the nice matte dial Vs. glossy - and Tritium Vs. Luminova of course.

Aaagh!
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Old 25 September 2017, 01:56 AM   #2
btinl
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I personally prefer the acrylic crystal on the 1680.
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Old 25 September 2017, 02:10 AM   #3
Daytonaman799
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I think the 16800 has that blend of both vintage and modern that makes it super practical. The idea of a matte dial and a sapphire crystal is a pretty potent combination. Thats why i am a huge fan of the 16660 even though I don't have one. I also think the 16800 is a bargain when compared to 1680's.
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Old 25 September 2017, 02:25 AM   #4
Gina Marie
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Daytonaman799 View Post
I think the 16800 has that blend of both vintage and modern that makes it super practical. The idea of a matte dial and a sapphire crystal is a pretty potent combination. Thats why i am a huge fan of the 16660 even though I don't have one. I also think the 16800 is a bargain when compared to 1680's.


Agreed. A much more sturdy daily watch and undervalued imho.
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Old 25 September 2017, 02:34 AM   #5
Speed
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16800 Vs. 1680

Quote:
Originally Posted by Daytonaman799 View Post
I think the 16800 has that blend of both vintage and modern that makes it super practical. The idea of a matte dial and a sapphire crystal is a pretty potent combination. Thats why i am a huge fan of the 16660 even though I don't have one. I also think the 16800 is a bargain when compared to 1680's.


Yes... Pricing is appealing and you get most of the features of Vintage.



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Agreed. A much more sturdy daily watch and undervalued imho.


Thank you as well. Do you find 1680s to be more fragile or prone to more issues?
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Old 25 September 2017, 02:37 AM   #6
GGGMT
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Always, always, always go with originality with a vintage piece. Replacement hands are the work of the devil.
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Old 25 September 2017, 02:38 AM   #7
Speed
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16800 Vs. 1680

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Always, always, always go with originality with a vintage piece. Replacement hands are the work of the devil.


Luminous (replacement) hands are the devils workshop?
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Old 25 September 2017, 02:56 AM   #8
stockegsix
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1680 for sure. See sig
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Old 25 September 2017, 02:56 AM   #9
roh123
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It is really just a question of preference. The plastic crystal is very different from the sapphire. As for what is more durable I am still a fan of plastic as they only scratch. The sapphire crystal risk to break and if scratched you need a new one. The plastic one is just to polish.

And lastly the sapphire is another work of the devil. It gets so greasy and disgusting if you are used to plastic crystals.
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Old 25 September 2017, 03:28 AM   #10
Speed
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It is really just a question of preference. The plastic crystal is very different from the sapphire. As for what is more durable I am still a fan of plastic as they only scratch. The sapphire crystal risk to break and if scratched you need a new one. The plastic one is just to polish.

And lastly the sapphire is another work of the devil. It gets so greasy and disgusting if you are used to plastic crystals.


Thank you. I have not had any Sapphire crystals break...and I do like the top hat look. That said, I’ve just been seeing more 1680s with some sort of issue for sale. The occasional “perfect” specimens are usually >$10k

Debating whether I’d be “settling” on a 16800 whilst saving $2-3+K

My 16610 is such a go-to Watch...and I have all B&P, it would be hard to let go.
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Old 25 September 2017, 03:30 AM   #11
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I think sapphire and acrylic is a matter of choice. I wore my 16700 for years with no damage.

I have worn my 1675 with acrylic for two years with the same results.

I do like matte dials!
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Old 25 September 2017, 03:40 AM   #12
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Stick with your 16610 and save yourself some money - if you really must change then pay top dollar for the best 1680 you can find.....or do what I did and buy an old beater 1680 and have it totally refurbished by Rolex......back to as new condition but with service replacement parts ......but then I guess that would be the work of the devil Good luck with your decision.
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Old 25 September 2017, 03:42 AM   #13
brandrea
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Id personally buy the 4 digit reference but hold out for an original piece.
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Old 25 September 2017, 03:47 AM   #14
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If you're going to use it often ... I prefer the 16800
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Old 25 September 2017, 04:10 AM   #15
Speed
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If you're going to use it often ... I prefer the 16800
Are you saying I'd have to baby a 1680? I plan on wearing the heck out of any watch I buy.
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Old 25 September 2017, 04:16 AM   #16
Speed
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Stick with your 16610 and save yourself some money - if you really must change then pay top dollar for the best 1680 you can find.....or do what I did and buy an old beater 1680 and have it totally refurbished by Rolex......back to as new condition but with service replacement parts ......but then I guess that would be the work of the devil Good luck with your decision.
That's probably sage advice...A beat up 1680 - with service luminova dial and hands would certainly be Satanic. I personally would not want a new dial..but could live with new hands if they semi-matched a whitish dial.

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Id personally buy the 4 digit reference but hold out for an original piece.
Yes. Hard to do when you're obsessing.
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Old 25 September 2017, 05:35 AM   #17
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You’re doomed to buy the 1680. Whether it will be now, or after the 16800. Just skip the formality and go for the one you want now before they get any more expensive! My $0.02


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Old 25 September 2017, 06:29 AM   #18
Speed
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You’re doomed to buy the 1680. Whether it will be now, or after the 16800. Just skip the formality and go for the one you want now before they get any more expensive! My $0.02


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You know me well.
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Old 25 September 2017, 06:43 AM   #19
traf
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You know me well.


I speak from personal experience

3 years ago I passed on an overpolished 16800 for $4800 and went with a 1680 a few months later for $5500. Wish prices were still like that 🤦🏻*♂️


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Old 25 September 2017, 06:56 AM   #20
sensui
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Yes. Hard to do when you're obsessing.
Research meanwhile and hold out for the right example...be careful though, 1680 was my gateway drug to vintage:



Good luck in the hunt.
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Old 25 September 2017, 07:29 AM   #21
Seattlerf
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IMO the 1680 is better looking. After buying my 1680, can’t imagine letting it go. As cool a sub you can buy without seriously breaking the bank on an earlier 4 digit reference. Good luck!
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Old 25 September 2017, 08:25 AM   #22
Speed
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Research meanwhile and hold out for the right example...be careful though, 1680 was my gateway drug to vintage:


Good luck in the hunt.
Sweet.Mother.of.god.

That is one beautiful watch!
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Old 25 September 2017, 01:05 PM   #23
V.lats97nsx
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Had both. I would choose the 16800

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Old 25 September 2017, 09:07 PM   #24
mattedialdoc
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1680 everyday of the week. Matte and Acrylic.
I’m glad someone mentioned the “greasy sapphire”. I hate that look.


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Old 25 September 2017, 10:13 PM   #25
sfc rick
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1680...but I'm already wearing one daily and loving it.



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Old 26 September 2017, 02:12 AM   #26
Vlad
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buy both!
This way you will have 1680, 16800, and 16610 - all you will need then is a 168000 and you'll have a complete set.

:)
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Old 26 September 2017, 02:19 AM   #27
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Quote:
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Research meanwhile and hold out for the right example...be careful though, 1680 was my gateway drug to vintage:



Good luck in the hunt.
Pure Vintage Class!
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