1680 Red Submariner early 1970s

[MVB8thag]

i was recently given a Rolex belonging to my Grandfather. After some research, its was clear it was a vintage model. I took it to get appraised and it appears that i have something pretty neat. I am not a watch guy, After the appraisal i contacted the Rolex Service center in Dallas and they said they had several records a maintenance from the early 90s under by Grandfathers name but would not share anything else with me unless i came in.

Just looking for any advice -thanks

[Dan S]

Value of these watches is in the condition and originality. Unfortunately, the bezel insert has been replaced. Bracelet too, but that's less of an issue. These replacements are consistent with the fact that it had been serviced by Rolex, which raises the question about what else may have been replaced. We'd need better photos to verify. It's a nice watch and valuable, although the $25k on the appraisal is more of an insurance value than an amount you are likely to get for it in the current market. Do you have the original boxes, accessories, and paperwork, by any chance?

And you might want to remove your personal information from the appraisal document, Andrew.

[MVB8thag]

Thanks for the advice, i will post some more pics. Also, i see no edit button so i dont think i will be able to alter to pic. Although in the posting rules it does say i can edit posts, I must be missing something

** well i could edit this post. Must be past some time period rule

[Dan S]

You might want to contact the moderator about removing the photo with your personal information. I will also report that post to call the moderator's attention to it.

[cop414]

Done

[andrewjb88]

Very nice watch.

[offrdmania]

OP, its a great looking watch but please do not take it to Rolex for any service or you are liable to reduce its collector value by half, if not more. Let the experts here on the forum point you in the right direction so that your watch can retain the most collector value as well as how to insure the watch so that you can wear it without fear.

[jedione65]

It's a nice watch and even better that it was passed down to you as an heirloom. That in itself is priceless, rather that some random watch you would get from a dealer that has been passed down through multiple strangers. Keep it well and follow the advice here.
Post more pictures if you can. Especially of the dial, case sides etc.

[MVB8thag]

I was able to get some better pics - this watch has been in a drawer for at least 30 years.

[MVB8thag]

pics of band and the appraisal

[MVB8thag]

No unfortunately, nothing with it except for the watch - added more pics.

[Dan S]

The hands are also likely replacements, and possibly the date-wheel as well, although it's hard to tell the color in the photos (should be a metallic silver). Appears to be an original Mk4 dial.

[hutch300]

Its awesome to get something like this! What are you hoping to do with it?

[MVB8thag]

Here is the date dial - looks like it has a metallic hue? Will the serial number tell me the manufactured date? serial number 2694442. I wish i was more of a watch guy, this is now literally the only watch i own. I am not sure what i want to do with watch.

[Dan S]

Circa 1970. That date wheel looks pretty white in the picture but the open 9 is a good sign. TBH I have a lot of trouble capturing the color in photos, so it's probably best to use your eyes. If it looks metallic brushed silver to you, then that's what it is.

You don't need to decide immediately what to do with it.

[andrewjb88]

That watch deserves a fresh service, a clean up and wearing! what a beautiful piece.

[TuRo]

Nice piece, btw that is a 1982 bracelet replacement...that's quite a bequeathment.

[DoricSpiker]

That dial is stunning. That would be a keeper for me and some great advice and info in this thread for you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[htff]

Beautiful watch!

[offrdmania]

This is the type of watch that needs to go to the Ridleys for a service and preservation. All depending on how much the OP want to sink into it but im sure the Ridleys can source original parts for it to make it whole again.

[MVB8thag]

How would I go about getting a quote like that?

[learningtofly]

The date wheel may well be okay, I think, and better shots of the hands are needed before determining that they're service replacements. Notwithstanding all of that - what a beautiful watch.

[askeever]

DSC_0030a.JPG

I sent my dad's 1970 red sub to Bob Ridley for service/restoration and couldn't be happier. It took a while but was worth it. Phillip Ridley may be faster, I don't know. I've heard good things about Phillip.

[Styles Bitchley]

Beautiful watch. And so nice that it’s an heirloom. My 1970 Red Sub says hi too…