Seeking information on poor condition Submariner (1680?)

[irocz0r]

I recently inherited this watch. Despite its poor shape, I think it's a beauty.

I don't think it's been worn in at least 25 years, but unfortunately it's been sitting in a jewelery box for a long time. Crammed in with other jewelry, it's gotten pretty battered. I'd really appreciate some information on how to go about getting it fixed up... though to be honest, I realize owning and maintaining a Rolex is an expensive hobby, but I couldn't afford to spend more than a few hundred dollars on this watch. Is there any possibility of returning it to a decent condition within a budget?

I would love to see this watch regain some of its well deserved former luster.

I'd also appreciate any additional information on this watch.

[mcjp6]

Originally Posted by irocz0r

I recently inherited this watch. Despite its poor shape, I think it's a beauty.

You are right its a "Red" submariner, I think a 1680, a beautiful watch, they are quite collectible and therefore will bring a premium if you ever sell, even in this condition. You can find the model and serial number on the case, but you have to take of the bracelet. they are at 6 and 12 oclock.

The dial and hands look like they are in reasonable condition too. Have you still got the bezel?

Maybe its only going to need a service, new crystal and polish, although the bracelet looks a little battered. It will cost more than a couple of hundred dollars to fix up. Maybe stagger the repairs over some time. There are some good guys who can help in the US and I am sure someone will come along soon and give you their info.

Do you know the serial no.? That would help to date it.

It is a "special" and collectable watch do not let just anyone muck it around. you can read some more about them here http://doubleredseadweller.com/rs1.htm.

best of luck with it.

[jdc]

lovely looking and desirable watch well worth restoration by an expert as it has some value if kept original. Try Mr Bob Ridley based in Texas who has an excellent reputation
http://www.watchmakers.com/contactus.html
Another well regarded restorer is Dalton(username) a member of TRF you could PM him for an opinion.
Welcome to TRF and good luck

[Clay]

Rolex would be the ideal place to send that watch, unfortunately Rolex USA will no longer service that model....Mores the pity......
Who ever does the restoration, DO NOT let them replace or touch up the hands or dial and do not let them polish the case.....
Good luck....

[mcubed]

I would also tread carefully here. A red sub with a good dial can be worth more than some new cars. You can send it to Rolex, find a local watch maker that specializes in them and has the proper certifications, or find someone out of state with a good reputation and experience working with watches of this collectible nature. whoever you select, call them up, explain to them what you have, and see what they say. Someone here who lives in Houston might know of someone good locally. I have someone I trust in Connecticut who is excellent, and specializes in Rolex. It might cost you quite a bit to get it fixed, I see it needs a bezel, but it would be worth it. This is like buying a house and finding a finding a 1953 Ferrari 250 in the garage, whatever it is takes to fix it, it is worth it.

[Balboa]

Welcome to the Forum. You are right. That is a beauty. It is not in as bad shape as you might think. We have all seen much worse.

It is a very desirable and valuable vintage Rolex. Have a good complete service done, but Do Not alter the dial, markers or hands. I even think that crystal might be buffed out to look pretty good. If not, it can be replaced with a Rolex crystal. Do not install an aftermarket crystal even though they are much cheaper. A correct bezel and insert can be found with some searching and $$$.

I notice that in your pictures the crown is unscrewed. Is it stripped or broken? If not get in the habit of screwing it down.

Whatever you spend on service, will come back tenfold or more in value. Plus you will have a great watch to wear for decades and maybe pass on again.

Mark

[mike]

Some great advise has been given. Many consider the 1680 RED the next level in collecting.

You won't be able to do the watch justice with a couple hundred, but do consider the price of a restoration will more than be off set by the value of the piece.

Take your time and heed the advise of not replacing the dial and hands.

[watchthisone2]

What a watch! You are very lucky. Dead jealous.

[lobo58]

Such a beauty! Personally, I'd speak to Steve Mulholland here about what you should (and more importantly, should NOT) do by way of restoration. It's a real stunner though. Don't just troll through here and vanish, as so many do. This is the place where you can get your questions answered and steered in the right direction.

A highly sought after Sub, though. A genuine collector's piece.

[SLS]

Interesting, refresh my memory guys but the tube on this appears to be original but the crown has the markings of a triplock, which shown by the crown it is not. Could be my eyes or the pic, but the case appears to be a bit thick as well. Did the folded link bracelet have a clasp this big? May I ask what the serial, first three #'s are fine. No offense to the OP, just this is a watch that is often copied. It does appear that the watch is non-hacking based on the fact that the second hand appears to be moving while the crown is all the out. This would date the watch to before 1971?
Scott

[tgoose1]

Based on an original to the watch dial installed here, I'd guess the serial# would be 3.4 to 3.8mil. The hacking device can fail and be in need of replacement to stop the movement with crown fully out. This watch has great potential, looks to have its' original case finishing marks, a true diamond in the rough. Enjoy the refurbishment process!

[007Sub]

That is a VERY rare and valuable watch. I'm sorry to say that it may be more money to have it in perfect working order and condition but the main thing is...DONT let anyone touch the dial and hands. The other forum members' posts are spot on. Read through them and take them all to heart. If you dont have the money to fix this thing up now...than save up...it will be worth it in the end. Do some reading on "the red submariner" and you will start to appreciate why so many people have responded to your post :) Good luck.

[irocz0r]

I'm so very thankful for all the advice and information. As excited as I am about this beautiful watch, it's a shame I won't be able to do anything with it soon, as I do fully intend to put aside money until I can do it right.

Originally Posted by mcjp6

The dial and hands look like they are in reasonable condition too. Have you still got the bezel?

Unfortunately all you see in the pictures is what I have. What exactly is it missing? I understand it's a rotating piece, so I'm sure there are more bits underneath. I saw an eBay auction last week selling a supposedly authentic Submariner bezel and insert, but I let it pass because I wasn't sure if it was the right fit, everything I needed, etc. The following picture is for an aftermarket piece (which I would NOT buy), but it's what was included in the previous authentic auction.



Is that all I'm missing?

Originally Posted by Clay

DO NOT let them replace or touch up the hands or dial and do not let them polish the case.....
Good luck....

Several people have told me to leave it unpolished. I totally understand leaving the hands and dial original, but what's the harm in polishing the case?

Originally Posted by Balboa

I notice that in your pictures the crown is unscrewed. Is it stripped or broken? If not get in the habit of screwing it down.

The crown screws down fine, I had just adjusted the time and didn't screw it back properly afterward.

Originally Posted by SLS

It does appear that the watch is non-hacking based on the fact that the second hand appears to be moving while the crown is all the out.

The watch does stop ticking when the crown is all the way out, it was not quite all the way out in the photos.

I could easily take a clear video of the ticking motion if that could provide any more information about the watch.

I know where the serial number is, and I've been told I can remove the bracelet by inserting a toothpick into the holes in the sides, but I'm not sure how I would re-mount it and thus haven't mucked with it yet.

[JohnEaton]

Congrats on inheriting such a classic...

I hope to pass mine on to a family member when I am gone.

I recently found a similar 1680 (meters first, not feet first like yours) and had it cleaned up a bit.

The threads are here:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=72504

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=73324

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=73952

I'd say your 1680 is probably around a 1972, need the serial numer and a clear photo of the caseback would be nice. The triplock crown was a replacement and the 9315 bracelet is period correct but if sold in the US probably came with a C&I instead.

I know a watchmaker in Oregon that does excellent work and he did mine for under $500 US; check out the photos.

[mcjp6]

Originally Posted by irocz0r

I'm so very thankful for all the advice and information. As excited as I am about this beautiful watch, it's a shame I won't be able to do anything with it soon, as I do fully intend to put aside money until I can do it right.



Unfortunately all you see in the pictures is what I have. What exactly is it missing? I understand it's a rotating piece, so I'm sure there are more bits underneath. I saw an eBay auction last week selling a supposedly authentic Submariner bezel and insert, but I let it pass because I wasn't sure if it was the right fit, everything I needed, etc. The following picture is for an aftermarket piece (which I would NOT buy), but it's what was included in the previous authentic auction.



Is that all I'm missing?

Yes, what you see in the picture is a SS bezel, looks like the round SS knurled thing, the bezel insert, the piece with the minutes and a tritium "pearl" at 0 on/in it and the flattish steel "washer". thats makes up the bezel assm.

Steve M, a member here on TRF can help you with this, his email is stevemulholland3@aol.com. I just purchased an insert for a 5513 sub from him so expect around $250 or more just for the insert.

I am in the same boat as you regarding funding a complete restoration all in one go, so just plan it over a period. I've set mine at 6 months, my 5513 needing pretty much the same as your sub, polish, bezel, service etc.

Your hacking and crown, from what you have said sound fine so do not worry about them.

A lot of people don't like to overly polish a watch as it removes metal and therefore the watch is no longer original. Lots of opinions on this, so you don't need mine....just have a look at John's thread above, http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=73324, and check out his polished watch.....

Best of luck and post some more pictures as you go..

[JohnEaton]

Thanks Michael,

I went with just the lightest polish to remove the fine scratches, I was very impressed with the watchmaker's job. The bezel was worn out when I bought the 1680 and I have since replaced the bezel with a very slightly used period correct genuine Rolex bezel.

I've tried a 9315 folded link bracelet and did not like the light weight and flimsy feel, but greatly admired the beauty of the period correct bracelet. I use a 93150 for everyday wear and would like to purchase SELs that would fit the 1680.

I wish irocz0r the best of luck in the restoration of his old "grail", and am certain he will be happy with his new old timepiece as the 1680 has become my favorite watch.

[snow_rocks]

www.rolexreferencepage.com

Article on John's Red 1680, before and after restoration. You can email him with questions.

[mcubed]

Originally Posted by mcjp6

Yes, what you see in the picture is a SS bezel, looks like the round SS knurled thing, the bezel insert, the piece with the minutes and a tritium "pearl" at 0 on/in it and the flattish steel "washer". thats makes up the bezel assm.

Steve M, a member here on TRF can help you with this, his email is stevemulholland3@aol.com. I just purchased an insert for a 5513 sub from him so expect around $250 or more just for the insert.

I am in the same boat as you regarding funding a complete restoration all in one go, so just plan it over a period. I've set mine at 6 months, my 5513 needing pretty much the same as your sub, polish, bezel, service etc.

Your hacking and crown, from what you have said sound fine so do not worry about them.

A lot of people don't like to overly polish a watch as it removes metal and therefore the watch is no longer original. Lots of opinions on this, so you don't need mine....just have a look at John's thread above, http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=73324, and check out his polished watch.....

Best of luck and post some more pictures as you go..

Remember though, that not just any submariner bezel will do, not all model subs have interchangeable bezels. So make sure you get the one for your watch. I would REALLY suggest finding someone who deals with these watches on a regular basis.

[stevemulholland3]

I have several bezels you could choose from..even some that have some wear that I could throw you at a greatly reduced price..
your watch does have a few issues of concern though..you may want to email me
and I will tell you what I am refering too.
good luck my friend!
stevemulholland3@aol.com