Red sub with service case back ?

[gilel]

Hi all,
What is your opinion on a lovely MK4 Red sub :
- serial 3,76xxx
- perfect dial with light creamy patina
- original hands
- case quite polished
- 9315 EL280 bracelet
- service case back

Is service case back a show stopper for you ?
Pass or go ?

Sorry no pic.

gilel

[TimeToGo]

.
I would not see an issue.
But as you mention, a "case quite polished," the price should commensurate the condition.

Pictures would help..

[1675-David]

Pix!!!

[lee fowler]

Yes pics please!

[Dan S]

It depends on the price and also whether you are looking for a collectible piece that you might want to re-sell in the future.

[southtexas]

I can’t imagine a service Caseback would be a deal killer on a red sub. It should be factored into the price along with overall condition.


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[springer]

What made you conclude your caseback is a service caseback?

376xxxx Submariner serial numbers would normally be 1973 vintage which would have a 1680 caseback without a date.

1972 was the last of the case back stampings.

[gilel]

Thanks all for your comments.
I understand that case back could have been changed to ensure the water resistance of the watch and it is possibly not an issue.
I want to be sure.
I'am looking for a collectible piece, not to re-sell, but as close to the original as possible.
I'll try to get pics.

gilel

[gilel]

Originally Posted by springer

What made you conclude your caseback is a service caseback?

376xxxx Submariner serial numbers would normally be 1973 vintage which would have a 1680 caseback without a date.

1972 was the last of the case back stampings.

The case back seems very "new" compared to the case.
Or perhaps it could be the original one. Any tips to ensure ?

[Dan S]

Can you please post pics or provide more details. What exactly is inside the case-back?

[springer]

Originally Posted by gilel

The case back seems very "new" compared to the case.
Or perhaps it could be the original one. Any tips to ensure ?

Placing a couple of nice, clear, large photos here would help.

[gilel]

Thank you for your help.
Are those pics good enough ?

[southtexas]

Can you post pics of inside the Caseback please? Like this:




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[indianmachine]

Will leave specific commentary to the experts, but as you said case is quite polished, it's up to you as to whether you're ok with that or not given the price. I'm no expert but can't imagine service caseback making too big of a difference.

[gilel]

Originally Posted by southtexas

Can you post pics of inside the Caseback please?

Sorry, no pic of inside the case back.
I will see it next week.
What should I watch first ?
Any tips ?

gilel

[FrenchBigCrown]

Hi gilel...

Possibly a bit of a sensitive question... but what sort of price is he asking?

[1675-David]

unless it's a great deal I would keep looking for a better example, it's been heavily polished and that insert looks like the seller found it in a lucky bag.

[Garywebster]

A lot of polishing

[gilel]

Originally Posted by FrenchBigCrown

Hi gilel...

Possibly a bit of a sensitive question... but what sort of price is he asking?

well below 30K

[indianmachine]

I'd pass on this one. 4 on the insert is not good at all and the case is way too polished. Anything with a 2 handle or above is too much for this.

[Kingface66]

I’m usually very forgiving on over-polished pieces, but this one is pretty awful. And that insert is aftermarket and terrible-looking. Keep searching. When a very nice one comes around, and it will, paying a bit more will be worth it.

[JustinK]

Caseback could be original with no date. I would not be able to get past the lugs on this watch to care about the caseback.

Keep looking.

[baumare]

I have a serial 3.4xx and there is no date on the caseback

[FrenchBigCrown]

Originally Posted by gilel

well below 30K

It would need to be well below, for me.

I have no affiliation with this dealer - other than they have only ever been really straight with me.

I've just used them as an example. (I hope that's OK and not breaking site rules or anything).

But they have two Red Subs for sale that are better than the example you posted (in my opinion). Still not perfect 'collectors' quality - but better examples than above. As I say/write - just two quick examples.

https://www.watches.co.uk/watches/c/mens/vintage/

There are better watches available - keep looking.

Good luck.

[gilel]

Originally Posted by FrenchBigCrown

But they have two Red Subs for sale that are better than the example you posted (in my opinion). Still not perfect 'collectors' quality - but better examples than above.

Thanks for the advice.
The 2 examples are given as circa 1969 with feets first dial!? Quite strange in my opinion.
However I understand the point.

gilel

[gilel]

So to wrap up:
- I'd better concentrate on the case condition rather than on the case back
- the case is over polished
- insert is?? even not Rolex?
- price for such a condition is much too high

Thanks all for advices.

I've got a last question: is it still possible today to a find this reference (nearly 50 years old) which ticks all the boxes while not waiting for decades ?

gilel

[swaini3]

yes, I would evaluate the watch or prioritise as follows for quality and correctness:
Dial
Case
Insert
Bracelet
Others may do it differently...

[swaini3]

Originally Posted by gilel

I've got a last question: is it still possible today to a find this reference (nearly 50 years old) which ticks all the boxes while not waiting for decades ?

gilel

You can but you have to be patient and have your $$$ ready. Its ok IMO to have a polished watch but not overdone.

[FrenchBigCrown]

Originally Posted by gilel

Thanks for the advice.
The 2 examples are given as circa 1969 with feets first dial!? Quite strange in my opinion.
However I understand the point.

gilel

'circa' means the dealer hasn't actually checked, in my opinion.