Can anyone give any information on the attached watch and dial please

[calumw456]

Its a 1680 i know very little about it.

Thanks in advance.

[037]

Looks like it's been on a NATO strap for quite some time. Judging by the crystal it might have seen some dive use. The insert was either lost or taken for its value in patina.

Overall it looks great. Obviously it needs a new crystal. The spring bars will need to be cut out if you plan to find a bracelet, otherwise those are perfect for a NATO.

What's the serial range? Late '70s?

[calumw456]

Thanks for the message and info.

It starts with a 58 not sure what that means?

The yellow on the dial and hands looks bold is this normal others ive seen are white?

[MorningTundra]

That's a nice watch and definitely worthy of the expense to restore. Hope you can find a reasonably priced bezel.

[HarryLime]

Originally Posted by calumw456

Thanks for the message and info.

It starts with a 58 not sure what that means?

The yellow on the dial and hands looks bold is this normal others ive seen are white?

A 5,8 serial indicates it's probably from 1978/1979. The yellow is fine, the lumes age differently based on many factors.

[Torque Time]

Great looking survivor! I’d replace the crystal and source a new bezel and proudly wear it on a NATO strap. I love the patina on dial!

Congrats

[037]

Given the serial number is indeed from the late '70s, the watch looks correct overall to my eyes. Great find!

Are you keeping it? If so, do you know a watchmaker in your area who is good with vintage Rolex?

[RyanPrasad]

there are a number of threads of different insert variations for the 1680, try and find one that has a pearl (PIP) that matches the color of the markers. pretty sweet find.

[kzm40]

Originally Posted by 037

Looks like it's been on a NATO strap for quite some time. Judging by the crystal it might have seen some dive use. The insert was either lost or taken for its value in patina.

Overall it looks great. Obviously it needs a new crystal. The spring bars will need to be cut out if you plan to find a bracelet, otherwise those are perfect for a NATO.

What's the serial range? Late '70s?

It has Lug holes, no need to cut the spring bars?

[R.O.L.E.X]

Originally Posted by kzm40

It has Lug holes, no need to cut the spring bars?

The springbars could easily be removed regardless. The original comment was a bit silly.

[037]

Originally Posted by kzm40

It has Lug holes, no need to cut the spring bars?

Ha, you're right. I wasn't thinking. Too many modern watches on my desk.

Originally Posted by R.O.L.E.X

The springbars could easily be removed regardless. The original comment was a bit silly.

What's silly is how I accurately call the era and no one cares. Make a mistake and everyone notices.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by 037

What's silly is how I accurately call the era and no one cares. Make a mistake and everyone notices.

Well, to be fair, calling a white 1680 late 70s isn't very astounding, considering most came from those years...and you're on a forum with these guys!

[037]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

Well, to be fair, calling a white 1680 late 70s isn't very astounding, considering most came from those years...and you're on a forum with these guys!

Tough crowd.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by 037

Tough crowd.

HA! Well-played!

[calumw456]

Thank-you all for your help and answers.

Any idea where a bezel might be bought from?

Equally i assume it would be best to buy an original crystal as opposed to aftermarket?

[calumw456]

If anyone has a bezel or yellow pearl or both that will match please message

[Mike Wood]

Where are you based?

[77T]

Originally Posted by calumw456

Any idea where a bezel might be bought from?

Equally i assume it would be best to buy an original crystal as opposed to aftermarket?

A watchmaker with a Rolex parts acct. can order the bezel but it will come with a new insert. Then (if you want the watch to appear era correct) you’ll need to haunt the vintage FS for a correct insert.

(Edit: whoops - I see you’ve already placed a WTB for the era correct bezel & insert)

Yes, only use a Rolex crystal. You may find one here in parts FS that is NOS and era correct.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Johny]

Originally Posted by calumw456

If anyone has a bezel or yellow pearl or both that will match please message

Hi op.

The bezel looks good. I think that you just need an insert.

[calumw456]

Yeah i should have been more clear it is the insert i’m looking for a vintage one if anyone knows of one

[calumw456]

Hi again

Thanks for everyones help so far.

I’m looking for a nato strap like the one in my image. The one in the image is sold out.


I can find a lot of black white, black white straps but not many white, black, white black.

I’ve tried ebay, amazon and countless watch websites.

Can anyone help

Thank-you