1680 Red Sub Questions

[Rolex6022]

Hello vintage folks,

I'm considering this Red submariner. Beyond the fact that the hands are obvious replacements (they look like luminova), can you tell me more about the dial and the bezel insert? I think its a MKIV dial and a fat font bezel insert. I'll get more details with the bracelet off to capture the serial number. I apologize in advance but this is the only picture I was able to get during our short meeting.



Thanks.

Consolation picture of a '74 Sigma Dialed Slate 1501 on jubilee; my current daily driver.

[GGGMT]

Personally, I couldn’t get past the hands.

[rolexbound]

Same here.

[btinl]

It would be challenging to find original tritium hands to match the dial; however, color-matching would be a good option for replacing the SL hands.

[scooba]

im with the above the hands yikes, But if the dial is perfect and you like it and its ok price wise, Step up and buy it ,then get the hands replaced or colour matched .

[twnturbo]

Agreed how bad could the old hands have been to replace them with these jeez

[Autavian]

Dial is an MK IV dial and appears to be very nice. We would need to know the serial range to determine if the dial is correct for the case. MKIV dial are seen in the serial range 2.45 mil - 3mil (in and around)

The hands is a quick and easy fix. They are constantly hands being offered on VRF. If not VRF, there are a slew of guys on IG that have hands for a 1680 that could match. As with everything, you just need to know the right resource and get plugged in, but they are out there and is not as difficult as the above are making it seem. Also MK3 ff insert is correct. All in all, if the price is fair, and serial correct as well as inside of the caseback stamping, then this is indeed a nice watch.

The hands match is the last thing I worry about as long as the dial, case engravings etc is correct and not over polished. Hands are cosmetic and easily changed all the time.

Good luck!

E

[lee fowler]

As above the hands are an easy fix, lets get the serial and see if the dial is correct for the watch. If the price is good then go for it as previously said the dial looks to be very nice.

[Rolex6022]

Update the serial number is 27699xx. And definitely a 1680

[rolexbound]

Buy a vintage hand set and then sell the modern hand set.

[Gepetto]

Yes I think you can find a hand set that fits. that's really the only option as without it it's kind of unsightly...

[chows99]

Do you mind sharing the price offered to you?

[twnturbo]

Yep if price is right it’s an easy fix

[swish77]

Finding a set of tritium hands with matching patina isn't impossible, but it ain't easy. I've been down this road, and it's a very difficult one, especially if you're trying to find a fairly close match.

Now, if you're not picky and don't mind a variation between dial and hands patina, you'll have options. However, if you're looking for a good match, it will be very challenging, especially since you most likely will be doing it off of photos. And we all know color in photos can be misleading. Good luck.