1680 buying advice

[sdh1980]

Hi All

I'm new to the world of vintage Rolex and would like to buy a 1680 from either 1979 or 1980

I've seen two for sale that could fit the bill but I'm after your opinions. I know vintage could be a bit of a minefield so I'm just after a bit of help with anything that sticks out (good or bad) with these two

All the best

[springer]

I believe some clearer, and much larger photos would help.

[sdh1980]

Thanks for the reply @springer . I’d love to hear your opinion on both

I understand it’s hard from the pics I have. I’ve tried to reload the best photos I can get again. First three are ‘watch A’ which is a 1980

Second three pics are ‘watch B’ which is 1979







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[1665fan]

First one looks like the same dial as my 1680 5.7 mill serial. The second one might be service dial and hands....

[stevedssd]

First has a Mk ll dial second has a service dial. Looks like there are warranty papers for second, from one of your photo's? What makes you say they are 1979/80, do you have partial or full serial numbers?

[stevedssd]

Yikes just seen the lugs especially the top right lug and the spring bar sticking out on the second one.......

[Kingface66]

The first one's insert is later and looks artificially distressed/bleached/sanded.

Come to think of it, so does the insert in the second one, while possibly correct, also looks artificially aged.

[BamaHammer]

Nice ones!

[sdh1980]

Thanks a lot for your input so far all. Proves my suspicion that I really didn’t have much knowledge of what I was looking at

The first watch has no papers but the serial number dates it to ‘79. Current owner claims all but the bracelet is original

The second has the box and papers showing the sale date of 1980




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[zapokee]

The main thing is to buy from a seller who's recognized as trustworthy by the vintage community. If you're new to the hobby, I'd avoid private sellers and places like Ebay and Chrono24, which tend to be shark-infested.

I'd be looking at the usual big boys like Jacek, HQ Milton (who have now parted ways), Eric Ku, Andrew Shear... You'll pay a little more, but you'll sleep very well at night knowing that what's on your wrist is exactly what you think it is.

[WeiLo]

AWESOME watch.

[joli160]

If you cannot answer these questions yourself than don't stray in the vintage world. It's a minefield filled with scammers.

Only buy from well known vintage sellers, pay a premium but at least you don't get burned.

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

The first one's insert is later and looks artificially distressed/bleached/sanded.

Come to think of it, so does the insert in the second one, while possibly correct, also looks artificially aged.

Hmm... I thought they both looked OK

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

Hmm... I thought they both looked OK

Ha! Something about that “bleached blue” color, and 2000-grit sandpaper fade raised an eyebrow

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

Ha! Something about that “bleached blue” color, and 2000-grit sandpaper fade raised an eyebrow

The insert on the second one does appear to have abrasions and coloring that wouldn't usually be considered consistent with natural aging.

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

Ha! Something about that “bleached blue” color, and 2000-grit sandpaper fade raised an eyebrow

Yea you can tell they didn’t sand as much around the pip so they didn’t damage it lol...

[bayerische]

First one would be my pick. Second one has thin lugs from over polishing.

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

Yea you can tell they didn’t sand as much around the pip so they didn’t damage it lol...

Whether natural or not (and I still think it is), the fade and wear on any insert with a pip/pearl is going to be less pronounced around it, precisely because it's raised. lol

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

Whether natural or not (and I still think it is), the fade and wear on any insert with a pip/pearl is going to be less pronounced around it, precisely because it's raised. lol

With natural aging, the edges of the black insert wouldn't be more faded (the outer edge is much lighter from 9 o'clock to 11 o'clock on this one). The outer steel bezel ring and the crystal sit higher than the insert, so would protect its edges more from wear and fading.

And those chemical bleach marks between 8 o'clock and 10 o'clock are a bit of a tell...

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by zapokee

With natural aging, the edges of the black insert wouldn't be more faded (the outer edge is much lighter from 9 o'clock to 11 o'clock on this one). The outer steel bezel ring and the crystal sit higher than the insert, so would protect its edges more from wear and fading.

And those chemical bleach marks between 8 o'clock and 10 o'clock are a bit of a tell...

Thanks for the lesson, sensei

[jon54]

Good post zapokee

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

Whether natural or not (and I still think it is), the fade and wear on any insert with a pip/pearl is going to be less pronounced around it, precisely because it's raised. lol

Yea the sun won’t fade the insert evenly because of the pip lol

[bayareabuggs]

I like all of them

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by bayareabuggs

I like all of them

With 1 post I’m sure you do

[nigelUK]

Ha ! haven't been on here as much lately, so checked out the threads and came across this one ...

I can say 100% that the first one is from a genuine seller .... as it is mine

[Styles Bitchley]

Originally Posted by nigelUK

Ha ! haven't been on here as much lately, so checked out the threads and came across this one ...



I can say 100% that the first one is from a genuine seller .... as it is mine

...And what say you about the artificial distressing?

[nigelUK]

it’s as I purchased it and no one has ever made that comment previously....
And it has been posted on here many times. It has also been appraised by one of the most respected UK forum members and vintage expert. and he never commented on the insert being artificially aged although he may just have neglected to mention it.. who knows.

The insert is a mid font flat four that was introduced in late 70s and therefore could be original based on the year of manufacture 1979. I’ve seen other 1680s from 1978 onwards with this insert but of course they could have been service replacements or original. Like a lot of vintage Rolex parts you can not be 100% definitive




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[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

Yea the sun won’t fade the insert evenly because of the pip lol

"Yea" the sun is the only thing that fades and puts wear on things.... "lol"