Help with 1680 Red Submariner clasp numbers and case back writings

[cris]

Hi everyone.

There are some clues about my Red Submariner 1680 serial 3,81XXXXX wich is something between 1973/1974

1) on the clasp there is a fractional like number, clearly 1 on top of 76. What does it means? The clasp was never replaced and is a 93150 with final 580

2) on the case back are stamped the usual rolex stuff, the reference number 1680 and there is a watchmaker writing that I cannot understand. A number, clearly 35180. About the second line: it reads M F 3 or something else. Perhaps II 73 (second quarter of 1973?)

[1665fan]

76 on the clasp means bracelet is clasp is from 1976. Post pics of the dial. 3.7-3.8 is usually the latest serials accepted for the red sub

[Cooper33]

Originally Posted by cris

Hi everyone.

There are some clues about my Red Submariner 1680 serial 3,81XXXXX wich is something between 1973/1974

1) on the clasp there is a fractional like number, clearly 1 on top of 76. What does it means? The clasp was never replaced and is a 93150 with final 580

2) on the case back are stamped the usual rolex stuff, the reference number 1680 and there is a watchmaker writing that I cannot understand. A number, clearly 35180. About the second line: it reads M F 3 or something else. Perhaps II 73 (second quarter of 1973?)

I think you'll have more success posting this on the vintage section. Perhaps I'm missing something, but shouldn't the clasp have the "93150" stamp below the code?

No idea what "351080" means here. Never seen it before. Looks similar to the S/N, perhaps a typo by the watchmaker?

I think it's MF3. Watchmakers usually write a part of their internal service reference, who knows that this might mean...

[cris]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

76 on the clasp means bracelet is clasp is from 1976. Post pics of the dial. 3.7-3.8 is usually the latest serials accepted for the red sub

Here is the dial. And yes, It absolutely need a servicing. I think it should be a MK VI, right?

[Cooper33]

Originally Posted by cris

Here is the dial. And yes, It absolutely need a servicing. I think it should be a MK VI, right?

Other than a little polishing on the crystal, it looks wonderful to me!

[1665fan]

Yes mark6 the last of the red subs, post in vintage for more info. The mf3 is probably watchmakers initials or tag

[Racer X]

I *believe* that the "1" identifies the first quarter of 1976.

[bayerische]

As I mentioned in your other thread, the bracelet is not original should be 9315 with 380 endlinks, so most likely replaced. Clasp may be the original one. (Made in 1976)

I guess it is hard to decipher the writings of the watchmaker, why does that matter anyway?

[cris]

Originally Posted by bayerische

As I mentioned in your other thread, the bracelet is not original should be 9315 with 380 endlinks, so most likely replaced. Clasp may be the original one. (Made in 1976)

I guess it is hard to decipher the writings of the watchmaker, why does that matter anyway?

I was looking mainly about the codes for an more precise production date. Anyway my father said he never replaced the bracelet. And the watch was a present around 1978 - so it could fit a last red sub stock.

[ROGERB]

The 93150 first showed up in middle/late 1975 so 1976 fits and the Red sub is now believed to go to 1975, but that serial number does as you stated put the watch to 1973 so unless the watch was not new when it was given to your Dad it should have a 9315 strap. The most common switch in a service was to move to the newer and considered more sturdy 93150! The inside the caseback marks are service codes from whoever serviced the watch.
Now it is a great Sub and you should be very proud to now own it!

R

[ROGERB]

Originally Posted by ROGERB

The 93150 first showed up in middle/late 1975 so 1976 fits and the Red sub is now believed to go to 1975, but that serial number does as you stated put the watch to 1973 so unless the watch was not new when it was given to your Dad it should have a 9315 strap. The most common switch in a service was to move to the newer and considered more sturdy 93150! The inside the caseback marks are service codes from whoever serviced the watch.
Now it is a great Sub and you should be very proud to now own it!

R

So I did some digging and there is always some range with respect to Rolex serial numbers and I found this chart which may indicate this watch could have been late 1975 which could put a 93150 strap,from first of jan 1976 on this watch!!
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&sour...74984609812733
Things that make you go

[roh123]

Watches was not necessarily sold just after they were produced. I see no problem with the watch being sold in 1976 or even later. Then the bracelet could be original. Quite common to change bands at the store and why wouldn’t a customer want the new and improved 93150 if the store had it available. I wouldn’t worry a second about it.

[1675-David]

I thought Rolex had finished with clasp codes that were quarter/year by 1976. Didn’t they stop with that around 1972 and then a couple of years without clasp codes before starting again with letters in 1976. That was my impression, happy to learn something new if I’m wrong.

[roh123]

Originally Posted by 1675-David

I thought Rolex had finished with clasp codes that were quarter/year by 1976. Didn’t they stop with that around 1972 and then a couple of years without clasp codes before starting again with letters in 1976. That was my impression, happy to learn something new if I’m wrong.

It’s quite rare but you see 76 stamps on both folded and solid bracelets for a short period before it moved to A. Normally unmarked clasps are 74-75. Give or take.

[1675-David]

Originally Posted by roh123

It’s quite rare but you see 76 stamps on both folded and solid bracelets for a short period before it moved to A. Normally unmarked clasps are 74-75. Give or take.

good to know Thanks Per