Rolex 1680, 18k yellow gold (1978)?

[NukeMan]

Hi all! Back after a long break.

I am looking at expanding my collection with a classic, the 1680 in yellow gold. Knowing a little about 1680’s I’m not too familiar with the 18k versions of the model. The one I might consider is a late run one (1978) in ”good condition” with a leather strap. Its got its certificate. Any suggestion on what might roughly be reasonable, price wise, provided that everything is OK? No pictures avaliable at this point. Much appreciated advice, guys!

[waspy1]

What colour? Fat case? Mint dial? I’d expect 15k usd and up unless it’s a wreck


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[NukeMan]

Yeah, the case is pretty fat. Black dial. What worries me is the serial number which is a 6,0 million one. That seems pretty high for a 1680/8, wouldnt you agree?

[Michael M.]

6.0mil to too late for an 18k YG 1680. Pass!

[waspy1]

Sure it’s not a 16808? Is it sapphire or acrylic?


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[NukeMan]

Its says 1680 and it has an acrylic ”domed” glass. Not being an expert, at which serial number range did Rolex stop producing 1680’s? Did they go into the 6 millions?

[NukeMan]

Punched certificate papers, I might add.

[springer]

Originally Posted by Michael M.

6.0mil to too late for an 18k YG 1680. Pass!

I've owned Submariner 1680s with serial numbers as high as 6.1XXXXX. Unless you have some inside information, 1680s were still being made in the 6 million serial range.

[Michael M.]

Originally Posted by springer

I've owned Submariner 1680s with serial numbers as high as 6.1XXXXX. Unless you have some inside information, 1680s were still being made in the 6 million serial range.

You are partially correct. Steel examples were produced up until 6.1/6.2mil. 18k YG examples were produced up until 5.8/5.9mil.

I have yet to see a genuine 18k YG 1680 case with 6mil serial number.

[springer]

Originally Posted by NukeMan

Its says 1680 and it has an acrylic ”domed” glass. Not being an expert, at which serial number range did Rolex stop producing 1680’s? Did they go into the 6 millions?

Yes they did. There are 6 million serial-numbered 1680s. They were discontinued during the 6 million serial numbers.

[NukeMan]

Thanks! 1680/8’s were rare (so much I know), so if the steel model was still produced in the 6’s, then a few gold ones might also have been produced, without surfacing. I’ll try to provide some pics for further assessment.

[NukeMan]

And here are some pic's. Any comments as to it being a 6 mill model / genuine?

[DLRIDES]

I can offer no expertise on the 6+ million serial issue, but it’s a real stunner in the looks department !

[springer]

Originally Posted by Michael M.

You are partially correct. Steel examples were produced up until 6.1/6.2mil. 18k YG examples were produced up until 5.8/5.9mil.

I have yet to see a genuine 18k YG 1680 case with 6mil serial number.

Because you have never seen one is not scientific at all. If you have something substantive then I'm all ears. I stand by my earlier response.

Nukeman's gold 1680 photos does not exhibit any signs of a fake watch.

[Michael M.]

Originally Posted by springer

Because you have never seen one is not scientific at all. If you have something substantive then I'm all ears. I stand by my earlier response.

Nukeman's gold 1680 photos does not exhibit any signs of a fake watch.

John, I’ve owned my fair share of 18K 1680’s and have never seen nor heard of a genuine 18K 1680 with serial over 6mil.

The 1680 the OP posted exhibits the latest generation of fake 18K YG cases that have come to market. Tell tale signs are the shape crown guard shapes (too thick) and the engravings. Close but no cigar.

[springer]

Originally Posted by Michael M.

John, I’ve owned my fair share of 18K 1680’s and have never seen nor heard of a genuine 18K 1680 with serial over 6mil.

The 1680 the OP posted exhibits the latest generation of fake 18K YG cases that have come to market. Tell tale signs are the shape crown guard shapes (too thick) and the engravings. Close but no cigar.

I didn't know there was a "later generation" of fakes. Maybe you could start a thread and enlighten everyone on them.

[Chunky]

Why does the marking in the open gear picture read 1370? Should it not be 1570?

[Lol-x]

6 million isn't 1978.
To me 6 million has always been 1981.
I haven't in over a decade of looking seen a 6 million ref:1680.
So it raises serious question marks in my mind.

However from the photos, it looks fabulous
Difficult decision, but its a huge chunk of cash to risk.

[Lol-x]

Originally Posted by Chunky

Why does the marking in the open gear picture read 1370? Should it not be 1570?

It does look like a '3' but it should be a '5', however, I think that it may be an optical illusion due to the pixelation of the photograph.

[springer]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

6 million isn't 1978.
To me 6 million has always been 1981.
I haven't in over a decade of looking seen a 6 million ref:1680.
So it raises serious question marks in my mind.

However from the photos, it looks fabulous
Difficult decision, but its a huge chunk of cash to risk.

Here you go Steve. Circa 1979 Submariner 1680. For me, the lower 6 million serial numbers are 1979.

[Lol-x]

OK John, well I think you are on the money...

Maybe this 18K 1680 is legitimate after all.

[springer]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

OK John, well I think you are on the money...

Maybe this 18K 1680 is legitimate after all.

I've seen a few other 1680s with low 6 million serial numbers the past several years and I will say that they are not very plentiful.

[dbhak22]

This is a very interesting thread...especially as someone who hopes to own a 1680/8 one day.

I'm less concerned about the serial "issue" but more so about the "late generation of fakes". I'm no expert but the pictures appear to show a beautiful example without any objection from a couple well respected members...hm.

[Lol-x]

Its one thing to make a fake case, but to also have punched papers that match the faked case, now I've never heard of that before.
As I said in the photos above the watch looks perfect to me.
Rolex does change their lug widths/styles from time to time.
The hallmarks embossed into the underside of this case also say original to me, so I would say it was genuine from these photos..

[NukeMan]

Great input guys, thanks. I’ll let you know what i’ll do (I might actually pull the trigger, being well aware of everyone’s considerations. The risk is with me). ����

[RLX-lvr]

The yellow gold case watch is fake.
Tell tale signs as Michael has said.

The font of the engravings are off. Easy to see comparing to springers steelcase.
Take a look comparing the the 1’s and the 6.
Very different.
Stay away from the golf 6 mil watch.

[Michael M.]

Well don’t say I didn’t warn you...

[Matdaytona]

Watch is also very underpriced and a private sale (not knocking private sales)I’m sure you will have little or no comeback and what’s the betting they won’t accept PayPal my money is with michael on this one

[NukeMan]

[NukeMan]

A fake watch (or even a watch in question) can’t well be underpriced at 20000 eur, can it? But given all concerns, it wont be easy to sell it down the line, even if its genuine. Thanks for all the input!ä guys!