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jzeigler · 3 April 2014, 05:26 AM

So I've been hunting around and I've finally found two 1680s that work for me. One is available for around $5300 ($5000 with an in person pickup +tax), the dial and hands are luminova with open 6s and the watch is in great shape. The tritium version I've found is almost identical, except the dial and hands are trit. It is available for $6200. Is the tritium version still a better deal? I actually like the function of the luminova and I think it looks good, but as far as appreciation and overall value I'm wondering if the tritium is overall still better.

NukeMan · 3 April 2014, 05:31 AM

"Better" is in the beholders eye. However for a big majority of the members at this forum: "YES, tritium is better" (but you really need to post pics for a balanced assessment).

Vincent65 · 3 April 2014, 05:33 AM

T all the way.

jzeigler · 3 April 2014, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NukeMan

"Better" is in the beholders eye. However for a big majority of the members at this forum: "YES, tritium is better" (but you really need to post pics for a balanced assessment).

But does Tritium justify the additional $900-1000. I know the decision is a personal one, but I'm wondering mostly about how it relates to valuation of the watch.

I would post pics but I don't want to get them scooped out from under me if someone recognizes them, needless to say they're both almost pristine, minimally polished, and the tritium one has the slightest creamy tinge to the dial and hands, which match perfectly.

NukeMan · 3 April 2014, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzeigler

But does Tritium justify the additional $900-1000. I know the decision is a personal one, but I'm wondering mostly about how it relates to valuation of the watch.

I would post pics but I don't want to get them scooped out from under me if someone recognizes them, needless to say they're both almost pristine, minimally polished, and the tritium one has the slightest creamy tinge to the dial and hands, which match perfectly.

Yes (and maybe even more than that) if the two watches are in identical condition elsewise. An unexpectedly high percentage of the value of a vintage watch lies in the originality and condition of the dial.

CrownMe · 3 April 2014, 06:18 AM

If u care about the future value and re sell value i would choose the Tritium 1680 if its all original. Original watches command more money because there more rare and appeal to collectors.

nsumner · 3 April 2014, 06:19 AM

Agreed tritium all the way and yes I believe it adds more than $1000 to the potential cost, watches otherwise being equal.

That said, I do love a lumi matte dial

NukeMan · 3 April 2014, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nsumner

Agreed tritium all the way and yes I believe it adds more than $1000 to the potential cost, watches otherwise being equal.

That said, I do love a lumi matte dial

Thats sweet! Congratulations Nathaniel!

etp095 · 3 April 2014, 07:17 AM

Looking forward to seeing whatever one you pick. Please post pics when you receive your new red.

jzeigler · 3 April 2014, 07:58 AM

Turns out they were both lumi. Now I'm deciding between the cheaper of those two and another 1680, trit, with the dial and hands in great shape but a case that has been very polished. This is the same price as the lumi dial one, but the case isn't as nice. The other case has been polished, but not nearly as much.

Tools · 3 April 2014, 03:07 PM

You can always source another dial (although I wouldn't on a daily wear).

What you can never do is put metal back on the case..

Snapper7 · 3 April 2014, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

You can always source another dial (although I wouldn't on a daily wear).

What you can never do is put metal back on the case..

What is your reason for stating you wouldn't get another (I guess you mean original) dial?
Do you think the service dial is a better bet for daily wearers due to durability or other reason, like the night time glow?

I only ask as I am looking for a white 1680 and plan to wear as much as possible, I'm currently steering away from service dials.

Cheers
SS

springer · 3 April 2014, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

You can always source another dial (although I wouldn't on a daily wear).

What you can never do is put metal back on the case..

X2. If the watch you intend to purchase is very nice, sourcing a correct dial is a definite option - especially if the watch is priced according.

Tools · 4 April 2014, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snapper7

What is your reason for stating you wouldn't get another (I guess you mean original) dial?
Do you think the service dial is a better bet for daily wearers due to durability or other reason, like the night time glow?

I only ask as I am looking for a white 1680 and plan to wear as much as possible, I'm currently steering away from service dials.

Cheers
SS

I say that because unless you are a collector and have some reason to "must have" an original dial, a service dial is perfectly acceptable and usable.

There are lot's of reasons for a watch to have the dial and hands replaced. flaking, cracking, moisture, or just plain old age.

Having a serviceable, authentic and well taken care of watch is one choice. Having an original watch is a different choice. Both are worthy goals and decisions we personally make for the watches we choose to wear and collect.

Neither choice is wrong..

jfmiii · 4 April 2014, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

You can always source another dial (although I wouldn't on a daily wear).

What you can never do is put metal back on the case..

x2. get a service dial and keep the original in a safe if you want the glow.

and you can put metal back on the case. ask dalton @ abc

CrownMe · 4 April 2014, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfmiii

x2. get a service dial and keep the original in a safe if you want the glow.

and you can put metal back on the case. ask dalton @ abc

Haha I was just thinking the same thing. Dalton and M Young seem to be great at putting metal back on a case. I was shocked at how great it looks after I seen Youngs website.

Snapper7 · 4 April 2014, 06:19 PM

Thanks Larry, I appreciate your take on it.

Interestingly I passed on a nice 1680 recently because the tritium was flaking and breaking and noticed the hour hand lume was cracked. I felt I wanted that watch because of the patina and if it had to be replaced then I'd have lost that.

Interesting idea to store the original dial away and play safe with a service dial.
Food for thought.

Cheers
SS

jzeigler · 5 April 2014, 02:07 AM

Pulled the trigger on the lumi version! Managed a good deal on it, pretty pleased for my first Rollie.

jzeigler · 5 April 2014, 02:30 AM

Lume shot:

vintagewaferthin · 5 April 2014, 04:13 AM

Very nice! While I do like originality in vintage watches, I have to admit that i do have a soft spot for lumi 1680s and 1675s. You get the vintage look with all of the modern advantages and functions.

DCheeta · 5 April 2014, 03:40 PM

Nice watch! Congrats on your first Rolex. The 1680 is one of my favorites.

stevedssd · 5 April 2014, 05:59 PM

Congratulations, looks great

Rolex33020 · 5 April 2014, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

I say that because unless you are a collector and have some reason to "must have" an original dial, a service dial is perfectly acceptable and usable.

There are lot's of reasons for a watch to have the dial and hands replaced. flaking, cracking, moisture, or just plain old age.

Having a serviceable, authentic and well taken care of watch is one choice. Having an original watch is a different choice. Both are worthy goals and decisions we personally make for the watches we choose to wear and collect.

Neither choice is wrong..

I like this idea. Get the new dial and hold the original for a later date.

3 April 2014, 05:26 AM	#1
jzeigler "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: USA Posts: 120	1680 - Tritium or Luminova? So I've been hunting around and I've finally found two 1680s that work for me. One is available for around $5300 ($5000 with an in person pickup +tax), the dial and hands are luminova with open 6s and the watch is in great shape. The tritium version I've found is almost identical, except the dial and hands are trit. It is available for $6200. Is the tritium version still a better deal? I actually like the function of the luminova and I think it looks good, but as far as appreciation and overall value I'm wondering if the tritium is overall still better.

3 April 2014, 07:17 AM	#9
etp095 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: rudolph Location: chicago burbs Posts: 2,026	Looking forward to seeing whatever one you pick. Please post pics when you receive your new red. __________________ tt date circa 69' 5513 circa 81' ss sub w/date (z) pepsi gmt for dad(D) polar expy II(z) 1675 gmt circa 68' ladies datejust on jubilee for mom (z) sea dweller16600(M) SS Sub-C(g) Omega Planet Ocean,45.5 on mesh(2500D)

3 April 2014, 03:07 PM	#11
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,254	You can always source another dial (although I wouldn't on a daily wear). What you can never do is put metal back on the case.. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

3 April 2014, 05:31 AM	#2
NukeMan "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Real Name: Jonas Location: Stockholm, Sweden Posts: 988	"Better" is in the beholders eye. However for a big majority of the members at this forum: "YES, tritium is better" (but you really need to post pics for a balanced assessment).

3 April 2014, 05:33 AM	#3
Vincent65 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Switzerland Posts: 14,297	T all the way.

3 April 2014, 06:18 AM	#6
CrownMe "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Kevin Location: Maryland Watch: My Open 6 Posts: 3,433	If u care about the future value and re sell value i would choose the Tritium 1680 if its all original. Original watches command more money because there more rare and appeal to collectors.

3 April 2014, 07:58 AM	#10
jzeigler "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: USA Posts: 120	Turns out they were both lumi. Now I'm deciding between the cheaper of those two and another 1680, trit, with the dial and hands in great shape but a case that has been very polished. This is the same price as the lumi dial one, but the case isn't as nice. The other case has been polished, but not nearly as much.

4 April 2014, 06:19 PM	#17
Snapper7 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: UK Posts: 34	Thanks Larry, I appreciate your take on it. Interestingly I passed on a nice 1680 recently because the tritium was flaking and breaking and noticed the hour hand lume was cracked. I felt I wanted that watch because of the patina and if it had to be replaced then I'd have lost that. Interesting idea to store the original dial away and play safe with a service dial. Food for thought. Cheers SS

5 April 2014, 02:07 AM	#18
jzeigler "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: USA Posts: 120	Pulled the trigger on the lumi version! Managed a good deal on it, pretty pleased for my first Rollie.

5 April 2014, 02:30 AM	#19
jzeigler "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: USA Posts: 120	Lume shot:

5 April 2014, 04:13 AM	#20
vintagewaferthin "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Earth Watch: Air-King 5500 Posts: 2,610	Very nice! While I do like originality in vintage watches, I have to admit that i do have a soft spot for lumi 1680s and 1675s. You get the vintage look with all of the modern advantages and functions.

5 April 2014, 03:40 PM	#21
DCheeta "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Real Name: Dave Location: NYC Posts: 7,181	Nice watch! Congrats on your first Rolex. The 1680 is one of my favorites.

5 April 2014, 05:59 PM	#22
stevedssd "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK Posts: 2,205	Congratulations, looks great

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