Submariner 1680 Bought in Sept 77

[Jaustinco]

This is a single owner I got from a friend. He bought it in Sept of 77 and had it serviced once in 2002. He never wore it, I did for a few weeks and stopped after some scratches appeared. Someone wanting to buy it on the cheap tried to tell me it was an replacement dial, don't want to say who just yet, but I don't think so.

[BrazenC5]

Definitely a replacement dial. Did you find out where your friend got it serviced? The dial looks off.

[Jaustinco]

He had it serviced by Rolex and only at Rolex.

[Jaustinco]

The attempted buyer did not say it was an aftermarket, just a replacement dial from the factory.

[btinl]

Service insert, hands, and dial.

[cajuntiger]

sorry, but its clearly not original, its been replaced as are the hands and bezel.
The original dial has closed 6's and after 30+ years unworn, it would have developed a nice patina.

I would also question the authenticity of the dial and bezel insert...better photos would be required to tell for sure.

[Jaustinco]

Good to know. What does that do to the value? It kind of kills it yet?

[BrazenC5]

You should wear and enjoy it without worrying about scratches...I think older 4 digit watches look great with worn scratches, etc.

[Jaustinco]

The problem is my wrist is so big it does not look so great on me otherwise that would be a perfect idea.

[cajuntiger]

Originally Posted by Jaustinco

Good to know. What does that do to the value? It kind of kills it yet?

For a collector yes, the dial is the watch. The heart has been removed.

[Jaustinco]

Thank you everyone for your time.

[haven_seeker]

The line looks off on the plots?

Very odd look....

[mrs_LA]

Originally Posted by haven_seeker

The line looks off on the plots?

Very odd look....

Noticed that too. Looks like a drop shadow.

Is it common for Rolex to produce dials like this?

We have seen those where the lume doesn't wholly fill the marker, but nothing so off-set like this.

[cajuntiger]

well as I posted earlier, I would question the authenticity of the dial and insert, but its impossible to tell from one low res image. The fonts dont look correct...it almost looks like a mixture of the fonts from all three service dials. It's not unusual for the lume to be off center on these dials, but this one is unusually off center.

[springer]

Sorry Tiger, I see nothing wrong with the dial. It is a genuine Rolex service dial and could possibly be one referred to as a service "toothpaste" dial - but it's hard to say for sure if it has the "toothpaste" marker appearance based on the photo.

As others mentioned, the hands and insert are also service replacements. The date wheel looks correct and should be brushed silver.

It is a typical "service" watch - one that has been to the RSC for service where they replaced all the original parts.

Enjoy the watch OP!

[cajuntiger]

Originally Posted by springer

Sorry Tiger, I see nothing wrong with the dial. It is a genuine Rolex service dial and could possibly be one referred to as a service "toothpaste" dial - but it's hard to say for sure if it has the "toothpaste" markers based on the photo.

As others mentioned, the date wheel, hands and insert are also service replacements.

It is a typical "service" watch - one that has been to the RSC for service where they replaced all the original parts.

Enjoy the watch OP!

The 40 looks odd on the insert...it looks like a kissing 4 on a service insert. And maybe its the angle, crystal distortion or just because its a low res image, but the fonts appear off to me. Service dial on right/OP on left

[springer]

Originally Posted by cajuntiger

The 40 looks odd on the insert...it looks like a kissing 4 on a service insert. And maybe its the angle, crystal distortion or just because its a low res image, but the fonts appear off to me. Service dial on right/OP on left

There is more than one variation of service dials. Your photo depicts two different service dials. There are also luminova service dials marked as tritium.

[cajuntiger]

Originally Posted by springer

There is more than one variation of service dials. Your photo depicts two different service dials. There are also luminova service dials marked as tritium.

yes I know...but the font looks like a hybrid of all three dial dials to me...which is why I said I would "question the authenticity".

I posted this image because you suggested it might be the toothpaste dial. I am by no means an expert on these dials, which is why I didnt state with certainty it was wrong.

There is a great thread here:
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=513941

[springer]

Originally Posted by cajuntiger

yes I know...but the font looks like a hybrid of all three dial dials to me...which is why I said I would "question the authenticity".

I posted this image because you suggested it might be the toothpaste dial. I am by no means an expert on these dials, which is why I didnt state with certainty it was wrong.

There is a great thread here:
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=513941

Regarding the thread you referenced, I believe that Service Dial - Type A is the dial on the watch depicted by Jaustinco in the first post here. Below is a photo of Service Dial - Type A which is a tritium dial.

[cajuntiger]

Originally Posted by springer

Regarding the thread you referenced, I believe that Service Dial - Type A is the dial on the watch depicted by Jaustinco in the first post here. Below is a photo of Service Dial A which is a tritium dial.

maybe its just the photo, but I see serifs on the feet of the A and M on the OP's dial that are not on Service dial A...and thats why I made the comment. Bottom line is it is impossible to tell from a single low res image.

Odds are highly likely its a legit service dial though, especially if it was only serviced once and by RSC. I only suggested that the OP should question the authenticity.

[dhknola]

I agree with Springer, but this poor watch is one of the many examples of RSC basically destroying a watch, ugh.

[Styles Bitchley]

Originally Posted by dhknola

I agree with Springer, but this poor watch is one of the many examples of RSC basically destroying a watch, ugh.

Maybe destroying the value to collectors, but I don’t agree that they are destroying the watch. From their side, they’re just replacing worn out parts with ones that work.

I do agree that losing the vintage aesthetic is a real loss though.


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[Busyboy]

Can somebody please comment on mine? Also 1977

Obviously I swapped out the plexiglass, but I'd like peace of mind on the dial now you guys are warmed up on the details

Thanks in advance

[swish77]

Originally Posted by springer

There is more than one variation of service dials. Your photo depicts two different service dials. There are also luminova service dials marked as tritium.

Why is the lume so far off of the plots on the OP's watch? Not suggesting that it's not a legit Rolex service dial .... but man, that's a sloppy looking job on the lume.

[springer]

Originally Posted by Busyboy

Can somebody please comment on mine? Also 1977

Obviously I swapped out the plexiglass, but I'd like peace of mind on the dial now you guys are warmed up on the details

Thanks in advance

Did you review this thread? Your dial is within the thread.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=513941

[BrazenC5]

Originally Posted by swish77

Why is the lume so far off of the plots on the OP's watch? Not suggesting that it's not a legit Rolex service dial .... but man, that's a sloppy looking job on the lume.

That was my original reaction also, hence my "dial looks off" comment. I've seen plenty of replacement dials where one or a couple plots are not centered, but is unreal for a replacement dial to have about a half dozen plots off center.

[toxicavenger]

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

Maybe destroying the value to collectors, but I don’t agree that they are destroying the watch. From their side, they’re just replacing worn out parts with ones that work.

I do agree that losing the vintage aesthetic is a real loss though.


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Agreed. People get so fanatically about things that it makes watch collecting suck.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by toxicavenger

Agreed. People get so fanatically about things that it makes watch collecting suck.

Actually it is hunting for original, untouched and as mint as you can find vintage watches that make collecting fun! There is nothing wrong with collectors wanting the most honest and pure example of a watch they can find. There is also nothing wrong with people enjoying a watch that has been altered or changed by RSC over the course of it's life. Many choose the first path like myself but to each his own. That is what makes watch collecting and this hobby fun!

So enjoy your watch OP and others regardless of whatever path you chose or choose.

[Andad]

Top post Ken.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by directioneng

Top post Ken.

Thanks my friend and hope you had a great Birthday!