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Jacek · 28 August 2010, 10:21 AM

Rolex Red Submariner Ref: 1680 Unpolished Case and Amazing Story

Serial #: 3,2XX,XXX
Case: Unpolished case with original beveled lugs. The serial numbers and ref number are all visible but the case has been shined up through saltwater and wear.
Dial : Amazing original dial with no chips perfectly matching the hands and pearl. Open 6 dial. Original faded insert.
Bracelet: Original 9315 with 380 end pieces

I flew to San Diego to meet with the original owner of this watch.
The gentleman wore the piece since the 70's but stopped wearing it in the last 5 years and found out from his dentist that it had some value.

I was expecting to find a nice red sub but when he pulled out the watch it blew my mind. The dial was fantastic. The crystal was scratched
but a few min with poly watch brought out a sensational dial. The case is just... wow ....the holes on the side of the case are sharp and the bevel
on the lugs is phenomenal.

I stayed for lunch and had one of the best watch conversations ever. Not really so much about the watch but what it went through.
Here are a few highlights of the story.

The owner taught at UCLA in th 60's before going to Saudi Arabia where he got recruited to manage and set up the health care system
in that country. His expertise at UCLA was in hospital management and infrastructure.
He did not want to go but the adventure beckoned and from what he told me the salary was one he could not refuse.
His position in the country was one so important that the prince (one of them) of one of the areas he was stying at took him to a Rolex Shop.
The shop owner told him to buy this one aka RED Sub since it was a rarer piece then the other watches.
It was only a few hundred dollars more so he bought it.

The owner also raced in the same league as Steve McQueen and told me he had the 3rd fastest mini cooper in America (Steve's was the fastest).
I asked him if he met Steve. The answer... sure I raced against him many times all over southern California.

Even before the Sub, the owner with 3 friends spent two and a half years to sail around the world... what a life and the pictures to prove it.

This watch has been through it all. The cocaine fueled parties of the 70's 80's, scuba diving around the world, racing his mini cooper in Southern California.
Truly a fantastic watch that's been through an amazing journey. Attached are a few photos of the original owner wearing the watch.

Enjoy this awesome piece of history!!!!

Resting with some new friends:

I love it!!!

springer · 28 August 2010, 11:02 AM

Nice story, enjoy the Submariner.

darthmouse · 28 August 2010, 11:08 AM

Wow, great story and collection.

Thanks for sharing!

Jacek · 28 August 2010, 11:10 AM

The PN is my friends who I met in San Diego. It just looked really good so I had to snap a group shot.
As for the Red I would love to keep it but it's going to find a good new home.

TimeToGo · 28 August 2010, 11:11 AM

WOW, what a beautiful watch!

Did you get any of the goodies that came with the watch originally!?

TimeToGo · 28 August 2010, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacek

The PN is my friends who I met in San Diego. It just looked really good so I had to snap a group shot.
As for the Red I would love to keep it but it's going to find a good new home.

What is a PN?

Jacek · 28 August 2010, 11:14 AM

Paul Newman Daytona

The guy tried very hard to find them, but no cake :(

SLS · 28 August 2010, 11:15 AM

Great story and watch!
Scott

TimeToGo · 28 August 2010, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacek

Paul Newman Daytona

Thanks!

mcjp6 · 28 August 2010, 11:16 AM

Great looking watch.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

What is a PN?

PN = Paul Newman Daytona

Yazo · 28 August 2010, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

What is a PN?

Paul Newman

Great story Jacek!

ObscureLight · 28 August 2010, 11:19 AM

dang that watch is a badass...

FremStar · 28 August 2010, 01:02 PM

Awesome story sounds like my Friday nights in the city

QueueCumber · 28 August 2010, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfirempong

Awesome story sounds like my Friday nights in the city

You're hanging around with Steve McQueen's corpse?!!

sakuraba · 28 August 2010, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacek

As for the Red I would love to keep it but it's going to find a good new home.

Too bad you're not keeping this one, bro.

JIFF1975 · 28 August 2010, 03:20 PM

Amazing story!!! Thanks a lot!

Howie · 28 August 2010, 07:54 PM

What a nice watch and history.

dysondiver · 28 August 2010, 08:02 PM

great watch , fantastic pictures , its a keeper though.

rajurama · 28 August 2010, 08:10 PM

marke · 29 August 2010, 12:50 AM

I want that watch so bad......

Esexx · 29 August 2010, 12:56 AM

Amazing watch, pictures and story! Thanks for sharing.

steubi1 · 29 August 2010, 01:04 AM

Thanks for sharing this story!

Tom

Subexplorer · 29 August 2010, 01:22 AM

Hello Jacek!! Congratulations on your GREAT find.
It is very rare to find such a nice watch with an outstanding provenance, and in that magnific orginal condition in spite of a rather adventurous life of his previous owner.
It looks like his owner respected and cared his watch!
Hope you will care and enjoy this time piece so much as his pevious owner, for many, many years. Great watch, and thanks for sharing its story and photos.
Kind regards, Abel.

cajunron · 29 August 2010, 02:28 AM

What a beautiful watch, and what amazing history. I wish I could afford something this nice, but alas, it's not to be. Thanks for sharing with us Jacek!

anglykos · 29 August 2010, 06:16 AM

Magnificent. Are you sure you don't want to keep it?

The Dude · 29 August 2010, 01:47 PM

Great watch and great story

roger0770 · 29 August 2010, 04:18 PM

acce1999 · 29 August 2010, 10:21 PM

Great story! Great watch (stunning dial and hands!)

Best,

A

psv · 29 August 2010, 10:28 PM

Thanks for sharing, Jacek!

rfknauss · 30 August 2010, 12:02 AM

Gorgeous Sub Jacek!

28 August 2010, 10:21 AM	#1
Jacek 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: San Diego Posts: 15,896	Rolex Red Submariner Ref: 1680 Unpolished Case and Amazing Story Rolex Red Submariner Ref: 1680 Unpolished Case and Amazing Story Serial #: 3,2XX,XXX Case: Unpolished case with original beveled lugs. The serial numbers and ref number are all visible but the case has been shined up through saltwater and wear. Dial : Amazing original dial with no chips perfectly matching the hands and pearl. Open 6 dial. Original faded insert. Bracelet: Original 9315 with 380 end pieces I flew to San Diego to meet with the original owner of this watch. The gentleman wore the piece since the 70's but stopped wearing it in the last 5 years and found out from his dentist that it had some value. I was expecting to find a nice red sub but when he pulled out the watch it blew my mind. The dial was fantastic. The crystal was scratched but a few min with poly watch brought out a sensational dial. The case is just... wow ....the holes on the side of the case are sharp and the bevel on the lugs is phenomenal. I stayed for lunch and had one of the best watch conversations ever. Not really so much about the watch but what it went through. Here are a few highlights of the story. The owner taught at UCLA in th 60's before going to Saudi Arabia where he got recruited to manage and set up the health care system in that country. His expertise at UCLA was in hospital management and infrastructure. He did not want to go but the adventure beckoned and from what he told me the salary was one he could not refuse. His position in the country was one so important that the prince (one of them) of one of the areas he was stying at took him to a Rolex Shop. The shop owner told him to buy this one aka RED Sub since it was a rarer piece then the other watches. It was only a few hundred dollars more so he bought it. The owner also raced in the same league as Steve McQueen and told me he had the 3rd fastest mini cooper in America (Steve's was the fastest). I asked him if he met Steve. The answer... sure I raced against him many times all over southern California. Even before the Sub, the owner with 3 friends spent two and a half years to sail around the world... what a life and the pictures to prove it. This watch has been through it all. The cocaine fueled parties of the 70's 80's, scuba diving around the world, racing his mini cooper in Southern California. Truly a fantastic watch that's been through an amazing journey. Attached are a few photos of the original owner wearing the watch. Enjoy this awesome piece of history!!!! Resting with some new friends: I love it!!!

28 August 2010, 11:02 AM	#2
springer 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: jP Location: Texas Watch: GMT-MASTER Posts: 17,195	Nice story, enjoy the Submariner. __________________ Member of NAWCC since 1990. INSTAGRAM USER NAME: SPRINGERJFP Visit my Instagram page to view some of the finest vintage GMTs anywhere - as well as other vintage classics.

28 August 2010, 11:15 AM	#8
SLS "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Scott Location: GMT -7 Watch: GMT's & Sub's Posts: 10,399	Great story and watch! Scott __________________ "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of lower price is forgotten." -Benjamin Franklin Member No. 922

28 August 2010, 08:10 PM	#19
rajurama "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Real Name: Rick Location: Wakanda Watch: amacallit Posts: 2,016	__________________ रोलेक्स

29 August 2010, 12:56 AM	#21
Esexx "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Dean Location: Redondo Beach, CA Watch: ing TRF All Day Posts: 2,105	Amazing watch, pictures and story! Thanks for sharing. __________________ Member Number 34171 "Remember: No matter where you go... there you are." Buckroo Banzai _________________________________________

28 August 2010, 11:08 AM	#3
darthmouse "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: EC/Midwest Watch: 16710 Posts: 1,016	Wow, great story and collection. Thanks for sharing!

28 August 2010, 11:10 AM	#4
Jacek 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: San Diego Posts: 15,896	The PN is my friends who I met in San Diego. It just looked really good so I had to snap a group shot. As for the Red I would love to keep it but it's going to find a good new home.

28 August 2010, 11:11 AM	#5
TimeToGo 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: North Florida Posts: 16,587	WOW, what a beautiful watch! Did you get any of the goodies that came with the watch originally!?

28 August 2010, 11:14 AM	#7
Jacek 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: San Diego Posts: 15,896	Paul Newman Daytona The guy tried very hard to find them, but no cake :(

28 August 2010, 11:19 AM	#12
ObscureLight "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: Ritchie Location: NYC Watch: Holy Trinity Posts: 407	dang that watch is a badass...

28 August 2010, 01:02 PM	#13
FremStar "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Sam Location: Gotham City Watch: Wall Street Posts: 9,954	Awesome story sounds like my Friday nights in the city

28 August 2010, 03:20 PM	#16
JIFF1975 Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: The Hague Watch: SDDS, 116610LV Posts: 384	Amazing story!!! Thanks a lot!

28 August 2010, 07:54 PM	#17
Howie "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New York Posts: 1,030	What a nice watch and history.

28 August 2010, 08:02 PM	#18
dysondiver "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: tom Location: northern ireland Watch: my fins Posts: 10,063	great watch , fantastic pictures , its a keeper though.

29 August 2010, 12:50 AM	#20
marke Banned Join Date: Mar 2008 Real Name: Mark Location: UK Nationwide... Watch: Daytona Posts: 1,842	I want that watch so bad......

29 August 2010, 01:04 AM	#22
steubi1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: Tom Location: Switzerland Watch: too many Posts: 1,149	Thanks for sharing this story! Tom

29 August 2010, 01:22 AM	#23
Subexplorer 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Abel Location: Down South Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 2,234	Hello Jacek!! Congratulations on your GREAT find. It is very rare to find such a nice watch with an outstanding provenance, and in that magnific orginal condition in spite of a rather adventurous life of his previous owner. It looks like his owner respected and cared his watch! Hope you will care and enjoy this time piece so much as his pevious owner, for many, many years. Great watch, and thanks for sharing its story and photos. Kind regards, Abel. __________________ 50 Years of ROLEX Passion! Grail Rolex: 5508 c. 1959 "Bond" Sub.

29 August 2010, 02:28 AM	#24
cajunron 2024 ROLEX DATE-JUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Ronnie Location: Southeastern USA Watch: Omega Seamaster PO Posts: 3,852	What a beautiful watch, and what amazing history. I wish I could afford something this nice, but alas, it's not to be. Thanks for sharing with us Jacek!

29 August 2010, 06:16 AM	#25
anglykos "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Manos Location: ITS Watch: Bedside alarm Posts: 209	Magnificent. Are you sure you don't want to keep it? __________________ I promise it will be the last one...

29 August 2010, 01:47 PM	#26
The Dude Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: In my own world Posts: 595	Incredible Great watch and great story

29 August 2010, 04:18 PM	#27
roger0770 Banned Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: On Earth Watch: A Few Posts: 1,510

29 August 2010, 10:21 PM	#28
acce1999 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: GMT+1 Posts: 2,711	Great story! Great watch (stunning dial and hands!) Best, A

29 August 2010, 10:28 PM	#29
psv "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North America Posts: 11,062	Thanks for sharing, Jacek!

30 August 2010, 12:02 AM	#30
rfknauss 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Richard Location: Macungie, PA Watch: 5513 Sub, LV Sub Posts: 14,492	Gorgeous Sub Jacek! __________________ *"Few things in life give man as great a pleasure as wearing a Rolex!"* TRF's "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Patron

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