What do you think? sub 1680

[K.W]

I saw this on '78 white sub 1680 on ebay, what do you fellows think? I know I want a 1680, but I want a good one.

Nice color on the lume, hands are corroded though.

The 1575 looks very clean. Sadly no Rolex bracelet.

What do you gents think about the price? Anything look suspicious? Im not sure about the date wheel.



http://www.ebay.com/itm/230844497165...84.m1423.l2649










I am basically wondering about the price of this thing, It seems like the white 1680's are pretty close to the same price as 1675's. Here's a hypothetical- If I was to purchase it for this price and not be happy with it, would I lose any money trying to off load it? I am pretty happy with my 1675, but I am currently lusting for a 1680 in the worst way

[SennaFan]

I think it has an aftermarket crystal with no over-magnification of the date. The corrosion on the hands may not look as bad in person nor the few dark marks on the dial. Case looks pretty thick and the crown guards are thick. Not bad if it is serviced and needs nothing other than a serious refinish.

[ls9999]

I had been watching that watch for months, the seller may be motivated to sell it cheaper. He recently lowered the price by $100. I ended up passing on the deal only because the cost of a bracelet puts the watch at a similar price point to other 1680's for sale, that already include the bracelet. Even though I wear my 5513 on a NATO most of the time, having the bracelet is always a plus for those dressier days.

[nick c]

lovely piece

[adam78]

The date wheel appears to be the original silver.

[K.W]

Thanks for the input guys.

The cyclops does look pretty weak-- good call.

[Pete17]

Looks a bit odd to me and I'd pass on it. I'm always wary of aftermarket parts on a watch - what else is maybe non-original??
The date magnification as stated above is way underpowered.
The pic of the removed caseback shows a dirty middlecase (you'd think the seller would clean it ) or at worst pitted.

The hands are a real killer for me. That terrible green lume and badly corroded hands are in stark contrast to the dial.
The dial is OK but I've seen better. There's the odd little blotch on the markers.

The price is good but for the sake of a few hundred bucks you'll be disappointed down the track.

If a white 1680 is what you're after then there are many better examples to be had.
Be patient and keep hunting.

[K.W]

Originally Posted by Pete17

Looks a bit odd to me and I'd pass on it. I'm always wary of aftermarket parts on a watch - what else is maybe non-original??
The date magnification as stated above is way underpowered.
The pic of the removed caseback shows a dirty middlecase (you'd think the seller would clean it ) or at worst pitted.

The hands are a real killer for me. That terrible green lume and badly corroded hands are in stark contrast to the dial.
The dial is OK but I've seen better. There's the odd little blotch on the markers.

The price is good but for the sake of a few hundred bucks you'll be disappointed down the track.

If a white 1680 is what you're after then there are many better examples to be had.
Be patient and keep hunting.

Pete, good advice. I am happy with my 1675, I can afford to wait for a really great 1680 to pop up somewhere.


Heres a question- Why does this movement not have the little brushed "swirlies" on it. Did they stop doing that by the late 70's?

[Tudor66]

. The case looks pretty beat up to me, and the lack of a bracelet is a non starter for me. The price is way too high, which is why this has been sitting on the bay week after week...

[Puffy]

those hands are an absolute no

corrosion is ok, but not when it has a green hue

[K.W]

Does the insert and pearl appear to be original? My guess is they are not.

[Vincent65]

I'd pass as well - as said before, green is a no-no as it suggests water ingress at some point, and the case is lightly corroded where the case-back sits.

[Kingair]

All needs to be perfect for me . . .
Case, hands, bracelet . . .
I may be a little of if it can be corrected . . . at a right price . .

How though are we when buying watches . . . ?

HAGOne

[Mickey®]

Nope

[mrarchiegoodwin]

I love these critiques! Even though it wasn't my question I appreciate seeing the responses.

Guess I also appreciate seeing the question posed because I have been considering a daily Sub type watch.

RC

[Kiwinz]

This watch has a nice thick case, ..true.

But certainly been thru the wars, give it a miss.

[John in MA]

I'd pass at that price.

YOu can find better ones for cheaper. Especially on ebay. I picked up my 1680 on Ebay as well. It's from 76 and came with the original C&I rivet bracelet and was serviced. All original with thick lugs and bevels. Doesn't appear to have been polished. I have the paperwork for the service as well. It had a new crown, tube, and crystal installed. I bought it from one of those stores that also sell on Ebay.

I got it for $4000. Here it is with a different insert. I tucked the other one away as I didn't want to damage it.

[K.W]

Thanks everyone for the input.

Good to hear everybody's wisdom!

I am going to continue the hunt!

[sierra11b]

As already mentioned I think the price is just okay for the condition. That said, you could save a little more and get a great example from Jacek and the other trusted vintage sellers.

[Pete17]

Originally Posted by K.W

Pete, good advice. I am happy with my 1675, I can afford to wait for a really great 1680 to pop up somewhere.


Heres a question- Why does this movement not have the little brushed "swirlies" on it. Did they stop doing that by the late 70's?

Not sure mate. Let me do a little research and I'll report back....

Sent from my Droid.

[Robbyvm]

i'm sure that you will find a better 1680 if you take the time to look for one... Ebay should be the last resort, there are tons of reputable dealers on the forums where you can buy with confidence. there's noting worse than spending a lot of money on something you regret afterwards...

[Puffy]

Originally Posted by Robbyvm

i'm sure that you will find a better 1680 if you take the time to look for one... Ebay should be the last resort, there are tons of reputable dealers on the forums where you can buy with confidence. there's noting worse than spending a lot of money on something you regret afterwards...

absolutely, do your research and searching and it'll all pay off in the end

[Pete17]

The decorative finish on the plate and bridges seems to have been common to the MK5 and earlier red subs. I don't have much experience with later versions I'm afraid.

My Mk4 red sub had the finishing. As does my current Mk2 RS and another MK2 RS I once owned.
I have quite a few pics of other MK4 and MK5's with the finish. No Mk6's that I can find though.
Not sure re the white 1680's....

If I had to hazard a guess I'd say the ealier movements had it and the later series didn't.
Just a guess though.

[Rhialto]

I wouldn't do it. Glass isn't the right one. Markings patina isn't good looking. You want this nice creammy sportless marking. These show black spots. (condense!?) No bracelet. There will be another 1680 that comes along. I have a 1680 from 1973, looks way better for more or less the same money.