The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex General Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 21 November 2009, 08:59 AM   #1
Mosco
"TRF" Member
 
Mosco's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Real Name: Greg
Location: Cincinnati
Watch: I like to...
Posts: 18,567
Icon5 Experts, please weigh in! (many pics)

Had a collector bring this Red Sub (1680) by today, interested in selling it to me. I told him I wanted to get it evaluated... Upon initial examination, it looks good. It's a 2.2 mil, which puts it at 1967 year of production. The beauty is- it HAS PAPERS with matching numbers! (chronometer certificate and some service documents). The end-pieces are stamped 280, the bracelet - 9315. I think that is correct for this vintage. Here are a bunch of pics I took of this thing, wanted to know if any of you see anything I should be concerned with before I commit to it. 'Watch Out Boys' - your opinions are welcome and valued, as always Thank You in advance!
Attached Images
                           
__________________
Instagram - @CaliberSwiss

“A man who procrastinates in his choosing will inevitably have his choice made for him by circumstance.” - Hunter S. Thompson
Mosco is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 November 2009, 09:01 AM   #2
chopperboy
"TRF" Member
 
chopperboy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Real Name: Matt
Location: Florida USA
Watch: Rolex Baby!!
Posts: 442
Looks Awesome, Greg!!!
__________________
chopperboy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 November 2009, 09:03 AM   #3
Mosco
"TRF" Member
 
Mosco's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Real Name: Greg
Location: Cincinnati
Watch: I like to...
Posts: 18,567
It does look good, I just want to make sure nobody sees any inconsistencies, or a sign of a refinished dial / un-original hands... That always scares me.
__________________
Instagram - @CaliberSwiss

“A man who procrastinates in his choosing will inevitably have his choice made for him by circumstance.” - Hunter S. Thompson
Mosco is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 November 2009, 09:56 AM   #4
SLS
"TRF" Member
 
SLS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Real Name: Scott
Location: GMT -7
Watch: GMT's & Sub's
Posts: 10,401
The end links are correct. It looks great, aside from the lume cracking on the hands, I'd say you have a winner there. Also, is the date wheel white or silver? It appears white, so it may have been changed during a service. BTW, it looks to have the original crown as well!
Scott
__________________
"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of lower price is forgotten." -Benjamin Franklin

Member No. 922
SLS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 November 2009, 10:07 AM   #5
brady
"TRF" Member
 
brady's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Real Name: Brady
Location: San Antonio
Watch: yes please
Posts: 525
That is a sharp looking red sub. You are making me want to pick one up! Good luck, hope it works out!
brady is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 November 2009, 10:48 AM   #6
Mosco
"TRF" Member
 
Mosco's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Real Name: Greg
Location: Cincinnati
Watch: I like to...
Posts: 18,567
Scott, Brady, THANKS FELLAS!
__________________
Instagram - @CaliberSwiss

“A man who procrastinates in his choosing will inevitably have his choice made for him by circumstance.” - Hunter S. Thompson
Mosco is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 November 2009, 02:25 PM   #7
Mosco
"TRF" Member
 
Mosco's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Real Name: Greg
Location: Cincinnati
Watch: I like to...
Posts: 18,567
Can someone also please explain to me what a 'Tropic' dial is?
__________________
Instagram - @CaliberSwiss

“A man who procrastinates in his choosing will inevitably have his choice made for him by circumstance.” - Hunter S. Thompson
Mosco is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 November 2009, 03:10 PM   #8
wehttaM
"TRF" Member
 
wehttaM's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 557
I believe that the "Tropic Dial" is the term referred to the dial that has been changed by sunlight. [Term referred to Black Dials of subs when they turn Brown-ish.] These are rare because it takes many years for the color change to take action. High demand for the "Tropic Dial" will sometimes make it work double the value.
wehttaM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 November 2009, 12:37 AM   #9
springer
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
springer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Real Name: jP
Location: Texas
Watch: GMT-MASTER
Posts: 17,319
Quote:
Originally Posted by wehttaM View Post
I believe that the "Tropic Dial" is the term referred to the dial that has been changed by sunlight. [Term referred to Black Dials of subs when they turn Brown-ish.] These are rare because it takes many years for the color change to take action. High demand for the "Tropic Dial" will sometimes make it work double the value.
It refers to dials that have become brownish-colored with age, and usually show some deterioration due to the elements like sunlight and moisture. Most of these dials look like they should have been replaced years ago. Tropical was a term given to these dials due to the fact that most of these dials came from areas that were very hot and had tropical climates - as found in South America.

Please see the PM I sent you regarding this 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.
springer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 November 2009, 03:16 PM   #10
Lol-x
Facilitator
 
Lol-x's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Real Name: Steve
Location: Omnipresent
Posts: 33,588
Looks good to me, so get it in the mail to me now!!!!!!!!

Really, its quality vintage IMHO.

Only things I noticed is the cyclops looks like it has been polished a lot, hence the distorted date appearance.
Also there is some cracking/damage to the lume on the hands both the hour and minute hand.
__________________

Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. ~Abraham Lincoln
Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy

ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim
Lol-x is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 November 2009, 03:32 PM   #11
bodybump
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2024 SubLV41 Sponsor & Boutique Seller
 
bodybump's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Real Name: Oscar
Location: Florida
Watch: Me!!!
Posts: 23,233
Looks perfect greg!!! now text me how much..hahahaha
__________________
bodybump is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 November 2009, 03:40 PM   #12
sleddog
TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron
 
sleddog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Real Name: Rob
Location: Nearby.
Posts: 24,931
Greg,as Steve said,Looks like the crystal has been polished (cyclops) alot to distort the date....Not sure if it's just the pic though......Also the case edges look over polished,but overall,I would say legit and and a nice buy if at a good price!!!
My suggestion again is,show some leg and negotiate.....
Rob.!
__________________
He who wears a Rolex is always on time, even when late!!

TRF's "After Dark" Bar & Nightclub Patron-Founding Member..
sleddog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 November 2009, 04:19 PM   #13
Speed
"TRF" Member
 
Speed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 19,706
Wow...the whole enchilada!!! Great watch head, original bracelet AND Papers & Box!!!

That's my Grail package
Speed is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 November 2009, 04:24 PM   #14
Omega_Precision
Banned
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Real Name: Henry
Location: CA, US
Watch: ing basketball
Posts: 2,977
The dial looks good. In my opinion, I don't think the dial was molested. The dial's markers are consistent with the hands.

x2, in regards to the cyclops being polished.
Omega_Precision is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 November 2009, 05:14 PM   #15
Sailor66
"TRF" Member
 
Sailor66's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Real Name: Gordon
Location: Gtr Man UK
Watch: SS Daytona
Posts: 109
Wow what a package!!!! How did that beauty fall into your lap? I can offer no "Expert" advice but I know that the only concern you should have is a fellow member trying to make that deal before you do:

I always look forward to reading your posts Greg and I hope you decide to pull the trigger on this and I look forward to viewing the obligatory wrist shots in due course.

Good luck
Sailor66 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 November 2009, 09:08 PM   #16
mike
"TRF" Member
 
mike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 22,683
Greg it looks to be an amazing example of a very early meters first. I'd put that serial number in the 1969 range. The earlist I'm aware of is in the 2.1mil area.

Some collectors feel that while the 1680 red may have introduced circa 1966 or so, known serial numbers by owners place the release date to the public in the 1969 range.

Never the less that appears to be in remakable condition with all the bits.
mike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 November 2009, 09:21 PM   #17
ob1
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Real Name: Mark
Location: canterbury
Watch: new pussycat?
Posts: 635
Wowsers Greg. If the price is good, snap that baby up. What a beauty. Good luck mate
ob1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 November 2009, 10:09 PM   #18
multimedia
"TRF" Member
 
multimedia's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Real Name: Joe
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 1,835
That is one nice sub, that's for sure!

Cheers,
Joe
__________________
"Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works." - S.J.
multimedia is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 November 2009, 11:54 PM   #19
Mosco
"TRF" Member
 
Mosco's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Real Name: Greg
Location: Cincinnati
Watch: I like to...
Posts: 18,567
Quote:
Originally Posted by wehttaM View Post
I believe that the "Tropic Dial" is the term referred to the dial that has been changed by sunlight. [Term referred to Black Dials of subs when they turn Brown-ish.] These are rare because it takes many years for the color change to take action. High demand for the "Tropic Dial" will sometimes make it work double the value.
Got it - THANKS! Guess this one doesn't apply, as the dial is nice and dark... Oh well...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lol-x View Post
Looks good to me, so get it in the mail to me now!!!!!!!!

Really, its quality vintage IMHO.

Only things I noticed is the cyclops looks like it has been polished a lot, hence the distorted date appearance.
Also there is some cracking/damage to the lume on the hands both the hour and minute hand.
LOL! On my way to the post office right now!

Yeah, the cyclops does look like it has been polished, and the date looks good only at certain angle (which, I evidently, didn't capture ). As far as the lume - it doesn't bother me too much - as long as it does not start flaking off.

Quote:
Originally Posted by bodybump View Post
Looks perfect greg!!! now text me how much..hahahaha
I'll trade you for a couple Pams!

Quote:
Originally Posted by sleddog1000 View Post
Greg,as Steve said,Looks like the crystal has been polished (cyclops) alot to distort the date....Not sure if it's just the pic though......Also the case edges look over polished,but overall,I would say legit and and a nice buy if at a good price!!!
My suggestion again is,show some leg and negotiate.....
Rob.!
Dammit - now I have to shave my legs

The guy knows its worth, and since all the papers are present, he is not letting it go very cheap... Then again, I guess the term is relative, since there aren't many complete Reds out there.

Quote:
Originally Posted by masugu View Post
Wow...the whole enchilada!!! Great watch head, original bracelet AND Papers & Box!!!

That's my Grail package
Thanks, my friend!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Omega_Precision View Post
The dial looks good. In my opinion, I don't think the dial was molested. The dial's markers are consistent with the hands.

x2, in regards to the cyclops being polished.
Glad to hear it, Henry - I was worried about the dial/hands being non-original first and foremost.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sailor66 View Post
Wow what a package!!!! How did that beauty fall into your lap? I can offer no "Expert" advice but I know that the only concern you should have is a fellow member trying to make that deal before you do:

I always look forward to reading your posts Greg and I hope you decide to pull the trigger on this and I look forward to viewing the obligatory wrist shots in due course.

Good luck
Thanks, man! Hopefully the potential seller doesn't know how to find this forum! Will post pics as soon as I commit to it - but it is a part of a trade deal, so I don't believe I'll be keeping it. Maybe look at it for a few months and then pass it on to a good home!

Quote:
Originally Posted by mike View Post
Greg it looks to be an amazing example of a very early meters first. I'd put that serial number in the 1969 range. The earlist I'm aware of is in the 2.1mil area.

Some collectors feel that while the 1680 red may have introduced circa 1966 or so, known serial numbers by owners place the release date to the public in the 1969 range.

Never the less that appears to be in remakable condition with all the bits.
Mike - your input is always valuable, I appreciate it! This is a 2.2, I believe a 1969 as you stated. I hope I can negotiate with the seller for less than an arm & a leg...

Quote:
Originally Posted by ob1 View Post
Wowsers Greg. If the price is good, snap that baby up. What a beauty. Good luck mate
I'm working on it my friend, I am working on it...

Quote:
Originally Posted by multimedia View Post
That is one nice sub, that's for sure!

Cheers,
Joe
Thanks, Joe!
__________________
Instagram - @CaliberSwiss

“A man who procrastinates in his choosing will inevitably have his choice made for him by circumstance.” - Hunter S. Thompson
Mosco is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 November 2009, 12:46 AM   #20
snow_rocks
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Real Name: Rick
Location: At what TIME?!!!
Watch: the SKY tonite!
Posts: 3,225
the insert on the bezel might have been replaced
snow_rocks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 November 2009, 10:39 AM   #21
JohnEaton
"TRF" Member
 
JohnEaton's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Real Name: John Eaton
Location: Nome Alaska USA
Watch: Red1680 metres 1st
Posts: 1,869
Quote:
Originally Posted by snow_rocks View Post
the insert on the bezel might have been replaced
I agree




Looks Great Greg And a very complete package

My 2.2 mil serial has a I69 caseback and also RED over White print and the open 6 thin font.


This "tropic is a dark chocolate"

It was hard to tell from your photo if the RED was solid or overprint

MY 2.2 mil serial also has the closed 6s and 9s on datewheel

In my opinion Anastasios, Springer or Mike would have the best guess as to the value of your classic.
__________________
Perfection lies not in the organic whole but in the isolated fragment
JohnEaton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 November 2009, 12:49 AM   #22
Mosco
"TRF" Member
 
Mosco's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Real Name: Greg
Location: Cincinnati
Watch: I like to...
Posts: 18,567
Thanks, John! And THANKS for the PM!

Rick - what makes you say that? Curious...
__________________
Instagram - @CaliberSwiss

“A man who procrastinates in his choosing will inevitably have his choice made for him by circumstance.” - Hunter S. Thompson
Mosco is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 November 2009, 12:54 AM   #23
snow_rocks
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Real Name: Rick
Location: At what TIME?!!!
Watch: the SKY tonite!
Posts: 3,225
the little orb (12 o'clock) shows no age,

sits a little high in the triangle.

also, if the crystal has been polished due to wear,

the bezel insert would have been either redone or replaced.

rest of watch looks great

Last edited by snow_rocks; 22 November 2009 at 12:55 AM.. Reason: forgot
snow_rocks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 November 2009, 12:56 AM   #24
Bisquitlips
2024 Pledge Member
 
Bisquitlips's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Real Name: Richard
Location: USA
Watch: YM Deep Space
Posts: 12,521
Example of a tropical dial.

__________________
Rolex Yacht-Master 40mm (SS-YG / Deep Space MOP) 16623
Breitling Aerospace Titanium / 18K with UTC.
Omega Speedmaster 3510.50
Oris TT1 Pro Diver Regulator 43MM
Bisquitlips is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 November 2009, 01:02 AM   #25
TempoKing
Banned
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Real Name: Anastasios
Location: Athens Greece
Watch: Rolex GMT 1675
Posts: 8,497
I don't think this watch is real

...With that said...
I will buy it so you do not have to worry Greg
...
TempoKing is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 November 2009, 01:34 AM   #26
Mosco
"TRF" Member
 
Mosco's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Real Name: Greg
Location: Cincinnati
Watch: I like to...
Posts: 18,567
__________________
Instagram - @CaliberSwiss

“A man who procrastinates in his choosing will inevitably have his choice made for him by circumstance.” - Hunter S. Thompson
Mosco is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 November 2009, 02:45 AM   #27
Davvan
"TRF" Member
 
Davvan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Real Name: David
Location: Location Location
Watch: out..make way!!
Posts: 726
Looks great.

Awesome watch, and meters first
The case looks thick, meaning not over polished

Buy it or you will regrett it 4ever man

David
__________________
Mare Nostrum
Davvan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 November 2009, 03:43 AM   #28
Smokeytreats
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Dallas, TX
Watch: Milgauss White
Posts: 155
Greg I have never seen anything survive from 1967 that nicely....do you know if it has been refinished? Looks fantastic!
Smokeytreats is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 November 2009, 04:10 AM   #29
Mosco
"TRF" Member
 
Mosco's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Real Name: Greg
Location: Cincinnati
Watch: I like to...
Posts: 18,567
Quote:
Originally Posted by Davvan View Post
Awesome watch, and meters first
The case looks thick, meaning not over polished

Buy it or you will regrett it 4ever man

David
David,

I hear ya man... and I agree, but the guy is asking a bit much, IMO... Still need to work him over a little

Quote:
Originally Posted by Smokeytreats View Post
Greg I have never seen anything survive from 1967 that nicely....do you know if it has been refinished? Looks fantastic!
The dial doesn't look to be refinished! Owner really did take care of it well. Lume is cracking, but that I can live with.
__________________
Instagram - @CaliberSwiss

“A man who procrastinates in his choosing will inevitably have his choice made for him by circumstance.” - Hunter S. Thompson
Mosco is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 November 2009, 04:16 AM   #30
snow_rocks
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Real Name: Rick
Location: At what TIME?!!!
Watch: the SKY tonite!
Posts: 3,225
work him over Greg.

very nice example!
snow_rocks is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Wrist Aficionado

My Watch LLC

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches

OCWatches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.