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matt4hand · 22 January 2012, 10:12 AM

I've picked up an original 1680 Red Sub dial and I'm trying to figure out what to do with it? The paint is pealing off it and it is not very stable. It is not usable as is and is basically a paper weight.
Is there anyone who can refinish it and it still hold any value or should I just keep it as it for a museum piece? I'm not a fan of refinished dials but I think that is the only option for this one as it is not useable as is.

CaveDiver · 22 January 2012, 10:22 AM

Matt,
There is some middle ground between repair and redial. Here is an example that was not quite as bad as your dial, but you can get a good idea what can be done with keeping as much of the original dial as possible. There some good dial workers out there but unfortunately a lot of them are in Asia.
http://www.rolexforums.com/showpost....17&postcount=4

Hope this helps
CD

bayerische · 22 January 2012, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaveDiver

Matt,
There is some middle ground between repair and redial. Here is an example that was not quite as bad as your dial, but you can get a good idea what can be done with keeping as much of the original dial as possible. There some good dial workers out there but unfortunately a lot of them are in Asia.
http://www.rolexforums.com/showpost....17&postcount=4

Hope this helps
CD

Wow, that guy sure is talented!

dddrees · 22 January 2012, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaveDiver

Matt,
There is some middle ground between repair and redial. Here is an example that was not quite as bad as your dial, but you can get a good idea what can be done with keeping as much of the original dial as possible. There some good dial workers out there but unfortunately a lot of them are in Asia.
http://www.rolexforums.com/showpost....17&postcount=4

Hope this helps
CD

This looks like it might be worth a try. Besides isn't a complete re-dial almost worthless anyways?

springer · 22 January 2012, 10:23 AM

Good luck sourcing a new dial Matt. I just went thru that myself and the guys that have dials are "pretty proud of them." You can almost buy a complete watch for what a dial costs.

What happened to the dial in your photos? I've never seen a dial destroyed like that one.

matt4hand · 22 January 2012, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by springer

Good luck sourcing a new dial Matt. I just went thru that myself and the guys that have dials are "pretty proud of them." You can almost buy a complete watch for what a dial costs.

What happened to the dial in your photos? I've never seen a dial destroyed like that one.

Age and the elements are what happened.
It has been in storage since the 1980's. It has not been in a watch in a long long time.

Keeperoftime · 22 January 2012, 01:07 PM

If it were mine, I would fit it in a period correct 1680, send it to Rolex and ask for "Red" luminova replacement...

Beaumont Miller II · 22 January 2012, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keeperoftime

If it were mine, I would fit it in a period correct 1680, send it to Rolex and ask for "Red" luminova replacement...

That is exactly my thought as well.

Warnsboy · 22 January 2012, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beaumont miller ii

that is exactly my thought as well.

x3

RC2 · 22 January 2012, 02:45 PM

Rolex still provides Red dials for 1680s? Rich

matt4hand · 22 January 2012, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RC2

Rolex still provides Red dials for 1680s? Rich

Rolex USA does not have them. They will not service a red 1680. I called Dallas about it. Rolex UK used to have red service dials. I don't know if they still do.

Tcaviglioli · 22 January 2012, 07:38 PM

I think this one is beyond repair I am afraid ...

MoBe · 22 January 2012, 08:33 PM

A complete refinish may be the only way forward with a dial that is that far gone.

Can you ask Bob Ridley for his opinion?

RC2 · 22 January 2012, 10:21 PM

Thanks Matt.

DiamondJack · 23 January 2012, 12:57 AM

As others have mentioned, I think I'd be very tempted to go for a new lumi red from Rolex.

matt4hand · 23 January 2012, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiamondJack

As others have mentioned, I think I'd be very tempted to go for a new lumi red from Rolex.

Unfortunately, Rolex USA does not service Red 1680's. I've discussed it with them over the phone. I'm wondering if it is possible to send it to Rolex UK and have it serviced there where it could be replaced..?

drockadam · 23 January 2012, 10:12 AM

Can I have it? :)

cruvon · 23 January 2012, 10:22 AM

What if a red sub went to a RSC without a dial and crystal, wouldn't they put in a service replacement dial and crystal anyway? Just thinking since might not need to let go of this dial though will surely take a magician to set this beautifully patinated dial right.

matt4hand · 23 January 2012, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruvon

What if a red sub went to a RSC without a dial and crystal, wouldn't they put in a service replacement dial and crystal anyway? Just thinking since might not need to let go of this dial though will surely take a magician to set this beautifully patinated dial right.

They told me over the phone if I send them a red sub they will send it back. It makes no sense because they will service a white 1680 with no problem. I explained this to the lady and she did not seem to care what I had to say. She simply stated we don't have the parts to service those.

I know they have white 1680 service luminova dials so I don't see why it would be a problem. I was dealing with Rolex in Dallas TX when I called a few weeks back. Perhaps Rolex NYC will tell me something different...??..

cruvon · 23 January 2012, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt4hand

They told me over the phone if I send them a red sub they will send it back. It makes no sense because they will service a white 1680 with no problem. I explained this to the lady and she did not seem to care what I had to say. She simply stated we don't have the parts to service those.

I know they have white 1680 service luminova dials so I don't see why it would be a problem. I was dealing with Rolex in Dallas TX when I called a few weeks back. Perhaps Rolex NYC will tell me something different...??..

Did you try the UK Bexley RSC or even the Oz one?

dddrees · 23 January 2012, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt4hand

They told me over the phone if I send them a red sub they will send it back. It makes no sense because they will service a white 1680 with no problem. I explained this to the lady and she did not seem to care what I had to say. She simply stated we don't have the parts to service those.

I know they have white 1680 service luminova dials so I don't see why it would be a problem. I was dealing with Rolex in Dallas TX when I called a few weeks back. Perhaps Rolex NYC will tell me something different...??..

My understanding is that RSC USA will not work on watches with what they classify as having exotic dials. Their refusal to work on Red Subs has been discussed on the forum a couple of times before.

RC2 · 23 January 2012, 10:44 AM

That is strange Matt... A 1680 is a 1680 except the dial is a little red. I wonder why they just don't have red replacement dials just like white. Rich

dddrees · 23 January 2012, 11:24 AM

Matt there maybe others but here is a post I found from Mike in refference to this same issue:

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike

It has an "exotic" dial.

My personal experience...I once sent a 1680 WHITE to NY for service. No problem. Upon receiving the watch back I called about servicing my RED and was told "We don't do those watches".

Here is the full thread:

http://www.rolexforums.com/~trfcom/s...ghlight=exotic

Z-Sub · 23 January 2012, 01:33 PM

Try Rolex San Francisco. They service vintage Rolexes

dddrees · 25 January 2012, 09:09 AM

Matt,

I hope you have figured something out, however if not maybe the following will be of some help.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dddrees

The RSCs' in the U.S will not work on watches with exotic dials such as a Red Sub.

Care should be exercised as RSCs' in the U.S. has a different view and policy about what they should be doing with a watch. This differs from what most collectiors of vintage watches view as important and valuable. RSCs' in the U.S. believes everything they touch should look like brand new when it leaves their hands. This not what makes most of these watches so dear and valuable to those who collect them.

Why do you think that most collectors in the States refer people to Bob Ridley instead of RSC?

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdoukas

This is not true. The Independent RSC in San Francisco will work on them. While I fully endorse Bob Ridley as being the go to guy for vintage restoration, If you need/want RSC paperwork then you have to send the watch to the RSC. Giovanni in San Fran at the RSC there will adhere to all of your requests.

As an example, I sent in my 1968 for a full service. I also sent my own MK1 dial to replace the one that was in there and asked if he could locate some matching tritium hands. I expect the watch back any day now, with RSC Paperwork. In the future, this watch will go to Bob Ridley, but I needed the paperwork this time around to compliment the watch in case I ever needed to sell it.

Pete

brian8121 · 25 January 2012, 11:32 AM

The rsc in san fran may be willing to service it. They serviced the movement in my red sub.

22 January 2012, 10:12 AM	#1
matt4hand Banned Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: Matt Location: Atlanta Watch: Tramp Posts: 2,369	What to do with this red submariner? I've picked up an original 1680 Red Sub dial and I'm trying to figure out what to do with it? The paint is pealing off it and it is not very stable. It is not usable as is and is basically a paper weight. Is there anyone who can refinish it and it still hold any value or should I just keep it as it for a museum piece? I'm not a fan of refinished dials but I think that is the only option for this one as it is not useable as is.

22 January 2012, 10:23 AM	#5
springer 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: jP Location: Texas Watch: GMT-MASTER Posts: 17,319	Good luck sourcing a new dial Matt. I just went thru that myself and the guys that have dials are "pretty proud of them." You can almost buy a complete watch for what a dial costs. What happened to the dial in your photos? I've never seen a dial destroyed like that one. __________________ 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.

22 January 2012, 01:07 PM	#7
Keeperoftime "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Jeremy Location: Louisiana Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,732	If it were mine, I would fit it in a period correct 1680, send it to Rolex and ask for "Red" luminova replacement... __________________ As a man is, so he sees. As the eye is formed, such are its powers. William Blake

22 January 2012, 02:45 PM	#10
RC2 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Rich Location: NC Watch: Rolex 1675 Posts: 2,359	Rolex still provides Red dials for 1680s? Rich __________________ Rich Member of Nylon Nation Red Sox Nation Instagram watchguy97

22 January 2012, 10:21 PM	#14
RC2 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Rich Location: NC Watch: Rolex 1675 Posts: 2,359	Thanks Matt. __________________ Rich Member of Nylon Nation Red Sox Nation Instagram watchguy97

22 January 2012, 10:22 AM	#2
CaveDiver "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,075	Matt, There is some middle ground between repair and redial. Here is an example that was not quite as bad as your dial, but you can get a good idea what can be done with keeping as much of the original dial as possible. There some good dial workers out there but unfortunately a lot of them are in Asia. http://www.rolexforums.com/showpost....17&postcount=4 Hope this helps CD

22 January 2012, 07:38 PM	#12
Tcaviglioli "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: Thomas Location: london Watch: 5512, 6263, 6265 Posts: 104	I think this one is beyond repair I am afraid ...

22 January 2012, 08:33 PM	#13
MoBe "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 6,773	A complete refinish may be the only way forward with a dial that is that far gone. Can you ask Bob Ridley for his opinion?

23 January 2012, 12:57 AM	#15
DiamondJack "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: London Watch: Quite a few Posts: 4,315	As others have mentioned, I think I'd be very tempted to go for a new lumi red from Rolex.

23 January 2012, 10:12 AM	#17
drockadam "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Adam Location: Ontario, Canada Watch: Pepsi. Posts: 5,749	Can I have it? :)

23 January 2012, 10:22 AM	#18
cruvon "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 4,689	What if a red sub went to a RSC without a dial and crystal, wouldn't they put in a service replacement dial and crystal anyway? Just thinking since might not need to let go of this dial though will surely take a magician to set this beautifully patinated dial right. __________________ Last thing I remember, I was Running outta sight I had to find the passage back,To the place I was before. ’Relax,’ said this Rolex place,We are programmed to receive. You can checkout any time you like, But you can never leave!

23 January 2012, 10:44 AM	#22
RC2 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Rich Location: NC Watch: Rolex 1675 Posts: 2,359	That is strange Matt... A 1680 is a 1680 except the dial is a little red. I wonder why they just don't have red replacement dials just like white. Rich __________________ Rich Member of Nylon Nation Red Sox Nation Instagram watchguy97

23 January 2012, 01:33 PM	#24
Z-Sub 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: So Cal, USA Watch: Not a ONEWatch Man Posts: 7,383	Try Rolex San Francisco. They service vintage Rolexes __________________ SS Submariner Date "Z" SS SeaDweller "D" SS Submariner "Random" TT Blue Submariner "P" SS GMT-Master ll "M", Pepsi Pam 311, 524, 297

25 January 2012, 11:32 AM	#26
brian8121 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Real Name: Brian Location: NYC and San Fran Watch: 5960p+6262 Posts: 1,000	The rsc in san fran may be willing to service it. They serviced the movement in my red sub.

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