Bringing old red back to its glory days

[ToniH.]

Hello

I recently got my hands on this really nice unpolished 1680. It's in quite original condition except the dial has been changed to MK 1 white dial back in the days. The dial and matching hands looks really nice now with great patina. Anyhow as it goes in this hobby I have started to think about to try to find a red dial to complete it. So I thought about asking couple of questions about this from you fellow forum members.

1)
The serial number of my watch is 287****. Does this mean that correct dial for my watch would be either the

Mark IV (Open “6” Feet First) 2.45M to 3.?M or
Mark V (Open “6” Feet First) 2.?M to 3.?M

(Info from http://www.doubleredseadweller.com/w.../untitled.html)

2)
The matching patina of the dial and the hands that are in the watch now is perfect. Just the right degree of cream that I could dream of. Would you sacrifice it in risk that the patina of hands and dial with sourced red dial wouldn't be as matching?

3)
Do you think that the fact that the dial has changed lowers the value of the watch significantly. It's still the mk I Lemerich dial with nice matching patina and unpolished case. That must be worth something also?

Here's better pic of the patina.



Thanks for your opinions.

[Kellokonttori]

I wouldn't do it, but it's a matter of preference of course. Red dials are quite expensive and unless you REALLY want a Red Sub, I'd keep the watch like that. To me it looks perfect like that.

What comes to value, it's on par with a very nice white 1680. If you get a Red dial, it's in Red Sub territory.

Again, I'd keep it as it is but that's just me :)

[azguy]

Honestly, people are to infatuated with one script of red lettering, your watch is perfect, wear it with pride and enjoy... The patina makes me smile....

[dstacy]

Over the years watches get serviced and parts get replaced. Personally I think some people put way too much emphasis on this subject. At times I've wondered if people would rather have one with an original dial but a Timex movement instead of one with a replaced dial and the original movement.
It is your watch and your money that you worked hard for. Do what will make you happy then wear it in good health.

[ralpie]

Originally Posted by dstacy

Over the years watches get serviced and parts get replaced. Personally I think some people put way too much emphasis on this subject.

In fairness, many who stick with the Rolex brand, do so for the legendary resale value.

If you are just enjoying the watch- then I agree with you.

However many people, (myself sometimes included) like to resell and buy something else. For them (us), originality is very very important and a rare dial on the correct watch is important.

Nobody is claiming that this is rational or normal human behavior, but it is fun!

[dstacy]

Originally Posted by ralpie

Nobody is claiming that this is rational or normal human behavior, but it is fun!

<laughing> Sounds like me and vintage European cars.

[Max72]

Originally Posted by dstacy

Over the years watches get serviced and parts get replaced. Personally I think some people put way too much emphasis on this subject. At times I've wondered if people would rather have one with an original dial but a Timex movement instead of one with a replaced dial and the original movement.
It is your watch and your money that you worked hard for. Do what will make you happy then wear it in good health.

Well said

[Vincent65]

Only you can decide. If it's red you're after, then source a good red dial, but be prepared to pay for it, and good luck finding it.

Or buy another watch.

I think it looks great as it is, but only you know if you can forget/ignore that it came with a red dial originally, and be happy with it as it stands...

[CrownMe]

Why mess with perfection?

[ToniH.]

(edit) ralpie red my mind

Your all right. I'm happy with it and the premium that you pay for the red text is of course insane.

But thats also the beauty of collecting these vintage watches. Getting deep into the details and history of the watches. I'm asking your opinions to these questions also to learn more about the vintage market and how people value these things.

This isn't going to be only watch I'm going to wear for the rest of my life. One of the funnest parts for me seems to be hunting and trading these. :)

[ralpie]

Originally Posted by ToniH.

One of the funnest parts for me seems to be hunting and trading these. :)

[buenosdias]

First I would like to say wonderful 1680

I personally am a big fan of the white 1680 and do also prefer the white 1665.
To me it looks like you have a great case, a great matching patina of the dial and hands, a great insert.....let's say a great watch!

1) Yes, but I would prefer the MK IV red over white and the...lets call it sreaming deep red.

2) Only would do it when finding red MK IV dial with matching hands.
So if you can find one including matching hands from a 100 percent trustfull source/member I think I would change it, but would also keep the white dial.

3)Yes, it's lowering the price exactly the difference between the red and the white dial! Selling this wonderful white dial with matching hands you can realize about 1k up to 1.3k in my opinion, but I wouldn't do so!

Wear it and enjoy it!

[enhamhale]

I personally would leave well alone it's not worth the effort trying for a red dial at the premium prices , you have a lovely patina dial already . If you really want a red sell yours and get a complete one there is a lot of good ones about .

[highcotton]

edit

[highcotton]

[QUOTE=buenosdias;4986317]First I would like to say wonderful 1680


3)Yes, it's lowering the price exactly the difference between the red and the white dial! Selling this wonderful white dial with matching hands you can realize about 1k up to 1.3k in my opinion, but I wouldn't do so!

I bought a birth year 1680 (1972) from a member on here that also had a replacement white dial. A little while later I bought a period correct dial from another member. I have $8500 in the watch and have been offered $9000 for it. But it is a '72 watch and I was born in January 1972 so I was not interested in selling it. But I do not think you would lose money on it either way.
This is the only picture I have of it as a white dial.


Here it is as Red.
[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

I do not regret it for a second.

[Michael M.]

Depending one how much you paid for the watch, investing in a nice red submariner dial maybe be well worth it. The current mark 1 dial on your watch + handset is probably worth in the region of $1,000. A red submariner dial (Mark IV would be the most period correct) will run you with matching hands maybe $4,000. This watch once completed will be worth around $11,500-$12,500 USD.

[watchcrank]

nice sub, its fine as is imho

[nickb732]

Go for the red.

[inspires]

I wouldn't do it. Looks to be a very nice example you have there already.

[omitohud]

To many a red sub is a grail. If u really want a red sub, u will never stop thinking about it. Consider it an upgrade of what u have. Personally I would replace it with a red dial if the price is right just to satisfy my craving. That said it is fine as it is if u don't care about a splash of red.


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[sea-dweller]

Love that patina and dial!

[Tudor66]

Only you can answer the question.... Should I own a redsub.. ?

I still smile ever time I look at mine. FYI, I sold my white sub after buying a red !

[Andad]

Very nice.

I'd source a red dial with matching hands.

Whatever you end up paying the set will never be worth less as the years go by.

Once you have the red back as it was sell the white set.

[BaltimoreBrian]

i would encourage the search for a red dial to replace the white one you have. while the white one is nice, it is a replacement. One of the reasons the reds are sought after, is because there are just fewer and fewer of them. This is all a part of the collecting. GOOD LUCK, they are out there, just wait for the right one.