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8 July 2009, 02:42 PM | #1 |
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Seeking information on poor condition Submariner (1680?)
I recently inherited this watch. Despite its poor shape, I think it's a beauty.
I don't think it's been worn in at least 25 years, but unfortunately it's been sitting in a jewelery box for a long time. Crammed in with other jewelry, it's gotten pretty battered. I'd really appreciate some information on how to go about getting it fixed up... though to be honest, I realize owning and maintaining a Rolex is an expensive hobby, but I couldn't afford to spend more than a few hundred dollars on this watch. Is there any possibility of returning it to a decent condition within a budget? I would love to see this watch regain some of its well deserved former luster. I'd also appreciate any additional information on this watch. |
8 July 2009, 10:35 PM | #2 | |
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Quote:
The dial and hands look like they are in reasonable condition too. Have you still got the bezel? Maybe its only going to need a service, new crystal and polish, although the bracelet looks a little battered. It will cost more than a couple of hundred dollars to fix up. Maybe stagger the repairs over some time. There are some good guys who can help in the US and I am sure someone will come along soon and give you their info. Do you know the serial no.? That would help to date it. It is a "special" and collectable watch do not let just anyone muck it around. you can read some more about them here http://doubleredseadweller.com/rs1.htm. best of luck with it. |
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8 July 2009, 10:48 PM | #3 |
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Real Name: Martin
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lovely looking and desirable watch well worth restoration by an expert as it has some value if kept original. Try Mr Bob Ridley based in Texas who has an excellent reputation
http://www.watchmakers.com/contactus.html Another well regarded restorer is Dalton(username) a member of TRF you could PM him for an opinion. Welcome to TRF and good luck |
9 July 2009, 12:41 AM | #4 |
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Nice 1680
Rolex would be the ideal place to send that watch, unfortunately Rolex USA will no longer service that model....Mores the pity......
Who ever does the restoration, DO NOT let them replace or touch up the hands or dial and do not let them polish the case..... Good luck.... |
9 July 2009, 06:12 AM | #5 |
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I would also tread carefully here. A red sub with a good dial can be worth more than some new cars. You can send it to Rolex, find a local watch maker that specializes in them and has the proper certifications, or find someone out of state with a good reputation and experience working with watches of this collectible nature. whoever you select, call them up, explain to them what you have, and see what they say. Someone here who lives in Houston might know of someone good locally. I have someone I trust in Connecticut who is excellent, and specializes in Rolex. It might cost you quite a bit to get it fixed, I see it needs a bezel, but it would be worth it. This is like buying a house and finding a finding a 1953 Ferrari 250 in the garage, whatever it is takes to fix it, it is worth it.
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9 July 2009, 06:29 AM | #6 |
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Welcome to the Forum. You are right. That is a beauty. It is not in as bad shape as you might think. We have all seen much worse.
It is a very desirable and valuable vintage Rolex. Have a good complete service done, but Do Not alter the dial, markers or hands. I even think that crystal might be buffed out to look pretty good. If not, it can be replaced with a Rolex crystal. Do not install an aftermarket crystal even though they are much cheaper. A correct bezel and insert can be found with some searching and $$$. I notice that in your pictures the crown is unscrewed. Is it stripped or broken? If not get in the habit of screwing it down. Whatever you spend on service, will come back tenfold or more in value. Plus you will have a great watch to wear for decades and maybe pass on again. Mark |
9 July 2009, 06:46 AM | #7 |
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Some great advise has been given. Many consider the 1680 RED the next level in collecting.
You won't be able to do the watch justice with a couple hundred, but do consider the price of a restoration will more than be off set by the value of the piece. Take your time and heed the advise of not replacing the dial and hands. |
9 July 2009, 07:45 AM | #8 |
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What a watch! You are very lucky. Dead jealous.
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9 July 2009, 07:54 AM | #9 |
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Such a beauty! Personally, I'd speak to Steve Mulholland here about what you should (and more importantly, should NOT) do by way of restoration. It's a real stunner though. Don't just troll through here and vanish, as so many do. This is the place where you can get your questions answered and steered in the right direction.
A highly sought after Sub, though. A genuine collector's piece. |
9 July 2009, 08:56 AM | #10 |
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Interesting, refresh my memory guys but the tube on this appears to be original but the crown has the markings of a triplock, which shown by the crown it is not. Could be my eyes or the pic, but the case appears to be a bit thick as well. Did the folded link bracelet have a clasp this big? May I ask what the serial, first three #'s are fine. No offense to the OP, just this is a watch that is often copied. It does appear that the watch is non-hacking based on the fact that the second hand appears to be moving while the crown is all the out. This would date the watch to before 1971?
Scott
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9 July 2009, 12:15 PM | #11 |
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Based on an original to the watch dial installed here, I'd guess the serial# would be 3.4 to 3.8mil. The hacking device can fail and be in need of replacement to stop the movement with crown fully out. This watch has great potential, looks to have its' original case finishing marks, a true diamond in the rough. Enjoy the refurbishment process!
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9 July 2009, 02:03 PM | #12 |
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That is a VERY rare and valuable watch. I'm sorry to say that it may be more money to have it in perfect working order and condition but the main thing is...DONT let anyone touch the dial and hands. The other forum members' posts are spot on. Read through them and take them all to heart. If you dont have the money to fix this thing up now...than save up...it will be worth it in the end. Do some reading on "the red submariner" and you will start to appreciate why so many people have responded to your post :) Good luck.
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9 July 2009, 03:09 PM | #13 | ||||
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I'm so very thankful for all the advice and information. As excited as I am about this beautiful watch, it's a shame I won't be able to do anything with it soon, as I do fully intend to put aside money until I can do it right.
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Is that all I'm missing? Quote:
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I could easily take a clear video of the ticking motion if that could provide any more information about the watch. I know where the serial number is, and I've been told I can remove the bracelet by inserting a toothpick into the holes in the sides, but I'm not sure how I would re-mount it and thus haven't mucked with it yet. |
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9 July 2009, 09:54 PM | #14 | |
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Quote:
Steve M, a member here on TRF can help you with this, his email is [email protected]. I just purchased an insert for a 5513 sub from him so expect around $250 or more just for the insert. I am in the same boat as you regarding funding a complete restoration all in one go, so just plan it over a period. I've set mine at 6 months, my 5513 needing pretty much the same as your sub, polish, bezel, service etc. Your hacking and crown, from what you have said sound fine so do not worry about them. A lot of people don't like to overly polish a watch as it removes metal and therefore the watch is no longer original. Lots of opinions on this, so you don't need mine....just have a look at John's thread above, http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=73324, and check out his polished watch..... Best of luck and post some more pictures as you go.. |
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10 July 2009, 10:23 AM | #15 | |
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9 July 2009, 03:57 PM | #16 |
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Real Name: John Eaton
Location: Nome Alaska USA
Watch: Red1680 metres 1st
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Congrats on inheriting such a classic...
I hope to pass mine on to a family member when I am gone. I recently found a similar 1680 (meters first, not feet first like yours) and had it cleaned up a bit. The threads are here: http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=72504 http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=73324 http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=73952 I'd say your 1680 is probably around a 1972, need the serial numer and a clear photo of the caseback would be nice. The triplock crown was a replacement and the 9315 bracelet is period correct but if sold in the US probably came with a C&I instead. I know a watchmaker in Oregon that does excellent work and he did mine for under $500 US; check out the photos.
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10 July 2009, 02:02 AM | #17 |
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Thanks Michael,
I went with just the lightest polish to remove the fine scratches, I was very impressed with the watchmaker's job. The bezel was worn out when I bought the 1680 and I have since replaced the bezel with a very slightly used period correct genuine Rolex bezel. I've tried a 9315 folded link bracelet and did not like the light weight and flimsy feel, but greatly admired the beauty of the period correct bracelet. I use a 93150 for everyday wear and would like to purchase SELs that would fit the 1680. I wish irocz0r the best of luck in the restoration of his old "grail", and am certain he will be happy with his new old timepiece as the 1680 has become my favorite watch.
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10 July 2009, 09:25 AM | #18 |
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www.rolexreferencepage.com
Article on John's Red 1680, before and after restoration. You can email him with questions. |
14 July 2009, 07:31 PM | #19 |
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Real Name: steven
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I have several bezels you could choose from..even some that have some wear that I could throw you at a greatly reduced price..
your watch does have a few issues of concern though..you may want to email me and I will tell you what I am refering too. good luck my friend! [email protected] |
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