Red Sub

[forgedblades]

Hello all...have a chance to purchase a red sub from an employees father..Here is the skinny on the deal. Some local Jewlers have offered him 5500.00 for the watch and from the looks it seems to be a Mark V dial. The hands seem to be replaced to me judging from the patina on the dial and not sure if the bracelet is correct as well as the end links. So question is in it current condition what is the estimated retail number on it because I will probably flip it..you thoughts are appreciated.From serial number I saw it appears to be circa 1969 or 1970.
I can get more pictures as these were taken quickly.

[marcello pisani]

first two digits of the case number ???

[forgedblades]

285 I believe last 2 were worn away from wearing.

[marcello pisani]

if so watch is from 1971 ; do you have a pic with the winding crown opened ( to see triplock version ) ?

[forgedblades]

no didn't get that shot. Like I said it was done in haste. Trying not let him take it to the Jewler/High end pawn shop

[marcello pisani]

very " risky " watch unless you are a real expert :
1) is the insert correct ? impossible to say from these pics
2) bracelet is later replacement with wrong ends ( even for a 93150 )
3) most likely also the crown is a later replacement ( 703 instead of 702 )
4) is the movement ok ???
5) some case numbers very hard /impossible to read ??? not a small problem in my " teahouse " ....
mmmhhhhhhh

[marcello pisani]

ooopppssss .. forgotten to write that hands and insert ( if genuine ) are for sure later replacements for this watch ...
and if you want to be really fussy .. also the glass ( cyclope 127 ) is a later replacement..
so maybe the watch is very cheap but if you plan to bring it to pristine conditions .. its' not really a good deal ...

[forgedblades]

Well thanks for the info. It was checked by the local "buyers" before the offer was made so I am comfortable as far movement goes. The piece was purchased in 1995 from a local reseller so I knew that the bracelet and ends were probably replacements. Ill get more pictures of crown and serial etc. I just need to know ballpark retail . If I do purchase I want to be fair to him as well. Ideas?

[joli160]

5500 sounds cheap enough, but I would go blind on the advice of Marcello and skip it.

[azguy]

I'd probably not risk it if flipping is your goal. Astute buyers will tear you apart on all the little stuff that is wrong and you'll be fighting to eek out a profit.

[marcello pisani]

Originally Posted by azguy

I'd probably not risk it if flipping is your goal. Astute buyers will tear you apart on all the little stuff that is wrong and you'll be fighting to eek out a profit.

the certainly not " small " problem of two digits in the case number almost impossible to read ....

[JustinK]

The markers don't seem to meet the case around most of the dial. It could be they are all chipped or the dial could be touched up around the edges. This appears to be the case at 6:00.

[forgedblades]

First and foremost thanks to all for reply's and concerns. Well of course I bought the watch. As to some of the concerns that were raised.
I do know that the bracelet is incorrect for the watch but it is common to see 93150 bracelet on these according to some research I have done but the 593 end links are truly wrong. those end links have cause the wear on the serial and model number locations.
There were a couple of comments as to the crown. It is a twin lock which is what these should have if not replaced by Rolex service. I do know the hands have been replaced and is evident in relation to the patina on the dial.
There was some mention of possible chipping on the dial but under a loop there is none. It is a Mark V dial as well and that indeed helps date the watch. Watch has the correct open 6's and 9's. It is keeping perfect time thus far as well.
Another friend mentioned that the bezel appeared to be a service replacement but after some web work I believe the insert original to the piece and the pearl to be a replacement.
I have not opened the case but believe the movement correct due to the fact the watch was shopped to local high end resellers and 2 local AD's for trade in on a new watch and the offers from them reflected the originality of the movement in my opinion.
The watch is off to a new home Monday and all that I have described was communicated to the buyer as well and I believe they well source correct parts and sell it as well.
In closing I am tempted to keep it but the boss (Wifey) would have me drawn and quartered so it is leaving. It was a rush no matter what to find, buy and send on it way. I could indeed get used to doing this often but this as with many things is life was fate smiling on me for a brief moment.
I have attached a few more pictures for your viewing pleasure.

[azguy]

Originally Posted by forgedblades

I have not opened the case but believe the movement correct due to the fact the watch was shopped to local high end resellers and 2 local AD's for trade in on a new watch and the offers from them reflected the originality of the movement in my opinion.

Sorry, but this is freakin funny, the movement is good and correct --in your opinion-- because other people "may" have looked at the watches movement.

[marcello pisani]

as supposed .. crown is a later replacement ( triplock 703 with external gasket instead of 702 )
702 :


703 :

[marcello pisani]

Originally Posted by azguy

Sorry, but this is freakin funny, the movement is good and correct --in your opinion-- because other people "may" have looked at the watches movement.

in these situations we can only say : " good luck ! "

[steptoe]

Keep the red and get rid of the green.