1978 Red Submariner 1680 possible?

[Mcelik89]

Hi Everyone, i am looking to purchase a 1978 Red Submariner 1680. Serial number 5.3mil. Didnt they stop making the red letters before 1978? How is this possible? Attahed is a photo.

[springer]

The watch has other mismatched parts as well to go along with that mark IV dial.

[iamorlando]

If you don’t mind sharing, how much are you paying for it. Just curious.


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[iamorlando]

The dial is mk 4 I believe


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[Mcelik89]

The jeweler is asking $15K no papers but i am worried the red Sub Dial doesn’t belong to the watch.

[Mcelik89]

Worth it you think?

[Mcelik89]

Anyone know if a mark IV dial should be on a 5mil serial?

[Lol-x]

The white date wheel does not appear to be correct.
So yes I would say this watch has been constructed from parts.
Red dials are worth more so someone trying to make money may have fitted that dial to that watch.
I don't recall ever seeing a Red Submariner from 1978.

[iamorlando]

Sorry I cant say. Hopefully more knowledgeable people in this forum can chime in.
I’ve found this article very helpful in the past. I’m sure you’ve seen it already
http://www.drsd.com/watch-info/red-sub/redsub.html


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[iamorlando]

For reference, here is my mk4, 3mm serial


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[1665fan]

Red Frankenwatch

[ajn3323]

I would think that MK IV dial is not original to that case.


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[MorningTundra]

AFAIK red dials were over by 1972, around the 3M serial. Red service dials were still made though.


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[MorningTundra]

Originally Posted by Mcelik89

Worth it you think?

That’s the going rate for a correct white 1680 on C24. I’d say this is worth only the sum of its parts. Attractive dial though...


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[Rick_K]

Originally Posted by MorningTundra

AFAIK red dials were over by 1972, around the 3M serial. Red service dials were still made though.

The red dials were over by 1975, and there are examples of authenticated Mark V and VI red 1680 dials with 3.3M serial numbers and higher. The Watchprosite Red Submariner Reference Primer shows Mark VI dials going up to 3.99M, although I personally have never come across one quite that high. Here is their chart, for reference:

Mark I (Metres First).........................2.07M...2.2M
Mark II/III (Metres First)....................2.2M....2.45M
Mark IV (Open 6 Feet First)...............2.45M...3.?M
Mark V (Open 6 Feet First)................2.?M....3.?M
Mark VI (Closed 6 Feet First).............3.?M....3.999M
Mark VII (White Submariner)............4.0M....7M+
Mark VIII (Luminova).........................Red Sub Service Dial

[tekno]

Why not pass and find a correct late 1680.


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[Styles Bitchley]

Not original. Mk4 red dials are worth quite a bit on their own though and it’d probably be easy to find a buyer if you want a correct dial. Up to you if you’re that kind of guy. Seems like a bunch of parts thrown together to make this though so I’d steer clear.


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[southtexas]

A loose mk 4 dial just went up for sale yesterday on VRF for 8500 euros. A white dial in excellent condition is $2500-$3000.

Your case looks good, Insert is wrong ($1500-1800 for correct one).

[Mcelik89]

If the dial alone can sell for around 8500 euro then the watch seems like a good deal

[Mcelik89]

Thanks guys. If the dial alone is worth around 8-9k euro then the watch is worth buying.

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by Mcelik89

Thanks guys. If the dial alone is worth around 8-9k euro then the watch is worth buying.

Be careful! I said “for sale for 8500 euros”...did not say sold!

But I’d do your deal all day.


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[Tools]

Originally Posted by Mcelik89

Thanks guys. If the dial alone is worth around 8-9k euro then the watch is worth buying.

It's very likely a service dial installed in a non-red case.

Sounds like you are trying to convince everybody else about your already-made decision.

[Mcelik89]

😂 just needed some reassurance i guess. Thanks!

[iamorlando]

If you go for it let us know. Whatever the decision, enjoy your red sub!


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[steversaurus]

And then if a red sub with a later white dial pops up....

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[vintagewatch]

I've owned the pictured "red" Submariner (serial # 5.7 mil) for about 30 years. I know the watch has not been altered since it's been in my possession. I don't think it's a service dial, just my two cents worth.

[iamorlando]

The plot thickens!


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[southtexas]

Originally Posted by vintagewatch

I've owned the pictured "red" Submariner (serial # 5.7 mil) for about 30 years. I know the watch has not been altered since it's been in my possession. I don't think it's a service dial, just my two cents worth.

Did you buy it new from an authorized Rolex dealer?


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[vintagewatch]

Here's an ad from 1977 featuring a "red" Submariner Date (1680).

[vintagewatch]

Originally Posted by southtexas

Did you buy it new from an authorized Rolex dealer?


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No, I purchased the watch used around 1988, therefore I can't say with certainty it's not a service dial. I can only state that the watch has not been altered in the last 30 years.