Submariner 1680 what are the differences?

[topcat30093]

I am currently looking to get my first vintage Rolex and I hope that it will be a 1680

As we all know, the vintage world is a minefield, in which you can so easily get scammed.

Having constantly being reading "For Sale" adverts or articles on the 1680 they all mention different "Marks"

Could somebody with knowledge, please tell me in order from the earliest mark upwards, what the difference is between them all

I guess that a mark 1 would be metres first etc, but how does it go from?

Thank you in advance to those members who can help.

APOLOGISE, JUST SEEN THE STICKY ALL ABOUT THE RED SUB.
But if anybody would still care to add anything, that would be handy. For example, I guess that the selling price of a 1680 would be heavily dependent not only on it's condition, but also which mark it is?



Tony

[Keeperoftime]

http://doubleredseadweller.com/redsubdialsno2.html


I think condition and accessories affect the price most for 1680s. The meters first dials do command a bit of a premium, although I've seen later dials variants go for more than MKI watches without papers etc. The other variant that raises the value is patina and fading (clears throat), I mean if it has a tropical dial and bezel insert etc.

The link above should help you out.

-Cheers.

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by topcat30093

I am currently looking to get my first vintage Rolex and I hope that it will be a 1680

As we all know, the vintage world is a minefield, in which you can so easily get scammed.

Having constantly being reading "For Sale" adverts or articles on the 1680 they all mention different "Marks"

Could somebody with knowledge, please tell me in order from the earliest mark upwards, what the difference is between them all

I guess that a mark 1 would be metres first etc, but how does it go from?

Thank you in advance to those members who can help.

APOLOGISE, JUST SEEN THE STICKY ALL ABOUT THE RED SUB.
But if anybody would still care to add anything, that would be handy. For example, I guess that the selling price of a 1680 would be heavily dependent not only on it's condition, but also which mark it is?



Tony

Just one advice :
Spend all the time you have reading posts here on TRF.
Ask what you would like to know and post pics !
And take your time . . .

HAGW

[azguy]

Originally Posted by Kingair

Just one advice :
Spend all the time you have reading posts here on TRF.
Ask what you would like to know and post pics !
And take your time . . .

Agreed, for the money at stake, know what you are doing....

Here's a good site: http://www.hqmilton.com/

I'm sure a good seller would also help with some education on what constitutes differences in values....

[s4dan]

Hey Tony

Great advice already given.

Study the super thread started by BaltimoreBrian (sure you have done more than once)

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=225667

There's some great close ups of all the different red sub variants, with the added bonus of the serial numbers, to help you in your quest.

mate

[RC2]

Tony. Look at the posts here and contact a trusted seller. Buy the seller first then the watch. The 1680 is a great watch comes in red or white. If you have a few grand more - IMO get the red sub. I have a lovely white but will flip for a red one day. The above folks gave you some good links. Remember to post pics when you buy! Rich

[dddrees]

Buy the seller.

And remember condition is KING!!!

[topcat30093]

Thanks for all your sound advice.

I enjoyed reading the sticky and now some facts are making more sense.

Regards

Tony

[Eric88]

I would prioritize condition of case and dial first, the hands and bezel. You can always add a bracelet if you don't get a good one. 1680 is a great watch!