Any details appreciated 1680 18kt Submariner Blue to brown faded dial "Tropical"

[watches4me]

Hello - was just wondering if anyone can give me any details on this watch.... I love the look but would really love to know why the dial has faded as so. I understand this is called a "tropical" dial.. Is this the added value to the piece??

Thanks in advance.

[HRV]

As you say the early open 6 feet first dial has been faded by the sun and takes on a lovely faded patina, the case looks like it has been polished and it has the service replacement bezel and the original twin lock crown has been replaced with a triplock crown, the date wheel looks original but it's hard to say for sure, great looking watch, congrats and welcome to TRF

[watches4me]

Originally Posted by HRV

As you say the early open 6 feet first dial has been faded by the sun and takes on a lovely faded patina, the case looks like it has been polished and it has the service replacement bezel and the original twin lock crown has been replaced with a triplock crown, the date wheel looks original but it's hard to say for sure, great looking watch, congrats and welcome to TRF

HRV - how difficult is it to get an original bezel, will it help any, as far as value? Last question, An original crown?? Is this possible?

Thanks a ton for your help and valuable information...

Best -

[HRV]

Sergio, all things are possible, it you are prepared to look on the various sites which sell parts or post a WTB, you may find a bezel, but i dont think a crown will be possible as its not just the gold crown but the whole mechanism, that changed from twinlock to triplock. i dont think the value will be affected a whole lot, by only the bezel, there are other factors, do you have the original bracelet? does it have have early clasp or the later one, is the divers extension patented or pat pending? does the date wheel have open 6 & 9 or closed? does the case back still have the original factory finish?
have a look at these two sites

http://doubleredseadweller.com/16808.htm
http://rolex.watchprosite.com/show-f...ti-622921/s-0/
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=274869

[watches4me]

HRV - here is a picture of the date wheel... The bracelet is stamped "patented & registered" ... The case back does not have the original finish.. The back is engraved with the original owners name "Colonel Robert Sisson" U.S Airforce...

[HRV]

Ok I remember this watch, please check here

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...light=1680+18k

[sdwtchlvr]

Nice watch. For what it's worth, like would say the crown is the original 702 judging by the profile.

[HRV]

Agreed, if its the same watch, it's a 77 model which came with the 702, in my first reply I was unsure of the date

[watches4me]

HRV - sent you a PM....

[Jimmytsai531122]

nice watch!!

[robkassab]

Just wanted to take a moment to thank Sergio (watches4me) of Jonathan's Fine Jewelers for all of the professionalism in his dealings and the resulting good friendship that has developed since I purchased this beautiful gold Sub from him. I would highly recommend him and his company which is located in Houston.

And check-out this cool YouTube video they did on the watch: http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BUm5PWYLtHo

[watches4me]

Rob - My pleasure ...... I must say MY NEW submariner 1680 is pretty darn nice :) Thanks you for finding this rare treasure for me ...

Best - Sergio Nuncio

[deshk]

So was it originally blue bezel with blue dial?

[robkassab]

Original blue bezel is still on the watch (faded) and so is the original blue nipple dial, but is now faded to brown. The neat thing is you can see along the left side of the dial where the owner's left shirt sleeve cuff partially obscured the dial and thus it's less faded there with more traces of original blue.

[Nalk7]

Sunburst dials are awesome!

[robkassab]

Starburst Dial, eh? Is that a commonly used term for these faded-to-brown dials? Tropical Dial? Just trying to figure-out the proper terminology….

[watches4me]

"Tropical" is the commonly used term...... "Starburst" is also cool :)

[watchcrank]

Great watch, I have had a few and every blue one I have had is a little different in color or degrade. Most fade unevenly and go to brown, purple etc. I like the variations :-) I still have one from a sapphire model that is an odd shade of blue. the Blue dials and inserts are most difficult to find in good condition. black ones far outnumber them and seem to stay in better condition. wear it in good health. M

[Lgear080]

Very nice nipple piece ... Though its a shame some parts are service replaced
It still shows like a champ. I think I remember this watch from eBay too some
Time ago.

[robkassab]

What parts do you feel are service replaced?

[robkassab]

Just for kicks, I mounted the 1680 on a croc strap....

[HRV]

Interesting colour combo , congrats on your "new" watch

[HRV]

Originally Posted by watches4me

Rob - My pleasure ...... I must say MY NEW submariner 1680 is pretty darn nice :) Thanks you for finding this rare treasure for me ...

Best - Sergio Nuncio

I must say Sergio, I didn't think you we're going to sell the 1680/8' but you have and bought an 1680, so we say , pics or it didn't happen

[robkassab]

Here's another pic on the strap

[watches4me]

Enjoying my new 1680 with original folded link bracelet...

A real find !!

Thanks Rob :)

[robkassab]

It's a great-looking 1680! I see your shirt sleeve is partially obscuring the dial--maybe 20 years from now it will look similar to my 1680/8 partially faded dial! :)

[Nalk7]

Originally Posted by watches4me

"Tropical" is the commonly used term...... "Starburst" is also cool :)

Tropical usually refers to black dials turned brown, while the blue dials on subs are sunburst :p

[springer]

Looks like the "sunburst" dial. Very interesting dials, especially if the blue ring circles the complete dial. Here is a link for one to look at.

http://rolexpassionmarket.com/watche...dialref-16808/

[HRV]

Originally Posted by springer

Looks like the "sunburst" dial. Very interesting dials, especially if the blue ring circles the complete dial. Here is a link for one to look at.

http://rolexpassionmarket.com/watche...dialref-16808/

Quite interesting looking at the font between the lugs, the "1680" looks a lot different, looks like there is even variation there from Rolex, thanks for posting

[HRV]

Originally Posted by watches4me

Enjoying my new 1680 with original folded link bracelet...

A real find !!

Thanks Rob :)

Attachment 372796Attachment 372800

Nice