Finally scored a birth year red sub

[teojjsg]

Although the current market situation does not justify purchase of any watches of such high value, I just cannot stop myself from this. Only consolation is that seller took a white sub 1680 as a part trade. Without which, I definitely cannot afford this. Comes with box, cert and most accessories dated mid 1970s. Blanked out the date so I won't be reminded how old i am. Wahahaha...

Enjoy the photos friends.

While at it, pls help with a couple of questions I have. Firstly, how common is the hooked 7, closed 6 and 9 date wheel fitted on a mk4 red sub? Should I source for a silver open 6 and 9 which is a more accepted norm?

Secondly, for a watch of this age, how should I rate it's condition? Can it be rated at least a 7.5/10 although it has been lightly polished?

Finally, can I assume the only accessory missing is the booklet? Any kind souls selling one at a reasonable price, pls let me know. Since caseback is dated year 1970, but warranty dated mid 1970, should I buy a booklet dated according to caseback or warranty paper?

Thank you friends and hope you can share my joy and watch.

[chows99]

Congratulations for the red sub!! The patina is awesome, it looks so charming!!

I think the case looks very strong and you got a great watch!

[bayareabuggs]

Possibly the nicest honest red sub I have seen. No recut case etc. Well done dude!

[mineral]

It is quite normal for the 1970 year watch sold after few years later in mid 70s. Not big concern.


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[1675-David]

Nice one!! As far as I know the hooked 7 closed 6 white insert you have was seen on 1675's of the late 60's but this is Vintage Rolex and anything is possible, it wouldn't concern me and is part of the charm and attraction of these watches.

[bayareabuggs]

Dont worry about the booklet, it will make zero difference to the value of this piece.

I'd give it 8.7/10 just because it isnt one of those recut monstrocities that have proliferated vintage watches. People who recut vintage watche cases just dont get it do they? lol

[teojjsg]

Thank you guys for the nice comments and information. Agreed, it is a pc I find hard to miss out. And I almost could not afford it if not for the trade in.

Maybe my question was a bit misleading but what I wanted to know for question 3 is, should I buy a booklet as below dated 1970 or 1974 to complete the full set? I am aware that some watches sit unsold for a few years. :)

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[teojjsg]

Originally Posted by bayareabuggs

Dont worry about the booklet, it will make zero difference to the value of this piece.

I'd give it 8.7/10 just because it isnt one of those recut monstrocities that have proliferated vintage watches. People who recut vintage watche cases just dont get it do they? lol

Oic... I will hold off then. Actually also make sense as finances are tight now. 8.7 is a very high rating as there are multiple minor scratches... but I am glad you appreciate it that much. Thank you.

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[teojjsg]

Originally Posted by chows99

Congratulations for the red sub!! The patina is awesome, it looks so charming!!

I think the case looks very strong and you got a great watch!

Yes. The patina is what I enjoy most about the watch. A pity they don't glow even when exposed to strong light like vintage Omega speedmasters.

More on this, many years back, I actually saw a great white 1680 which lume plots have small little dots of glow when exposed to UV. Something like tiny spread out stars within the lume plot itself. Is this normal?

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[teojjsg]

Originally Posted by 1675-David

Nice one!! As far as I know the hooked 7 closed 6 white insert you have was seen on 1675's of the late 60's but this is Vintage Rolex and anything is possible, it wouldn't concern me and is part of the charm and attraction of these watches.

Noted with thanks and yes, save me further money. That's also the advice of the seller and I supposed I am just itching to get someone to tell me otherwise... hahaha.

Adding a couple of caseback shots....

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[chows99]

Its a great specimen of a red sub. Hope to see a wrist shot!

[Yaz]

This is awesome !
Huge congrats !

[swaini3]

Lovely watch. Nice patina and case. I wouldnt worry about the date disk, the earlier Red subs I believe had the closed 6 and 9 in offwhite, but Who cares ... same for the booklet as well..... enjoy wearing it.

[springer]

Since you asked for help with a couple of questions, I'd like to respond with my perspective which differs somewhat from all the "expert" posts so far.

I see a nice dial/hand set and insert. A refinished case, a replacement crystal, replacement date wheel and a replacement winding crown.

The accessories are far from original and most of them have been cobbled together from later years. I do believe the warranty paper is original though, which is a plus.

The date wheel, contrary to popular belief and misidentified posts or threads by others in the past was off-white and not the brushed silver variety found during the later 1970s. (Below is a correct date wheel.)

Good luck with your watch!

[RolexDave68]

Awesome find, beautiful piece, enjoy the journey


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[1665fan]

All the cases will look like that when LAWW gets done with them.....sad day

[1675-David]

this thread took an interesting turn, this is a 50 year old watch and has been polished and serviced and probably buffed up before being sold, that's not rolliworks or LAWW casework by a long chalk.. It's a nice red sub.

[teojjsg]

Thank you guys for the feedback and comments. I have decided not to change the date wheel or add a booklet. Not a good way to spend more money in this poor economy.

According to seller, watch was serviced and a light buff applied to the shiny areas. No metal was grind down. Which is why some minor scratches are still visible.

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[swish77]

Congrats on a super nice red Sub. Definitely a later box, as John pointed out, but I wouldn't stress about the accessories. Period-correct boxes/booklets can be found down the road, and you have the original guarantee paper, which is THE key, of course. And yes, it's been polished, but it's a super strong case.

As for the economy ... if I only bought watches during strong economic times, I would have missed out on a couple of beauties. If you're a true watch lover and have the funds, why not!? (Dealer and flippers, well, that's another story.)

[L.K Johnson]

Nice catch! The patina is just amazing!! Congrats!!

[42itus]

Nice find!

[zapokee]

I have no problem with a case that's been expertly detailed (I don't like the term "recut"), especially if it had been badly polished previously. Condition should be reflected in the price, of course.

[BigBlue1]

Very nice attractive watch. Well done.

[bayareabuggs]

Im only new here but one thing I have noticed is when these 'what do you think of my watch' threads pop up you guys are just ruthless. It seems to be the same people too.

[teojjsg]

A couple of wrist shots and leather nato works as I need the gap between the curved case to be 'filled'.

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[1675-David]

[Sherbie]

@bayareabuggs

Well, what would you rather them do?

Just go “oooooh” and “aaaah”?

In this case the OP was under the apprehension that he had a genuine full set - when clearly he has a cobbled together mix of parts - for goodness sake, the box is mid 80s, so how could this be a match for a 70s watch ?

Luckily for him, JP pointed out that (thankfully) the certificate was genuine (lots of fakes out there)

These guys are the best in the business and do this for fun (not for profit) So they have no axe to grind


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[bayareabuggs]

seems legit

[faimag]

Regardless of whether it’s been touched upon or serviced (for f@k shakes it’s 50 years sold), your red sub looks gorgeous! Now wear it and go for a walk and coffee at MBS!

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by teojjsg

A couple of wrist shots and leather nato works as I need the gap between the curved case to be 'filled'.

Some say you shouldn't wear leather on a dive watch, but that looks awesome.