I680 'RED' SUBMARINER - MKIV Dial Laid Bare!

[Vincent65]

Hi Fellow Vintage Obsessives!

I'm thinking of perhaps using a super-dome plexi that I have lying around on my 1680, for a while, and for a change, to enjoy the dial without the 'cyclope' magnifier over the date window.

I have also acquired spare NOS Tropic 127 'top-hat' crystal for it (as I showed in my last thread) so I may go with that one, but I'm tempted by the dome as an interim set-up.

I haven't quite made my mind up yet, but in the meantime I thought I'd share some quick photos I took of the dial/hands/date-window (26 yay!) - sans plexi-crystal - for posterity, and in case anyone who hasn't, wants to see one up close. Nice to see the top of the case, and the unpolished chamfers unobstructed by the bezel, too.

It's an honest face. And flawless. I love this early MKIV dial, with its no-nonsense matte finish and sweet cream patina. And of course that dash of red text. Great to see and appreciate the raised print of the hour plots and the script, unencumbered by plastic and reflected light!

That's it really, just indulging in some photos, for the sake of it. Hope you enjoy too.

[jdmi32]

Looking forward to pics after the conversion as I love how dials photograph behind a dome. I bet it's going to look gorgeous. But seeing that beautiful dial uncovered/unprotected makes me a bit nervous.

[s4dan]

Very cool mate (as always)! Didn't realise you had an open six on 26 as well...even sweeter

How difficult was it to remove the plexi - bet that was some scary stuff??

You could just pop the dome on as a temporary measure for a few quick shots...go on, you know you want to

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by jdmi32

Looking forward to pics after the conversion as I love how dials photograph behind a dome. I bet it's going to look gorgeous. But seeing that beautiful dial uncovered/unprotected makes me a bit nervous.

Yes, I think I might try the dome for a short spell, but I'm not certain yet.

Don't worry, the crystal was only off for a few minutes, and I was extremely careful. All protected again now, and off to my watch-maker tomorrow!

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by s4dan

Very cool mate (as always)! Didn't realise you had an open six on 26 as well...even sweeter

How difficult was it to remove the plexi - bet that was some scary stuff??

You could just pop the dome on as a temporary measure for a few quick shots...go on, you know you want to

Thanks Danny - yes, the date discs on both my 1680 and 1675 have all open 6s and 9s, including the 26.

Retaining ring and plexi came off without a problem, carefully, with a knife.

[nsumner]

Yes!!! I love your pics of your beautiful pieces taken all apart. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Your 1680 is truly outstanding

[crowncollection]

A fine example you have their, thanks for sharing

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by nsumner

Yes!!! I love your pics of your beautiful pieces taken all apart. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Your 1680 is truly outstanding

Glad you like the pics, thanks Nathaniel!

[JohnBaker3]

Originally Posted by s4dan

How difficult was it to remove the plexi - bet that was some scary stuff??

Not so scary if you go slow and watch the video !

Good job so far, Vincent!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hupGQ1Xjks

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by JohnBaker3

Not so scary if you go slow and watch the video !

Good job so far, Vincent!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hupGQ1Xjks

I didn't take the case-back off, or the movement out!

Also, notice that 5513 has a gasket seal on the top side of the case, under the retaining ring; not present on my 1680

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

A fine example you have their, thanks for sharing

Thanks David - my pleasure!

[JohnBaker3]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

Also, notice that 5513 has a gasket seal on the top side of the case, under the retaining ring; not present on my 1680

The 5513 in the video is a later date model; there were no O-rings under the crystal retaining ring on the early ones...

I liked the video because it shows how simple it is to strip down the watch and take off the crystal.

[Vincent65]

[ss5422]

Mark IV is my favorite too. So I spent some time to capture the writings to use it as a wallpaper.

[SkooterNB]

Absolutely beautiful dial!

[Ben39]

Wow! Farm fresh and crisp bro:) flawless dial!

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by ss5422

Mark IV is my favorite too. So I spent some time to capture the writings to use it as a wallpaper.

I can't see it, sorry...

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by SkooterNB

Absolutely beautiful dial!

many thanks!

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by Ben39

Wow! Farm fresh and crisp bro:) flawless dial!

Cheers Bro!

[skprd13]

Now that is a naked watch! Put your clothes back on and show that dome!

[Pete17]

Amazing the difference a bezel makes to a watch.

Try the dome mate for a change but the original top hat is best IMHO. Gotta love the height of the 127


Sent from my iPhone.

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by Pete17

Amazing the difference a bezel makes to a watch.

Try the dome mate for a change but the original top hat is best IMHO. Gotta love the height of the 127


Sent from my iPhone.

Hi Pete - we'll see, maybe the dome for a while. I do like the 127 very much, too - it's the original and best. Cheers mate, K

[mluther]

Fantastic view of the watch. I would try the dome, think it will look great

[SkooterNB]

Originally Posted by mluther

Fantastic view of the watch. I would try the dome, think it will look great

The dome will make that dial visible in all it's glory.

[watchcrank]

nice watch :-)

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by mluther

Fantastic view of the watch. I would try the dome, think it will look great

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by SkooterNB

The dome will make that dial visible in all it's glory.

thanks, we'll see… !

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by watchcrank

nice watch :-)

thank you!

[CrownMe]

I would be scared $hitless to take the plexi off my red. Bezel and bracelet yes....plexi and caseback I will let someone else do lol Beautiful Red karl. Perfect

[007Sub]

Gorgeous watch my friend! Question, did you have any trouble getting the crystal off? I heard that some are glued down and getting through the glue can be quite difficult! I would be afraid to crack the crystal. What was your experience with this? Also When you reinstall the crystal will you glue it? I hope you put the superdome on and upload some photos! :)