Rolex 1680 / 16800 learning

[In-Cog-Neeto]

Guys I’m looking at getting a vintage piece so doing my learning, either a 1680 or an early 16800

How do you spot a service dial on these models?

What should an original dial marking say under the 6 o clock marker?

Thanks

[Vlad]

Originally Posted by In-Cog-Neeto

Guys I’m looking at getting a vintage piece so doing my learning, either a 1680 or an early 16800

How do you spot a service dial on these models?

What should an original dial marking say under the 6 o clock marker?

Thanks

Luminova dial on either is service

If the dial glows, it's most likely service, as half lift of tritium is 12 years, and the newest 16800 is 35 years old (thus 1/8 of the original glow - at best)

Otherwise - study known dials and understand what is expected for the specific year of the watch. If the dial does not match, it's either a replacement or service

Vlad

[stevedssd]

This will help for 1680 White's but not 16800's
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=513941

[In-Cog-Neeto]

For example, this looks nice but is it a service dial and / or service hands / bezel insert? How do you know?

[sillo]

This is a good thread to check out.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=377473

[In-Cog-Neeto]

Thanks everyone. I’ll keep reading on

[jfmiii]

Matte 16800s are still undervalued, imo. Much rarer than a run of the mill 1680 and only made for a few years. A true transitional, maybe more so than any watch produced by Rolex. Rolex replaced the matte dial with a WG dial if the dial was ever changed during service. Take your time, they develop really nice, unique patina.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by jfmiii

Matte 16800s are still undervalued, imo. Much rarer than a run of the mill 1680 and only made for a few years. A true transitional, maybe more so than any watch produced by Rolex. Rolex replaced the matte dial with a WG dial if the dial was ever changed during service. Take your time, they develop really nice, unique patina.

Couldn’t agree more




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[In-Cog-Neeto]

Originally Posted by jfmiii

Matte 16800s are still undervalued, imo. Much rarer than a run of the mill 1680 and only made for a few years. A true transitional, maybe more so than any watch produced by Rolex. Rolex replaced the matte dial with a WG dial if the dial was ever changed during service. Take your time, they develop really nice, unique patina.

So from what I’ve gathered, a pre 1983 model has the matte dial with painted markers. So could I assume that anything pre 83 with a matte dial is original?

I did read on here that from a previous post that you can tell if it’s a service dial from the text under the 6 marker but from what I’ve seen they all say Swiss - T < 25 so I’m not sure on that one

Sure is a looker

[In-Cog-Neeto]

Also the flat 4 bezel insert, was this specific to a year?

[CPRWATCH]

Totally agree the 16800 matte dial is undervalued currently , but it's got so much going for it . Potential for beautiful patina to develop , sapphire crystal & easily a great daily wearer.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by In-Cog-Neeto

So from what I’ve gathered, a pre 1983 model has the matte dial with painted markers. So could I assume that anything pre 83 with a matte dial is original?

I believe they switched away from matte dials at/around 8.4 million serial numbers.

[tekno]

Originally Posted by CPRWATCH

Totally agree the 16800 matte dial is undervalued currently , but it's got so much going for it . Potential for beautiful patina to develop , sapphire crystal & easily a great daily wearer.

Undervalued is good for us, I need to scoop one up.


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[CPRWATCH]

Originally Posted by tekno

Undervalued is good for us, I need to scoop one up.


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Hi Tekno , scoop away before the prices get silly . And I'm not saying buy one for the sake of monetary investment , buy one because it's got such rich heritage behind it . The last of the Subs dates with a matte dial , was just one of the reasons for me to buy one. And it can still be worn confidently as a daily wearer after 38 years ( mine is a 82 7.2 serial) , stands as a testimony to its quality .

[In-Cog-Neeto]

You lot are a terrible bunch of enablers

So bloody nice

[Nathan356]

Newer service dials will say “swiss” at the bottom without the T25. They will also be luminova, although there are matte luminova service dials out there. Older service dials could also be tritium with applied markers, so if you have an ‘82 or older with applied markers it is most likely a service dial even if it is tritium.


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[Cooper33]

Originally Posted by sillo38

I believe they switched away from matte dials at/around 8.4 million serial numbers.

Just to be clear, I also thought the same but there is no proof at all and the way Rolex keeps everything secret doesn't help. I have a 8.7 mil serial with a matte dial. It is definitely one of the latest I've seen (have papers for 8.6 mil serial but nothing going above 8.7). But then again, who can be sure?! Cheers

[Glosstritium]

Originally Posted by sillo38

I believe they switched away from matte dials at/around 8.4 million serial numbers.

I have an original transitional gloss dial bought brand new in 1984 at Rolex, serial number is 8.38k

[sillo]

Originally Posted by gustobruni

Just to be clear, I also thought the same but there is no proof at all and the way Rolex keeps everything secret doesn't help. I have a 8.7 mil serial with a matte dial. It is definitely one of the latest I've seen (have papers for 8.6 mil serial but nothing going above 8.7). But then again, who can be sure?! Cheers

The 8.7 mil matte, are you the original owner or know the whole story. The dials can easily be switched.

[Cooper33]

Originally Posted by sillo38

The 8.7 mil matte, are you the original owner or know the whole story. The dials can easily be switched.

Thanks - no, I am not the original owner. I bought it a few years ago. The condition of the watch (bracelet code etc) and the reputation of the seller assured me. I was also skeptical at first because have always read that "oh, above 8.3 mil is glossy all the way", but after seeing several examples of 8.4, 8.5 and 8.6 with original matte dials I made peace with the fact that no one knows anything when it comes to Rolex and the secret way they do things!