Need guidance with Rolex 1680

[blackscout]

Thank you. With that instruction I was able to it up pictures. Much appreciated

Originally Posted by Tools

If you hit "reply" you will have a paperclip icon in the little menu area. You can upload a picture directly from your computer as long as it meets the size requirements of the file type.

[1675-David]

Nice looking watch, send it to a good watchmaker to have it serviced and Bobs your uncle. The bracelet looks kind of mangled with a fair bit of stretch and what appears to be 2 holes in the clasp? But luckily these look great on NATO bands and leather straps

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by blackscout

Band

Interesting 2 holes drilled into one of the clasp blades over the 93150 engraving. I'd be tempted to replace both the blades with new blades which includes the broken 20/60/80 pivot point.

[blackscout]

Originally Posted by TuRo

Interesting 2 holes drilled into one of the clasp blades over the 93150 engraving. I'd be tempted to replace both the blades with new blades which includes the broken 20/60/80 pivot point.

So the original plan was to get a replacement clasp from rolex. It was not cheap but no one expected it to be. The hang up occurred when the AD wanted to send the complete watch in. At that point I declined. I started to look online but I found out fakes and counterfeit watches and parts have proliferated to a degree well past my ability to determine authenticity. That lead me here.

[2000-NJDEVILS]

To the OP -

Your uncles watch can be salvaged and made to look and work like new - that is, if you want to polish the case, replace the aluminum bezel and get a newer or better condition bracelet (or outright replacement). All in,this will not be cheap! Not sure where you reside but you should be prepared to pay $5K and up to get the results that the watch deserves.
If you’re looking to “keep the integrity of the watch” - you will still have to pay $3,000+ to get it right. At the end of the day, you might be better off buying a pre-owned 2 line Sub for $6-9K and not going through the hassle of getting the watch salvaged…..
Good Luck!
Good Luck

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by blackscout

So the original plan was to get a replacement clasp from rolex. It was not cheap but no one expected it to be. The hang up occurred when the AD wanted to send the complete watch in. At that point I declined. I started to look online but I found out fakes and counterfeit watches and parts have proliferated to a degree well past my ability to determine authenticity. That lead me here.

Plenty on eBay 'rolex 93150 clasp' search on. Most are £400-750 and nearly all are legitimate items I note (post any you fancy up for comments here). Any independent watchmaker can fit in 4 mins flat!

Otherwise just get a fresh new one from a Rolex dealer about £500, I'm surprised they need the whole watch. My utterly incompetent and vacuous AD can connect to rest of bracelet on site, or if you fancy a complete service 93150 is about £1600 I think incl 580 end links.

I think given a few bits to be done, an independent specialist can do everything pretty easily, where are you based vis 'close to the border' ? I'm sure someone available within a car drive, if worried about sending but transit of $10k watches insured is everyday safe thing tbh....

[alwayshere]

Originally Posted by blackscout

Well like I said before I did not come to authenticate the watch I know where and when it was purchased. There is 0 doubt about its authenticity. Not looking to sell just looking to get it back in shape. I have received the answers i was looking for. I will send it to a goo independent watch maker at some point. I will post better pictures for those interested. As for the it doesn’t look good comment. Lol. I would bet the watch or it’s equivalent value that it’s authentic it was never out of my uncles possession. Not even one time.

My comment was directed at one of the other members who was suggesting otherwise.

[av1atic]

Originally Posted by alwayshere

My comment was directed at one of the other members who was suggesting otherwise.

The better pictures did help, because even though the pantograph engravings were sloppy, the poor image quality made these ones specifically appear much worse than they probably are. That’s why I didn’t make any claims until better pics were provided. Anyway to the OP, best of luck with your watch.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by blackscout

So the original plan was to get a replacement clasp from rolex. It was not cheap but no one expected it to be. The hang up occurred when the AD wanted to send the complete watch in. At that point I declined. I started to look online but I found out fakes and counterfeit watches and parts have proliferated to a degree well past my ability to determine authenticity. That lead me here.

The clasp is broken and the end links are fakes.

You may be just better off buying a new proper bracelet from Rolex or take your chances with a used, complete, bracelet off the Internet.

[springer]

Originally Posted by blackscout

Band

If you are interested in a complete 93150 clasp, I can help you out. Send me a private message and a phone number and I'll give you a call.

jP

[blackscout]

Just wondering which end links are fake? Are you referring to the ones on the broken bracelet? Or the ones attached to the watch? The watch currently has an aftermarket bracelet. The original is separate. Here are pics of the parts I have.

Originally Posted by Tools

The clasp is broken and the end links are fakes.

You may be just better off buying a new proper bracelet from Rolex or take your chances with a used, complete, bracelet off the Internet.

[blackscout]

Closer

[77T]

Larry was talking about the end links on the watch photo. We all could see it better and he was the one who said it.

If you call John (Springer) all can be sorted out for the parts you need.

Or sent the whole shebang to the Ridleys or Rolliworks.

Thanks for sharing the photos.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[TimeLord2]

Yes, as ZZT said. I would actually send the watch head to the Ridley's (www.ridleywatchmakers.com
and the bracelet to Rolliworks.
www.rolliworks.com as they can fix your original bracelet. Or as also suggested get a new one from Rolex or a good used one from EBAY. They do pop up occasionally in good condition.

[blackscout]

Thank you very, very much for the guidance this was exactly what I was hoping for. I know enough to know that I don’t know anything about these watches therefore the internet and this site was my go to resource. I am not opposed to sending the watch to a watchmaker with a great rep. I appreciate the input.

[blackscout]

I am updating my insurance. Does anyone have a value that I should put on this watch. I looked online and it seems there is quite a large spread and various states of condition. I honestly have no idea what value to place on this watch. I will take it for a proper estimate when I am in the city next.

[Dan S]

Current replacement value for a complete white 1680 in good condition would be about $12k USD. Obviously, in its current state, yours is not worth as much, but usually insurance is for retail replacement value.

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Current replacement value for a complete white 1680 in good condition would be about $12k USD. Obviously, in its current state, yours is not worth as much, but usually insurance is for retail replacement value.

£10-12k retail perhaps when perfect. Current trade value £5k.

[blackscout]

Thank you. Yes replacement value is what I need. TuRo your estimate is $6200 USD?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by blackscout

Thank you. Yes replacement value is what I need. TuRo your estimate is $6200 USD?

That is Paul's estimate of the market value of your current watch, not the replacement value of a complete 1680 in good condition.

[Tools]

When insurance companies state "replacement value", they usually mean replacing a Sub Date with a new Sub Date. Replacement value = MSRP today.
Stated value insurance is offered by some companies, but you both need to be on the same page.


If you want something different you need to ensure the insurance policy is written up properly and they commit to that. Market value typically needs a valid appraisal for that value.

[blackscout]

Is the current market value about $8700 for a new sub? TuRo if you could kindly point me in the direction of authentic subs for $5000 I’m definitely a buyer. Just to be clear money is not an issue I just prefer not to get ripped off. It appears at this point I have found what I was looking for and we will get this old girl whipped back into shape. After a call with springer I am now moving in the right direction.

[Dan S]

Re-read the thread. Nobody said you could buy a decent Sub for $5k USD.

[blackscout]

I’m asking seriously. Where can you get a 1680,5513, or similar for $5000? I was specifically asking TuRo as he seems to have a line on them. I can’t find one for under 10k. I have looked and I am a buyer. I would like to give one to my son.

Maybe I don't understand english but in my world I buy and sell guns. Trade value is always higher than actual value. TuRo says clearly £5k trade value. I’m saying point me in the direction of vintage submariners for $5000 ok let’s even go straight exchange at $6200. Show me cause I’m a buyer. I’ll buy it right now.

I assure you Dan I have read every post.

Originally Posted by Dan S

Re-read the thread. Nobody said you could buy a decent Sub for $5k USD.

[alwayshere]

Paul's just making an opinion on value with your watch in its current state. Some may argue its worth more, some may argue its less.

I wouldn't use that reference as the bible. As others have said, a good condition 1680 is worth more than one that needs work. You can use eBay sold prices as a good guide.

[blackscout]

I would just like to know where I could get another vintage Rolex for under 10k. Seriously asking

[alwayshere]

Originally Posted by blackscout

I would just like to know where I could get another vintage Rolex for under 10k. Seriously asking

A simple eBay search for sold 1680 yield heaps of results under $10K... its not a rare watch by any means.

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by blackscout

Thank you. Yes replacement value is what I need. TuRo your estimate is $6200 USD?

Welcome, and yes, I bought a similar little bit well worn or scruffy (needed new period bracelet, endlinks, non-service hard edged plexi, small non service crown, tube, period insert, full major service) 1680 for £5,600 last month, and a scruffy 1675 for 6,400.

Both will probably need therefore £2.5 to 4k spent on them each.

I gave my opinion as what you should insure it for being say £12,000, (eg what you might have to pay to a plate glass retailer if you need to replace a 1979 Mk1 with some paperwork) when you have done the work, after a insurance claim is accepted, post incident.

Also all insurers (I ran an insurance co.) won't want to see it in the flesh so to speak, to confirm an appraisal or your estimate, before you insure it btw.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by blackscout

I would just like to know where I could get another vintage Rolex for under 10k. Seriously asking

$10k is more or less the starting point at the moment for a 4-digit Sub that is complete and doesn't need restoration. Angela has a decent 1680 listed for $10.5k. Examples that need work and/or have condition issues will sell for less. 5-digit Subs are $8k-$9k, depending on condition, you might or might not consider them to be vintage. As for where to find a bargain, you need to hunt like everyone else.

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by Dan S

$10k is more or less the starting point at the moment for a 4-digit Sub that is complete and doesn't need restoration. Angela has a decent 1680 listed for $10.5k. Examples that need work and/or have condition issues will sell for less. 5-digit Subs are $8k-$9k, depending on condition, you might or might not consider them to be vintage. As for where to find a bargain, you need to hunt like everyone else.

I need to start looking around then.

Decent 1680s with nice lugs and crown guards?