Rolex Submariner 1978 1680

[Burrost1]

Dear All, I'm looking at getting more involved in the vintage side or Rolex, for the main reason that everyone has the new models and I'm looking for something a little more unique. I've a few Rolex watches but the one I'm looking to off load if as 2008 Seadweller, this is a little big on my wrist and a tad uncomfortable. I have been offered a Rolex Submariner 1680 with all original fittings etc.. as a trade for my seadweller. The link to the watch is attached

http://www.vintage-swiss-watches.com...riner-1680/326

http://www.vintage-swiss-watches.com...l/img_4920.jpg

I wanted to see what people thought of the price of the watch and what would be a better investment for the future, keeping a new more mass produced one or having a good vintage one?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts!!

Stuart

[joseluu]

As for the watch itself, it is a nice looking specimen with what appear to be service insert and hands.

As for the price, it is a bit on the high side. If traded for your SD with another private collector, you should have some money in your favour. Something like 1000 euro or so. If traded with a shop, I have no idea.

Of course, that is only my opinion.

[southtexas]

Out of curiosity--why is the date wheel yellow (and closed 6)?


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[Snapper7]

Ooh my first post here...

I'm looking to get a 1680 and am in the enjoyable process of researching the good, the bad and the ugly - watches and dealers!

Anyway, re the yellow date wheel, to my knowledge these are silver and so it's probably just the light of the photo and that the wheel may be a little fading.
The 6 of the 26 is closed unlike all other 6's and 9's. It's correct, no idea why though.

Cheers
SS

[swish77]

Originally Posted by southtexas

Out of curiosity--why is the date wheel yellow (and closed 6)?


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It's not yellow, it just looks aged with patina. The "6" on the "26" is usually closed. The "6" and "9" alone would most likely be open.

As to the OP's original question, I wouldn't do the trade. Those 16600 Sea-Dwellers are not made any more, of course, and I think you're underestimating its value. Also, I think you could find a better 1680. The mismatched hands alone would be a deal-breaker for me. Good luck either way.

[dysondiver]

not seing it as a good deal , its not the nicest sub out there

[Frosty]

I would go vintage. I like my vintage to have the same patina on the dial, hands, and pearl.

[Vincent65]

IMHO - the case is over-polished, has lost all sharpness and looks a little like a half-sucked Werther's Original.

The hands have been replaced, which is a shame, and that appears to be an after-market insert - or at least not correct.

Based on all of that - run from this one, and maybe keep your SD or keep looking for a 1680!

[springer]

Originally Posted by swish77

It's not yellow, it just looks aged with patina. The "6" on the "26" is usually closed. The "6" and "9" alone would most likely be open.

As to the OP's original question, I wouldn't do the trade. Those 16600 Sea-Dwellers are not made any more, of course, and I think you're underestimating its value. Also, I think you could find a better 1680. The mismatched hands alone would be a deal-breaker for me. Good luck either way.

The date wheel should be brushed silver. Silver shouldn't age yellow unless it is from rust.

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by swish77

It's not yellow, it just looks aged with patina. The "6" on the "26" is usually closed. The "6" and "9" alone would most likely be open.

I never noticed the 26 was closed (but 29 open). Details, details.

The wheel itself still looks too yellow though, even in "bad" photo lighting? My 1970 date wheel, for example, is
still plainly silver, even though the markers and hands are very patina'd.

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[buenosdias]

IMHO not a good deal!
Keep your 16600 and search for a better 1680.

Vincent allready said what has to be said: Overpolished case, wrong insert (could be aftermarket or probably a 16800/16610 insert).
Hands look like luminova and the dial seems to be a tritium replacement/service dial. The Clasp also has been replaced (that's not a bad thing, but it's not matching for a 1680 from 1978).

If I were you, I would not do the deal!

[stevedssd]

Originally Posted by buenosdias

IMHO not a good deal!
Keep your 16600 and search for a better 1680.

Vincent allready said what has to be said: Overpolished case, wrong insert (could be aftermarket or probably a 16800/16610 insert).
Hands look like luminova and the dial seems to be a tritium replacement/service dial. The Clasp also has been replaced (that's not a bad thing, but it's not matching for a 1680 from 1978).

If I were you, I would not do the deal!

Agree, one best passed over

[Burrost1]

Many thanks for all your comments! From what's been said it seems like quite a few things are incorrect, wrong hands, service dial and incorrect bezel insert!
I think it's time to get researching a bit more! Any suggestions where to read up on these things as I don't want to buy a turkey!
Any one any suggestions for good sellers? I've dealt with sweepinghand before and they've had some nice ones!
As always your opinions are valuable!

[The_Walrus]

View the sticky thread detailing all the good vintage sellers right on TRF.
Eric of nbTimes and Jacek would be a good start IMO.
If you can, try and find a box and paper example- would cost a little extra but piece of mind you are buying a authentic vintage. Subs are the most copied watch in the world and I would think twice of buying one online without certification.

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by The_Walrus

View the sticky thread detailing all the good vintage sellers right on TRF.
Eric of nbTimes and Jacek would be a good start IMO.
If you can, try and find a box and paper example- would cost a little extra but piece of mind you are buying a authentic vintage. Subs are the most copied watch in the world and I would think twice of buying one online without certification.

Great reference resource, with a list of the best.

I think you may be confusing Eric Ku (10pastten) with Ben (nbtimes).

While B&P is a nice bonus to have, and indeed offers some peace of mind, they do, as you say, come at a hefty premium. It's fine to buy 'online
without certification' if you've done some research and buy from a trusted seller. They stand behind their stock, after all.

[Burrost1]

Thanks looking at a great white seadweller at the minute!
Will check those sites shortly!

[Burrost1]

Vincent, the problem I have is this guy has a website etc... I've bought a Daytona off him as well! It's a grey area for me these vintage ones as spotting correct hands and replacement dials etc is a bit baffling! Have you guys heard of sweepinghand at all? He's a big collector!

[stevedssd]

Originally Posted by Burrost1

Vincent, the problem I have is this guy has a website etc... I've bought a Daytona off him as well! It's a grey area for me these vintage ones as spotting correct hands and replacement dials etc is a bit baffling! Have you guys heard of sweepinghand at all? He's a big collector!

A lot of the fun and challenge in buying vintage is the hunt, including doing extensive research so you know the model you want and different variations of it. A common phrase used here is "Buy the seller" and the sticky which lists those who have a good track record, is a good start.

I don't personally know of Sweeping Hands in the UK but others may. You might want to post pics of the Great White, so that those who have extensive knowledge here can give it an honest appraisal. Personally I'd spend some time deciding on which reference you want, researching it fully and then armed with that knowledge get buying..........good luck

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by Burrost1

Vincent, the problem I have is this guy has a website etc... I've bought a Daytona off him as well! It's a grey area for me these vintage ones as spotting correct hands and replacement dials etc is a bit baffling! Have you guys heard of sweepinghand at all? He's a big collector!

There are many websites and great sellers, so this one should not pose a 'problem' to you; it's just one of many! There are some real vintage Rolex specialists, and there are those that sell a variety of vintage watches, including some Rolex. For me, there's a distinction, with no disrespect to the latter. Yes, I know of sweeping hand, and have seen the website a few times in the past. My advice is the same as before. As for the 1665, if it's the one I think you're looking at; the dial and hands look great. Case has had a fair bit of time at the wheel, and I doubt the insert is original to the watch, but that's not a big deal in itself. Quite pricey too, IMHO.

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by stevedssd

A lot of the fun and challenge in buying vintage is the hunt, including doing extensive research so you know the model you want and different variations of it. A common phrase used here is "Buy the seller" and the sticky which lists those who have a good track record, is a good start.

I don't personally know of Sweeping Hands in the UK but others may. You might want to post pics of the Great White, so that those who have extensive knowledge here can give it an honest appraisal. Personally I'd spend some time deciding on which reference you want, researching it fully and then armed with that knowledge get buying..........good luck

well said, Steve!

[Burrost1]

Hi the seadweller I was looking at was on the sweeping hands website.

http://sweepinghand.co.uk/rolex-1665...ale-from-1978/

Would appreciate your thoughts!!!
Also what price should these sell at?