Thoughts on a 1680 sub?

[rosss]

Hi there guys,
I've seen a 1680 sub for sale for GBP 9k (with box, but no papers) and wondered if anyone could lend a hand to identifying whether it's worth it, as I'm still super new to the world of vintage rolexes!
Does the dial, glass and hands look original, or service replacements?
Also, how does the case look in terms of polishing?
Anything else worth considering or being aware of?
Thanks

[btinl]

The bezel insert is a service replacement. The crown guards, especially the lower one, look obliterated.

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by btinl

The bezel insert is a service replacement. The crown guards, especially the lower one, look obliterated.

Agree on bezel, but the crown-guards are ok, it’s just the angle in the first shot. Check the serial number to confirm dial is correct.

[rosss]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

Agree on bezel, but the crown-guards are ok, it’s just the angle in the first shot. Check the serial number to confirm dial is correct.

Thanks! So, in my limited knowledge I'm guessing the serial number is between the lugs....what would I cross reference it against?
Apparently it's a maxi dial from 1978

[Paulie 50]

Originally Posted by rosss

Thanks! So, in my limited knowledge I'm guessing the serial number is between the lugs....what would I cross reference it against?
Apparently it's a maxi dial from 1978

It's a mk 1 dial.

[Swearengen]

The case has been polished and not particularly well. I see one of the bracelet screws is badly chewed up and one slightly countersunk, so possible an aftermarket link and less than careful previous owner.

[athom]

bad case condition...

[Tyler681]

Originally Posted by rosss

Thanks! So, in my limited knowledge I'm guessing the serial number is between the lugs....what would I cross reference it against?
Apparently it's a maxi dial from 1978

[URL="https://est1897.co.uk/serial-numbers-check-year-of-manufacture-online"]

[OliverD]

I think the crown guards are fine - white 1680's had thin cg's - but I think the crown side lugs both look thin.

Nice dial and hands.

Price is probably a bit high but not massively.

[swish77]

Case condition would be an immediate deal-breaker for me. Way over-polished. Forget the crown guards for a second (and they're also shot), look how bowed in the lug holes are. Too many good examples out there to consider this one, no matter the price, IMHO.

See my (former) 1680 for comparison. This watch had been polished in the past, but retained thick lugs and crown guards.

[rosss]

Originally Posted by swish77

Case condition would be an immediate deal-breaker for me. Way over-polished. Forget the crown guards for a second (and they're also shot), look how bowed in the lug holes are. Too many good examples out there to consider this one, no matter the price, IMHO.

See my (former) 1680 for comparison. This watch had been polished in the past, but retained thick lugs and crown guards.

Thanks! Where are ones like this for sale?!

[stevedssd]

Originally Posted by swish77

Case condition would be an immediate deal-breaker for me. Way over-polished. Forget the crown guards for a second (and they're also shot), look how bowed in the lug holes are. Too many good examples out there to consider this one, no matter the price, IMHO.

See my (former) 1680 for comparison. This watch had been polished in the past, but retained thick lugs and crown guards.

A very good summary IMO. The Mk 1 dial and hands are the best part of this watch. £9k is a low asking price for the UK, which is reflected by the case condition for this example. I'd expect to be looking at £10k plus for an original dial and hands example with a good condition case. Be patient there are good examples out there

[Fredrik]

Originally Posted by OliverD

I think the crown guards are fine - white 1680's had thin cg's - but I think the crown side lugs both look thin.

Not my -78 1680, this is how they look when unpolished:

[swish77]

Originally Posted by rosss

Thanks! Where are ones like this for sale?!

They're out there! If you're on IG, just follow #1680. You'll see tons of them, either posted by hobbyists or sellers. The ones for sale are often linked to websites. Good luck!

[OliverD]

Originally Posted by Fredrik

Not my -78 1680, this is how they look when unpolished:

That case is awesome.

But the crown guards are still much thinner than on, for example, a 1675 which is what I meant.