Need guidance with Rolex 1680

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

Decent 1680s with nice lugs and crown guards?

As you probably realize, price and condition are on a spectrum, and "decent" and "nice" are very qualitative and subjective. But looking around is a good idea, I am getting the feeling that prices are not going much lower. Just my opinion, but I'm seeing some stronger prices in the last couple of months.

[XavierM]

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.

This one is a Red sub fitted with a white Mk2 dial and a late 70s insert.
But 11k is what I would expect to pay for an almost all period correct (Dial/hands, insert, crown), white dial 1680, with a perfect dial, light patina, and an average case.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by XavierM

This one is a Red sub fitted with a white Mk2 dial and a late 70s insert.

You're right, I hadn't looked closely at it.

[blackscout]

Corrected my own mistake

Originally Posted by XavierM

This one is a Red sub fitted with a white Mk2 dial and a late 70s insert.
But 11k is what I would expect to pay for an almost all period correct (Dial/hands, insert, crown), white dial 1680, with a perfect dial, light patina, and an average case.

[blackscout]

Well I thought I would post an update for anyone interested. Earlier in the thread Springer posted and said he might be able to provide some parts I needed. I left him a PM and that’s where it all started. He had a clasp and a NOS crystal and a PIP for my watch. After a conversation on the phone he offered to actually help me get this watch back to an original state that would be wearable and functional. Just one problem, I’m in Canada and he’s in Texas. Springer is a great guy and he went above an beyond to help me out.

I managed to meet up with Laserflorida in Vancouver and he graciously accompanied the watch back to Florida where it was overnight couriered to it final destination, Springers workshop. After a ridiculously short amount of time the sub was refitted and on its way back to me. We had a bit of drama on the return fedex trip and Springer was a champ and handled the details. After a slightly stressful few days and once the long weekend had run it’s course I got the 1680 sub back in full working condition with its original bracelet reattached with a new (used) correct clasp. It has end links from a GMT because those were the original end links that I had and we were unable to locate an original set of 580 end links in the timeframe required.

In the end I am super happy to report that with a great deal of help from Springer, I have my all original 1680 from 1979 back in working wearable and original condition. Without further ado here are the pictures.

[blackscout]

Pictures

[TimeLord2]

That looks great! Glad Springer was able to help you out. He is a great guy!

[Andad]

[southtexas]

Very nice!

[M@2]

Thanks for the update, that's awesome! Enjoy it!

[studioal]

Excellent, this community is top notch. Way to go Springer. Watch looks great and I hope you enjoy it for many years to come.

[Tools]

Good looking watch.

[Jonny8]

Kudos to Springer, love hearing stories like this. Also very nice watch - I’m moving towards the older stuff myself.

[Dom9]

Handsome piece! 1680s really appealing to me at the moment!