Full Set, 1 Owner, 3M Red 1680...Pull the Trigger?

[watchknut]

A friend called me last night in a frenzy...long story short, he ended up getting a one owner, full set, unpolished, 100% original, 3m serial MK VI dial, 1680.

I talked him into buying it at a ridiculously low price, and let him know that I would be a buyer if he ever chose to sell. Today he called and said that he may want to sell...he is not a vintage Rolex guy, likes new watches with a lot of polish!

My question is, what is a fair price for the watch in today's market, collector to collector?

I already have a 2M serial Red Sub which I love to death, but would have to sell if I got this one.

I have seen pics of the watch, and it is flawless, all original with nice bevels, slightly faded insert with dot, matching creamy patina on dial and hands, 9315 bracelet, and comes with outer box, booklets, punch papers, original receipt, and hang tags...not sure about the anchor. It is as close to perfection as I can imagine for a 1680 Red Sub.

Hopefully I get the chance to photograph it soon, and will post pics.

It will be my largest expenditure to date on a watch, and I want to make sure that I am making the right offer.

[05carbondrz]

I would offer him a couple grand profit.If You coached him to buy it in the first place and he is your Friend he will accept.

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by 05carbondrz

I would offer him a couple grand profit.If You coached him to buy it in the first place and he is your Friend he will accept.

Good call.

To answer the question, (depending on condition) 15-20k

[Wing Zero]

got any pictures of this one owner, full set, unpolished, 100% original, 3m serial MK VI dial, 1680?

[Zoran]

Originally Posted by Wing Zero

got any pictures of this one owner, full set, unpolished, 100% original, 3m serial MK VI dial, 1680?

I am also very curious! and excited at the same time

[etp095]

I'm looking forward to the pics, what an opportunity!

[watchknut]

Here are a couple of crummy pics, I have not had a chance to see the watch in person.

[skprd13]

Unpolished? The crown guards look like one is uneven maybe the angle of the shot.

[Michael M.]

Originally Posted by skprd13

Unpolished? The crown guards look like one is uneven maybe the angle of the shot.

Many crown guards left the factory asymmetrical.

Hard to determine if the case is truly unpolished from just two pictures. However, the watch does indeed look to be a very nice (and perhaps unpolished) example. If the price is fair I say go for it. If not, I will be more than happy to add it to my own collection.

[Nobody.Move]

@ watchknut
You currently have a 2 mil. sn Red 1680; why would you sell yours to gain this one? Is it in better condition? Do you foresee being in the black afterward? The seduction of the box + papers? Something else?
I ask because you said you "love to death" your current red sub.

[dom_]

That much difference of the crown guards means this has been polished. Someone has just re-done the bevels at some point.

[JustinK]

It looks like a nice watch polished or not. Good luck!

[cjohns]

Can you share any more details where he got it ? Dealer , private party ? Like an old car lots of the coolness is in the history.Like to see it after a tooth brush and a little Dawn dish soap.

[watchknut]

@Nobody.Move you bring up valid points. The lure of boxes and papers and a fatter case are the lure, but to be honest, I am not a huge fan of the mk vi dial. I need to see the watch in person to do a complete once over and decide if it is worth the "upgrade".

As far as a story, the only thing that I know is the original owner was from a small town in NC, and he had a friend sell the watch for him--that friend sold it my buddy. No great story of a Navy UDT officer buying the watch in HK at the Navy PX or anything like that.

As far as the case, in order to make an accurate assessment, I will need to look at the watch in person, and take better photos.

Thanks for the input.

[watchknut]

Here are a few shots of my current Red Sub, while not perfect, I still love it.

[fitzs]

I see rust in the chapter ring. This one got flooded at some point. It might need a movement overhaul.

EDIT: perhaps just staining of the crystal? Either way, something to look into.

[Wing Zero]

In my opinion it's been polished...the lower crown guard is almost to a point.
I like your red better than your friends.

[watchknut]

Glad I posted pics and got fresh sets of eyes, as I don't know that I would noticed that crown guard. Luckily I will be able to get a thorough hands on with the watch before making a decision.

In regards to mine, it has never been flooded, that is some staining on the crystal.

It will be interesting to see how it plays out.

[Zoran]

I would keep your red as well over the full set.
Lovely MK4 dial and nice case.

Papers? who needs papers?

[Robbyvm]

The rust stains are not on yours but on the other one. Left side 7 to 11

Go and see it in the flesh, make some more pics, look inside ask opinions on the forum and then decide...

[Storky]

Can't wear the papers but I understand the attraction .... Such a rarity nowadays to see a genuine full set. I'd love to own that and wouldn't wait 2 minutes before I took the bracelet off and gave it a bloody good clean!
I don't think they came out of the factory with chamfers as heavy as that.... Just sayin'

[watchknut]

Now I am thinking the logical thing to do will be to sell my '79 1680 with box, papers, and booklets, that is in excellent condition, and get the Red Sub...it is ok to have two.

[azguy]

Honestly, that red sub isn't that great. unless it was cheap, I'd pass

[qadhi]

Case looks polished and even after cleaning the dial won't look perfect..I would pass.

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