Some queries - 1680 Red Sub

[bhall41]

I am new to the world of vintage Rolex. I am potentially interested to picking up a 1680 Red Sub (3.2 mil serial number) from a reputable dealer whom I know and trust.

Would it concern you or affect your purchasing decision if:

(a) the watch was running +8 seconds per day - should I get the watch checked out by a repairer before deciding whether to proceed, to see whether it is in good working order?

(b) the bracelet had, at some point, been replaced by a RSC with a 93510 bracelet with 593 end links ?

I have asked for the serial number. Is there anything else I should be especially wary about or make enquiries about? The watch comes with services papers from Rolex.

Many thanks in advance for your assistance.

[TimeToGo]

Welcome to the forum!

See if they will allow you to take pictures of the watch and post them on the forum. A lot of times during a service, the dial & hands (particularly) are exchanged. You want to make sure that if you are paying a premium for the watch that it is as authentic "to the period" as possible. The bracelet is not a big deal.

Check the last service date and that will also give you an idea if one may be needed.

[bhall41]

Thanks for the helpful advice. I have attached a photo of the dial:

[cruvon]

Welcome. +1, as TimeToGo says, post pics here for the experts to see (dial, caseback, between lugs, if possible movement) if you want to be sure everything is original before you buy. Alternatively, if you trust the dealer, a return policy would be good for when you post pics here and find something amiss.

[Puffy]

welcome

personally wouldn't care too much if it's off a few secs as long as the dial, hands, case and insert are mint

movement can be fixed for OK money, dial, hands, the rest can't

if you can, always spend a bit more on the watch so you end up getting something you like

PS need a much higher res shot of that dial, like the below, so we can see what it's like. dial is by far the most important, alongside with the hands. if they don't match it can be an eye sore

[caryyee]

Ah, I know the watch you are looking at, I won't post a link to it, but here is the description from the website ...

"A very very nice example of the rare 'Red' Submariner. This watch was acquired from the son of the original owner. Purchased in around 1972 the watch has a 3.2 mil serial number. There is a long service history with Rolex Philippines, the last of which was a simple clean for which we include the Rolex receipt with matching model ref. and serial number. The last prior major service was in 2006 at which several components were changed and returned (all of these parts are also included with the watch). The dial is exceptionally good with a very even patina. Movement is clean and running well. The bracelet was added by Rolex at a service prior to 2006. A great example of a rare watch with excellent verifiable history."

[caryyee]

(deleted, duplicate post)

[Puffy]

Originally Posted by caryyee

Ah, I know the watch you are looking at, I won't post a link to it, but here is the description from the website ...

i've looked as well

at first glance it actually looks rather pleasing

however, the lack of beveled edges is a deal breaker for me, it's had a polish sans bevels it would need another trip to the lapping machine meaning another scraping of the case

date wheel has been changed from original silver to that nasty white (wonder if the orignial silver date wheel can be used?)

i also can't tell if the hands have been replaced, they appear to be a shade lighter than the lume plots

personally not a fan of anything that has come from Asia (unless Singapore), seen many vintage pieces that are amalgamations of all sorts of parts. having said that this piece comes with RSC papers so a bit of peach of mind on that front (but i'd still not buy it)

for the asking price there are other better and all original red subs out there to be found

[caryyee]

Puffy, I have yet to delve into vintage, but am about to dip my toes in. All I know is that, for someone like me, I'd need to engage experts to help me, I myself have no idea what to look for. All I know is that it's a minefield for the beginner!

[bhall41]

Many thanks Puffy for that assessment. Think I'll probably it a pass.

Cary: thanks for deleting the link you posted earlier - yes I saw it!

[Puffy]

Originally Posted by bhall41

Many thanks Puffy for that assessment. Think I'll probably it a pass.

Cary: thanks for deleting the link you posted earlier - yes I saw it!

no worries, post any potential candidates so it can be given a sense check

you should look outside Oz for vintage. not an expert on the market but it appears small, average to poor quality and high prices

[Mark020]

A larger pica

[pdoukas]

Pass.....lugs polished to lug holes...bad juju

[Jason71]

What is wrong with the bezel insert between the "10 and 20" mark?? It appears to be blackened a little. I personally don't think the lugs look too bad. It is totally dependent on Price.

[Robbyvm]

the colour difference between the hands and the markers would be enough for me to pass... (been there) add the white datewheel, the luminova pearl and the polished case and...
if the price is extremely low maybe but still, even a bargain could cause regret

[Mark020]

Asking: AUD 9.500 (which is EUR 7.900/USD 9.250)

[azguy]

To much for that watch considering case polish and replecement date wheel and hands....IMHO

[Robbyvm]

overpriced...

[jedly1]

Originally Posted by Puffy

no worries, post any potential candidates so it can be given a sense check

you should look outside Oz for vintage. not an expert on the market but it appears small, average to poor quality and high prices

average to poor quality, are you having a laff pufster......:):):)

http://www.thetimetraveler.co/watches/sold/

[Kingair]

Even if I would feel comfortable at this price . . . I know that the color difference would irritate me every second . . .again . . . and again . . . .
So for me it would be a pass . .

HAGOne