1978 1680 serviced

[stillsane]

I am new to RF and just had to post. My dads watch that I inherited just got back from being serviced. I opted not to get it polished and to get a service insert (of course i got the original back). I cant believe how nice the dial looks after getting a new crystal.

Just wanting to confirm what I learned on here. I was told it appears to be an original mark 3 dial and original hands. The third and forth pic is the before service. I was wondering if anyone could tell me if the insert in the third and forth pic is original.

Thanks in advance for any and all comments

After

After

Before

Before

[Rickster]

Definitely a beauty. Congrats

[traf]

I would have kept the original insert, but it looks great. Nice matching patina on hands and dial. Treasure this heirloom forever🍻


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[PoderEsBueno]

Looks great - enjoy it

[Vincent65]

Stunner - congrats! Put the old insert back on it - glad you kept it.

[Wilddyan]

Really nice, great watch- but get that original insert back on there asap!

[stillsane]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

Stunner - congrats! Put the old insert back on it - glad you kept it.

Thanks for your advise.
Does that mean the older insert is original to the watch> I am having trouble telling the difference. Also my AD said not to switch the inserts out myself that it should be done by him with a special tool so it stays in place. Is that correct?

[mike]

Fantastic.

[jdmi32]

Originally Posted by stillsane

Thanks for your advise.
Does that mean the older insert is original to the watch> I am having trouble telling the difference. Also my AD said not to switch the inserts out myself that it should be done by him with a special tool so it stays in place. Is that correct?

Very nice watch! The older insert is the "correct" insert for the era that your watch was made. Besides that, it just looks loads better and more in keeping with the rest of your watch with its slight fade, light scratches and fatter font.

Changing the insert yourself is quite simple and does not require a watchmaker or special tools but I would suggest that you read up more on it before making the attempt. Popping the bezel and insert off is one thing, but putting an insert on a bezel can be a bit difficult at times.

[stillsane]

Thanks for the input KY

[swish77]

Originally Posted by jdmi32

Very nice watch! The older insert is the "correct" insert for the era that your watch was made. Besides that, it just looks loads better and more in keeping with the rest of your watch with its slight fade, light scratches and fatter font.

Changing the insert yourself is quite simple and does not require a watchmaker or special tools but I would suggest that you read up more on it before making the attempt. Popping the bezel and insert off is one thing, but putting an insert on a bezel can be a bit difficult at times.

Another vote for re-installing the old insert, which does indeed look to be original to the watch and even has a matching-patina pearl. If you're not familiar with removing and installing Rolex inserts I would urge you to let an experienced watchmaker do it. I've done it myself on old Subs and it can be a nightmare. Some collectors/hobbyists apparently have an easier time with them, but I find that it's very difficult to get them back on Subs. (Much easier with old GMTs for some reason.) Congrats on a beautiful watch.

[Rameez-Q]

Beautiful!

Another vote for the original insert, it finishes the vintage look off nicely

[Nycturbovr6]

Beauty!

[roll9]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

Stunner - congrats! Put the old insert back on it - glad you kept it.

X2

[skprd13]

Your watch looks great! Just wondering what did you think was wrong with the old insert? Looks fine to me! Congrats on your watch my friend!

[mambo]

Here is an original insert 1979 1680:

[The_Walrus]

The original insert completes it. Beautiful watch

[strafer_kid]

Great watch! I have one myself - love it!