When did white dial 1680 begin?

[Lord Wilberforce]

Hi guys and girls

I'm new to the vintage Rolex world. I have collected modern watches, but recently got interested in vintage Rolex after a GTG. Sorry if this is covering old ground.

I have been looking at a 1680 at a dealer that says the watch is 1970. It has a white dial, so it doesn't seem correct to me. From my research so far, white dial 1680s didn't start until somewhere between 1972 to 1975. So, is there a definitive date / production period where the 1680 changed from a red to white dial?

Unless the dealer is quoting the wrong year, I think this watch must have a early service tritium dial and hands as both have the same patina. Which will be a shame as it's a really clean piece.

Haven't been able to look at the inside of the caseback yet or the serial, but want to go back with correct information before checking against those details.

Pics of the watch (shot in poor lighting) attached if that helps.

Thanks for your help.

LW

[TimeToGo]

Welcome to the Forum!
I think you are doing your research right. Yes, you need to verify the serial to assume it was changed along the way.

Here is more information:

http://www.drsd.com/watch-info/red-sub/redsub.html

[Stone132]

Welcome here.

[Lord Wilberforce]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

Welcome to the Forum!
I think you are doing your research right. Yes, you need to verify the serial to assume it was changed along the way.

Here is more information:

http://www.drsd.com/watch-info/red-sub/redsub.html

Thanks TTG!

Based on this older thread I just found (http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=192774) it looks like a Mark IV dial. That would place it in the late 70s. The watch also has a 9315 bracelet, which would be strange if it was a late 70s watch.

Most signs pointing to a replacement white tritium dial but will have to check the serial to make sure.

[TimeToGo]

I understand your reference of a Mk-4 dial...but the basic premise of the 1680 white dials is that there are only three versions (Mk1-3) and then you have tritium/lumi replacement/service dials.
So, again not knowing the serial on this particular watch, it is possible that this watch "could be" a white dial serial range 1680 but with a later replacement white dial..
Anyway, too many assumptions.. Just a discussion.

[Lord Wilberforce]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

I understand your reference of a Mk-4 dial...but the basic premise of the 1680 white dials is that there are only three versions (Mk1-3) and then you have tritium/lumi replacement/service dials.
So, again not knowing the serial on this particular watch, it is possible that this watch "could be" a white dial serial range 1680 but with a later replacement white dial..
Anyway, too many assumptions.. Just a discussion.

Thanks TTG.

I'll check the serial, but too many questions on this piece so think I'll pass.

[stevedssd]

Hi that's a white service dial, the three White 1680 original dials do not have open six's

[Lord Wilberforce]

Originally Posted by stevedssd

Hi that's a white service dial, the three White 1680 original dials do not have open six's

Thanks. After going through the threads that's what I suspected. Good to get confirmation from people with more experience than me.