16610vs1680

[frch1104]

Hello
I have recently bought a 16610 Sub, really like it but still can´t stop dreaming about a vintage 1680 Sub, maybe from around my birth year. Will I get over it or do I need to buy a 1680 Sub. I have a Omega Speedmaster with acrylic crystal and I really like the look of it!

If you have owned both please let me know the + and -. Really want to know what I´m getting in to, if I decide to get the older Sub, what can I excpect from it. Will there be any major differences except from what you can see and feel...Accuracy? Reliability???
Please let me know!
Thanks
//Fred

[marke]

Fredrik

You should arrange to meet with the infamous Jocke who lives in Sweden just like you... he has fantastic knowlegde and his pictures are truly amazing....

I import Kahars parquet from sweden....

speak to ou soon

[swish77]

It might depend on how picky you are. Getting a mint or even excellent 1680 is tough, especially if you want the dial and hands to match (and be original). They can be found in that condition if you look hard enough, but then they're very pricey. I used to have a vintage 1680 and ended up selling it because I'm anal about little details, and an old watch will usually have imperfections. Then you have the issue of getting it wet or dinged up, etc ... A vintage Sub can be used for swimming/diving if it's serviced properly, of course, but it always made me nervous because mine was from the late '60s, so I was never 100 percent confident. I sold it after a couple of years and bought a newer Sub date that is mint and (virtually) worry-free. Then again, a lot of people don't mind the imperfections caused by age and they prefer the "patina" of a vintage watch and all that retro beauty you can't get from a newer watch. Just a personal preference.

[frch1104]

Originally Posted by marke

Fredrik

You should arrange to meet with the infamous Jocke who lives in Sweden just like you... he has fantastic knowlegde and his pictures are truly amazing....

I import Kahars parquet from sweden....

speak to ou soon

I have read about Jocke, I believe he is a LEGEND on this site, lets see what happens and thanks for your help!
//Fred

[frch1104]

Originally Posted by swish77

It might depend on how picky you are. Getting a mint or even excellent 1680 is tough, especially if you want the dial and hands to match (and be original). They can be found in that condition if you look hard enough, but then they're very pricey. I used to have a vintage 1680 and ended up selling it because I'm anal about little details, and an old watch will usually have imperfections. Then you have the issue of getting it wet or dinged up, etc ... A vintage Sub can be used for swimming/diving if it's serviced properly, of course, but it always made me nervous because mine was from the late '60s, so I was never 100 percent confident. I sold it after a couple of years and bought a newer Sub date that is mint and (virtually) worry-free. Then again, a lot of people don't mind the imperfections caused by age and they prefer the "patina" of a vintage watch and all that retro beauty you can't get from a newer watch. Just a personal preference.

Thanks for your input. I´m really picky too, but If I find a very nice example and if I made the scratches on it I believe I can live with it. Have a Seamaster I can use if things get rough. Lets see what happens, when I get a watch I will probably not sell it, have a hard time letting go...Don´t know if I can afford two Subs, there are so many others watches I would like to get...

Thanks again!
//Fred

[mike]

Fred,

Both modern and vintage pieces have their strong points. For many only the newest will do and certainly one can't argue with the scratch resilience of sapphire. Nor can one doubt the durability of the 3135 movement.

That said, the 1680 represents a benchmark in the history of Rolex dive watches. The first to use a date feature, the 1680 remains unique with it's signature "tall" crystal. Powered by the legendary 15xx movement it's as rugged and reliable as a watch can be. I used a 1680 for many years and it is still my favorite Rolex diver.

Light, strong, and with the wonderful look and warmth only acryllic and matt can give, the 1680 is a favored daily wear of many collectors.

I wear one regularly. All my 1680s have seen regular service. All are capable of being (and have been) at home in the water.

As to accuracy, this one is a tad under +1 a day,



This one is an honest +1,



Nothing looks like this,

[kcmo]

Originally Posted by mike

Fred,

Both modern and vintage pieces have their strong points. For many only the newest will do and certainly one can't argue with the scratch resilience of sapphire. Nor can one doubt the durability of the 3135 movement.

That said, the 1680 represents a benchmark in the history of Rolex dive watches. The first to use a date feature, the 1680 remains unique with it's signature "tall" crystal. Powered by the legendary 15xx movement it's as rugged and reliable as a watch can be. I used a 1680 for many years and it is still my favorite Rolex diver.

Light, strong, and with the wonderful look and warmth only acryllic and matt can give, the 1680 is a favored daily wear of many collectors.

I wear one regularly. All my 1680s have seen regular service. All are capable of being (and have been) at home in the water.

As to accuracy, this one is a tad under +1 a day,



This one is an honest +1,



Nothing looks like this,

[Lowflight]

http://www.fototime.com/07EE75149F4DC99/orig.jpg

[frch1104]

Originally Posted by mike

Fred,

Both modern and vintage pieces have their strong points. For many only the newest will do and certainly one can't argue with the scratch resilience of sapphire. Nor can one doubt the durability of the 3135 movement.

That said, the 1680 represents a benchmark in the history of Rolex dive watches. The first to use a date feature, the 1680 remains unique with it's signature "tall" crystal. Powered by the legendary 15xx movement it's as rugged and reliable as a watch can be. I used a 1680 for many years and it is still my favorite Rolex diver.

Light, strong, and with the wonderful look and warmth only acryllic and matt can give, the 1680 is a favored daily wear of many collectors.

I wear one regularly. All my 1680s have seen regular service. All are capable of being (and have been) at home in the water.

As to accuracy, this one is a tad under +1 a day,



This one is an honest +1,



Nothing looks like this,

Thanks! You have been very helpful, I believe your pictures says it all!
That is what I´m looking for.
//Fred

[TheOldHand]

I have worn the same 1680 daily for 33 years now, and I expect my watch to go with me and do what I do, be it diving or building a shed. Just today had it opened in the presence of one of the knowledgeable members of this forum who said it has never seen a drop of water inside the case.

There may be better and newer Rolexes, but I think I will stick with my 1969 1680 for a few more years.

[SLS]

My favorite Sub date as well!

~Scott

[Subexplorer]

Great 1680´s you got there Mike!!

Well, here is mine, bought brand new in February 1977.
It has been my daily wearer, and only watch for many, many years, as well as in sport scuba diving.
I have it semi-retired now, only because I´m afraid it can be stolen. It´s a most valuable piece for me, for sentimental reasons, and it would be too hard to lose it.
Anyway, I enjoy using it from time to time, in safe places, and it works perfectly.
I like very much its dial "retro" look, and patina of age, specially how the bezel has turned into a grey hue, and the color of its tritum indexes.

Kind regards, Abel