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Old 29 October 2021, 05:33 PM   #1
gilel
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Red sub with service case back ?

Hi all,
What is your opinion on a lovely MK4 Red sub :
- serial 3,76xxx
- perfect dial with light creamy patina
- original hands
- case quite polished
- 9315 EL280 bracelet
- service case back

Is service case back a show stopper for you ?
Pass or go ?

Sorry no pic.

gilel
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Old 29 October 2021, 06:40 PM   #2
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I would not see an issue.
But as you mention, a "case quite polished," the price should commensurate the condition.

Pictures would help..
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Old 29 October 2021, 08:31 PM   #3
1675-David
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Pix!!!
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Old 29 October 2021, 10:07 PM   #4
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Yes pics please!
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Old 29 October 2021, 10:26 PM   #5
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It depends on the price and also whether you are looking for a collectible piece that you might want to re-sell in the future.
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Old 29 October 2021, 11:38 PM   #6
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I can’t imagine a service Caseback would be a deal killer on a red sub. It should be factored into the price along with overall condition.


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Old 29 October 2021, 11:59 PM   #7
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What made you conclude your caseback is a service caseback?

376xxxx Submariner serial numbers would normally be 1973 vintage which would have a 1680 caseback without a date.

1972 was the last of the case back stampings.
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Old 30 October 2021, 12:08 AM   #8
gilel
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Thanks all for your comments.
I understand that case back could have been changed to ensure the water resistance of the watch and it is possibly not an issue.
I want to be sure.
I'am looking for a collectible piece, not to re-sell, but as close to the original as possible.
I'll try to get pics.

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Old 30 October 2021, 12:11 AM   #9
gilel
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Quote:
Originally Posted by springer View Post
What made you conclude your caseback is a service caseback?

376xxxx Submariner serial numbers would normally be 1973 vintage which would have a 1680 caseback without a date.

1972 was the last of the case back stampings.
The case back seems very "new" compared to the case.
Or perhaps it could be the original one. Any tips to ensure ?
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Old 30 October 2021, 12:22 AM   #10
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Can you please post pics or provide more details. What exactly is inside the case-back?
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Old 30 October 2021, 12:37 AM   #11
springer
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gilel View Post
The case back seems very "new" compared to the case.
Or perhaps it could be the original one. Any tips to ensure ?
Placing a couple of nice, clear, large photos here would help.
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Old 30 October 2021, 01:50 AM   #12
gilel
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Thank you for your help.
Are those pics good enough ?
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Old 30 October 2021, 02:04 AM   #13
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Can you post pics of inside the Caseback please? Like this:




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Old 30 October 2021, 02:39 AM   #14
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Will leave specific commentary to the experts, but as you said case is quite polished, it's up to you as to whether you're ok with that or not given the price. I'm no expert but can't imagine service caseback making too big of a difference.
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Old 30 October 2021, 03:08 AM   #15
gilel
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Quote:
Originally Posted by southtexas View Post
Can you post pics of inside the Caseback please?
Sorry, no pic of inside the case back.
I will see it next week.
What should I watch first ?
Any tips ?

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Old 30 October 2021, 05:10 AM   #16
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Hi gilel...

Possibly a bit of a sensitive question... but what sort of price is he asking?
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Old 30 October 2021, 05:12 AM   #17
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unless it's a great deal I would keep looking for a better example, it's been heavily polished and that insert looks like the seller found it in a lucky bag.
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Old 30 October 2021, 06:16 AM   #18
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A lot of polishing
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Old 30 October 2021, 07:03 AM   #19
gilel
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Originally Posted by FrenchBigCrown View Post
Hi gilel...

Possibly a bit of a sensitive question... but what sort of price is he asking?
well below 30K
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Old 30 October 2021, 07:18 AM   #20
indianmachine
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I'd pass on this one. 4 on the insert is not good at all and the case is way too polished. Anything with a 2 handle or above is too much for this.
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Old 30 October 2021, 07:49 AM   #21
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I’m usually very forgiving on over-polished pieces, but this one is pretty awful. And that insert is aftermarket and terrible-looking. Keep searching. When a very nice one comes around, and it will, paying a bit more will be worth it.
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Old 30 October 2021, 10:50 AM   #22
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Caseback could be original with no date. I would not be able to get past the lugs on this watch to care about the caseback.

Keep looking.

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Old 30 October 2021, 01:30 PM   #23
baumare
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I have a serial 3.4xx and there is no date on the caseback
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Old 30 October 2021, 05:31 PM   #24
FrenchBigCrown
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gilel View Post
well below 30K
It would need to be well below, for me.

I have no affiliation with this dealer - other than they have only ever been really straight with me.

I've just used them as an example. (I hope that's OK and not breaking site rules or anything).

But they have two Red Subs for sale that are better than the example you posted (in my opinion). Still not perfect 'collectors' quality - but better examples than above. As I say/write - just two quick examples.

https://www.watches.co.uk/watches/c/mens/vintage/

There are better watches available - keep looking.

Good luck.
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Old 30 October 2021, 05:59 PM   #25
gilel
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Originally Posted by FrenchBigCrown View Post
But they have two Red Subs for sale that are better than the example you posted (in my opinion). Still not perfect 'collectors' quality - but better examples than above.
Thanks for the advice.
The 2 examples are given as circa 1969 with feets first dial!? Quite strange in my opinion.
However I understand the point.

gilel
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Old 30 October 2021, 06:11 PM   #26
gilel
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So to wrap up:
- I'd better concentrate on the case condition rather than on the case back
- the case is over polished
- insert is?? even not Rolex?
- price for such a condition is much too high

Thanks all for advices.

I've got a last question: is it still possible today to a find this reference (nearly 50 years old) which ticks all the boxes while not waiting for decades ?

gilel
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Old 30 October 2021, 06:32 PM   #27
swaini3
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yes, I would evaluate the watch or prioritise as follows for quality and correctness:
Dial
Case
Insert
Bracelet
Others may do it differently...
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Old 30 October 2021, 06:34 PM   #28
swaini3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gilel View Post

I've got a last question: is it still possible today to a find this reference (nearly 50 years old) which ticks all the boxes while not waiting for decades ?

gilel
You can but you have to be patient and have your $$$ ready. Its ok IMO to have a polished watch but not overdone.
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Old 30 October 2021, 09:16 PM   #29
FrenchBigCrown
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gilel View Post
Thanks for the advice.
The 2 examples are given as circa 1969 with feets first dial!? Quite strange in my opinion.
However I understand the point.

gilel
'circa' means the dealer hasn't actually checked, in my opinion.
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