Rolex 1680 with 5512 caseback

[sgwatchobsession]

hey all, recently have been looking at a 1680 from 1978 that looks really good. Only concern is that the caseback is from a 5512 sub. Is this normal/ accepted?
https://imgur.com/a/iAwlpJ5

[TimeToGo]

.
Caseback could have been swapped along the way.
Both are fine.

[swaini3]

Rolex or AD's will supply ones that say 5512 without the 'PATENTED' if they replace the casebacks of 1680s. Yours needs a closer look, some letters are weird.

[sgwatchobsession]

Originally Posted by swaini3

Rolex or AD's will supply ones that say 5512 without the 'PATENTED' if they replace the casebacks of 1680s. Yours needs a closer look, some letters are weird.

Oh weird how? This one doesn’t have the ‘PATENTED’ wordings so it should check out?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by swaini3

Rolex or AD's will supply ones that say 5512 without the 'PATENTED' if they replace the casebacks of 1680s. Yours needs a closer look, some letters are weird.

Interesting, learned something complete new today.

[swaini3]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Interesting, learned something complete new today.

I should have been clearer in my 1st post. Ofcourse, it all depends on when it was done but I can confirm in the last year or 2, if your 1680 had a caseback replaced at Rolex or an AD, they would give you a 5512 one with the oval shape ROLEX SA.
Probably OP's 1680 was replaced earlier.

[swaini3]

Originally Posted by sgwatchobsession

Oh weird how? This one doesn’t have the ‘PATENTED’ wordings so it should check out?

Yes, but some letters are not the same as the genuine ones out there. I'll have a closer look in a bit. Im sure others will comment soon.

[Top G]

Just from comparing to some genuine 5512 caseback photos online, the W looks a little bit wonky. It looks like it should be straight but the one in your photo is curved. That being said, I am not knowledgeable enough with these to tell you if it is fake or not.

[sgwatchobsession]

Originally Posted by Top G

Just from comparing to some genuine 5512 caseback photos online, the W looks a little bit wonky. It looks like it should be straight but the one in your photo is curved. That being said, I am not knowledgeable enough with these to tell you if it is fake or not.

You mean the m?

[CTech]

None of the lettering looks right to me, and the position of the Stainless Steel relative to the center of the case back is suspicious also. This is a cropped image of the OPs case back showing the stamps a bit clearer:

[sgwatchobsession]

Just for reference, authentic 5512 caseback on the left, mine on the post above. Stainless steel wording seems appropriate to me but Im not sure, placement seems to be just above the center of the caseback

[Top G]

Originally Posted by sgwatchobsession

You mean the m?

No the W in Switzerland

[CTech]

The wording is correct but you need to look at the details of the shapes of the letters (W and Z in SWITZERLAND, O and X in ROLEX), position of the dots in S. A., etc.

Also look at the sharpness of the stamps and the surface finish of the machined surfaces.

The might some issues that are unclear because of differences in lighting or camera lenses, but you should be able to find enough similarities or differences to decide whether it is genuine or not. I see so many irregularities that I am very suspicious of it and would want to examine it personally if I was to go ahead with a purchase as trying to interpret someone else's photographs is not easy.

[sgwatchobsession]

I see. Im buying through chrono24 escrow from the US (I’m in Singapore) but seller has a bit of a shady allibi (Says he had a physical store in lebanon but is moving to NYC, doesnt have store instagram/ FB pages/ websites but has a page in their yellow pages with the business name in lebanon. He is registered as a chrono professional dealer also so I don’t know how to feel about it.

Given I can’t inspect the watch further, is this a dealbreaker?

[Top G]

Originally Posted by sgwatchobsession

I see. Im buying through chrono24 escrow from the US (I’m in Singapore) but seller has a bit of a shady allibi (Says he had a physical store in lebanon but is moving to NYC, doesnt have store instagram/ FB pages/ websites but has a page in their yellow pages with the business name in lebanon. He is registered as a chrono professional dealer also so I don’t know how to feel about it.

Given I can’t inspect the watch further, is this a dealbreaker?

I would follow your gut and not pursue a deal that feels even remotely shady. Stick to trusted sellers. It’s not worth the headache and risk to save a few bucks

[alwayshere]

Originally Posted by sgwatchobsession

I see. Im buying through chrono24 escrow from the US (I’m in Singapore) but seller has a bit of a shady allibi (Says he had a physical store in lebanon but is moving to NYC, doesnt have store instagram/ FB pages/ websites but has a page in their yellow pages with the business name in lebanon. He is registered as a chrono professional dealer also so I don’t know how to feel about it.

Given I can’t inspect the watch further, is this a dealbreaker?

a halfway solution is to request clearer pics of the caseback.

I haven't had a chance to look at the dial, etc. Do those look good?

[sgwatchobsession]

The dial looks okay to me. mk 1 dial checks out with other things i compared

[springer]

I don't see any major problems with the case back.

[stevedssd]

Originally Posted by sgwatchobsession

The dial looks okay to me. mk 1 dial checks out with other things i compared

The position of the seconds hand doesn't help but that is a service dial rather than a Mk1

[alwayshere]

Originally Posted by stevedssd

The position of the seconds hand doesn't help but that is a service dial rather than a Mk1

You’re right. It is a service dial which I guess goes with the service caseback….

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by stevedssd

The position of the seconds hand doesn't help but that is a service dial rather than a Mk1

Yes spot on - and for the newbies, the quickest identification for the the service dial is it's the only 1680 white dial with the canted f of 'ft', lining up vertically with the left strake/side of A in 'SUBMARINER'.

[sgwatchobsession]

Damn. Seller never mentioned when I asked about replacement parts. Thanks for the help! I passed on this deal and have chanced upon a nice white mk2 dial Sub (I hope) that I found from a local seller!

Anything on this piece that looks odd?

[TuRo]

Just as a matter of interest - what is your initial thoughts ref Case, Dial, Bezel, Bezel insert, Dial, Hands, Datewheel and crown?

[sgwatchobsession]

Originally Posted by TuRo

Just as a matter of interest - what is your initial thoughts ref Case, Dial, Bezel, Bezel insert, Dial, Hands, Datewheel and crown?

Think its a mk2 dial, mk4 insert. Case looks okay, not the best but not overpolished. Dial, hands and insert have all faded together nicely.

[alwayshere]

Originally Posted by sgwatchobsession

Think its a mk2 dial, mk4 insert. Case looks okay, not the best but not overpolished. Dial, hands and insert have all faded together nicely.

Whats the asking price if you don't mind?

[sgwatchobsession]

Originally Posted by alwayshere

Whats the asking price if you don't mind?

We've talked it down to around USD 12k

[alwayshere]

Originally Posted by sgwatchobsession

We've talked it down to around USD 12k

with bracelet yes? thats not bad.

[sgwatchobsession]

Originally Posted by alwayshere

with bracelet yes? thats not bad.

Yes with a bracelet, although a newer DE clasp code. (2001)

[forgedblades]

Common practice for these to have those casebacks. Learned that several years ago here on this fourm with a Sub I was reparing for my father in law

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by sgwatchobsession

Yes with a bracelet, although a newer DE clasp code. (2001)

Originally Posted by sgwatchobsession

We've talked it down to around USD 12k

Yes agree with you on it...and agree with others £9-10k is v good price too imho. Rgds.