Tomorrow will be a RED letter day for me guys!
Greetings Rolex Fans!
I'm so excited I can't stand it! And I'm litterally in SHOCK about the watch that will be delivered TOMORROW according to the UPS tracking number. :)
Those of you who have seen my posts on the WTF Rolex Forum know that I've expressed some interest in getting a vintage Submariner - a 1680. I didn't know when exactly, as the new house and re-modeling we're doing have been capturing most of my available cash. =(
But then...out of the blue...I met a guy who mentioned he had this Submariner...one that he'd had for many years...he said it was pretty beat up. I asked him if he'd consider selling it....and to make a long story short, a deal was struck.
The best part? This isn't just any 1680 Submariner.....it's a RED Submariner!!! :supercool: :rofl: :supercool:
Here's the seller's photos - they aren't the best, and the white balance is a bit off. But the dial and hands look to be in pretty darn good condition:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...r/redsub2a.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...er/redsuba.jpg
Here's another shot he took where the white balance looks better - the markers look like they only have a very light patina:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...er/redsub3.jpg
Clearly the bezel has seen better days, and check out the photo of the bracelet - you could drive a truck between those stretched links:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...er/redsub4.jpg
My plan is to replace the bezel insert with a correct 1680 bezel, and to source a 93150 bracelet, with 580 ends. Of course, I will keep and store all the original pieces. :cool:
I'll also have the case cleaned up, and an overhaul of the movement. Rolex USA doesn't service watches this old anymore, but fortunately, Stoll & Co. in my own backyard is about the best in the business and sees thousands of Rolex watches each year. :D I plan to do an article on the restoration process. Of course, I won't touch the dial.
So what do you think guys? I still can't believe I'm going to have my very own Red Sub!!!!
RE: Tomorrow will be a RED letter day for me guys!
Hi John,
I think, first thing to do in this projekt is to check the movement and the authenticity of the dial. If you are quit sure, that' all okay, then start looking for an repair of the bracelet. The folded bracelet is the better choice for the redsub - imho.
And than it would be better to look for an used inlay with tritium-dot, don't go for a new one with the SL-dot - it doesn't fit to the vintage-style of your 1680 - imho.
Happy hunting for the parts. :D
RE: Tomorrow will be a RED letter day for me guys!
Zitat:
Original von joo
Hi John,
I think, first thing to do in this projekt is to check the movement and the authenticity of the dial. If you are quit sure, that' all okay, then start looking for an repair of the bracelet. The folded bracelet is the better choice for the redsub - imho.
And than it would be better to look for an used inlay with tritium-dot, don't go for a new one with the SL-dot - it doesn't fit to the vintage-style of your 1680 - imho.
Happy hunting for the parts. :D
imho :D
RE: Tomorrow will be a RED letter day for me guys!
Zitat:
Original von joo
Hi John,
I think, first thing to do in this projekt is to check the movement and the authenticity of the dial. If you are quit sure, that' all okay, then start looking for an repair of the bracelet. The folded bracelet is the better choice for the redsub - imho.
And than it would be better to look for an used inlay with tritium-dot, don't go for a new one with the SL-dot - it doesn't fit to the vintage-style of your 1680 - imho.
Happy hunting for the parts. :D
I'm pretty certain, but will of course open the case myself and scrutinize the dial carefully. I have a very good relationship with a watch service center here in the US which services hundreds of Rolex watches (many vintage) every year. I'll have them service the movement.
