Initial "before" pics of my latest Red 1680 Submariner>>>>>

[jholbrook]

Well, UPS dropped it off this morning, so these photos are pretty fresh. They are taken straight out of the box.

I'm quite pleased thus far - a couple of dings to the side of the case, but somewhat to be expected for a watch of this age.

Here's a shot of the dial:



A bit closer.....



I've pretty well decided against swaping out the dials. My 1970 1680 has open sixes on the dial (where it says 660 ft.) while this 1973 model has closed sixes. So If I swapped dials, it would no longer be period correct for my 1970 case serial number. A pitty because the dial and hands on this watch are the cleanest and whitest I've run across. Here's a close up comparison which shows some interesting differences in the dial printing between the two dials:

My 1970:


My 1973:


I got my case back opener and popped of the case back:



Here's a few shots of the caliber 1570 inside - nice and clean:









I have a new bracelet on order, and my trusted local Rolex technician decided to go on vacation this week and won't be back until Monday. My hope is to have this ready to go up for sale Wed. or Thurs. next week.

[Hannibal]

Very interesting presentation of your new project watch.
Kind regards
Volker

[newharry]

Looks like a fantastic dial!

And you have PN - but not what some might think for

[Jason Spring]

Wonderful, you own one of my dream watch.
Congratulations

[PRALLINE]

hi John!

As you said last week. The dial is just phenomenal when you remember that this watch is over 30 years old. The case is used but imho its even more important to have a good "engine" and a perfect dial. If I were you, I would take the dial out of the new one and put it in the case of your other redsub. Then you have a dress redsub and a redsub for "working". Congrats my dear!

[[Dents]Milchschnitte]

I wish you the best of Luck on restoring this one!

But...honestly, tell me.....who was barbaric enough to polish the top of the lugs? OMG that just ruined the watch!

[bullibeer]

Good luck John,... it needs some care,.. but the dial is perfect!!!!!

Good luck.. and a good sale..

[Hr.Nitsche]

Hi John,

I´m looking forward to what the 1680 will look like

[alicia]

a perfect dream.
I'll keep my fingers crossed and please show the result

[CEO]

excellent condition, you´ve got my congratulations That watch remains still my dream...

Greetings

[WUM]

doesnt look to bad...a good watchmaker and the red one will look like new...congrats

for me the 1680 red is the He-man's watch


greets

Wum

[NicoH]

John,

thanks for the update.

People are saying the dial looks perfect. Maybe. What I think looks best is the movement, though! The movement proves that a Rolex Oyster is stuff-proof after all

All the best, and please keep us posted-
Nico

[jholbrook]

Originally posted by newharry
Looks like a fantastic dial!

And you have PN - but not what some might think for

Done! Thanks!

[jholbrook]

Originally posted by Jason Spring
Wonderful, you own one of my dream watch.
Congratulations

Thanks Jason! But technically, I now own two!

[jholbrook]

Originally posted by 13121990
hi John!

As you said last week. The dial is just phenomenal when you remember that this watch is over 30 years old. The case is used but imho its even more important to have a good "engine" and a perfect dial. If I were you, I would take the dial out of the new one and put it in the case of your other redsub. Then you have a dress redsub and a redsub for "working". Congrats my dear!

That would be good advice if I intended to keep both, but the '73 is going to be restored and resold to help fund some of the accessory items I need for my '70 Red Sub which I have the complete paperwork for.

Now if I can just find some kind soul willing to sell me a seahorse 1680 box complete, an anchor, and the correct hang tags.

[jholbrook]

Originally posted by NicoH
John,

thanks for the update.

People are saying the dial looks perfect. Maybe. What I think looks best is the movement, though! The movement proves that a Rolex Oyster is stuff-proof after all

All the best, and please keep us posted-
Nico

Nico - I quite agree. I've been fortunate in that the 1680's I've purchased have all been well taken care of mechanically.

[madmax1982]

Wonderful watch!

But, is there something like blood on the glass?

[jholbrook]

Originally posted by madmax1982
Wonderful watch!

But, is there something like blood on the glass?

I noticed that....not sure what it is. Oh well, I'm replacing the crystal anyway.