Need guidance with Rolex 1680

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Better pics

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More pictures

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Band

[1675-David]

Nice looking watch, send it to a good watchmaker to have it serviced and Bobs your uncle. The bracelet looks kind of mangled with a fair bit of stretch and what appears to be 2 holes in the clasp? But luckily these look great on NATO bands and leather straps

[2000-NJDEVILS]

To the OP -

Your uncles watch can be salvaged and made to look and work like new - that is, if you want to polish the case, replace the aluminum bezel and get a newer or better condition bracelet (or outright replacement). All in,this will not be cheap! Not sure where you reside but you should be prepared to pay $5K and up to get the results that the watch deserves.
If you’re looking to “keep the integrity of the watch” - you will still have to pay $3,000+ to get it right. At the end of the day, you might be better off buying a pre-owned 2 line Sub for $6-9K and not going through the hassle of getting the watch salvaged…..
Good Luck!
Good Luck

[77T]

Larry was talking about the end links on the watch photo. We all could see it better and he was the one who said it.

If you call John (Springer) all can be sorted out for the parts you need.

Or sent the whole shebang to the Ridleys or Rolliworks.

Thanks for sharing the photos.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[TimeLord2]

Yes, as ZZT said. I would actually send the watch head to the Ridley's (www.ridleywatchmakers.com
and the bracelet to Rolliworks.
www.rolliworks.com as they can fix your original bracelet. Or as also suggested get a new one from Rolex or a good used one from EBAY. They do pop up occasionally in good condition.

[blackscout]

Thank you very, very much for the guidance this was exactly what I was hoping for. I know enough to know that I don’t know anything about these watches therefore the internet and this site was my go to resource. I am not opposed to sending the watch to a watchmaker with a great rep. I appreciate the input.

[blackscout]

I am updating my insurance. Does anyone have a value that I should put on this watch. I looked online and it seems there is quite a large spread and various states of condition. I honestly have no idea what value to place on this watch. I will take it for a proper estimate when I am in the city next.

[Dan S]

Current replacement value for a complete white 1680 in good condition would be about $12k USD. Obviously, in its current state, yours is not worth as much, but usually insurance is for retail replacement value.

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Current replacement value for a complete white 1680 in good condition would be about $12k USD. Obviously, in its current state, yours is not worth as much, but usually insurance is for retail replacement value.

£10-12k retail perhaps when perfect. Current trade value £5k.

[blackscout]

Thank you. Yes replacement value is what I need. TuRo your estimate is $6200 USD?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by blackscout

Thank you. Yes replacement value is what I need. TuRo your estimate is $6200 USD?

That is Paul's estimate of the market value of your current watch, not the replacement value of a complete 1680 in good condition.

[Tools]

When insurance companies state "replacement value", they usually mean replacing a Sub Date with a new Sub Date. Replacement value = MSRP today.
Stated value insurance is offered by some companies, but you both need to be on the same page.


If you want something different you need to ensure the insurance policy is written up properly and they commit to that. Market value typically needs a valid appraisal for that value.

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by blackscout

Thank you. Yes replacement value is what I need. TuRo your estimate is $6200 USD?

Welcome, and yes, I bought a similar little bit well worn or scruffy (needed new period bracelet, endlinks, non-service hard edged plexi, small non service crown, tube, period insert, full major service) 1680 for £5,600 last month, and a scruffy 1675 for 6,400.

Both will probably need therefore £2.5 to 4k spent on them each.

I gave my opinion as what you should insure it for being say £12,000, (eg what you might have to pay to a plate glass retailer if you need to replace a 1979 Mk1 with some paperwork) when you have done the work, after a insurance claim is accepted, post incident.

Also all insurers (I ran an insurance co.) won't want to see it in the flesh so to speak, to confirm an appraisal or your estimate, before you insure it btw.

[blackscout]

Is the current market value about $8700 for a new sub? TuRo if you could kindly point me in the direction of authentic subs for $5000 I’m definitely a buyer. Just to be clear money is not an issue I just prefer not to get ripped off. It appears at this point I have found what I was looking for and we will get this old girl whipped back into shape. After a call with springer I am now moving in the right direction.

[Dan S]

Re-read the thread. Nobody said you could buy a decent Sub for $5k USD.

[blackscout]

I’m asking seriously. Where can you get a 1680,5513, or similar for $5000? I was specifically asking TuRo as he seems to have a line on them. I can’t find one for under 10k. I have looked and I am a buyer. I would like to give one to my son.

Maybe I don't understand english but in my world I buy and sell guns. Trade value is always higher than actual value. TuRo says clearly £5k trade value. I’m saying point me in the direction of vintage submariners for $5000 ok let’s even go straight exchange at $6200. Show me cause I’m a buyer. I’ll buy it right now.

I assure you Dan I have read every post.

Originally Posted by Dan S

Re-read the thread. Nobody said you could buy a decent Sub for $5k USD.

[alwayshere]

Paul's just making an opinion on value with your watch in its current state. Some may argue its worth more, some may argue its less.

I wouldn't use that reference as the bible. As others have said, a good condition 1680 is worth more than one that needs work. You can use eBay sold prices as a good guide.

[blackscout]

I would just like to know where I could get another vintage Rolex for under 10k. Seriously asking

[alwayshere]

Originally Posted by blackscout

I would just like to know where I could get another vintage Rolex for under 10k. Seriously asking

A simple eBay search for sold 1680 yield heaps of results under $10K... its not a rare watch by any means.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by blackscout

I would just like to know where I could get another vintage Rolex for under 10k. Seriously asking

$10k is more or less the starting point at the moment for a 4-digit Sub that is complete and doesn't need restoration. Angela has a decent 1680 listed for $10.5k. Examples that need work and/or have condition issues will sell for less. 5-digit Subs are $8k-$9k, depending on condition, you might or might not consider them to be vintage. As for where to find a bargain, you need to hunt like everyone else.

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by Dan S

$10k is more or less the starting point at the moment for a 4-digit Sub that is complete and doesn't need restoration. Angela has a decent 1680 listed for $10.5k. Examples that need work and/or have condition issues will sell for less. 5-digit Subs are $8k-$9k, depending on condition, you might or might not consider them to be vintage. As for where to find a bargain, you need to hunt like everyone else.

I need to start looking around then.

Decent 1680s with nice lugs and crown guards?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

Decent 1680s with nice lugs and crown guards?

As you probably realize, price and condition are on a spectrum, and "decent" and "nice" are very qualitative and subjective. But looking around is a good idea, I am getting the feeling that prices are not going much lower. Just my opinion, but I'm seeing some stronger prices in the last couple of months.

[XavierM]

Originally Posted by Dan S

$10k is more or less the starting point at the moment for a 4-digit Sub that is complete and doesn't need restoration. Angela has a decent 1680 listed for $10.5k. Examples that need work and/or have condition issues will sell for less. 5-digit Subs are $8k-$9k, depending on condition, you might or might not consider them to be vintage. As for where to find a bargain, you need to hunt like everyone else.

This one is a Red sub fitted with a white Mk2 dial and a late 70s insert.
But 11k is what I would expect to pay for an almost all period correct (Dial/hands, insert, crown), white dial 1680, with a perfect dial, light patina, and an average case.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by XavierM

This one is a Red sub fitted with a white Mk2 dial and a late 70s insert.

You're right, I hadn't looked closely at it.

[blackscout]

Corrected my own mistake

Originally Posted by XavierM

This one is a Red sub fitted with a white Mk2 dial and a late 70s insert.
But 11k is what I would expect to pay for an almost all period correct (Dial/hands, insert, crown), white dial 1680, with a perfect dial, light patina, and an average case.