1680: My realistic vintage choice..

[Shade]

Hi all, havent started a new thread in a while and I have been away from the forums for quite some time...

Now - my unusual choice of words "realistic choice"... We have come to a point where vintage Rolexes have commanded a real premium recently and some models will put your bank account to a serious level! Sure there are some of you who are extremely blessed and fortunate to have multiple digits on your accounts but many of us dont..

Especially models with gilt dials, red letters, and other rarities are almost beyond the reach of many watch enthusiasts.. And those who just started to dive into the vintage collection, might not want to start off with an expensive piece they barely know about either!

So after a while, I have meddled in the vintage "business", I personally found that the 1680 is one of my personal "best" realistic choice for a vintage sports Rolex.

Several reasons for that choice but the obvious ones would be: a classic piece. The submariner have been in Rolex's catalague since even before I was born and still available today! People won't mistaken it for other types or brands and they would instant recognize a sub any day. Its a watch you can wear till the day you leave this world! And ironically, your (my) watch would probably still tick.. Hahaha


It is also probably one of the affordable ones these days, although they do command a premium, but not extraodinarily crazy - but there will be time when prices will jack up again I suppose..

You can also dress this watch up or down depending on your mood. On my pic here I recently installed a vintage almost "ghosting" bezel insert which gives it a very old and rustic look, while a shiney like new bezel will certainly put it in a more modern image - and I can also install a matte black croc strap and have it more formal.. Even better if the watch is all in great condition, you can put those rubber straps and take it for a swim!

All in all, I think the 1680 is a "good buy" and will definitely be harder to find in years to come. And tbh, the newer rolexes doesnt sing much to me at all.. Tudors does a better job on their newer models - but each to their own!

Thanks for reading my crap!

[Shade]

Obligatory wrist shot!

[cdweller]

Looks great, sounds like you made the perfect choice for you! Also, love the bracelets! Could you share where you got them?

[Vincent65]

nice sub!

[Shade]

Thanks for the compliments!

Cdweller: I bought them both at WAKAI, Im not sure if its available in the states bud..

[CrownMe]

Great way to get started in vintage. Very nice sub congrats!

[mike]

[lhanddds]

Great choice, congrats

Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk

[CrownMe]

Where did you source the watch from? Great insert

[soundserious]

Hard to go wrong with the classic. Congrats!

[springer]

Nice white!

[MitchSteel]

I must agree, Mr.Shade.A White 1680 is a great choice.New Subs do very little for me, but that dial, maxi plots, thick, beautiful plexi..........all the right ingredients to make me drool.
Great piece there

[Shade]

Originally Posted by CrownMe

Where did you source the watch from? Great insert

A friend of mine trades watches and he came upon this one and showed me. Although he told me it's not in a special pristine condition, but it's a great find. The insert I got from a different friend, and I just switched it in to give it an "older" look. The one I originally got was like new...

[enhamhale]

Love the thread and the watch congrats

[Shade]

Thanks enhamhale! Enjoying this watch alot!

[M4rkg4rd3n]

That bezel insert is stunning congrats

[MP5]

Love the whole watch!

[Shade]

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1396258311.276620.jpg

Here's on a rustic strap!

[Shade]

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1396258431.921125.jpg

And still wearing it today!

[Shade]

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1396258532.557088.jpg

I just love plexis!

[cdweller]

Love that high-hat plex! Looking great

[jdmi32]

That's a great addition to your already impressive collection. Congrats!

[SubKing]

Great story and nice 1680. cream patina looks sharp.
I myself don't pay any attention to the market price fluctuations on vintage pieces I already own, because I don't intend to sell them.

But from an investment point of view, you cannot go wrong with vintage sport model rolex's. New watches are made in such high volume today, I don't ever see them becoming collectable like the vintage of today. enjoy and wear it in the best of health

[Widows Son]

That's a beautiful watch!!! I's leave the bezel alone and leave it on the bracelet, or rubber strap. As nice as the strap is, I just can't wrap my head around a diver on a leather strap!!!! That strap would look neat on a vintage aviation type watch.

[Shade]

Cdweller: Thanks mate! Its interesting to look it!

Jdmi32: Thank you - I wont be adding anything but vintage this year..

Subking: Yes, the problem is I buy and sell some of my watches, especially vintage ones. Whenever theres a better condition of the same model I'd want to "upgrade". And Im really keen on adding some more vintge pieces so I keep a close eye on the price fluctuations so I can buy them locally.

Widows Son: Im gonna put in a rubber strap soon just you wait! Hahaha

[crimsondonkey]

Great insert and produces a stunning different look on your rustic strap.

[Ben39]

Stunning! Nice patina and case mate:)

[Tony G]

Nice vintage sub....

[SAAS]

Congrats on the pickup! I couldn't agree more the 1680 was my jumping off point into vintage rolex as well. I eventually parted with my 14060 because it was too flat after crossing over to the dark side.

[katana]

Beautiful 1680 ...............