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First Rolex Sub...a 1680.

lucreative
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Happy Lunar New Year! A new year...a new interest. Bought a couple vintage Rolex since someone I knew was selling them at a decent price.

Never researched much on Rolex or the 1680, but of course I did for this one. The bezel that came with this Rolex Sub 1680 was a thin font service with luminova. I was able to find this bezel for this 1680 from a watchmaker that had it in his drawer for 20 years.

How decent/bad is this faded bezel? It at least has fat fonts. Got a good deal on it too. Total for the whole watch was a sub price...lol.

Last pic was the original condition I picked up the 1680 Sub.

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lucreative
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The watch actually looks lighter in the sun and seems to have a better overall fade with less dark blacks and more greys. I tried to take a better representation of the fading with a desk lamp, but this is how it should look outside.
20250130_162822.webp
 
J!m
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That's an aftermarket crystal and it looks to have been "upgraded" to a 703 crown and tube... it should be 702 crown. If you see the O-ring on the tube when you unscrew it, that will confirm it.

IMG_E4905.webp


I don't have a straight-on picture handy, but you can see the shape of the "top hat" crystal here. date will have more magnification with the correct crystal as well. Note my narrower 702 crown as well.
 
lucreative
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Thank you for that analysis. Yes, the crystal was recently replaced, and the triplock crown is a 703 with the large tube. I don't know how much effort I will put into trying to replace the crown with a 702, unlike finding an A1 for a vintage Speedmaster...lol. But I guess it is noticeable. The crystal as well.

How about the bezel? Anything stand out regarding the authenticity as a genuine Rolex? And is this MK3 bezel also for an earlier Sub than a 1680 white lettering?
 
J!m
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The bezel looks appropriate to me. There was a lot of overlap of parts used v serial ranges… it’s not an exact science, but certain parts are found within certain ranges.

Here’s some pics of mine. I haven’t worn it for a while but you can see it. It’s a 3.9m serial so possibly a red dial originally. It came to me with a service dial and I found a Mk. I white dial for it- the overlap.
image.webp image.webp
 
DeepBlue
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I think you made a great deal if you paid a low price like you say.
The patina of the dial and hands is not the most desirable but has character. The faded bezel goes nice with that. If you’d source a top hat crystal that would upgrade the watch imo.

My 1979 sub says hello


IMG_2658.webp
 
lucreative
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Thanks for the suggestions to find a Top Hat crystal. I said a sub price cause I got this 1680 at a sub level price point. Some people said amazing deal, however another dealer, don't know jealous or not, said sure they got these cheap wholesale precovid too...lol.

However, do you think it's worth sourcing a Top Hat crystal for this? I don't even know how to source them or search for the original. My trusted watchmaler just put a Swiss high crystal replacement he had in stock for $100 with some cleaning since he says it's compatible.
 
lucreative
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I was just offered this 1680 bezel from the same watchmaker. Not as faded, per pictures, but it is missing the lume pip, and there seems to be some rust/corrosion along the edges and top of triangle. He says it would be hidden when you insert it into the bezel itself. Better option?

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Davidt
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Personally I wouldn’t worry too much about trying to improve it. It’s a worn example that I don’t find particularly attractive, but if it was cheap it could be a good daily wearer.

If you start spending significant domes on new parts of will be less cheap but still won’t be a great example.
 
J!m
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Personally I think the top hat makes the watch. Sharp crystal edges and the big magnification. You can tell aftermarket crystals right away.

I use correct ones on my Tudor subs as well for the same reasons (but date is not as big)

I wouldn’t bother with another insert. I have some NOS tritium pearls but they are not for sale.
 
Davidt
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Yeah I agree, the crystal is probably worth doing but I wouldn’t be seeing money messing around with bezels unless you already one on your parts drawer.
 
lucreative
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Still learning to take a good watch shot, but sourced another bezel for my 1680. A more even fade and still has some orange peel sheen. Does it make a difference? Better?
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J!m
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That insert looks fine. Up to you if you want to change it.

The crystal and crown will really change the feel of the watch more than the insert. Narrower crown and bigger date…
 
lucreative
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J!m J!m
That insert looks fine. Up to you if you want to change it.

The crystal and crown will really change the feel of the watch more than the insert. Narrower crown and bigger date…
So trying to the find the Rolex #B25-127 crystal, since my mind is now set on it thanks J!m! However, most seller on eBay are selling them in Rolex packaging. So might it be a service Top Hat with the mid center bevel?

Also, took forever to find the correct lighting for the newly sourced bezel, I really love this "Gunmetal" fade.
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J!m
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Early 127s are usually in the lens paper envelope with hand written “127” on them. But not always… best to be able to see the edge of the crystal to confirm it is straight.

I’m looking for a spare 125 for my Tudors if you come across one.
 
J
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Hello 👋 everyone ! I’m fresh.

I found this Rolex here.( last photos)

Is it a real one ? I know nothing about watches.
Thank you in advance 😀

IMG_0294.webp IMG_0293.webp IMG_0296.webp IMG_0297.webp IMG_0269.webp IMG_0262.webp
 
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