Hi everyone, I have recently been offered a Rolex Sub 1680 without box and papers. I have been reading a lot about 1680s but was still unsure how honest this piece is.

I would really appreciate any kind of inputs and help from members here.

I have been reading that there are some Vietnam cases of 1680 circulating and it worries me.

 

The lugs appear to have been rather harshly "polished", especially the top left.

I couldn't live with it.

 

It looks good to me, even the fat font insert.

I do agree with oinkitt above, it's been harshly polished. But in today's watch tech, it's so easy to 'add material' and re-create factory chamfers. That just depends if you want to keep it 100%, or have it restored in some fashion.

 

Thanks @oinkitt ...yes, as you mentioned I noticed the lugs on the top and botton left are thinner.

Any other concerns regarding this? Are the case back original Rolex or are they Vietnamese cases as I have been reading that there are some in circulation.

Took some clearer pics, hope it helps

 

I'm told the cost to weld and refinish a case is around 3k US.

 

I think the case is fine. Look at the pitting on the midcase, back side. I think that would be pretty difficult to reproduce/fake.

 

Now that you posted those pics, it looks like the "MARI" in SUBMARINER look suspiciously blurry in BOTH photos. Dial may have been retouched?

I paid $1,150 to Rolliworks including service. LAWW would cost about $2-$3k, but I believe they are the 'industry standard'

 

Ps. Can you get a good profile picture of the case from the 3 and 9 sides?

 

When you see a badly corroded case, it's likely legit.

 

Its the case condition that's the problem. I don't believe it is counterfeit.

 

Why worry about if the case is fake when it in this poor condition...

 

I doubt Rolliworks would have done extensive laser welding and refinishing for 1150.

 

Doubt? I have the invoice and the watch to prove it. And that price includes service on the movement.

 

I'm not saying you don't . What I am saying is, I doubt your case needed or had the work done the would be required on the case pictured by the OP.

I did say extensive.

 

its original case but service dial

 

Hi @mrs_LA and @oinkitt , really appreciate both inputs. The more I look at this the more it seems like the condition of the watch do really need extensive rework .

 

Took some photos

 

Thanks. The M in the Submariner does look smuddgy....is it due tonwrong handling of the dial?

 

I personally think its not a good choice. Its had a hard life.

Here is one of mine. Its been well used but never polished.

 

I look at crown guards more than lugs, and these look pretty darn good for a watch that old. Dial also looks fine. The pitting is bothersome, though.