Post by mike on Nov 24, 2007 15:40:28 GMT -5
One of the most interesting things I find in this hobby is the discovery of which model watch is someone's favorite. I've always been a fan of the GMTs, but for me one particular diver's reference has always held a special place....the wonderfull 1680. 
Making it's debut circa 1966-67 the 1680, powered by the legendary 1570 slow beat movement, was the first diver by Rolex to incorporate a date feature.
The last of the date divers to use a bi-directional friction fit bezel, early examples were unique in that the legend SUBMARINER was painted in RED. The first of these "REDS" were noteworthy in that they carried meters first dials which Rolex latter changed to a feet first configuration.
Also worthy of note 70 to 72ish REDS had the 6s slightly open while later 73/74ish examples used a dial with closed 6s.
Early examples used a non-hacking movement however as Rolex introduced the hacking feature in the early 70s hacking REDS do exist. (Of course as with anything Rolex crossover exists).
While there has been much speculation of the serial number range of REDS extending well into the late 70s, most collectors feel that an example bearing a number much past 3.8 to 3.9 mil. bears scrutiny.
My example--2.5 mil. non-hack, III/70 on the inside case back.
Sadly as the pricing of the RED has dramatically increased it has become one of the most faked references in the vintage arena.
For reasons probably known best by Rolex, the coloring was changed to WHITE in the mid 70s. All other aspects of the reference stayed the same.
Examples circa 1977-78,
As all 1680s came with matt/tritium dials and tritium having a half life of about 12.5 years luminosity of these dials has all but gone.
To the collector, a lovely matt dial is a critical element to the value of the watch, but to the user who may have need of a watch that can be used in less than ideal conditions the lack of luminosity can be a draw back.
Since the 1680 was never issued with a gloss/WG surround dial the inclusion of one with a service replacement matt/luminova dial was the answer for me.
Although not with the same valuation as it's trit. brothers my lumi 1680 gives me 100% functionality in all conditions.
Of course no reference can boast that wonderfull acryllic crystal standing so proud!!!
Whether on an early 9315 bracelet, latter 93150, or a G-10 Admirality, the 1680 is the diver I "grew up" with and has always held a special place for me.
Making it's debut circa 1966-67 the 1680, powered by the legendary 1570 slow beat movement, was the first diver by Rolex to incorporate a date feature.
The last of the date divers to use a bi-directional friction fit bezel, early examples were unique in that the legend SUBMARINER was painted in RED. The first of these "REDS" were noteworthy in that they carried meters first dials which Rolex latter changed to a feet first configuration.
Also worthy of note 70 to 72ish REDS had the 6s slightly open while later 73/74ish examples used a dial with closed 6s.
Early examples used a non-hacking movement however as Rolex introduced the hacking feature in the early 70s hacking REDS do exist. (Of course as with anything Rolex crossover exists).
While there has been much speculation of the serial number range of REDS extending well into the late 70s, most collectors feel that an example bearing a number much past 3.8 to 3.9 mil. bears scrutiny.
My example--2.5 mil. non-hack, III/70 on the inside case back.
Sadly as the pricing of the RED has dramatically increased it has become one of the most faked references in the vintage arena.
For reasons probably known best by Rolex, the coloring was changed to WHITE in the mid 70s. All other aspects of the reference stayed the same.
Examples circa 1977-78,
As all 1680s came with matt/tritium dials and tritium having a half life of about 12.5 years luminosity of these dials has all but gone.
To the collector, a lovely matt dial is a critical element to the value of the watch, but to the user who may have need of a watch that can be used in less than ideal conditions the lack of luminosity can be a draw back.
Since the 1680 was never issued with a gloss/WG surround dial the inclusion of one with a service replacement matt/luminova dial was the answer for me.
Although not with the same valuation as it's trit. brothers my lumi 1680 gives me 100% functionality in all conditions.
Of course no reference can boast that wonderfull acryllic crystal standing so proud!!!
Whether on an early 9315 bracelet, latter 93150, or a G-10 Admirality, the 1680 is the diver I "grew up" with and has always held a special place for me.
