jholbrook
05.02.2007, 21:09
Greetings Rolex Fans!
I'm so excited I can't stand it! And I'm litterally in SHOCK about the watch that will be delivered TOMORROW according to the UPS tracking number. :)
Those of you who have seen my posts on the WTF Rolex Forum know that I've expressed some interest in getting a vintage Submariner - a 1680. I didn't know when exactly, as the new house and re-modeling we're doing have been capturing most of my available cash. =(
But then...out of the blue...I met a guy who mentioned he had this Submariner...one that he'd had for many years...he said it was pretty beat up. I asked him if he'd consider selling it....and to make a long story short, a deal was struck.
The best part? This isn't just any 1680 Submariner.....it's a RED Submariner!!! :supercool: :rofl: :supercool:
Here's the seller's photos - they aren't the best, and the white balance is a bit off. But the dial and hands look to be in pretty darn good condition:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/jholbrook/Red%20Submariner/redsub2a.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/jholbrook/Red%20Submariner/redsuba.jpg
Here's another shot he took where the white balance looks better - the markers look like they only have a very light patina:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/jholbrook/Red%20Submariner/redsub3.jpg
Clearly the bezel has seen better days, and check out the photo of the bracelet - you could drive a truck between those stretched links:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/jholbrook/Red%20Submariner/redsub4.jpg
My plan is to replace the bezel insert with a correct 1680 bezel, and to source a 93150 bracelet, with 580 ends. Of course, I will keep and store all the original pieces. :cool:
I'll also have the case cleaned up, and an overhaul of the movement. Rolex USA doesn't service watches this old anymore, but fortunately, Stoll & Co. in my own backyard is about the best in the business and sees thousands of Rolex watches each year. :D I plan to do an article on the restoration process. Of course, I won't touch the dial.
So what do you think guys? I still can't believe I'm going to have my very own Red Sub!!!!
I'm so excited I can't stand it! And I'm litterally in SHOCK about the watch that will be delivered TOMORROW according to the UPS tracking number. :)
Those of you who have seen my posts on the WTF Rolex Forum know that I've expressed some interest in getting a vintage Submariner - a 1680. I didn't know when exactly, as the new house and re-modeling we're doing have been capturing most of my available cash. =(
But then...out of the blue...I met a guy who mentioned he had this Submariner...one that he'd had for many years...he said it was pretty beat up. I asked him if he'd consider selling it....and to make a long story short, a deal was struck.
The best part? This isn't just any 1680 Submariner.....it's a RED Submariner!!! :supercool: :rofl: :supercool:
Here's the seller's photos - they aren't the best, and the white balance is a bit off. But the dial and hands look to be in pretty darn good condition:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/jholbrook/Red%20Submariner/redsub2a.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/jholbrook/Red%20Submariner/redsuba.jpg
Here's another shot he took where the white balance looks better - the markers look like they only have a very light patina:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/jholbrook/Red%20Submariner/redsub3.jpg
Clearly the bezel has seen better days, and check out the photo of the bracelet - you could drive a truck between those stretched links:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/jholbrook/Red%20Submariner/redsub4.jpg
My plan is to replace the bezel insert with a correct 1680 bezel, and to source a 93150 bracelet, with 580 ends. Of course, I will keep and store all the original pieces. :cool:
I'll also have the case cleaned up, and an overhaul of the movement. Rolex USA doesn't service watches this old anymore, but fortunately, Stoll & Co. in my own backyard is about the best in the business and sees thousands of Rolex watches each year. :D I plan to do an article on the restoration process. Of course, I won't touch the dial.
So what do you think guys? I still can't believe I'm going to have my very own Red Sub!!!!