1680 Red Sub

[ericf4]

Didn’t know that about RSC not being willing to work on these anymore. I know there are plenty of good places that will but that’s disappointing. The vintage world is full of risk.


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When I called and asked about service, they said they could do it (at that time), but only if it were a white dial. They also told me that they will not work on ANY watches more than 50 years old. At the time my 1680 was just shy of that. But I have a Rolex I inherited from my father--purchased in 1957--and they told me they would not service that one.

Interesting any brands wouldn't service vintage models of their watches. I get that they don't want to deal with sourcing parts etc but still seems odd.

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[goaliechris]

If I was Rolex I would charge more for servicing watches past the 50 year mark and require the owner to sign a waiver for that service limiting their liability. And I think people would still want Rolex to service their watch. But what do I know?


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[Grahamcombat]

It’s got to be hard to have factory parts availability, even for the factory. I’d bet most of the tooling they used to make those parts isn’t even around anymore, which is a drawback to making manufacturer-specific parts.

[toxicavenger]

Didn’t know that about RSC not being willing to work on these anymore. I know there are plenty of good places that will but that’s disappointing. The vintage world is full of risk.


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When I called and asked about service, they said they could do it (at that time), but only if it were a white dial. They also told me that they will not work on ANY watches more than 50 years old. At the time my 1680 was just shy of that. But I have a Rolex I inherited from my father--purchased in 1957--and they told me they would not service that one.

Interesting any brands wouldn't service vintage models of their watches. I get that they don't want to deal with sourcing parts etc but still seems odd.

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A lot of companies are like that. Seiko won't do and neither will Omega.

Hell ginault might do it though.

[toxicavenger]

Didn’t know that about RSC not being willing to work on these anymore. I know there are plenty of good places that will but that’s disappointing. The vintage world is full of risk.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

When I called and asked about service, they said they could do it (at that time), but only if it were a white dial. They also told me that they will not work on ANY watches more than 50 years old. At the time my 1680 was just shy of that. But I have a Rolex I inherited from my father--purchased in 1957--and they told me they would not service that one.

Interesting any brands wouldn't service vintage models of their watches. I get that they don't want to deal with sourcing parts etc but still seems odd.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

A lot of companies are like that. Seiko won't do and neither will Omega.

Hell ginault might do it though.

[JP Chestnut]

Rolex can work on anything via special channels. It’s the “vintage division” or something like that. Bills around $10,000 are common. The work isn’t always great.

The more troubling thing is that the big vintage specialists have even worse than usual access to parts.

[River Rat]

I used SF Rolex service center to service my 1972 Tudor Snowflake think it was 500 bucks for the service but I bet the price has went up since 7-8 years has passed. I did the birth year thing but a 1958 Rolex submariner was a little high I waited to long so got this.

Got this this year and had it serviced vintage watches can still be serviced with the right watchmaker. Just look around at all brands for a birth year watch one mite catch your eye at a affordable price some times Rolex your only paying for the name. You will never loose money on vintage just glad I got them when they were cheap.

[JP Chestnut]

SF isn’t Rolex authorized anymore.

[goaliechris]

Jonesing for one again. They seem to have gone up another $5k since I posted this.

Ridiculous!


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[KidKeith]

If I had a 50 year old Rolex and Rolex itself wouldn't service it I would flip my lid. I've always had such admiration for the company, but if this is true, it really pisses me off. Shitting on long time customers and brand-loyal customers is no way to do business. I understand they last forever, but there's got to be a better way than telling your loyal customers "tough titties."

[JP Chestnut]

If I had a 50 year old Rolex and Rolex itself wouldn't service it I would flip my lid. I've always had such admiration for the company, but if this is true, it really pisses me off. Shitting on long time customers and brand-loyal customers is no way to do business. I understand they last forever, but there's got to be a better way than telling your loyal customers "tough titties."

Rolex does much worse shit than refuse to service a 50 year old watch. If you want forever serviceability, buy a Patek, VC, or AP. Those guys will make you a one-off part if needed. That's not Rolex though. They're a large scale manufacture of high quality watches.

[sierra11b]

Had a 16750 birth year I foolishly sold. Got it for something like $3500 without bracelet a mere 9 years ago.

I occasionally search for an ‘81 speedmaster but I have never found one... I wonder if omega even made any that year as it was during the quartz craze? See a lot of ‘80 and ‘82.

Now a seiko 6306/9 is the only option IF I want birthyear but my latest vintage turdle mod has kept that want at bay.

The idea of birth year comes and goes but I realized more that it’s not a great reason to buy a watch based on price and parts availability. Plus not like it’s been in my possession the entire time. Now, I do have two birth year watches for my son, but that’s different as I’ve owned them since his birth, and one is a speedy with a 1861 which should have parts availability till the end of time.

[pbj204]

My opinion is think hard about spending $20K on a watch that I think is worth a third of that and will likely be $10K in 1-2 years.

Or spending $38,800

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=713296

[KidKeith]

My opinion is think hard about spending $20K on a watch that I think is worth a third of that and will likely be $10K in 1-2 years.

Or spending $38,800

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=713296

Hasn't sold yet... Asking price isn't selling price. I get your point though. I sure hope prices drop or I may never get one