The SAGA:
I was chatting watches with a pal (as one does), and I mentioned in passing that I was getting in a red sub that could be a doppelgänger for his. I sent a couple pics and we agreed that we should compare serial numbers. Lo and behold, they’re only 30 apart!
When such a vibrant dial patina is present on a watch, it lends peace of mind knowing an identical, nearly NOS watch is so close to the production date of this one. There’s nothing quite like a red sub with great patina. Doubly true for the Mk IV, which has the red text printed ON TOP of the white. The color really jumps off of the black matte of the dial.
Tech Specs:
Reference: 1680
Year of manufacture: 1970
Serial Number: 279XXXX
Dial: Excellent Mk IV red dial with sunflower luminous plots. There is a tiny freckle on the right side of 12:00 plot. Original hands have been color-matched to the dial. Silver date disk with open sixes and nines is present. The crystal has been replaced, but the original will be included.
Bezel insert: Excellent Mk III bezel insert that has developed an even warmth to the numerals. The black portion has remained a deep, inky black. The bezel pip has aged slightly lighter than the dial.
Case: Unpolished case with prominent bevels present on all four lugs. Consistent wear is present throughout.
Bracelet: Very good “pateted” 9315 folded link bracelet with moderate stretch for its age. 280 end links.
Movement: Rolex caliber 1570.
Accessories: a twin in another noteworthy collection.
Watch is currently running at COSC spec