transitional sub details

[username here]

I'm thinking about buying another sub- I've not seen the serial number yet- but was told it's around an 8MM- It's got a sapphire crystal, but is not a 16610. It's got a regular 16610 dial. I don't have service history, but is is safe to bet that it's just a late model 1680 that was serviced and had a new dial and crystal? This should be a 3035 if it's a 16800, right?

[alligoat]

Don't know if it's a typo or not, but it's not a 1680. Yes it sounds like a 16800 with the later dial- not the early matte dial. 3035 movement is correct, and it came with the sapphire crystal. 16610 and 16800 dials are interchangeable- same size, dial feet, etc. 8 million SN dates to around 1983 or so. These run $3000 to $5000 depending on condition.

Here's an 8.1 mill with a later tritium dial

This later tritium dial still glows fairly well, I figure it for a 98-99 replacement- not as valuable as the original matte dial, but nice that it glows!

[username here]

thanks- I'm planning to pick it up in the next week or so- I'll post pics. Appreciate the help.

[By-Tor]

@alligoat: You know I always admire that watch, it has some unexplainable charm.

PS: I enchanced your photo a little. I was bored, can you tell...

[alligoat]

Thanks, B-T. That watch has become my go to beater. With the sapphire crystal it's a little more durable than the 1680. And the quickset date feature is also a plus.

Looks like you took some of the red out of the pic. I need to keep working on my photo skills, just need to make the time and do it!

[bruce79]

Here's a pic of my old matte dial 16800. I traded it off some time ago but it was a beauty.

[alligoat]

LOL, certainly there are some good deals on matte dials these days. I paid too much for this one but that was 2 years ago.

Now days you can pick them up for around $3500 if you know what you're doing.