Rolex Submariner 1680 Stainless Steel

Vintage Watch Condition Examination:

This Rolex watch is in great, honest condition. The case is strong with some scratches and nicks; the bevels are visible. The caseback has some scratches. The bezel ring has remained sharp and the bezel insert has aged nicely to a beautiful dark grey color. The bezel has some scratches and wear. The pip at 12 is a later replacement. The dial is in great condition with light patina; the dial has a mark on it under the hands above the “Submariner text” depending on the time, this is covered by the hands. The lume plots on the dial have developed patina and have aged to a pleasing custard yellow color. The hands have developed patina and the lume has aged to a beautiful yellow that matches the hands well. The jubilee bracelet is in great overall condition with wear and some stretch between the links which is not uncommon. Some of the links in the center of the 12 o’clock side show signs of flattening from the previous owner wearing against a desk/ hard surface; something we have seen before. The crystal has some wear. 

Description: Rolex Submariner 1680

Rolex introduced the reference 1680 around 1969 and it was in production until roughly 1979. This was the first Submariner to feature the date function and Rolex still offers date and no-date models to this day. This example has the word “Submariner” written in red text and collectors refer to these as the “Red Submariner.” Rolex did this until around 1975 and then they switched to all white text, like the example we have here. 

This watch has an overall great look from the perfectly aged dark bezel to the striking custard colored lume. In addition, the watch is paired with a jubilee bracelet which changes the whole look and feel.