Description
| Manufacturer: | Rolex |
| Item Number: | 163803 |
|
Condition: |
Vintage |
| Model Name/Number: |
Submariner 1680 “Ghost Bezel” |
| Serial: | 2936XXX |
| Year: |
Circa 1972 |
| Gender: | Men’s |
| Movement: | Automatic 1575 |
| Case: | Stainless steel case; caseback stamped “1680” & “II.71.” Serial and reference numbers are visible. |
| Dial: | Matte black tritium dial and matching hands. |
| Bracelet: | Stainless steel 9315 Fold Over Oyster with380 end links, 11 links and extension link stamped “PATETED”. |
Vintage Watch Condition Examination:
This Rolex watch is in overall great vintage condition. The case is in great condition with normal signs of wear. The bezel ring has remained sharp. The bezel insert has faded throughout to an attractive light grey color and shows normal signs of wear throughout. The pip is a later replacement. The dial is in excellent condition with light patina. The red “Submariner” text is still vibrant. The lume on the dial and in the hands have developed patina and aged to an attractive creamy color. The bracelet is in great condition with some wear and light stretch between the links. The clasp does not have a date code which is correct for circa 1973, this watch is circa 1972 but a year or so variance between the case and bracelet is not uncommon.
Description: Rolex Submariner 1680 “Red Submariner”
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. Collectors tend to gravitate towards these Red Subs and we have seen demand increase significantly in the last couple years.
Collectors have identified six different “mark” or variations in the Red Submariner dials and this watch has a Mark IV dial. The Mark IV dial is distinguished by the feet first depth rating with open 6s and red Submariner text painted on top of white text; when looking closely under a loupe you can see this.
This example is in overall great, attractive condition with it’s creamy lume and evenly faded ghost bezel. We love how the lume and bezel colors really work well together and we can’t forget about that pop of red “Submariner” text that really sets it all off. If you have been looking for a lovely Red Sub with character this is worth considering!
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