Lot 128
  • 128

Rolex

Estimate
6,500 - 8,500 USD
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Description

  • A STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC SWEEP SECONDS WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELETCIRCA 1973 REF 1680 'RED' SUBMARINER
  • diameter 39 mm
• cal. 1570 automatic movement, 26 jewels • black matte dial, luminescent triangular, dot and baton indexes, sweep center seconds, magnified date aperture, Submariner printed in red • rotating black bezel calibrated for 60 units, screw-down crown, screw back • case, dial and movement signed • stainless steel Rolex Oyster flip-lock bracelet

Condition

The movement is running while cataloging, however the rotor seems slightly loose and it might require service soon. It is numbered D614025. The dial has a slight scratch beneathe the word 'Oyster" near the center, otherwise it is in nice condition. The luminescent paint has all aged consistently to a yellowish-green color. The case shows general wear and general surface scuffs throughout. It appears to have been polished over the years. The bezel is slightly faded and lightly scratched in a few places. The inside of the back is numbered 1680 and the numbers between the lugs are 3792770 and 1680. The bracelet is numbered 93150 near the end links and to the buckle and 580 to the end pieces. It has an approximate overall length of 195 mm.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Catalogue Note

This model, Ref. 1680, was launched in 1966 as the first Submariner model to feature a date aperture. Early examples from this reference feature the word 'Submariner' printed in red lettering. Ultimately, the dials were standardized so that all the printing was in white, making examples with the red printing rarer, and thus more desirable.

A similar example is illustrated in Skeet, M. & Urul, N., Vintage Rolex Sports Models, Second Edition, p. 42.