ROLEX | SUBMARINER SINGLE RED, REFERENCE 1680 STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH DATE, TROPICAL DIAL AND BRACELET CIRCA 1969

Dial: brown, tropical Calibre: cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewels Movement number: D’423’325 Case: stainless steel Oyster, screw-down crown and back Case number: 2’241’171 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with integrated folding clasp Dimensions: 40mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 185mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: presentation case with outer packaging 

DIAL: in overall good condition. Brown patination even and very discreetly darker between 4 and 8. Hands may have been replaced. CASE: with light scuffs and scratches throughout. Lower let lug bearing three marks on the side, lower right lug with scratches one small mark to the bottom. Case proportions remain strong. Bracelet 9315 with 280 endlinks and stamped 1 / 70. Bracelet displays some stretching and scuffing throughout. MOVEMENT: running at time of cataloguing, date advances Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion
"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."

There is no exaggeration in stating that the Rolex Submariner is one of the most, if not the most, celebrated watches in the world. The model has captivated enthusiasts for decades with an ever growing passion.
While the design has seen very few changes in the 65 years since its first introduction in 1953, the most noticeable upgrade was the addition of the date on some references. The change was made around 1967 with the launch of the reference 1680.
While the model was available for a decade, the early examples are easily distinguishable by the word 'Submariner' highlighted in red on the dial. This characteristic is extremely sought-after by collectors who have classified the 'Red Sub' in seven dial variations, or 'Marks' based on slight variations of the graphics.
The three first marks combine the appeal of the red writing with another typical feature of early Submariner pieces: the meter first depth rating.
The present example is fitted with a Mark II dial which is characterised by the Feet depth rating with open '6', more squared 'F' as opposed to the Mark I and a thinner font as opposed to the Mark III. 
The Mark II dial is found on pieces with serial number between 2.2 and 2.45 million which is perfectly matching the case of the present lot. 
A Red Sub meters first is a piece that most collectors dream to own. Excitingly, the present lot belongs to an even rarer and more exclusive category as its original dial has developed a superb, rich brown tropical patina. 
The warm brown shade is perfectly complemented by the light cream indexes and is an absolute delight for a connoisseur.
Furthermore, the case is in remarkable condition with the bevels of the lugs still present and the holes for the spring bars still retaining a sharp edge. 
The piece is fitted on the correct 9315 bracelet with 280 end links. Interestingly, the folding clasp is dated to the first quarter of 1970 and is signed Pat Pend for patent pending.  The reference 1680 certainly was a landmark in the history of the Submariner and this present lot perfectly embodies it as well as all the features that appeal to vintage collectors.