ROLEX | SUBMARINER, REFERENCE 1680, STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELET, CIRCA 1977

An extremely important reference in the Submariner history, the reference 1680 was released in 1967 and produced until 1978. The new model brought with it the caliber 1575 which finally featured the anticipated addition of a date display, a convenient complication achieved by adding a date module to the trustworthy calibre 1570. Furthermore, the reference 1680 was waterproof up to 200 meters. And can be split into two main categories, cosmetically differentiated by their dial: the watches produced until 1976 would bear a red Submariner script while the later examples would bear only white text (with feet-first depth indication) on their dial.

The present Submariner reference 1680 was manufactured in 1977, making it a late example for this model. The timepiece’s case shows clear and confident bevels, concealing a nicely preserved Mark II dial displaying the L from “ROLEX” perfectly aligned with the centre of the coronet and a “SUBMARINER” script which is wider than the depth rate line. The detail-oriented collector will appreciate under magnification the open 6 characters to the 660 depth-rating, a classic Mk II dial feature. The unmolested matte dial finally bears a warm patina to its impeccably preserved tritium luminescent indexes as well as the original silvered date disc with open 6 and 9. Finally, the timepiece is fitted with a triplock crown, an addition Rolex made a few years prior.