View full screen - View 1 of Lot 126. REFERENCE 1680 SUBMARINER A STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH DATE, BRACELET AND TROPICAL DIAL, CIRCA 1970.

Property of an important Private Collection

Rolex

REFERENCE 1680 SUBMARINER A STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH DATE, BRACELET AND TROPICAL DIAL, CIRCA 1970

Auction Closed

December 15, 07:07 PM GMT

Estimate

20,000 - 30,000 USD

Lot Details

Description

Property of an important Private Collection

Rolex


REFERENCE 1680 SUBMARINER

A STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH DATE, BRACELET AND TROPICAL DIAL, CIRCA 1970


Dial: black brown

Caliber: cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewels 

Case: stainless steel, screw-down case back

Case number: 2'771'324, inner case back stamped 5512

Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with folding clasp

Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180 mm

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: none

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. 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.


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.