THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 1680
YEAR: 1978
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

The Rolex Submariner 1680 has long been held in high regard amongst aficionados and collectors worldwide. The 1680 was, after all, the first of the Submariners to incorporate a date function, a simple yet groundbreaking feature. From its inception in 1967 until 1975/76, the 1680s were affectionately known as the 'Red Subs,' a nod to the distinctive red lettering on their dials. Six dial configurations emerged during this period. Between 1976 and 1979, the 1680 evolved again, presenting white text across three dial variants, the MK1/2 and 3 white.

The present example is an MK2 variant from 1978 and is in fantastic condition. The tritium dial and hand lume plots have acquired an even and creamy patina over the years. The case has been polished before but no more than 2-3 times - the lugs and crown guards remain extremely strong. The correct mk3 regular 5 bezel remains pristine with a slight fade to it and creamy pip matching the lume plots perfectly. The original silver date wheel is also still present, as well as the original full link 93150 bracelet, with VC clasp code (1978). 

The watch has recently been serviced and is running perfectly at +2 s/d, 275 amps with 0.2 beat error. We sell a lot of 1680s, this example is in the top 10% for sure.