THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 1680
YEAR: 1979
BOX/PAPERS: YES/YES
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. This singular attribute effectively bridged the gap between the practicality of a tool watch and the prestige of a status symbol.

From its inception in 1967 until 1975/76, these timepieces were affectionately known as the "Red Subs", a nod to the distinctive red lettering on their dials. Six dial configurations emerged during this period, further diversifying the collection. Between 1976 and 1979, the 1680 evolved once again, presenting white text across three different dial variants known as the MK1/2 and 3 white.

The present example is a MK2 variant from 1979 and has a stunning dial colour; the markers and hands have aged to a rich cream hue whilst the original Mk3 bezel has a dark blue tint to it. Whilst the case and crown guards remain full and even, it has some minor marks since its last polish. The correct silver date wheel is still in place, so is the original 93150 bracelet, coded VD, dating back to 1979.

The watch comes with its inner and outer box, tag, translation papers, Rolex service card from 2015 and guarantee papers. 

The watch runs superbly at +1 s/d, 255 amps, with a 0.0 ms beat error, ready for its next journey.