THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 1680
YEAR: 1972
BOX/PAPERS: YES/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

The 1680 has become synonymous with collectors worldwide, it was the first Submariner to have a date function and the first Rolex to border the realms of being a tool watch and a status symbol.

The reference has gained a massive following over the years, this is due to the sheer variations within the model, from dials to bezels, the model can have you studying to the nth degree.

The watch we have is the highly sought-after "Single Red" variant of the 1680 range. This piece has the MKV feet first open 6s dial and correct hands. The hands have some lume loss and the markers at 2 and 6 o'clock have some slight blackening. The silver date wheel is original and displays the correct bold font with open 6 and 9's. The bezel insert is the correct MK3 with a slightly muted black finish which offers a superb contrast against the creamy lume plots. A later 93150 / 580 bracelet is with the watch stamped F meaning it was manufactured in 1981. Its is one link short and will accommodate a 19cm wrist.

The case, although polished at some point in its life hasn't been touched in some time, it has the usual wear marks of use and the lugs remain very thick. 

The movement came to us in great health and is running at +3s/d, 275 amps with a beat error of 0.1 ms. The "Red Sub" has been a grail watch for many enthusiasts over the years, and this example is about as honest as it gets.