Rolex Submariner 1680

ROLEX RED SUBMARINER & PATETED CLASP, Oyster Perpetual Date, « Red » Submariner, Ref. 1680, movement no. D876179, case no. 3179246, circa 1971

Rolex, Oyster Perpetual Date, « Red » Submariner, Ref. 1680, movement no. D876179, case no. 3179246, circa 1971 A very fine and attractive, water-resistant, automatic, tonneau-shaped, stainless steel chronometer diver’s wristwatch with Mark V matte black dial, date, bi-directional revolving bezel, stainless steel Oyster bracelet, Ref. 9315, with endlinks no. 380 and secured deployant clasp. Fitted with Cal. 1570, rhodium-plated, self-winding, certified chronometer, 26 jewels, hack mechanism, screwed case back, screwed crown with crown guards, hesalite crystal, bi-directional rotating steel bezel with decompression time. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 40 mm. Thickness 14.30 mm. Approx. overall length for bracelet 190 mm. Launched in 1969 and produced until 1979, the reference 1680 is the first Submariner with date, updating the famous 5513 (stopped circa 1989). Reference 1680 had also the chronometer status. This model also introduced the Cyclops date magnifier to the Submariner line. The 1680 also brought a new luxury marketing philosophy for Rolex as these typical sports watches were never declined in 18K yellow gold or steel and gold cases before. From 1969 to 1974, the "tool-watch", reference 1680 was delivered with Red printing Submariner, aka « Red Sub », different versions of dial are known at least. The present watch is featuring a Mark V dial with feet first designation, red printing for Submariner, open 6. With serial number around 4 million, the model was then produced with white submariner printing. Between 1974-1975, both red or white versions were available. Preserved in great and attractive condition, with charming patina on the luminous markers that matches the hands. Furthermore, the case is also well preserved with full proportions. The present watch is also fitted with a “PATETED” bracelet, a famous mistake typo. According to scholars, in the 1970s, some Ref. 9315 bracelets with either endlink no. 380 or 280 were fitted with extension clasps reading “pateted” instead of “patented”, a particularly usually founded on watches produced between 1971 and 1973, such as the present watch.