Rolex Submariner 1680

Rolex Submariner 1680 Red Meters First Tropical Dial

Debuting in 1953 and released to the public the following year, the Rolex Submariner has undoubtedly become one of the most iconic timepieces of all time thanks to its legendary status as Rolex's flagship dive watch. Used extensively by the British Royal Navy and professional diving operations like COMEX, the Submariner set the bar for all dive watches to follow. Featuring a genuinely timeless design that has remained relatively unchanged throughout its history, the Rolex has become the archetypal sports watch. With very few large-scale aesthetic upgrades made to it over the years except for timely advancements like introducing a date function to the collection in the late '60s, and its modern cerachrom bezels, the Submariner is seen as the prototypical dive watch thanks to its consistency. The Submariner has earned its status as a legendary watch, with it today remaining as one of the most sought-after timepieces around. Released around 1967, the Rolex Submariner ref. 1680 marked a change of direction for the famed Genevan watchmaker. While tool watches had long been Rolex's focus during the 1950s, Submariner ref. 1680 announced Rolex's intention to cater to a new, larger market. The ref. 1680's new date function marked Rolex's true recognition that their watches had become an accessory worn by those that did not need Rolex's impressive tool-watch capabilities but rather everyday conveniences. The first production examples of the ref. 1680 were denoted by their red "Submariner" inscription, which was later phased out for white text by 1973, in keeping with the rest of the dial's design. An essential piece of horological history, the Submariner ref. 1680 "Red" sowed the seed for what would become the archetypal Submariner – the Submariner Date, a fact that collectors continue to appreciate as the ref. 1680 continues to skyrocket in desirability. Brand : Rolex Dimensions : 40mm Model : Submariner Movement : Automatic cal. 1570 Reference : 1680 Bracelet : Stainless steel Oyster bracelet Year : 1969 Condition : Very Good Material : Stainless steel Included : Watch only Dial Color : Brown (Tropicalized) THE DIAL Boasting one of the most highly-coveted dials ever offered on the Submariner, this ref. 1680's red meters first dial would be enough to get any vintage Rolex collector excited, but with its gorgeous chocolate brown tropical color, this example is all the more exceptional. THE CONSTRUCTION With its black aluminum bezel insert surrounding it, this example's tropicalized dial is even easier to appreciate. Offered on a riveted 1960-dated Oyster bracelet, this example truly epitomizes the vintage feel that only older Rolexes can offer. TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.