Year: Circa 1973
Reference No: 1680
Movement No: D385’915
Case No: 3’324’388; inside caseback stamped “1680”, “II.71”
Model Name: Submariner “Red Sub”, MK V
Material: Stainless steel
Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “93150”, endlinks stamped “580”, max length 190mm
Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “V”
Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex Japan guarantee stamped Azumaya Tokeiten Japan dated 15th February 1975, hang tags, instruction manuals, product literature, 1974 calendar card, green passport holder, green holder, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Debuted in 1967, the reference 1680 was the first Submariner to be fitted with a date function. Early dial variations of the reference displays a ‘meters first’ depth rating and the single line of red ‘Submariner’ script, hence the name “Red Sub”. Highly sought-after, these rare diver’s watch with a dash of red marks an important milestone for this utilitarian tool watch and are beloved details by vintage Rolex collectors.
The present example falls into the Mark V dial bearing a 3.3 million serial, distinctive from the feet first orientation of the depth rating. The red “Submariner” script is printed directly on the dial on the surface without a white base layer and features open 6’s on the depth rating while the horizontal stroke of “ft” aligns on the same level. Offered in an attractive condition and aged beautifully with an ivory colored lumes and a faded grey bezel insert, the present ref. 1680 with a wink of red express a unique vintage look that attracts the eye of vintage Submariner collectors.