Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680

The Rolex Submariner ref. 1680 occupies an important place in the history of the Submariner. Introduced in 1969, it was the first Submariner to combine the familiar dive-watch architecture with a date display, and for several years Rolex produced the model with the now-famous red SUBMARINER signature. This particular example dates to 1970 and carries a 2.42 million serial number, placing it firmly within the Red Submariner period.

Today, however, the watch no longer carries its original ‘red’ dial. At some point during its life, most likely in the 1970s or 1980s, the original dial was replaced with a white-print dial. The dial currently fitted is a MK1 ‘white’ dial, manufactured by Lemrich, one of the recognised original suppliers of 1680 white dials. The MK1 is particularly identifiable by details such as the position of the L beneath the coronet and the characteristic typography of the depth rating and Submariner signature.

While the dial is therefore not the red configuration with which this watch would originally have left the factory, its presence is part of the watch’s history. After more than five decades, it has become very much part of this particular example. Most importantly, it has aged beautifully.

Reference: 1680
Case Number: 2420xxx
Year of Production: 1970
Case Diameter: 40mm
Movement: self-winding, Rolex caliber 1570
Box and Papers: no