RolexSubmariner

KEY FACTS

● This historically significant Submariner is favoured by collectors for its red script

● Offered by a trade seller located in Menton, France

● Presented with the display box and guarantee  

● Reported to be in good working order and graded ‘A’ for condition by the vendor

FUNCTIONS

● Hours, minutes, seconds and date  

● Powered by Rolex’s chronometer-certified calibre 1575 movement

● Automatic winding with a 48-hour power reserve

● Screw-down crown delivers 200m of waterproofness (not currently tested)

● Rotating dive bezel with 60-minute graduation

SUMMARY

Introduced in the late 1960s, the reference 1680 was the first Submariner to feature a date complication, making it an important reference in the history of Rolex’s most iconic watch. Despite the inclusion of this practical upgrade, the watch is perhaps best known for the red ‘SUBMARINER’ script on the dial. This feature had not appeared before, and we haven’t seen it since, making it desirable amongst collectors and affectionately known as the ‘Red Sub’. Interestingly, this coloured script was only produced in the first part of the 1680’s production run until around 1976. A number of dial variations were introduced throughout the ‘Red Sub’s’ relatively short production period, including changes to the layout and script style. In this particular watch, which dates around 1970, we see the depth rating as ‘metres first’, rather than the feet first metric appearing first in earlier examples. Looking inside the watch, the 1680 is powered by Rolex’s calibre 1575, which, apart from its date complication, is a Chronometer certified automatic movement with a 48-hour power reserve.

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