The Watch
In 1953, the Rolex Submariner first erupted onto the scene and it's fair to say the world of watches was never the same again, the world-famous dive watch has without doubt become one of the most iconic and desirable watch models ever made.
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Fast forward to 1966, Rolex launched the ref.1680 and the 1680 bought with it the first ever date wheel to feature on a Rolex Submariner. Initially released with "Submariner" in red, Rolex switched to all white in the mid 70's such as this beautiful example we have here. Dating from 1978 this was produced in the last year of 1680 production before the 16800 took up the mantle.
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This particular example is in superb honest original condition and is incredibly pleasing to the eye, thanks in no small part to the all-matching lume that has aged to a slightly off-white creamy colour.
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View this 1680 in a video: here
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The Specs
Age: 1978.
Reference: 1680.
Serial Number: 537XXXX
Movement: Automatic with Hacking Centre Seconds and Date Function.
Calibre: 1575.
Timekeeping: Keeping Excellent time.
Service History: Last Known Service 2021.
Dial: All Original Rolex Tritium "ft first" Factory Dial.
Case: All Stainless Steel
Case Size: 40mm
Bezel: Wonderful Original Bezel.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original Handset.
Crystal: Original "top hat" Crystal.
Crown: Original.
Strap/Bracelet: On a slightly later correct Rolex 93150 Oyster bracelet with rare 280 end links. Dating from 1982, it's possible that it could be original or possibly an upgrade.
Hands: Original Handset.
Crystal: Original "top hat" Crystal.
Crown: Original.
Strap/Bracelet: On a slightly later correct Rolex 93150 Oyster bracelet with rare 280 end links. Dating from 1982, it's possible that it could be original or possibly an upgrade.
Lug Width: 20mm
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- In superb honest original condition.
- The lume has aged to an insanely beautiful colour.
- The first Submariner with Date.
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Nitty Gritty:
-Some minor Scratches throughout the Original Bezel and Crystal.
-Scratches and marks throughout the Case and Bracelet.
-Clasp has some denting though does not affect function.
- Some evidence of past polishing to the lugs.
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Overall the 1680 is in very nice condition.
The Case has some minor marks and scratches throughout. The lugs seem to have been polished lightly at some stage in their life.
The crown is original and screws to the case nicely.
"Top hat" Crystal is in very good shape but does have some light age related scratches.
The bracelet dates from 1982, has some minor damage to the clasp, with some very minor stretch. Fits up to approx 7.1in with no spare links.
The Dial is in fantastic condition.
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Photographed on a 7in Wrist.
Photographed on a 7in Wrist.