An In-Depth Examination Of My

1970 Model 1680 Red Submariner

November 21st, 2007

Followers of the ROLEX REFERENCE PAGE will recall that back in February of 2007, I purchased a model 1680 Red Submariner (vintage 1972) that was in poor condition, and I completely refurbished and restored it.   It was a fascinating process, and I did a two part article about it (click for PART I or PART II of the restoration articles).  The problem was, after the restoration was done - I simply didn't connect with the watch.  I surmised that I simply wasn't a vintage Rolex guy, and sold the prize watch to a deserving collector who better appreciated it. 

Then a funny thing happened in October of 2007 - fate handed me yet another opportunity to purchase a vintage 1680 Submariner with red writing on the dial - this one was two years older than the previous example I owned - a 1970 vintage.  1970 just happens to be the year I was born, so I decided to give vintage Rolex ownership another try.

Here's a photo I took in my office the day I received the 1680.  Notice that it is in VERY similar condition to the one I received in February, making it a perfect candidate for restoration - better in some respects than the previous model.  I was particularly impressed with the markers (much whiter than the previous one I owned) and the case was in even better condition.   

I ran down to my trusted watch technicians that same day and opened the case up for me:

Once again good fortune smiled upon me - no evidence the case had ever been compromised and no rust or corrosion. (that's just a bit of lubricant on the rotor).  The movement required a full lubrication, regulation, as well as a  new crown and winding stem - all quite routine.  The bracelet was in worse condition, but a new and correct 93150 Oyster bracelet with 580 end pieces was quickly and ordered from Rolex USA, as was a new bezel insert and Plexiglas crystal.

Here's a shot of the watch after the restoration was complete - I couldn't have been more pleased: 

I also acquired some nice extras rarely seen with a watch of this age - here's the original wood box - it has some light damage to the lid, but is in good condition otherwise:

Here's the inside of the box - it's missing a small cardboard insert that's wrapped in felt - often the insert was thrown away, if not the entire box when these watches were purchased back in the day:

The real prize here is the original plastic wallet containing both the original manual, warranty, and chronometer certification!.

Let's open up the wallet and take a look at the booklet stored inside:

The wallet has done a great job of preserving the documents inside it - the booklet shows the slightest signs of yellowing with age, but is otherwise immaculate!  Here we see the last page of the booklet where the buyer's information was stored.  Notice that the model and serial number (which I have digitally obscured so counterfeiters can't use it) are recorded through some rudimentary hole punch printing process - neat!  This late 2 million serial number watch was made in 1970, but apparently didn't leave the dealer's showroom until late in 1973.  I did a Google search and apparently there is no longer a Rolex authorized dealer at the address listed on the warranty where the watch was sold.  Interestingly enough though, the address is quite close to the Pentagon.

Now I'll remove the original warranty certificate from the wallet - again it's in fantastic condition and extremely well preserved.  I've never personally seen a Rolex warranty certificate of this vintage before:

Here's the certificate unfolded - I'm not sure when Rolex started printing them in other languages (like English) but this one is entirely in French (predominantly spoken in many regions of Switzerland):

Notice the serial number is again hole punch printed in the upper right hand corner of the certificate:

I hope you've enjoyed this overview of the latest edition to my Rolex collection.  I believe I'm becoming much more attached this time around because the markers are much whiter on this 1680 than the last I owned - the fact we were made in the same year helps too.