Rolex “Red” Submariner 1680

Rolex “Red” Submariner 1680

Nov 15

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SPECIFICATIONS:

Model: Submariner
Reference: 1680 – rare variant model with the word “Submariner” written in red.
Series: Late 2 million serial from 1970
Movement: Rolex Caliber 1570
Water Resistance: 660ft./200 m.
Case: Stainless steel.
Crystal: Plexiglas (acrylic plastic)
Notes: The Model 1680 model was launched in 1966 – the first Submariner to receive the date complication from Rolex.  Apparently Rolex made the dial variation with red writing for only a short time – until roughly 1974 when the dial printing was changed to white.  My first 1680 Submariner was purchased in February of 2007 – a model from 1972.  Having restored the watch (I detailed the process in the article below) I sold it a short time later, convinced that I just wasn’t a fan of vintage watches.  Later in 2007 I was approached with another 1680 with red lettering – this one however was from 1970 which is the year of my birth.  The condition was much the same as the previous model I owned, so I again restored this latest example and have grown quite fond of it.

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