| Lot | 1 |
| Starting Bid: | $19,000 |
| Estimate: | $20,000 to $40,000 |
| Manufacturer: | Rolex |
| Year: | Circa 1970 |
| Model Name: | Submariner |
| Reference: | 1680 |
| Case Serial Number: | 2,3XX,XXX |
| Condition: | Excellent condition. |
| Material: | Stainless Steel |
| Dimensions: | 40mm |
| Bracelet: | Stainless Steel Folded Oyster |
| Item Number: | 136174 |
| Movement: | Automatic 1575 |
| Signed | Case, dial, movement, and bracelet. |
The watch has been checked for proper functionality
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This Rolex watch is in good vintage condition. The case shows some wear and has been polished. The bezel insert has faded from black to a light grey color and has some wear and scratches. The pip is a later replacement. The crown is a later "trip lock" replacement. The dial has aged from black to brown throughout with a couple spots of wear / lighter brown spots. The most noticeable one is under the hands towards the nine o'clock. The lume on the dial has aged to an off white creamy color, some plots have small spots of darker patina. The hands have developed patina and the lume in the hands is close to matching the lume on the dial with some patina. The bracelet is in good condition with stretch between the links and signs of polishing on the clasp. The bracelet features an "error" divers extension where Rolex spelled "Patented" incorrectly, they spelled it "Pateted."
Excellent. Very nice Mark II brown tropical dial that has turned from black to brown throughout. It has a lighter spot in center and a couple other lighter spots. The lume on the dial and in the hands has aged to an off white color. The hands have developed patina.
Excellent thick stainless steel case that has been polished and shows some wear. The bezel has faded to a light grey throughout color and shows some wear with scratches. The pip at 12 is a later replacement. The back of the caseback is stamped: 1680. Serial and reference numbers are clearly visible.
Excellent stainless steel Fold Over 9315 Oyster Bracelet with 13 links and 280 end links. Back of clasp is stamped 4/70 which corresponds to the case production. The clasp shows signs of polishing. The bracelet shows some stretch between the links. This bracelet features an error divers extension.
Rolex presentation box, Rolex plastic green wallet, punched guarantee, punched "Your Rolex Oyster" booklet, product literature pamphlet, and cigarette card
Rolex introduced the reference 1680 around 1969 and it was in production until roughly 1979. This was the first Submariner to feature the date function and Rolex still offers date and no-date models to this day. This example has the word "Submariner" written in red text and collectors refer to these as the "Red Submariner." Rolex did this until around 1975 and then they switched to all white text. Collectors tend to gravitate towards these Red Subs and we have seen demand increase significantly in the last couple years.
Rolex made a few different "Red Submariner" dial variations during production of the 1680. The example we have here is referred to as a Mark II with meters first depth rating. This is one of the most sought after variations because these Mark II dials are known to turn brown, like this one. Besides the lovely brown dial, the bezel has aged to an attractive light grey color that contrasts with the brown dial nicely. In some lights the bezel can take on a bluish hue adding to the overall charm of this watch. This example also features an error divers extension in the clasp. Rolex misspelled patented on the divers extension, it reads "Pateted." These error bracelets are becoming more sought after by collectors because they bring the watch to the next level of rarity. In addition to the error bracelet, this Submariner is complete with a full kit including box, punched papers, punched "Your Rolex Oyster" booklet, cigarette card, and product literature. We often hear how the original box and papers have been lost over the years and we are very thankful that this one has the original goodies still intact with the watch.
MOVEMENT: Movement is functioning. This vintage Rolex comes with Bob's Watches one year warranty.
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