Rolex Submariner 1680 White MK1

The reference 1680 was the first Submariner to feature a date function. The production period of 13 years was by Rolex standards pretty short. While the dials of the first variants were provided with red "SUBMARINER" inscription (Red Submariner), after 1976 the watches were printed in completely white font. In the short production time of about 4 years, the White Submariner 1680 was available in 3 versions, which can be distinguished by the font. Here you see a MK1 execution: the word "SUBMARINER" and the depth rating line have exactly the same width, and the "L" in Rolex is just below the Rolex coronet. The 6s in the depth rating are closed. The early serial number also matches the MK1 version dating to 1976.

The dial is immaculately preserved ensuring a high collector's value of the watch. Original tritium lume has aged to a decent patina showing matching colors in markers and hands.

The stainless steel Oyster case is worn but unpolished - a condition that vintage collectors truly hunt for. Despite its age, the case has only a few signs of wear and a thick profile. Both numbers (reference and serial number) between the lugs are intact and clearly legible.

The fact that the Submariner 1680 is one of the most popular watches to wear is partly due to the reliable and extremely robust automatic caliber 1575. It is essentially identical to the caliber 1570 and additionally has a date function. That's why the caliber 1575 rotor bridges are stamped 1570. In 1972, the movement was equipped with the hacking-seconds function, allowing to stop the seconds hand by pulling out the winding crown, thus making setting the time more accurate.

This Rolex Submariner 1680 comes with its original Oyster bracelet reference 93150. The end links are stamped 580 and the clasp code is VD.

The Rolex Submariner 1680 is also referred to as a transitional reference - it introduced new features while retaining many elements of previous models. Of course, it is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to find a fully authentic example with all components still original. This is what makes this example in great, unpolished and original condition so valuable and special.

Serial number: 5082xxx (1976)

Int.Exe.: 60885