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.
.
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, such as today's example, Rolex switched to all white in the mid 70's.
.
This particular example is the Mark V Dial with red paint writing applied to the dial. More interestingly accompanying this Submariner is a Rolex folded Oyster 9315 bracelet with a rare typo on its dive extension. Rolex misspelled the word patent, stamping "PATETED" instead. This has been seen in other "Red" Submariner bracelets from the same time period. These grammatically incorrect divers' extensions are quite rare.
.
View this Red Sub in a video: here
.
The Specs
Age: 1972.
Reference: 1680.
Serial Number: 309XXXX
Movement: Automatic with Hacking Centre Seconds and Date Function.
Calibre: 1575.
Timekeeping: Keeping Excellent time.
Service History: Unknown.
Dial: All Original Rolex Tritium Red Sub Factory Dial.
Case: All Stainless Steel
Case Size: 39mm.
Bezel: Wonderful Original Bezel.
Water Resistant?: Not Tested.
Hands: Original Handset.
Crystal: Original "top hat" Crystal.
Crown: Original.
Strap/Bracelet: Rolex stainless steel folded Oyster No. 9315 bracelet with 380 end links and "PATETED" divers extension. Fits up to approx 7.5in.
Hands: Original Handset.
Crystal: Original "top hat" Crystal.
Crown: Original.
Strap/Bracelet: Rolex stainless steel folded Oyster No. 9315 bracelet with 380 end links and "PATETED" divers extension. Fits up to approx 7.5in.
Lug Width: 20mm
Getting Acquainted
.
Bits that stand out:
- In lovely honest unpolished condition.
- The lume has aged to an insanely beautiful colour.
- Red Submariner Dial Text.
-Original "Top Hat" Crystal
-
.
Nitty Gritty:
-Some minor Scratches throughout the Original Bezel and Crystal.
Nitty Gritty:
-Some minor Scratches throughout the Original Bezel and Crystal.
-Scratches and marks throughout the Case and Bracelet.
- Lume pip missing to Bezel.
.
Overall the Red Sub is in very nice original condition.
The Case has some marks and scratches throughout.
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 is in good order with age related stretch and wear.
The Dial is in fantastic condition.
.
Photographed on a 7in Wrist.
Photographed on a 7in Wrist.