Market Analytics
Search Price Results
Wish

LOT 3

ROLEX | Submariner, Ref. 1680, A Stainless Steel Wristwatch with MK4 “Red Submariner” Dial and Bracelet, Circa 1972

[ translate ]

ROLEX
Submariner, Ref. 1680
A Stainless Steel Wristwatch with MK4 “Red Submariner” Dial and Bracelet, Circa 1972

Dial: black
Caliber: Cal. 1575 automatic, 26 jewels
Case: stainless steel, screw-down back
Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp
Dimensions: 40 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 180 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Case numbers: ref. 1680 / serial: 2976505

In 1969, Rolex introduced the very first Submariner with a date complication, now officially known as the Submariner Date. That first reference was the Submariner 1680 and the earlier examples (produced until 1975) included the “SUBMARINER” name in red letters on the matte black dial, hence the “Red Submariner” nickname. During those early years, Rolex experimented with dial design, which has led collectors to categorize the different dials from Mark 1 to Mark 7. This particular example from 1972 features a Mark 4 dial and a faded fat-font bezel insert, and like other reference 1680 watches, this timepiece features a steel Oyster case, a steel Oyster bracelet, and due to the addition of the date window, a Cyclops magnification lens on its acrylic crystal. Additionally, the tritium on its hands and hour markers has developed a matching creamy patina over the years, making this “Red Sub” an excellent example of the first iteration of the Submariner Date.

Condition Report:
This ref. 1680 Submariner has a serial number engraving that corresponds to an estimated production date of 1972. The original MK4 “Red Submariner” dial is in superb condition, and the luminous material on its hands and hour markers has developed a rich patina. The watch and bracelet are in excellent condition and free from any significant marks or damage.

Sotheby’s Watches Department is pleased to offer Condition Reports to potential purchasers. A Condition Report is an opinion describing the lot in more detail with regard to, but not limited to the general condition, quality of the watches and/or other relevant information.

[ translate ]

View it on
Sale price
Unlock
Estimate
Unlock
Reserve
Unlock
Time, Location
14 Aug 2019
USA, New York, NY
Auction House
Unlock

[ translate ]

ROLEX
Submariner, Ref. 1680
A Stainless Steel Wristwatch with MK4 “Red Submariner” Dial and Bracelet, Circa 1972

Dial: black
Caliber: Cal. 1575 automatic, 26 jewels
Case: stainless steel, screw-down back
Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp
Dimensions: 40 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 180 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Case numbers: ref. 1680 / serial: 2976505

In 1969, Rolex introduced the very first Submariner with a date complication, now officially known as the Submariner Date. That first reference was the Submariner 1680 and the earlier examples (produced until 1975) included the “SUBMARINER” name in red letters on the matte black dial, hence the “Red Submariner” nickname. During those early years, Rolex experimented with dial design, which has led collectors to categorize the different dials from Mark 1 to Mark 7. This particular example from 1972 features a Mark 4 dial and a faded fat-font bezel insert, and like other reference 1680 watches, this timepiece features a steel Oyster case, a steel Oyster bracelet, and due to the addition of the date window, a Cyclops magnification lens on its acrylic crystal. Additionally, the tritium on its hands and hour markers has developed a matching creamy patina over the years, making this “Red Sub” an excellent example of the first iteration of the Submariner Date.

Condition Report:
This ref. 1680 Submariner has a serial number engraving that corresponds to an estimated production date of 1972. The original MK4 “Red Submariner” dial is in superb condition, and the luminous material on its hands and hour markers has developed a rich patina. The watch and bracelet are in excellent condition and free from any significant marks or damage.

Sotheby’s Watches Department is pleased to offer Condition Reports to potential purchasers. A Condition Report is an opinion describing the lot in more detail with regard to, but not limited to the general condition, quality of the watches and/or other relevant information.

[ translate ]
Sale price
Unlock
Estimate
Unlock
Reserve
Unlock
Time, Location
14 Aug 2019
USA, New York, NY
Auction House
Unlock