Released in 1966, the reference 1680 was the first Rolex Submariner model featuring a date aperture with early versions having red text for the “Submariner” wording found at 6 o’clock on the dial. The “Red Submariner,” as it became known to collectors, had several variations with the most notable difference, the depth rating, which on the earliest examples had the depth rating in meters first, followed by the rating in feet. The dials also displayed small differences in font style and printing. Today, these dial variations are called “Marks” by Submariner collectors, with Mark I, II and III dials associated with the meters first wristwatches.

The present example from 1969 is fitted with a Mark III dial with the red text printed directly on to the dial, opposed to the first two variations which have the red applied over printed white text. Additionally, the “f” in the “Ft” is shorter compared to a longer “f” found on Mark 1 dials. This desirable “meters-first” wristwatch is further enhanced with a coveted “tropical dial” that has aged to a warm and uniform dark chocolate brown hue. The matching, luminous hour markers and hands have also aged in perfect harmony, being light brown tone

Consigned by the family of the original owner, the case remains in original, and most likely unpolished condition with its factory beveled edges still present. The Submariner is an iconic model with a history that continues today, and this fresh-to-market, “tropical” example is an especially desirable vintage Rolex sports watch.

PROPERTY FROM THE FAMILY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER