As the first Rolex sports watch to be cased in luxurious 18K yellow gold, beginning in 1969, the Submariner reference 1680 became a symbol of opulence for those with the means. Offered with the option for either black dial / black bezel or blue dial / blue bezel, it was the first step towards the decadent combinations we come to expect from Rolex today.

Not on the table as an option, however, was purple. Due to a paint defect, exposure to certain elements causes some examples to “tropicalize” and turn from blue to purple. The dial fitted to this specific watch glimmers with golden specks and has uniformly aged to a deep violet.

The present 1680 in 18K yellow gold is fitted with a so-called “nipple” dial (or “bicchierini”, Italian for “little cups”), for the conical gold markers with a small lume-filled opening at the top. Though the earliest gold Submariners are characterized by a “meters first” dial, beginning around the 2.4 million serial number. Later, the designation was reversed and subsequent dials would be printed “feet first”, like the present watch which bears a 5.8 million serial number.

With a well-preserved case, and accompanied by its original punched guarantee papers, this so-called “Purple Haze” gold Submariner is sure to impress on the wrist, whether lounging seaside or in the boardroom.