1680 Submariner “White”

The Rolex Submariner, reference 1680 was the first Submariner ever to sport a date function. A convenient complication added to the Submariner line of dive watches and one that totally changed the watch when compared to the 1680’s predecessor, the 5513 ‘no date’ Submariner. The 5513 had a sleek, domed plexiglass crystal, but the 1680 sports a thick and protruding plexiglass crystal with an added cyclops to enhance the date function. These crystals are known as ‘Top Hat’ crystals and protrude around 3mm above the case and bezel, giving the watch a very unique, yet very recognizable look.

Our 1680 Rolex Submariner Date, sports that same and original ‘Top Hat’ Rolex crystal. The entire watch is in a very nice condition, but the thing that pops out the most is that beautiful warm and very attractive, custard coloured Tritium patina on the indices and inside the hands. Notice that all Tritium has the same colour and texture, and is the sort of patina that is in high demand, but is becoming very hard to find within todays Rolex Submariner 1680 offerings. As you will probably know, the vast majority of a vintage watch’s value depends on the dial, its condition and the type of discoloration of the Tritium compound. The dial inside this 1680 is a dial better known to collectors as a Supply Dial. Supply dials can be found in three categories: MK1, MK2 and MK3, the dial inside our Submariner is a MK2 SWISS-T<25 dial, which means that this a very early, Tritium Rolex service dial for the 1680 Submariner. Nothing too shocking as the dial shows everything us collectors go wild for. All the Tritium on the hour dots, 6 and 9 blocks and 12 triangle are perfect and match wonderfully in color. Besides that, the original non white gold hands-set is still present on the watch, while the case and original 93150 Oyster bracelet remain in a very well preserved condition. The case shows strong and sharp lugs and an unspoiled stainless steel rotatable bezel. Inside that bezel sits a MK3 Serif Fat-Font insert which is showing some dark blue tones with matching custard colored patina on the Tritium pearl inside the triangle, at the 12 position.

Like always, this 1680 Submariner “White”was fully serviced, gaskets were replaced and the watch was waterproof tested. She will be sold with our 24 month warranty.

reference: 1680
case number: XXXX
year of production: 1974
case diameter: 40mm
movement: automatic, Rolex caliber 1570
box and papers: accompanied by original Rolex box

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