Rolex Submariner 1680
As the first date model to be added to the Submariner collection, the 1680 represents a significant step in the history of Rolex. For reasons known only to Rolex, the first six years of the twelve year 1680 production saw the writing ‘Submariner’ written in red on the dial, although many original red writing Submariner dials were replaced by Rolex come service time.
Originally released in 1966, the red Submariner gained a date complication over the preceding 5513, which had already been used in the GMT-Master range. The first Submariner date wheels where a brushed silver rather than white, which adds to the vintage appeal, and is one of the many details that attract collectors to classic Submariners.
Another classic feature of the 1680 is the thick acrylic crystal; it isn’t actually any thicker than the domed crystal of the 5513 before it, however in order to attach the magnifying cyclops to it required it to have a flatter surface that remained at a constant thickness for the whole diameter. This gives the 1680 a very distinctive look, one that distinguishes it from the more recent Submariners.
The movement used in the 1680 was the Rolex Calibre 1575, which is essentially the 1570 movement with a hacking seconds feature that stops the second hand when the crown is pulled out. Parts and maintenance are cheap, and they can be run for long periods of time without servicing, although this is not recommended.
Red writing has been used on other Rolex models including Datejusts, Explorers, Sea-Dwellers and Yachtmasters, but it is unlikely that anyone will ever know the reason for the red writing on the 1680 Submariner’s dial, or why it was changed to white later on in its life. Still, it distinguishes the early 1680’s from the other variations of Submariner and makes it very desirable.
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- Manufacturer: Rolex
- Range: Submariner
- Model: 1680
- Age: approximately 40 years old
- Gender: Gents
- Case: Steel
- Bracelet: Steel (Oyster)
- Size (MM): 40
- Dial: Black Baton