The ROLEX Submariner Date
Submariner Model 1680
Reference 1680 was introduced in 1966 and had the chronometer status and a date
display. This watch also introduced the Cyclops date magnifier to the Submariner line.
The crystal that is used on this watch is very "high" - not domed like it was normal on eg.
5513 and 1665. It stands almost 3mm above the case and bezel, making it very unique and easy to
recognize. I personal did'nt think this was very practical, the high plexi glass would
attract ding and dongs, and easy get scratched. This was the reason that I did'nt
find this model very interesting in the start. But now this feature is what I like
about the watch and what makes it special for me.
The price of the model 1680 with red writing - also known as the "red submariner" has
seen a dramatic increase in the last years following
the the price rise of the Double Red Sea-Dweller. The price will continue to rice
for the specimen's that can be proved to be original.
Lately many fake red submariner has been seen, and some collectors even see the
white 1680 as more real and a better investment because this model has not been
seen as fake so far. Some "fake" red submariners is generally a real white submariner
where the dial
has been replaced with a dial with red writing, making it a real Rolex -
but a "fake" red submariner.
I'm looking for a "real" red submariner - preferably a red 1680 with the
200m=660ft dial writing. But has so far "only" achieved a real nice white
1680 from a other known collector. It's a nice addition to my current
collection, and so far I'm more than satisfied with this model as part
of my collection.
My Rolex Date Submariner 1680 was the one that I somehow felt was missing
from my collection as the 1680
Date sub is the link between the original Rolex Submariner (in general the 5513
non date) to the modern Date Submariner (model 16610).
I was so lucky that I was able to get a pristine example with the original Box
and brochure included. Its becoming more and more difficult to find nice examples
of vintage watches which has some of the original box and papers included.
But with this white 1680 I feel that my "collection" has become
more complete. Please check the "My next Watch" to see what I feel might be the next
addition to my little collection.
Special features and life of the 1680
- Launched in 1966. Depth rated to 660 ft (200m).Depth rating printed on dial. Chronometer. New 1575 Chronometer movement with Date. Raised and flat crystal. Submariner printed in red.
- Updated in 1972. Depth rated to 660 ft (200m). Crown with triple-lock. Depth rating printed on dial. Chronometer. 1575 Chronometer movement with Date. Raised and flat crystal. All dial lettering printed in white.
Dial variations of the 1680
- Matt dial, 200m first, Submariner in Red
- Matt dial, 600ft first, Open 6's, Submariner in Red
- Matt dial, 600ft first, Closed 6's, Submariner in Red
- Matt dial, 600ft first, Closed 6's, Submariner in White
- Matt dial, 600ft first, "Open 6's", Submariner in White
Just some photos of my nice 1680
Updated 2010-07-05
I was a quick trip to the summerhouse last weekend, and made some photos of my Rolex 1680.
This watch don't get the amount of wrist time I would like. But that is the trouble
with to many watches - I mostly rotare between 2-3 watches - My latest watch - the Elemental (Linde Werdelin), my old
used Panerai 25C, and one nice rolex (vintage or non-vintage).
So with no more reason than - it is some photos of of my most perfect vintage rolex - best case, best dial, with box (no papers), and overall
a true classic from the hands of Rolex.
And as you can see from my
initial writeup - It was not a watch I in the start was that much interested in.
My Rolex Date Submariner 1680 was the one that I somehow felt was missing from my collection as the 1680 Date sub is the link between the original Rolex Submariner (in general the 5513 non date) to the modern Date Submariner (model 16610).
I was so lucky that I was able to get a pristine example with the original Box and brochure included. Its becoming more and more difficult to find nice examples of vintage watches which has some of the original box and papers included. But with this white 1680 I feel that my "collection" has become more complete.
Some more photos of my 1680 - A true classic
Updated 2010-07-12
Rolex Red Sub 1680 dial information
Updated 2010-01-20
Anyone that is in the progress of finding/buying a Rolex Red Sub (model 1680) have better do their homework.
As said before - be careful - I would NOT buy any vintage watch without doing my homework or buying from very well know source.
I can ONLY recommend to post any questions on
vintagerolexforum.com with pictures and as much information as possible.
The persons on these forums are the most knowledge people and will gladly help you with any questions regarding buying/checking a vintage rolex model.
Just check out
this thread about a fake dial (red sub)
and the
information that exist on this topic alone - there are so many different options and correct dials -
that it is easy to
"overlook" a fake dial in the progress.
Rolex Red Sub 1680 Dial Information
Updated 2009-09-15
Got this
link for one knowledge Vintage Rolex guy - Philipp - on
www.vintagerolexforum.com - again some WIS knowledge that is nice for me - and maybe others ;-)
This time about the dial variation of the Rolex Red Sub (model 1680) -
not mine - as it is the
white version - A red 1680 cost about twice the asking price of the white 1680, just for
your information.
I will have to keep a sharp eye open for these threads on different forums - I find the information
fun, just like my collection of old National Geographic Rolex ads.
Link til the forum thread on the Rolex 1680 red dial (also known as the Red Sub)
And the Dial Information - from Mark I (first) to Mark 6 (last):
Dial variations on Rolex watches - This time the classic 1680
Updated 2009-09-06
Dial variations of Rolex watches is and will continue to be discussed between people collecting vintage Rolex. Of the most famous Rolex dial variations is on the Rolex Daytona - but also the more simple Rolex Subs have their share of dial variations. I don't have a complete overview of all the dial variations that exist but I can learn something new every day.
I have received the following photo of the Rolex 1680 dial variations on the white version.
These are my small understandings of dial variations of the 1680 including the red sub versions.
- Matt dial, 200m first, Submariner in Red
- Matt dial, 600ft first, Open 6's, Submariner in Red
- Matt dial, 600ft first, Closed 6's, Submariner in Red
- Matt dial, 600ft first, Closed 6's, Submariner in White
- Matt dial, 600ft first, "Open 6's", Submariner in White
Here are the photo of different Rolex 1680 white dial variations with both open and closed 6. It is small
differences but if looking close there is difference in font and crown.
And here the Replacement dial with luminova.
Now I can check out
my 1680 white dial and see if it matches any of these dials ;-)
