99 Rolex A fine and valuable Rolex Submariner reference 1680 in stainless steel with date, bracelet and full set invoice

Estimate: €7,000 –⁠ 15,000

Model: Submariner
Material: Stainless Steel
Reference N°: 1680
Year: 1979
Case N°: 5973257
Caliber: 1570
Movement N°: D135754
Bracelet: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 40
Signed: Dial, Case and movement
Accessories: papers

The Submariner is among the most iconic — if not The most iconic — timepieces Rolex has ever produced and beyond any doubt one of Rolex’s most coveted models in the history of horology. The first model went into production in 1953 and was launched at the Basel World Fair in 1954 with the references 6204 or 6205. In the following years, other models were presented like the 6538 Big crown or Coroncione, the 5513 and 5512. In 1965–1966, Rolex discontinued use of gilt/silver gilt dials on the Submariner watches, switching to white printing but a final important change came with the introduction of the 1680 model in the late 1960s: the 1680 was the first Submariner to be equipped with a date function, marking the completion of the transition of the Submariner line from specialist tool watch to mass-market fashion accessory. A sporty yet ultra-chic piece for everyday wearing, collectors will make a distinction between a reference 1680 with red writing on the dial and a reference 1680 with all-white writing. The lot offered here is clearly a member of the latter group and its black matte dial feature a closed six on the depth rating and a perfectly centered ‘L’ in the name ROLEX in respect to the base of the crown symbol. The whole watch is very nice with a well-preserved Oyster bracelet, sharp edges and untouched graduated bezel. With full set invoice, this timepiece is undoubtedly one of the most instantly recognizable piece of our time.