Vintage Rolex Red Submariner 1680 Feet First

Vintage Watch Condition Examination:

This Submariner is in overall great vintage condition. The case has some wear and scratches. The bezel ring has remained sharp and the bezel insert is in great condition with light wear and scratches. The pip at 12 is a later replacement. The crown and date wheel is a later service replacements. The Mark IV dial is in overall great condition with light patina. The lume on the dial has developed patina and aged to a very pale yellow. The hands are later luminova service replacements. The lume in the hands are a whiter in color than the lume on the dial, but in person they work well together. The service bracelet is in great condition with some wear and a bit of stretch between the links.

Description: Rolex “Red” Submariner 1680

Rolex introduced the reference 1680 around 1969 and it was in production until roughly 1979. This was the first Submariner to feature the date function and Rolex still offers date and no-date models to this day. This example has the word “Submariner” written in red text and collectors refer to these as the “Red Submariner.” Rolex did this until around 1975 and then they switched to all white text.

Collectors have identified six different “mark” or variations in the Red Submariner and this watch has a mark IV dial. The Mark IV dial is distinguished by the feet first depth rating with open 6s and red Submariner text painted on top of white text. When looking closely under a loupe you can see this.