Rolex Submariner 1680

Rolex

Manufacturer Rolex Year Circa 1969, Switzerland Reference No 1680 Movement No D342’305 Case No 2’178’663 Model Name Submariner, "Meters First" Material 18K yellow gold Calibre Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels Bracelet/Strap 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, max overall length with extension 210mm Clasp/Buckle 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp 2.70 Dimensions 40mm Diameter Signed Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed. GOOD TO KNOW • Early very rare first generation example • Mark 1 “Meter’s First” Dial • One of only approximately 100 produced The Rolex Submariner reference 1680 was launched in 1967 and was the first Submariner model fitted with a date function. Soon to follow in 1969, Rolex introduced the first Submariner to be produced in 18K yellow gold. The model would eventually be produced with an option of either a blue dial with blue bezel insert or black dial with black bezel insert, like the present model. This extremely early and rare example with a 2.1 million case serial number is one of only approximately 100 18K gold Submariners believed to have been produced with a Mark I “meters first” dial. Produced only during 1969/1970, later examples sported a Mark II dial with “feet first” depth rating until the model was discontinued. Furthermore, the dial found on the gold reference 1680 differs from stainless steel examples as it features hour markers playfully known as "nipple indexes" - round applied gold hour indexes with smaller tritium markers. The present example is offered for the first time at auction. It remains well-preserved, with a stunning black matte dial, black bezel, and luminous hands and hour markers that have aged to a pleasing light brown hue. The watch pairs beautifully with the early and correct 18K yellow gold Oyster bracelet, with "PAT PEND" diver's extension clasp, presenting a coherent design throughout and a wonderful representation of a very early and prestigious Submariner dive watch.