1971 Rolex 'Red' Submariner Ref. 1680 Why This Watch Matters A pop of color from Rolex, like we see in this "Red" Submariner, always stands out in a crowd, even more so with this beautiful patina. The Full Story Added to the Rolex catalog in the late 1960s, the ref. 1680 was the first Submariner to offer a date function. Now commonly referred to by its defining characteristic, a single line of red text at six o'clock stating the model name, Rolex made the "Red" Sub until approximately the 4.0 million serial range (mid-1970s), with later models featuring white text. This example falls into the Mark IV category due to the 2.8 million serial number range and the distinctive open sixes found on the depth rating. This Mark IV dial is notable, as it is the first Red Submariner dial to state the depth rating with feet first rather than meters. The inside of the caseback is stamped, "IV 70," indicating it is from the fourth quarter of 1970, which makes sense with the case number dating to 1971. This example has also retained its correct non-trip lock crown, sans the three dots under the Coronet. The bracelet clasp is also date stamped, "4 71," indicating it was made in the fourth quarter of 1971, corresponding to the inside caseback stamp and 1971 production date. Accompanying this Submariner is a Rolex folded Oyster 9315 bracelet with a rare typo on its dive extension. Rolex misspelled the word patent, stamping "PATETED" instead. This has been seen in other "Red" Submariner bracelets from the same time period. These grammatically incorrect divers' extensions are quite rare. We have been fortunate to have a few come across the Shop desk, also on Red Subs, as of late. Both of those previous watches had very close serial numbers to the present example. This ref. 1680 is in overall good, attractive condition. The standout here is the patina on the dial and hands, with lume that has aged to a creamy vanilla color, giving the watch an overall unique and expressly vintage look. All the varying hues work well together to enhance the pop of that red "SUBMARINER" text at six o'clock. The Fine Print Maker: Rolex Model: Submariner Reference: 1680 Year: 1971 Case No: 2825722 Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 39mm diameter, 14mm thickness Crystal: Plexiglass Lume: Yes, tritium Caliber: Rolex, self-winding, caliber 1575 Bracelet/Strap: Rolex stainless steel folded Oyster No. 9315 bracelet with No. 280 end links and divers extension (max length 7.5 inches/ 190mm) Lug Width: 20mm Box/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Beautiful lume color - 'Non-Triplock' crown - 'Red' Submariner text - 'Pateted' divers extension Things To Know: - Scratches on case - Scratches on crystal This Red Sub is in overall great condition. The case is strong with scratches and appears to have been polished. The reverse side of the lugs show scratches from bracelet and strap removal over the years. The caseback has a nick and some scratching. The watch has retained its correct non-trip lock crown. The dial has a light patina on the matte surface. The lume material on the dial has a "band aid" texture, which is common in this reference. In addition, the color matches the lume on the hands, and the hands have developed patia. The bezel insert is in overall good condition with light wear, and the bezel ring has remained sharp. The pip at 12 appears to be a later replacement. The no. 9315 folded bracelet is in overall good condition with some light stretch. The bracelet is fitted with the correct no. 280 end links, and the divers' extension is the original with the misspelled word "patent;" it is spelled "Pateted" here. The clasp is date stamped, "4 71" indicating it was made in the fourth quarter of 1971 and corresponds to the production of the watch. The crystal has some light scratches with some on the cyclops date magnifier. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
