Description
1971 Rolex 'Red' Submariner Ref. 1680 Why This Watch Matters The wink of red text on the "Red Sub" makes it one of the most iconic vintage Rolex watches ever. This example is fitted to a USA made, C&I rivet Oyster bracelet for that extra bit of vintage feel. The Full Story The choice of Robert Redford, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, and many, many others, is the Rolex Submariner. The current production reference was recently featured in our A Week On The Wrist by Danny Milton , and all in all, this model is arguably the most famous watch of all time. The Sub is simply one of the most sought after and collectable watches, for both modern and vintage examples. Since the model's introduction in 1953, the Sub has time and time again changed the landscape of watches and consumer demand. Rolex has consistently upgraded and updated it with the latest technology, all while staying true to the original design and purpose – for the most part. Robert Redford's favorite, just look to 1976's All The President's Men , the ref. 1680 was introduced by Rolex as the biggest Submariner change up to that point with the addition of a date function. Rolex still offers the Sub with or without the date, and the ref. 1680 was the first available with the complication. This reference was made until the late 1970s with very little variation beyond a change in "Submariner" font color on the dial. Until the 4.0 million serial number, or around the mid-1970s, the model name was featured in red and afterwards white. These earlier "Red Subs" remain the only time a color other than white was featured on the Submariner text on the dial to this day. The present example has a dial that falls into the Mark IV category. This is apparent from the 2.6 million serial number range, the "open sixes" found on the depth rating, and, well, most obviously, the red text on the dial. The single red line is a very coveted feature of the 1680, as it brings a dash of dynamism to the otherwise serious black dials characteristic of the Sub. The inside of the caseback is stamped, "I 70," indicating it is from the first 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, "1 71," indicating it was made in the first quarter of 1971, corresponding to the production date. This ref. 1680 is in overall great, 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. Completing the vintage Sub look is a Rolex C&I rivet Oyster bracelet that matches the watch in date and feel. The rivet links, as opposed to the folded Oysters seen on previous Red Subs we have sold, offer an abundance of charm and differentiated overall look. The Fine Print Maker: Rolex Model: Submariner Reference: 1680 Year: 1971 Case No: 2653058 Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 39mm diameter; 12.75mm thickness Crystal: Plexiglass Lume: Yes, tritium Caliber: Rolex, self-winding, caliber 1575 Bracelet/Strap: Rolex C&I USA, stainless steel, rivet link Oyster bracelet (8.125in / 206mm) 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 - Beautifully faded bezel Things To Know: - Scratches on case and bracelet - Lightly polished overall 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 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. Some lume plots on the dial have developed areas of dark patina. The watch has retained its correct non-trip lock crown. The bezel insert is in overall good condition with light wear, and the bezel ring has remained sharp. The bezel insert has faded to an attractive dark grey color and in some lights has a blue hue. The rivet link bracelet is in overall good condition with some light stretch. The clasp is date stamped, "1 71" indicating it was made in the first quarter of 1971 and corresponds to the production of the watch. The bracelet is period correct. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
