1978 Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 Why This Watch Matters The easy cool of a vintage Sub on a strap, nothing like it. The Full Story The choice of Robert Redford, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, and many, many others, the Rolex Submariner – the current production reference recently featured in our A Week On The Wrist by Danny Milton – is arguably the most famous watch of all time. The Sub is, without a doubt, 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 continued to change 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. When the ref. 1680 hit the Rolex catalog, the biggest Submariner change up to that point had occurred 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 then Rolex changed the dial to all-white text, like the watch we have today. There's just something about a clean vintage Sub on a strap; the vibe is effortlessly cool. The lume on this example is excellent and has aged consistently to a very pale yellow-white color. The bezel has aged to a very dark grey with hints of blue depending on how the light hits it. We paired this ref. 1680 with our aged grey strap because the color mathes the patina on the bezel really well and is extremely wearable – this is a don't think about it, just wear it watch. The Fine Print Maker: Rolex Model: Submariner Reference: 1680 Year: 1978 Case No: 5115004 Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 39mm diameter; 12mm thickness Crystal: Plexiglass Lume: Yes, tritium Caliber: Rolex, self-winding, caliber 1575 Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Aged Grey Leather Watch Strap Lug Width: 20mm Box/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: Classic Submariner with date "Top hat" crystal Ghost-like bezel color Things To Know: Light scratches on case This ref. 1680 is in overall very nice condition. The case is strong with scratches and has been polished. The caseback has some horizontal marks on the surface, most likely from being worn on a NATO strap previously. The dial is in very nice condition with light patina. The lume on the hands and dial are very close to matching in color. The original bezel is in overall nice condition with some light scratches. The bezel has aged to a dark grey that looks blueish in some lights. The original 'Top Hat' crystal has light scratches. The dial, crown, case, and movement are all signed by Rolex. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
