once this item comes back in stock
| Manufacturer: | Rolex |
| Item Number: | 150986 |
| Condition: | Vintage |
| Model Name/Number: | Submariner 1680 “Mark I, Meters First Red Submariner” |
| Serial/Year: | 2,0XX,XXX - Circa 1969 |
| Gender: | Men's |
| Movement: | Automatic 1575 |
| Case: | Very good stainless steel case with some scratches and wear. The back of the caseback is stamped "1680 II.69" Serial and reference numbers are clearly visible. |
| Dial: | Matte black meters first dial with service hands that have been color corrected |
| Bracelet: | Excellent 9315 Oyster Fold-Over with 12 links, 280 end links and "error" divers extension. This bracelet has a divers extension where Rolex spelled Patented wrong, it reads "Pateted." The clasp is stamped “2 70” indicating it is from 1970. |
| Box & Papers: | Bob's presentation box |
| Warranty: | This vintage Rolex comes with Bob's Watches one year warranty |
| Return Policy: | If not 100% satisfied, return watch in 3 days for a full refund. Terms. |
Vintage Watch Condition Examination
This Red Sub is in overall great, attractive condition. The case is strong with scratches, wear and some light nicks; it has been polished. Between the lugs show some wear and scratches. The crown is a later trip-lock replacement. The bezel ring has remained sharp and the bezel insert is in great condition with some wear and scratches. The pip at 12 is a later replacement. This watch has retained its correct date wheel with closed 6s and hooked 7s. The Mark 1 dial is in great condition with light patina. The lume on the dial has aged to an attractive and consistent off white, marshmallow color. Some of the lume plots show signs of degradation. The five and six o'clock plots show lume wear towards the top of the plots; this might have been done by a hand dragging over them in the past. The hands are later replacements and have been color corrected and match the lume on the dial. The hands have developed some patina. The “Red Submariner” text on the dial has faded a bit, we have seen this before with other Mark 1 dials. The folded link bracelet is in excellent condition with light wear throughout. The bracelet has a slight indentation on the first center link after the end link on the 6 o'clock side. The crystal is a later service replacement.
Vintage 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 tend to gravitate towards these Red Subs and we have seen demand increase significantly in the last couple years.
Collectors have identified six different “Red Sub” dials and this example features a Mark I dial. The Mark I dial is distinguished by meters first depth rating with closed 6’s and an overall compressed looking font for the depth rating. The “f” in feet is also long and curvy which is unique to this dial type. These Mark I Red Subs are not very common and some of the least seen versions of the 1680.
This Sub also features a folded link bracelet with error divers extension. Rolex misspelled patented on the divers extension, it reads "Pateted." These error bracelets are becoming more sought after by collectors because they bring the watch to the next level of rarity. From a far all these "Red Subs" may look the same, but when you dive into the little details you can quickly realize how different the variations are. Rolex was really experimenting and its fun to see the evolution.
This watch is fresh to market coming directly from the family of the original owner. We don't come across many Mark 1 "Red Subs" so when this came in, we got pretty excited. The dial on this has aged beautifully and the lume plots have turned to an off white, marshmallow color that looks great against the matte dial. In some lights this black dial has an almost super dark brown tropical feel so it will be interesting to see how it looks in a couple decades!
* All Pre-Owned Rolex watches are guaranteed to be 100% genuine and certified authentic. Certificates are issued by WatchCSA, the industry's leading independent authority on watch authentication. WatchCSA Certified Pre-Owned certificates are provided for an additional fee at checkout. All watches are shipped to fit the average size wrist (7 1/4" - 7 1/2" for men and 6 1/4" - 6 1/2" for women). Additional links can be purchased if needed. Note that "B&P" means "box and papers" where stated.
Each order is ready for shipment within one (1) business day after the order is approved and processed. All watch orders are shipped FedEx overnight and are fully insured at no charge to the customer. Please be advised that for any deliveries from Bob's Watches, a recipient aged 21 years or older must be present to provide a signature upon receipt of the package.
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Simply the best.
Excellent service, staff was very helpful in educating me on my purchase. I’ll never consider buying anywhere else
So far everything has been great!
My birth year serial Perfect matching markers and hands patina Perfect matching pearl Fat font insert with a beautiful grey out fade patina Running 100% excellent time. Accurate to the second even after 24 hours and non effects by wearing or resting positions.
outstanding example of Red Submariner. Exactly what I have been looking for.
Item delivered promptly and as described.
A little late on my review but I thought better late than never. I purchased this watch as an every day timepiece and couldn't be happier. I wear it everywhere and it still looks and functions great.