once this item comes back in stock
| Manufacturer: | Rolex |
| Item Number: | 142329 |
| Condition: | Vintage |
| Model Name/Number: | Submariner 1680 "Red Sub" |
| Serial/Year: | 2,6XX,XXX - 1971 |
| Gender: | Men's |
| Movement: | Automatic 1575 |
| Case: | Stainless steel case which has previously been polished and shows surface wear from use. The back of the case is stamped: "1680 V.70". Reference and serial numbers are clearly visible between the lugs. |
| Dial: | Matte black Tritium dial with creamy yellow hour markers. |
| Bracelet: | Stainless steel No. 93150 Oyster bracelet with 10 links and 580 end links. Bracelet has wear from use. Back of Fliplock clasp is stamped "VC" corresponding to 1978. |
| Box & Papers: | Rolex box, outer box, hang tag with corresponding case number, COSC hang tag, and anchor |
| 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 Rolex watch is in great vintage condition with surface wear throughout consistent with age. The case is in good condition with scratches and some nicks; it has been polished. Between the lugs have some wear and scratches; the numbers are visible still. The caseback has some scratches. The bezel ring has remained sharp and the insert has aged to an attractive grey color throughout. The bezel insert has some scratches and wear. The pip at 12 has aged and matches the lume on the dial well. The dial is in great condition with light patina. The lume on the dial has developed patina and has aged to a lovely sandy-beige color. Some of the lume plots have developed some darker patina and have some wear around the edges. The hands have developed patina and the lume in the hands has aged to a pale yellow that is a bit lighter than the lume on the dial. The later replacement solid link bracelet is in great condition with some wear and scratches; it has light stretch between the links. The crystal has some scratches and wear; it has been polished and has a deeper scratch near the edge at five o'clock.
Vintage Rolex Submariner 1680
The Rolex 1680 history dates back to the late 1960s. At the time of its release, the iconic vintage Rolex was the first Submariner to include a date mechanism on the dial. This feature would go on to become a fixture of the Submariner collection. 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 few years.
This example features a Mark IV dial. The Mark IV dial is distinguished by the feet first depth rating with open 6s and red Submariner text painted on top of white text. This watch has aged beautifuly over the years and when looking closely at the lume plots on the dial they have a texture that collectors refer to as "Band Aid" lume due to the resemblance to the look of classic adhesive bandages. This "Band-Aid" lume texture is commonly seen on 1680 Red Subs.
The Rolex box that coms with this watch is a bit of an older style then we are used to seeing with 1970s Submariners, but we do know that Rolex dealers would sometimes give whatever they had available, things weren't as regimented as they are today. This watch also comes with its original hangtag that has the case number on it and on the other side of the tag has a hand written price of $285 - get us a time machine! We love these little details!
From the beautiful faded bezel to the sandy colored lume, this Red Sub checks a lot of boxes and has the quintessential vintage look.
* 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.