The Vintage Rolex Submariner 1680

Rolex introduced the Submariner Reference 1680 in the late 1960s – nearly a decade after the brand unleashed its first Submariner. However, Reference 1680 was the first Submariner to feature date functionality.

More significantly, with the launch of this Submariner Date, this mainstay Rolex lineup started to diverge from its original roots and paved its way to becoming a status symbol.

Rolex also introduced precious metals to the Submariner collection with the Reference 1680 along with an 18ct yellow gold version. However, this Submariner is often considered as controversial, but its unleashing is fascinating as it divided the series into two. And the result is that the Submariner collection had both no-date and date versions.

Today, the Rolex Submariner 1680, especially the early rarest editions are among the most coveted vintage Rolex watches. So let’s today explore this iconic vintage Rolex Submariner watch.

Nonetheless, if you are planning to sell a vintage Rolex watch, fill up our online form to get a fair and competitive quote immediately.

Rolex Submariner 1680: The History

The Rolex Submariner 1680 is a significant launch in the realm of sports watches. However, it is known to have some disparities on the officially debuted time of this watch. Rolex had most probably unleashed this Submariner in 1969.

But the serial numbers of many Submariner Reference 1680 models are known to date back to 1966. If this is the fact, then the Reference 1680 should belong to the era of the two Submariner No-date watches that were in production at the time – the Reference 5512 and 5513.

• However, the most significant difference between these two Submariner references lay in their movement.
• While the Reference 5512 housed a COSC-certified movement, the Reference 5512 was powered by non-chronometer calibres.

Well, the Reference 1680 was the third Submariner version that was available concurrently with these other two. When it comes to design, you won’t find any differences between them.

The fact is that the first few years of production were turbulent. Rolex was going through a continuous process of upgrading and revising, thereby launching and quickly ceasing the production of many versions.

However, after a time, the watchmaker finally offered an accepted form to the Submariner and released the Reference 5512 in 1959. The watch features a 40mm case, serrated bezel and crown guards.

Most significantly, the design became an instant hit, and Rolex kept this basic shape of the Submariner unaltered until 2010.

Different Versions of the Rolex Submariner 1680

Rolex continued the production of the Submariner 1680 till 1979.

• The brand released a stainless steel version of the Reference 1680, featuring a black bezel and dial.
• However, another example of this Submariner also made its debut in 18ct yellow gold as the Reference 1680/8.
• The yellow gold Submariner 1680/8 initially sported all-black elements.
• But Rolex unleashed another version in 1971 that featured a bright blue dial and bezel.
• The brand equipped both the references with ‘nipple dials’ that are highly sought-after today among vintage collectors.

However, the gold editions flaunted applied luminescent gold index hour markers rather than the usual mixture of baton and dot hour markers.

Regardless, when it comes to vintage Rolex sports timepieces, gold versions are not much value in the second hand market. The fact is that the steel editions enjoy an extreme following from enthusiasts and command an excellent resale value.

With this in mind, if you own a vintage Rolex Submariner and want to raise some extra cash instantly, you can choose to sell your Rolex with full confidence. Vintage Rolex buyers at The Luxury Hut can offer you the best possible price for your vintage Rolex watch right away. Fill up our online form today or call on 0207 242 9160 now to get an accurate quote immediately.