1972 Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 'Red' MK IV with Boxes and Double Punched Papers

The Rolex ‘Red’ Submariner was produced from roughly 1969 to 1974. Aside from the red font that drives collectors batty, it's truly notable for one thing: it's the first Submariner with a date.

 

In the world of watch collecting, an iteration or type of dial is categorized by the prefix “Mark” (often abbreviated to “MK”), and the Rolex “Red” Submariner ref. 1680 has an impressive 7 Marks: 3 “Meter First”, where the depth rating is in meters first, followed by the equivalent in feet, 3 “Feet First” Marks (vice versa), and one luminova service dial.

Offered for sale is a Rolex ‘Red’ Submariner Ref. 1680 with serial 2.9M and period correct MK 4 dial. This was the first dial which donned the “feet” depth rating before that of the “meters” one. The immediate sign of a MK4 dial lies in these very “ft”: unlike the MK5 and MK6, the lower horizontal member of the “f” and the one of the “t” are visibly offset from each other, whereas the in the other two they are co-linear (at the same height). In this dial configuration, the “660” features “open sixes” and the “Submariner” is printed on a white base layer.

 

The condition of the dial is overall great, showing some aging, especially around the right-side edge, and featuring a pale patina on the hour markers. The texturized dark gray matte background contrasts with the red accent of the “Submariner” printing in a beautiful way. The original hands present a matching patina.

 

The original and period correct rare, fat font MK 3 insert is also stunning, presenting no mayor dents, dings, or marks, having aged to a lovely blue hue and yellow-ish numerals, giving the watch tons of character.

 

The case remains thick, still presenting factory finishes with no mayor dents or scratches, just normal signs of use. The case back remains in the same condition.

 

The acrylic crystal with cyclops lens remains in great shape too.

 

It comes suited the original 20mm Rolex Oyster 9315 folded links stainless steel bracelet with 258 end links, clasp code date 4/71 and PATETED divers’ extension that is conserved in great condition, having little stretch for this type of bracelet.

 

The Rolex cal. 1575 (cal. 1570, as marked on the movement, but with a date function) is running great and keeping time, as it has just been fully serviced by our watchmaker.

 

Furthermore, it is presented as a very complete full set which includes outer box with reference sticker, inner box (with broken hinges), wallet with reference sticker, Submariner manual, Rolex Venezuela service guarantee papers and invoice showing it was serviced in Caracas in 1998, and double punched guarantee papers showing it was sold by the same Rolex Retailer in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1973.

 

This is indeed a great opportunity to own a very well documented Rolex ‘Red’ Submariner.

 

Macros of dial and case are available under request, as well as service pictures.