1978 Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 ‘White’ MK1 Full Set

The Rolex Submariner ref. 1680 was the first in Submariner’s history to feature a date and, to ease the reading, the “cyclops” lens on the acrylic crystal, allowing for a 2.5x magnification.

 

Rolex introduced the Submariner 1680 in 1967 and continued to manufacture the reference until about 1980. However, the “Red” Submariner with its characteristic red name on the dial was only produced for the first part of the ref. 1680’s production run, until approximately 1976. The Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 ‘white’ was then born, with a production period from 1976/77 to 1979 only.

Offered for sale here is an extremely beautiful example of a Rolex Submariner ref. 1680 ‘White’. With serial 5222xxx, this piece dates to 1978 and it is part of the first batch of white 1680s also named as MK1.

 

Being the most sough-after version, this example here presents and awesome pumpkin patina lume, along with the perfectly matching patina on the hands, contrasting with the mint black matte dial.

 

Not only the dial of this example makes it special, but the original rotating divers’ bezel is also in good condition too with some wear marks giving it so much character.

 

Along with the dial and bezel, this 1680 features a thick case that preserves the original chamfers. The case back remains in the same condition.

 

The crystal has some minor scratches that can be easily buffed away.

 

It is in full working order, keeping time, although service history is unknown.

 

It comes suited on the original 20mm Rolex Oyster 93150 stainless steel bracelet with 580 end links with clasp code LT9 and divers’ extension that shows normal stretch and wear.

 

Directly from the first owner in Spain, country where we are based, it comes in a complete kit with box, wallet, translation leaflet and stamped guarantee papers that peculiarly show the date of birth of the original owner (1957) as told by this one, rather than the selling date, and that show that it was sold by a Spanish Rolex retailer.

 

Macro pictures are available under request.