Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 ‘Red Letter’ MK IV

The Rolex Submariner was among the very first dive watches on the market and it quickly became the most iconic. The Sub represents a sort of inflection point for Rolex as a company and how it would go on to become what it is today. Prior to the 1950s, Rolex was making mostly watches that today we'd describe as dress watches or all-purpose watches of one kind or another. Bubblebacks, two-register chronographs, and Datejusts were the brand's core offerings. Yes, these included important innovations like the waterproof Oyster case and the so-called "perpetual" automatic movements, but they weren't proper sport watches as we'd recognize them today. 

 

It might seem hard to believe today, but it took 16 years before the very first Submariner rolled out of Rolex with a date complication at three o'clock back in 1969 with the introduction of the reference 1680 'Red Letter'. It's worth noting that the earliest Sea-Dwellers, which featured a date from the beginning, came out two years earlier too. It did however use the same caliber as those early Sea-Dwellers, the caliber 1575.

Offered for sale is an extremely beautiful example of a Rolex Submariner ref. 1680 Red Letter. With serial 3405xxx, this piece dates from 1973 and it is part of the rare batch MK IV. The awesome patina on the lume dots, along with the perfectly matching patina on the hands, contrast with the mint black matte color and the red accent on the Submariner printing making this Mark 4 dial with open 6 just stunning.

 

Not only the dial of this example makes it special; the original and rotating diver bezel has a correct fat font insert with matching patina pearl and has evenly faded.

 

But there’s more to add, the case has very sharp bevels. The serial and reference numbers remain clearly visible.

 

It comes suited on the original Rolex 9315 bracelet with 380 endlinks.

 

The watch has been fully serviced by our watchmaker and it is running great and keeping good time.

 

Inner case back and movement pictures are available under request.