| Details | ||
| Stock # | SKU18401 | |
| Stock # | 18401 | |
| Model Name | Submariner | |
| Brand | ||
| Model Ref # | 1680 | |
| Condition | ||
| Gender | Mens | |
| Movement | Automatic | |
| Case | 18K Yellow Gold | |
| Case Shape | Round | |
| Case Size | 40mm | |
| Crystal | ||
| Band / Strap | Bracelet | |
| Dial | Blue | |
| Caseback | Solid | |
| Complications |
Date |
|
| Year | 1969 | |
| Additional Information | Fantastic original blue dial with a slight purple hue. Original solid link 18k jubilee bracelet. Accompanied by the original presentation box, tags and some documents (not the original Certificate) | |
| Sold | ||
Description
Just last night, I was shopping for a BMX bike for my son, and there was another guy in the bike department wearing an 18k Rolex Submariner. I’m a watch person, so I notice watches… but it was noticeable to anyone who saw it as a beautiful and substantial watch. This particular Submariner is spectacular. It is a vintage model, reference 1680, in 18k yellow gold on an 18k Rolex Jubilee bracelet, which is original to the watch. It has a blue dial which is turning blue/purple and has the pyramid hour markers. This dial is also known as a “nipple dial”.
The 1680 Submariner marked several firsts – it was the first Submariner with a date display and it was also the first Submariner to be offered in gold. The nipple dials were only used for a couple of years, before transitioning to the current dial with the gold rings surrounding the hour markers. The hour markers on this watch – the nipples – are basically gold disks which have a pyramid shape, and have luminous laid on top of them. These markers were Rolex’s first attempt at providing luminous on an 18k watch’s dial.
While the 1680 is an important and historical Submariner, it’s the watch’s beauty that eclipses its history. I wear one of these watches almost every day and rarely take it off (and for a watch dealer, that is really saying something!).
Case is 18k yellow gold with dimensions of 40mm diameter by 14.2mm thick. Crystal is acrylic. The bezel and bezel insert are original and the bezel turns in both directions. The bezel insert is unmarked and in superior condition. The case features a screw down crown (working smoothly) and is water resistant to 200 meters. The case is in mint to mint plus condition.
Dial is 100% original and untouched and very beautiful. The dial is pristine – perfect – and just exquisite with its brilliant bluish purple color and golden text and markers.
Movement is the automatic winding Rolex Caliber 1570 with 26 jewels and adjusted to five positions and temperature. Movement is in perfect condition and running strong. If you have never felt a case back for a gold Rolex Submariner, I can tell you that it weighs a lot more than you would think! It’s like a lead weight. This case back is engraved ‘1680’ along with the standard Rolex markings and gold hallmarks.
While 99% of Submariners are delivered with Oyster bracelets, the Jubilee bracelet was always available as a special order for the gold versions. This Jubilee bracelet features solid gold end links, unlike the steel end links which are just thin folded steel. The bracelet will fit up to an 8.25 inch wrist. This bracelet is original to the watch.
Serial number of the watch is 2398XXX which dates production to 1969.
The watch is accompanied by several original documents as well as its original Rolex inner box.
The documents are: “Rolex Submariner” product brochure, “Rolex Auto-Lock Revolving Bezel How it Works” instruction paper, “Your Rolex” booklet that provides operating instructions and service information, and “Translation of The Original Document” translation sheet for the Guarantee. The Guarantee is not included.
The original hang tags are included along with the green Rolex billfold.
This is a great vintage Submariner and the 18k versions with these almost electric blue nipple dials, especially this one in immaculate condition, are wonderful watches.
The 1680 Submariner marked several firsts – it was the first Submariner with a date display and it was also the first Submariner to be offered in gold. The nipple dials were only used for a couple of years, before transitioning to the current dial with the gold rings surrounding the hour markers. The hour markers on this watch – the nipples – are basically gold disks which have a pyramid shape, and have luminous laid on top of them. These markers were Rolex’s first attempt at providing luminous on an 18k watch’s dial.
While the 1680 is an important and historical Submariner, it’s the watch’s beauty that eclipses its history. I wear one of these watches almost every day and rarely take it off (and for a watch dealer, that is really saying something!).
Case is 18k yellow gold with dimensions of 40mm diameter by 14.2mm thick. Crystal is acrylic. The bezel and bezel insert are original and the bezel turns in both directions. The bezel insert is unmarked and in superior condition. The case features a screw down crown (working smoothly) and is water resistant to 200 meters. The case is in mint to mint plus condition.
Dial is 100% original and untouched and very beautiful. The dial is pristine – perfect – and just exquisite with its brilliant bluish purple color and golden text and markers.
Movement is the automatic winding Rolex Caliber 1570 with 26 jewels and adjusted to five positions and temperature. Movement is in perfect condition and running strong. If you have never felt a case back for a gold Rolex Submariner, I can tell you that it weighs a lot more than you would think! It’s like a lead weight. This case back is engraved ‘1680’ along with the standard Rolex markings and gold hallmarks.
While 99% of Submariners are delivered with Oyster bracelets, the Jubilee bracelet was always available as a special order for the gold versions. This Jubilee bracelet features solid gold end links, unlike the steel end links which are just thin folded steel. The bracelet will fit up to an 8.25 inch wrist. This bracelet is original to the watch.
Serial number of the watch is 2398XXX which dates production to 1969.
The watch is accompanied by several original documents as well as its original Rolex inner box.
The documents are: “Rolex Submariner” product brochure, “Rolex Auto-Lock Revolving Bezel How it Works” instruction paper, “Your Rolex” booklet that provides operating instructions and service information, and “Translation of The Original Document” translation sheet for the Guarantee. The Guarantee is not included.
The original hang tags are included along with the green Rolex billfold.
This is a great vintage Submariner and the 18k versions with these almost electric blue nipple dials, especially this one in immaculate condition, are wonderful watches.
Compare product with:
