“Coming to us from its first and only owner, aged like a fine wine, finding these watches complete and preserved like this is proving harder than ever.”

When Swiss explorer Auguste Piccard first took his submarine down to an incredible depth of 3,131m, a specially-designed Rolex accompanied him, and emerged from the water keeping perfect time. This was the inspiration for the 1953 introduction of the Rolex Submariner, inspiring not only future dive watches but the entire sports watch category. This model, the 1680, was a colossal landmark in Rolex history. It was the first time a Submariner had offered a date complication, as well as the first model to be offered in precious metals. This piece is in luxurious 18k yellow gold, with a deep black bezel and black dial, known as a “nipple dial” for its small, circular applied gold hour markers, with tritium lume in their centres. To add even further to the rarity, this particular watch comes on a Jubilee bracelet, hardly seen on a vintage Submariner and a standout decorative feature. 

Condition Report:

In excellent vintage condition, the watch comes with its original box, punch papers dated 1982, manuals and green swing tag showing serial number. Also accompanied is a valuation by Watches of Switzerland dated 26/2/1986.

Year: 1979

Reference: 1680

Size: 39mm

Case: Yellow Gold

Strap: Yellow Gold Bracelet

Movement: Automatic Calibre 1575

Water Resistance: 200m

Box: Original Box

Papers: Original punched certificate

(our ref: RX735)