Rolex Submariner 1680 'MK2'
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Rolex Submariner 1680 'MK2'
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The reference 1680 was introduced at the end of the 1960s and was the first Submariner to feature a date function.
Now, you might ask: “Why the hell would you need a date window on a dive watch?”. Well, you don’t. But there were two factors that played a part in Rolex’ decision to introduce a separate Date Submariner. For one, recreational diving as well as beach vacationing gained popularity in the 1960s. As a result, the market for watches that could be worn daily and could just as easily be taken in the pool or ocean rapidly increased.
This watch was produced in 1977 and has all the things we love about vintage Submariners. The four-line ‘MK II’ matte black, “Open 6” dial features painted tritium hour markers that have aged to a lovely creamy color. The same warm hue can be found on the tritium-filled hands. It’s clear that the original owner of the watch put the watch to good use but also took proper care of it as the original black aluminum bezel insert is still in a beautiful condition. Despite its years of use, the case is still in great condition with thick lugs.
Introduction
Rolex SubmarinerVisionary Hans Wildorf set out to make the world’s first waterproof and dust proof wristwatch and so in 1926 the ‘Oyster case’ was created. Then later on in 1953, the Rolex Submariner was born, with a water depth rating of 330ft/100M making it one of the world’s first wristwatches designed for the upcoming sport of scuba diving. The wristwatch was created for divers who needed a precise watch which could scale to such depths and be a reliable and accurate way of measuring (with the turning bezel) the time spent underwater. A major aspect of creating such a time piece was to make it easily legible yet aesthetically pleasing, hence the large contrasting white tritium hour markers and Mercedes hand on the black dial. The rugged look was adopted by no other than himself Mr Bond. (Sean Connory as Bond wore it in 1962’s ‘Dr. No’. The watch was also featured in the later ‘Goldfinger’ and ‘Thunderball’ movie.) A legend was born and overtime it proved to be arguably one of the best, most desirable and iconic luxury watches of all time.REF. 1680The Submariner 1680 was produced between 1967 until 1979. It was the first Submariner with the date function. This reference has a calibre 1575 based on the cal.1530. In the first 7 years of production the 1680 was printed with Submariner on the dial in red instead of white, the “red Submariner”. The early models are extra desirable and feature a “Meter first dial” (which refers to the 200 meters depth rating being displayed before the 600 feet depth rating.)