Rolex Submariner 1680/8

Sold
Sold
  • Free worldwide delivery

In the vintage Rolex world, the term tropical points out that the dial has discoloured due to chemical reactions caused by external factors such as sunlight. This is a very desirable, therefore, highly collectible and precious feature. Especially, when it's so flamboyant and unique as is the case for this Submariner.In 1969, Rolex introduced its first yellow-gold divers' watch: the reference 1680/8. 1680 is the reference for the first Submariner Date and the /8 at the end of a reference indicates that the watch is made in 18k yellow gold. This reference came with either a black bezel and dial or a blue bezel and dial. Many of the dials, however, show strong patina, which is referred to as tropical. In this case, the dial was once blue and has taken on a caramel-brown colour (which just matches perfectly with the gold writing) and a lively blue/purple (oily) colour on the outer edges of the dial. The dark blue dial has faded to light blue/grey, which looks so cool.The watch we can offer you dates back to '76, runs on the caliber 1575 and is in absolute pristine condition! It has a beautiful 'Nipple Dial', which are the round, applied hour markers made from 18k yellow gold with a protruding shape. Hence, the nickname. A cool detail: on the case back, in the middle, it has a French import stamp, so we have paired it with a brown-leather strap from Hermes. C'est sophistiqué!

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 watch of all time.

Specifications

Shipping

Packages are generally dispatched within 2 days after receipt of payment and are shipped within the Netherlands by Registered Mail through the Dutch carrier PostNL and for other countries by Fedex. Consult us if you prefer another method of shipping. For most destinations tracking is available.