Rolex Submariner 1680/8 'Tropical'
SoldRolex Submariner 1680/8 'Tropical'
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Any 18k yellow gold Rolex Submariner will be an eye catcher on the wrist, but this one absolutely takes the crown.Rolex introduced the first gold Submariner, the ref. 1680/8, in 1969 with either a black or blue dial and bezel combo. Curiously, the blue dials tended to discolour over time, while the black ones didn’t. Some of the discoloured blue dials take on a strong patina, which is referred to by collectors as a ‘tropical’ effect. On this watch, the dial has taken on a rich toffee colour that matches well with the gilt text. The former blue colour is still visible on the outer ring of the dial, giving it a mesmerising rainbow-like oil spill effect.This reference 1680/8 dates back to 1978 sports a ‘Nipple dial’, named after the small round applied 18k gold hour markers. The pristine bezel insert is probably a later replacement, but most importantly it’s genuine and period correct! The case of the watch is in amazing condition with sharp edges and the original bevels still present. It comes on a tight 18k yellow-gold Oyster bracelet that even has the original gold divers extension.
Introduction
Rolex SubmarinerIn 1953, Rolex introduced one of the world’s first wrist watches geared specifically towards divers: the Submariner. Rolex had to confront a number of challenges when designing its first dive watch. The watch obviously had to withstand significant amounts of pressure and had to accurately measure time spent underwater, which the first Submariner achieved by featuring a 330ft/100m depth rating and a rotating diving bezel. It also had to be easily legible in conditions of reduced visibility yet aesthetically pleasing. Hence, the Sub’s iconic large white tritium hour markers and Mercedes hands set against a contrasting black dial.The Submariner is the most iconic and desirable luxury watch of all time and has been adopted by luminaries such as Jacques Cousteau, Che Guevara, and none other than James Bond. Our favorite Bond, Sean Connery, wore a big crown Sub in the 1962 classic ‘Dr. No’. The watch was also featured in ‘Goldfinger’ and ‘Thunderball’. Ref. 1680The Submariner ref. 1680 was produced from 1967-1979 and was the first execution to feature a date function. During its first 7 years of production, the “Submariner” text on the dial of the 1680 was printed with red instead of white ink, earning these executions the moniker ‘red Submariner.’ Early executions of the 1680 featured the rare ‘meters first dial,’ because the depth rating in meters was printed before the rating in feet ("200m = 660ft"). Around 1969, Rolex switched to printing the feet before the meters to satisfy the growing American customer base.
Specifications
- SKU 5879
- Bezel material
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Bracelet
18k yellow-gold Oyster bracelet, stamped '92908', original Rolex
- Caliber
- Case Dimensions
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- Clasp
- Dial
- Glass
- Index
- Inlay
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Reference
1680/8
- Year