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Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680

SOLD

Straight Facts

The Rolex Submariner is a true icon - and the word icon does get thrown around a lot. If you were to ask 10 people to draw you their idea of a watch looks like - chances are they would draw or describe something that looks like a Rolex Submariner. It’s the dive watch of reference good/bad/indifferent there is no escaping it. Over its 70 year run there have been numerous changes made to the model, but the 1680 represents a true landmark in the Submariner history.

The Ref. 1680 was the first Submariner to feature a date, and had a long production run spanning close to 15 years. Why would a dive watch need a date? Well, this was the first step in marketing a tool watch beyond the diving community and crowd - because you definitely do not need to know the date underwater! The 1680 started a shift to civilian friendly models, and even to this day, the Submariner Date outsells its no-date older brother. Purity aside - this just works! It’s clean, it has the iconic Rolex cyclops married to the date function. What’s more, is that this one still has its original dial, hands and bezel! Like any vintage Rolex, over the life of these pieces many watches got destroyed, had their dials changed out, or just got lost in the cushions of a couch that ended up in a trash compactor (Check the cushions ASAP!)

This watch is in truly outstanding condition presenting a near-flawless dial with exceptionally rich cream colored patina throughout the dial indices and handset. Married to an expertly refinished case with sharp bevels, this watch presents incredibly well and has presence on the wrist. The bezel has also attractively aged to a blue/teal color which is just a cherry on top of this excellent vintage Submariner. Despite being from 1975 - the dial features the same 4-lines of text we have come to expect from the Submariner, proclaiming its superlative chronometer status. This is a special one, and with the 70th Anniversary of the Submariner in 2023, what better way to celebrate.

*Some marks or spots on the dial are reflections or dust on the crystal and are due to high intensity strobe lighting used while photographing. They are not actually on the watch or visible in natural lighting.

Stainless Steel 1975 Automatic Dive

"As collectors themselves, Oliver and Clarke are on a mission to make buying vintage watches as painless as possible."

"The company focuses on good prices for its pieces, elite customer service and full transparency."

"The appointment-only space is inviting, with comfortable seating areas and exposed brick walls."

From Rolex & Patek Philippe, to Cartier & Audemars Piguet. As collectors first, we love the small details that separate the Submariner from Daytona and Calatrava from Royal Oak. This is why you'll find our curated assortment spans decades of generations of models and brands. We believe that watches don't just tell time, they tell history - and life is too short to wear a boring watch.

Oliver & Clarke

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