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Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680 - 'Red Sub' MK4 Dial Box & Papers
Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680 - 'Red Sub' MK4 Dial Box & Papers
Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680 - 'Red Sub' MK4 Dial Box & Papers
Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680 - 'Red Sub' MK4 Dial Box & Papers
Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680 - 'Red Sub' MK4 Dial Box & Papers
Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680 - 'Red Sub' MK4 Dial Box & Papers
Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680 - 'Red Sub' MK4 Dial Box & Papers
Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680 - 'Red Sub' MK4 Dial Box & Papers
Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680 - 'Red Sub' MK4 Dial Box & Papers
Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680 - 'Red Sub' MK4 Dial Box & Papers
Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680 - 'Red Sub' MK4 Dial Box & Papers
Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680 - 'Red Sub' MK4 Dial Box & Papers
Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680 - 'Red Sub' MK4 Dial Box & Papers
Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680 - 'Red Sub' MK4 Dial Box & Papers

Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680 - 'Red Sub' MK4 Dial Box & Papers

SOLD

The Rolex Submariner is a true icon — and the word "icon" does get thrown around an awful lot. If you were to ask ten people at random to draw you their idea of what a watch looks like, there is a significant chance that they would draw or describe something that looks like a Rolex Submariner. It’s the dive watch of reference, and good/bad/indifferent there is no escaping it. Throughout its 70-year production, there have been countless small changes made to the model, particularly in the first decade or so, with the 1680 representing a true landmark in the history of the model.

The Ref. 1680 was the first Submariner to feature a date and enjoyed 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 to this day, the Submariner Date outsells and outnumbers its 'no-date' sibling something like 10-1. Purity aside, this does make sense for most buyers. It utilizes the iconic Rolex cyclops married with the date function, yet remains clean and functional as ever. 

The piece that we have here, however, is no run of the mill Ref. 1680...

This piece features a line of text on the dial that reads: “Submariner” in red, rather than the usual white. It has since become known to collectors as the "Red Sub."

The example that we have here dates to circa 1971 and comes to us in strong overall condition. It features a previously polished case with nice symmetrical lugs that shows normal signs of wear throughout with a few scuffs and scratches. The 'MK4' dial is very nicely preserved, with a clean surface and gently patinated Tritium plots throughout. The handset matches the dial beautifully, as well as the Tritium pip in the bezel insert. The insert itself is period-correct and has developed a nice light fade, resulting in a beautiful charcoal color. It comes fitted to a correct Oyster bracelet with a fliplock clasp.

As if this piece didn't speak for itself, accompanying it is its 'coffin' box, papers, punched papers, COSC hangtag, and serialized hangtag. 

A wonderful package for any enthusiast.


Stainless Steel 1971 Box, Papers, & Hangtags Automatic Dive
Condition Report & Details

Condition:

Case: Previously polished, retaining symmetrical lugs and showing normal signs of wear throughout with a few scuffs and an impression on the upper left lug profile.

Bezel: Shows light previous polishing and matching normal wear. The black 'MK1 Kissing 40' insert exhibits a gentle 'charcoal' fade and shows light wear.

Dial: Very nicely preserved, with a clean matte surface and correct red text over white on "Submariner." The Tritium plots exhibit a light and even patina throughout and remain fully intact. The handset matches beautifully to the naked eye and under UV inspection.

Movement:

Automatic-winding chronometer certified caliber by Rolex

Bracelet/Strap:

Correct Rolex stainless steel folded-link Oyster bracelet with 8 links and signed fliplock clasp stamped '4-71.' Shows light previous polishing and normal signs of wear with minimal stretch. Sized for ≈7.5" wrist.

"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