Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680/8 - 'Tropical'
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, ranging from the details on the dial, to the case, and everything in between.
In the case of the piece that we have here (no pun intended), its the metal that it is constructed out of.
At the tail end of the 1960's Rolex had already become aware that their watches were not only being bought and worn by those who needed them to do a job, but also by individuals wanting a premium product. Enter the Submariner Date finished in solid 18k yellow gold: the Reference 1680/8.
The example that we have here dates to circa 1978 — roughly a decade after its introduction — was born with a sunburst blue dial and blue bezel insert. Over time however, that blue has changed to a simply stunning 'tropical' brown color, with only a hint that it was once blue which can be sen on the outer edges. The lume shows even patina throughout within the 'nipple' indices and the blue bezel insert remains in crisp condition. To top it all off, this piece is still fitted to its solid gold Oyster bracelet!
It could be argued that a yellow gold GMT-Master makes sense, but a solid gold dive watch? There is no point. And that is exactly what makes it great.
Case
Condition
Movement
Bracelet
Shipping & Returns
At Oliver & Clarke, domestic shipping is on us! If you are international and require a quote – please feel free to reach out to us at info@oliverandclarke.com so we can get you squared away.
Returns (accepted within 3 days of initial delivery of your purchase) must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. For payments via Credit Card, a 5% restocking fee will be in place for any returns or cancellations in order to cover our processing fee. Of course, watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.
If you happen to trade a watch with us, which we welcome, trades are final, except of course if the watch is grossly misdescribed or misrepresented.
The Oliver & Clarke Guarantee
Through rigorous vetting of each watch offered, we’re able to guarantee authenticity of our pieces. Ultimately, your satisfaction is our mission, as is helping you get YOUR perfect watch. If you have any questions at all, we will get back to you ASAP.
Each of our timepieces are vetted, evaluated, authenticated, and approved by our experienced team prior to sale. We guarantee the period-correctness of all components unless otherwise disclosed. We guarantee the authenticity of each watch in perpetuity.
Choose options
"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