Rolex “Red” Submariner Ref. 1680 — Vintage 1970s, Patinated Dial (Pre-Owned)

LTFL Background and Ownership History

Luxury Time For Less® recently received on consignment this well-patinated, rare vintage Rolex “Red” Submariner. Rolex created the “Submariner in red,” model 1680, during the limited timeframe from the late 1960s to the mid-1970s, making this timepiece highly sought-after.

While the Rolex 93150 Oyster bracelet (clasp code P2) is not original to this 1680, the Submariner nonetheless would further elevate any vintage watch collection. Or, this example could serve as the commencement of a spectacular vintage watch assemblage.

Luxury Time For Less® does not know the history of this watch prior to it coming into our possession, and cannot speculate on its earlier ownership or history.

As this Submariner received a full movement service within the last few years, LTFL is providing its full one-year warranty, which covers defects in the movement, case and bracelet that occur under normal wear, so the next owner can buy with confidence. Reasonable offers and trades are always considered.

Condition and Details

This 1680 wears its age beautifully. The black dial carries its red SUBMARINER text, and the hour markers and stainless steel hands have taken on a warm, nicely patinated tone. They are no longer luminous, as is expected of a watch of this era. The 40 mm stainless steel Oyster case shows the light wear of a watch that has been worn and enjoyed, and is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal with Cyclops date magnifier, a knurled bezel with black aluminum insert, and a solid screw-down caseback.

Inside is Rolex’s automatic Caliber 1575, a chronometer-certified movement with approximately 48 hours of power reserve, fully serviced within the last few years. The watch is fitted with a later Rolex 93150 Oyster bracelet with Fliplock deployant clasp, currently sized to a 7 1/2 inch wrist. No original box or papers.

Based in St. Louis, Missouri — serving collectors across the United States. Questions about this Submariner, or looking to source or sell one of your own? Call Rich directly at 314-210-4661.

Heritage and Brand Origins

Rolex was founded in London in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf, who moved the company to Geneva, Switzerland a decade later. From the very beginning, Wilsdorf was obsessed with two things: precision and waterproofing. In 1926 Rolex introduced the Oyster, the world’s first commercially successful waterproof wristwatch case. In 1953 the company turned that expertise toward the sea with the Submariner — the first wristwatch guaranteed waterproof to 100 meters, and the watch by which every other diver has been measured ever since.

Reference 1680, introduced at the end of the 1960s, was the first Submariner to offer a date, complete with the Cyclops magnifier over the 3 o’clock window. Powered by the automatic Caliber 1575 and rated to 660 feet / 200 meters, it remains the only Submariner Date ever fitted with an acrylic crystal and a bidirectional bezel.
The early 1680 dials printed the word SUBMARINER in red, and collectors have called these watches the “Red Submariner” ever since. By the mid-1970s Rolex had switched to all-white dial text, which is why the red-dial 1680 — made for only a handful of years — is among the most collectible vintage Rolex sport watches today.

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