Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, May 09, 2021

LOT 496

ROLEX, REF. 1680, RED SUBMARINER, METER FIRST MARK II, TROPICAL DIAL

CHF 20,000 - 40,000

HKD 160,000 - 320,000 / USD 20,000 - 40,000

Sold: CHF 40,000

A very fine and extremely rare, stainless steel, self-winding diver’s wristwatch with uniform tropical meter first brown dial.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2-8

Very good

Slightly scratched

Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Brand Rolex

Model Submariner

Reference 1680

Year Made circa 1969

Case No. 2421849

Bracelet Stainless steel Rolex bracelet (9315/280), approx. overall length 170 mm

Caliber 1570

Dimensions 39 mm

Signature Dial, Case and Movement

Accessories Original fitted box

Notes

Property of the original Spanish owner
While the 1680 Submariner needs no further introduction since its launch in 1969, the red Submariner is a classic Submariner that is now part of most important collectors, While later versions are relatively common, these early examples featuring a meter first dial represent a very small percentage of the total red sub production. Combined with a beautifully aged, incredibly uniform, tropical dial (these were often replaced at Rolex service centers making them even less common), this color-change is only found on mark 2 and 3 dials.
This example consigned by the original Spanish owner still comes with its original outer box featuring the 1680/a/b sticker on the box and displays a beautiful case with well pronounced bevels as well as a mint tropical dial that shows no chips or defects and accompanied with its original Rolex 9315/280 folded bracelet. An extremely well preserved and grail example.