Rolex 1680

Rolex 1680

This is a Rolex 1680 dating from 1974. I owned this watch from 1992 until 2000. In 2000, I had finished my MPA, but could not find work after the USPS Remote Encoding Center I worked at relocated. I found myself having to sell this watch to make the house payment. Enough of the sob story, I am just happy to have it back. The bracelet was recently replaced with a new solid link model from a modern Submariner. Besides the bracelet, everything is authentic and by my opinion; a time warp. The case has not been polished, still showing the sharp lug edges and brushing. The dial has aged beautifully with an even creamy patina. No scratches to the bezel and each tooth is perfect and detailed and the lume dot at 12:00 o’clock is still there. The only flaw that bothers me is a small divot in the domed acrylic crystal at 4:00 o’clock. No bother though, the watch came with a factory replacement crystal for future replacing. I am super happy to own this watch again.

Earlier 1680s had the name Submariner in red. My watch appears to be the first year the US market received the white Submariner lettering. Some markets had red Submariner markings up until 1980. This may be more a product of the volume of watches sold. The 1680 has a bi directional non ratcheting bezel. The ratcheting unidirectional bezel did not come until 1980 with the 16800 Submariner.

The 1680 is considered the first mainstream fashion dive watch. With a date, the watch became more than just a diver’s tool. Dial too busy? Not for me. I am happy to be a billboard for an officially certified superlative chronometer, but I will let you decide for yourself.

I'll say it again here Chris. What a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment this watch must represent. Very happy for you. Congratulations!

Thanks Jaw. I am enjoying snapping pictures of this one. Here are a couple of more:

Congratulations on getting this one back Christopher. WOW ! Doesn't get any
better than this one. INCREDIBLE watch sir ! Really has to be cool adding this
one back into the collection. I mean this watch has such a neat story behind it that
you told us, and to have it be in such SPECTACULAR shape also is just the icing
on the cake. Congrats to you !!!! Really think this Rolex has so much character
Christopher. All of the parts that you mentioned from the dial with it's patina,
to the case, bezel, and new bracelet are so iconic. You really can't see another
watch out there nowadays, and not see some similarities to these. However,
there is no replacement for the real thing ! The dials alone are unforgettable
with the triangle marker that grabs your attention immediately. Yowza, that
is THE best ! So are the rest of the dot markers, along with these hands here
Chris. It's ALL beautiful ! Even the way the legendary bezel wraps around the
dial is sensational. On the one hand you have those mesmerizing markings,
and numbers, then you have those great teeth you mentioned, followed by
the extremely classy black, and silver finish. All of it works together in such a
flawless way, and all of it is once again INCREDIBLE ! Your pictures really let
you see the craftsmanshp that went into the case as well. The shape, the
finish, are TOO nice imho. Even that bracelet is on another level sir. Congrats
on tracking this Rolex down once again. ..I know that you will be enjoying it !

Incredible watch, along with pictures, and story !

That is awesome you were able to get one back that got away....

great watch, cool you have this one on your wrist again Chris!

Wow, great looking watch. It looks like it's in great condition. I just purchased this Rolex Cellini Omigra and waiting for it to arrive. Rolex watches are the best luxury watch brand on the market and beat out Tag Hauer hands down.

Really awesome watch and its look great on your wrist....

Looks hot Chris!!!