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1972 Rolex Submariner Single Red Stainless Steel 1680 Wristwatch

Name: 1972 Rolex Submariner Single Red Stainless Steel 1680 Wristwatch
Brand: Rolex
Rating: 4.9 (14 reviews)

$35,906.58List Price

About the Item

Vintage * *Complete with: Box, Manuals Guarantee dated 1972 *Case Size: 40mm *Strap: Stainless Steel Oyster *Age: 1972 *Strap length: Adjustable up to 18cm. Please note we can order spare links and alternate length/colour straps if required. For a quote please contact us. ** Condition: The item is in very good condition and shows one or two noticeable signs of wear or patina relative to its age. The Rolex 1680 is the last in its class of what we might class as really old vintage Submariners. They were the last models in the series with acrylic glass instead of sapphire crystal and also the last Submariner with a depth rating of only 200m (like that wasn’t’ enough, Rolex needed their watches to survive an additional 100m when they released the following reference 16800). They stopped making reference 1680s in 1978 to make way for the sapphire crystal faced 16800. The 1680 is the final Submariner to contain a 1575 - a very similar movement to the previous 1570 however this new Submariner contained a date function. The dial therefore was the first with a date window, and acrylic crystal the first with a magnified “Cyclops”. The 1680 was introduced in 1969 (or thereabouts, dates can’t be 100% verified) and followed on from the incredibly popular 5513. It was produced for nearly ten years with at least seven dial variations, including different writing and typography, order of depth ratings and colours of writing. This example of a “Single Red” or “Red Submariner” would date to before 1973 when the red writing was no longer used. This specific serial number of 3058**** dates to the cusp of 1970 and 1971. Generally this is an early 1680 with an excellent red writing dial. The condition of the dial is excellent. The case has been well preserved and there is visible but gentle polishing of the clasp. Probably the most attractive feature of this piece is the bezel, which has a “ghost” patina as the colour has lightened ever so slightly. The numerals in the bezel insert have aged to a creamy gold colour. The watch comes with the original trip lock crown on a Rolex oyster bracelet reference 9315 with 282 end links. Jacob Tomkins is founder and publisher of Twelve: Watch Buyer’s Journal. He is dedicated to horological content and collectors knowledge with a particular interest in rare and unusual timepieces. He has gathered valuable and substantial collecting knowledge over a career-long passion and fascination with the mechanics and variations in watchmaking. ** Gender: Men's *Dial: Black *Glass: Plexiglass *Movement: Automatic *Water Resistance: To Manufacturers Specifications *Case: Stainless Steel *Buckle Material: Stainless Steel Deployant *Strap Width: At Case - 19mm/At Buckle - 15mm ** PLEASE NOTE: ALL INTERNATIONAL ORDERS MAY BE SUBJECT TO LOCAL TAXES AND DUTIES WHICH REMAIN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BUYER. SHOULD AN ITEM BE REJECTED ON THE BASIS OF THESE COSTS WE WILL BE UNABLE TO REFUND OUTWARD RETURN SHIPPING COSTS. PLEASE CONTACT US SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. ** SERVICE HISTORY * This watch has received a Rolex accredited service in line with our exacting standards. ** PROVENANCE * All of our items undergo checks against a number of databases created in conjunction with the brands and worldwide authorities to ensure authenticity and provenance is ascertained. ** WARRANTY * All of our pre-owned watches have undergone thorough mechanical inspections, including being ultrasonically cleaned, serviced and resealed if appropriate and tested for a minimum of 7 days, to ensure they meet our highest timekeeping standards. Our pre-owned and vintage watches are covered by a full, or a limited twenty-four month warranty. For example, due to their age, some vintage watches should not be subjected to the same conditions as when they were new such as water resistance, which it may no longer be possible to guarantee. Please see our Terms Conditions for further information. All of our new watches are covered by the warranty from the original manufacturer. Please contact us for further information. ** DELIVERY * UK - We offer a complimentary next day delivery service for all UK orders placed before 3pm. If your order is placed after this time, or during the weekend, your item(s) will be dispatched on the nearest working day. Please be aware that your parcel will require a signature in order to be delivered and tracking information will be supplied on the day of dispatch. We also offer named day delivery options, so please contact us to discuss your requirements. ** International - We offer complimentary delivery on all international orders. If your order is placed before 12pm (GMT) your item(s) will be dispatched on the same day. We aim to get your order to you as quickly as possible, but in rare cases, local customs and excise authorities can introduce delivery delays that are out of our control. We will notify you of any delays where possible and a tracking number will be sent to you on the day of dispatch. ** RETURNS * We're confident that you'll love your purchase from us, but we understand the importance of peace of mind when shopping online. If you decide you would like to return your item, we offer a 30-day returns period from the date of delivery, entitling you to a full refund or exchange.

Creator:
Rolex
Case Material:
Stainless Steel
Case Dimensions:
Diameter: 1.58 in (40 mm)
Place of Origin:
Unknown
Period:
1970-1979
Date of Manufacture:
1972
Condition:
The item is in very good condition and shows one or two noticeable signs of wear or patina relative to its age.
Seller Location:
Bishops Stortford, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: W54061stDibs: LU131835407192

Shop All Rolex

Rolex

While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.

Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf Davis, according to the traditional formula.

But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.

But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.

Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.

The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.

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