Rolex Submariner 1680 Red - Ghost Bezel

With the introduction of the Rolex Submariner 1680 in the late 1960s, the legendary diving watch had a date complication for the first time. The first versions can be immediately identified by the red model name "Submariner" on the dial at 6 o'clock and are referred to as red sub's. A total of six different dial variants of the reference 1680 with red lettering are known.

This particular watch is the Mark V version with open sixes and "feet first" depth rate. The serial number 3061xxx, found between the lugs, matches the Mark V case number range of 2450xxx to approx. 3700xxx (1970 - 1973), corresponding to a short production period of 3 years. From around 1974, the Submariner 1680's dial was printed with completely white lettering. Production of the reference 1680 finally ended around 1981.

Apart from the short production period, there is another reason why old original "Red Sub's" are so rare. When Rolex makes a watch service, old dials are always replaced when the tritium lume in the hands and markers begins to crumble. This is because these crumbs of luminous material can get into the movement via the date window and lead to malfunctions. If you expressly refrain from exchanging the dial and hands, Rolex will not grant any guarantee. That's why many original Red Sub's have been changed to "regular" white Submariners over time. This circumstance makes this original red Submariner, which is preserved in TOP condition, extremely valuable.

Another special feature of this Submariner is the greyish faded bezel - also called "ghost bezel" giving the watch a beautiful and authentic vintage look.

Condition report
Dial: absolutely perfect matt dial, original tritium lume, matching lume colors in hands and hour markers, signed "SWISS - T<25" at 6 o'clock.

Case: Stainless steel Oyster case with natural wear, full profile, date stamp on the back: III/71 (3rd Quarter 1971).

Bezel: faded gray ghost bezel, aged evenly.

Movement: Rolex automatic caliber 1570 operates perfectly and accurately.

Bracelet: Stainless steel Oyster bracelet with natural signs of wear, slight stretch, bracelet ref. 9315, end links 380.

Summing Up
Here you have the opportunity to get hold of an early and rare version of the Submariner Date with red lettering (Red Sub). The watch has a perfect dial and offers thanks to the faded bezel a true vintage look on the wrist.

Serial number: 3061xxx (1972)
Movement number: D194xxx

Int.Exe.: 2309040