1970 Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 'Mk. IV'
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1970
Maker / issuer
RolexThis 1970 Rolex Submariner, reference 1680, is a stainless steel dive watch featuring the 'Mk. IV' dial variant. Characterized by red 'Submariner' lettering on a matte black surface, this iteration is recognized as an early 'feet first' dial configuration.
The watch includes a 40mm stainless steel case with symmetrical lugs and is equipped with a Rolex 9315 folded-link Oyster bracelet fitted with 380 end pieces. The rotating bezel insert features a 'fat font' design with a tritium pearl. The movement, housed within the 40mm case, incorporates a date display. The auction description notes the inclusion of original box and papers, specifically identifying the watch as having undergone recent service.
The dial and original tritium hands exhibit a uniform golden-yellow patina, and the date wheel retains its distinct open '6' and '9' numerals.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- 1970
- Dial
- Matte Black "Red" Mk. IV
- Type
- Dive watch
- Brand
- Rolex
- Bracelet
- Rolex 9315 Oyster Bracelet
- Reference
- 1680
- Case Diameter
- 40mm
- Serial Number
- 28XXXXX
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
Design
- Dial and Hands
- The watch displays a matte black 'Mk. IV' dial, which is identified by its red 'Submariner' text located above the depth rating. This dial is an early 'feet first' variant and features the characteristic open '6' numeral. The hour markers are applied with tritium luminous material that has developed a consistent golden-yellow patina. The hands are the original tritium-filled set, which match the dial’s aged aesthetic. The date aperture is positioned at 3 o'clock and utilizes a metallic date wheel, which is notable for its open '6' and '9' figures. The dial surface shows no visible damage.
- Visible features
- • Tritium plots display golden-yellow patina • Open 6 and 9 numerals on the metallic date wheel • Rotating bezel insert with tritium pearl • Folded-link Oyster bracelet with 380 end pieces
- Provenance and Accessories
- The watch is accompanied by a suite of original accessories. Additionally, the set contains a Rolex anchor and a hangtag. According to the vendor, the timepiece has been serviced and is currently functioning correctly.
- Case and Bracelet Construction
- The stainless steel case measures 40mm in diameter and features lugs described as thick and symmetrical. The case shows evidence of light historical polishing while maintaining its profile. The unidirectional bezel is fitted with a 'fat font' insert, which retains its original tritium-filled pearl. The watch is secured to a Rolex 9315 folded-link Oyster bracelet. This component features 380 end links and is documented to include ten main links plus two supplementary links.
Identification
- Reference
- 1680
- Serial number
- 28XXXXX
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Patina uniformity and U.V. response are reported by the vendor but cannot be independently verified
- Research required: Exact range of serial number is obscured by X characters