1979 Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1979
Maker / issuer
RolexThis 1979 Rolex Submariner Date, reference 1680, is a stainless steel wristwatch featuring a matte black dial with white lettering. It is equipped with the caliber movement indicated by the date complication, a function first introduced to the Submariner line in 1969.
The watch is fitted with a Rolex 93150 Oyster bracelet featuring 580 end pieces and 11 links. The case retains factory chamfers and the bezel insert is an early original equipment manufacturer replacement featuring a tritium pearl. The matte black dial includes tritium lume plots and the original tritium hands show an ombre patina. The date wheel features open 6s and 9s with a closed 26. The watch measures 40mm in diameter and is sold as a standalone timepiece without original accessories, and is reported to be in accurate timekeeping condition.
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
- Type
- Submariner Date
- Maker
- Rolex
- Bracelet
- Rolex 93150 Oyster
- Reference
- 1680
- Case diameter
- 40mm
- Case material
- Stainless steel
- Date of manufacture
- 1979
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
- Serial number prefix
- 57
Design
- Dial and Hands
- The watch features a matte black dial described as original with no visible signs of age. The hour markers are composed of tritium lume plots that have aged to a light yellow color. The hands are original tritium components displaying an ombre patina, with a darker coloration near the center that lightens toward the tips. The date complication is displayed through a magnified aperture on the crystal. The internal date wheel features open-style 6s and 9s, while the numeral 26 is closed, which is identified as correct for this specific production era.
- Visible features
- • Matte black dial with 'SUBMARINER' in white lettering • Magnified date aperture at the 3 o'clock position • Rotating bezel with black insert • Stainless steel Oyster bracelet with folding clasp
- Case and Bracelet
- The watch is housed in a stainless steel case measuring 40mm. The lugs are described as thick and symmetrical, retaining original factory chamfers, suggesting minimal past polishing. The bezel insert is an early replacement from the original manufacturer and is set with a tritium pearl. The watch is secured by a stainless steel Rolex 93150 Oyster bracelet with 580 end pieces. The bracelet comprises 11 links and is noted for having minimal stretch, with a capacity to fit wrists up to 7 1/2 inches.
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction description reports that the watch is functional and maintaining time. The tritium lume on both the dial and the hands showed no signs of degradation during examination under U.V. light. This timepiece is identified as a 'White Dial' variant of the 1680 reference, distinguishing it from the earlier 'Red Submariner' variants produced between 1969 and 1975. The watch does not include any additional accessories.
Identification
- Reference
- 1680
- Serial number
- 57XXXXX
- 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: The bezel insert is described as an early OEM replacement
- Research required: The exact serial number is partially redacted as 57XXXXX