Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Submariner Ref. 1680

Technical characteristics

Date

1970

Type

Diver's watch

Jewels

26

Diameter

40 mm

Movement

Caliber 1570

Reference

1680

Dial Color

Black

Place recorded

Switzerland

Water Resistance

200 meters

Maker / attribution

Rolex

Design

Visible features

• Red 'Submariner' text on the dial • Cyclops lens over the date window • Bidirectional revolving black bezel with minute graduations • Luminous round, triangular and baton hour markers

Case and Dial Details

The watch features a three-body stainless steel case that has been finished with both polished and brushed surfaces. It includes a screwed-down case back and a Twinlock winding crown, the latter of which is protected by integrated crown guards to prevent accidental adjustment or damage. The top of the case is fitted with a crystal featuring the signature Cyclops lens over the date aperture for increased legibility. The dial is black and marked with the word "Submariner" printed in red. The hour indices consist of a combination of luminous round, triangular, and baton shapes. A bidirectional revolving black bezel is mounted to the exterior, providing the user with a scale for tracking decompression times during diving activities. Outer minute and seconds divisions are printed around the periphery of the dial. Evidence supports the construction of the case and the layout of the dial, including the specific inclusion of the red script which is a primary identifier for this reference. The bezel functionality is noted as being specifically designed for diving applications.

Condition and Grading

The auction house has assigned an overall grading of AA, describing the piece as very good. Specific component grades indicate the case and movement are both graded 3, which is categorized as good. The dial is similarly graded as 3-7-03, described as good. It is noted that the luminous hands show signs of oxidation, which is a consideration for the watch's aesthetic and material state. The provided technical descriptions confirm that the watch maintains its signature features, though service requirements are highlighted.

Movement and Performance

The movement powering this wristwatch is the Rolex caliber 1570. This mechanical, self-winding movement is rhodium-plated and decorated with oeil-de-perdrix patterns. It contains 26 jewels and operates via a straight-line lever escapement. The balance system is monometallic and adjusted to five positions and temperature variations to ensure accurate timekeeping. Further technical features include a self-compensating free-sprung Breguet balance spring equipped with Microstella regulating screws for fine adjustment. The movement also incorporates a hack mechanism, allowing the user to stop the seconds hand for precise synchronization. A shock absorber system is integrated into the architecture to provide durability. The movement is fully signed by the manufacturer, consistent with the dial and case signatures. Technical specifications provided indicate the caliber's performance orientation, designed to meet the criteria of a superlative chronometer.

Identification

Reference

1680

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.