A Rolex Submariner Date reference 1680, dating from 1977 and presented in very good pre-loved condition. This vintage example is accompanied by a particularly special Rolex 50th Anniversary Oyster presentation box, commemorating 50 years of the Rolex Oyster from 1926–1976.
This iconic Submariner features a 40mm stainless-steel Oyster case, black rotating bezel and matte black dial with white Submariner text and luminous hour markers. The watch is completed by Rolex's classic stainless-steel Oyster bracelet.
Powered by the renowned Rolex Calibre 1575 automatic movement, the reference 1680 combines Rolex's professional diving-watch heritage with the practicality of a date display at 3 o'clock, magnified by the distinctive Cyclops lens.
Specifications:
Case
40mm stainless-steel Oyster case with screw-down case back and screw-down winding crown. Black rotating diving bezel with aluminium 60-minute graduated insert.
Movement
Rolex Calibre 1575 automatic mechanical movement with self-winding via Perpetual rotor. Chronometer-certified and operating at 19,800 vibrations per hour.
Bracelet/Strap
Rolex Oyster bracelet in stainless steel, featuring the classic three-piece link construction and folding clasp.
Dial
Matte black dial with white Submariner lettering, luminous hour markers and Mercedes-style hour hand. Date display at 3 o'clock beneath the Cyclops magnifying lens.
Bezel
Black aluminium rotating bezel insert with 60-minute diving scale.
Crystal
Period-style acrylic crystal with Cyclops magnifying lens over the date. The reference 1680 was the Submariner Date generation fitted with an acrylic rather than sapphire crystal.
Water Resistance
Originally rated to 200 metres (660 feet). Given the age of a vintage watch, water resistance should not be assumed unless it has been recently pressure tested.
Condition
Very good pre-loved vintage condition.
Includes
Special Rolex “50 Years of the Rolex Oyster 1926–1976” commemorative presentation box.
Warranty
This watch is supplied with a one-year warranty from The Hamilton Gold Company.
The Rolex Submariner 1680
Reference 1680 occupies an important place in Rolex history as the first Submariner to feature a date complication. Introduced during the late 1960s, it added a date window and Cyclops lens while retaining the rugged construction and distinctive appearance of Rolex's professional diving watches.
Earlier examples are famous for their red “Submariner” lettering, while later watches transitioned to white dial text. A 1977 example sits firmly within this later white-text era, making this watch representative of the final evolution of the original reference 1680.
50 Years of the Rolex Oyster – 1926–1976
What makes this example particularly interesting is its commemorative Rolex presentation box. The medallion inside the lid reads “50 Years of the Rolex Oyster 1926–1976”, marking the 50th anniversary of the introduction of Rolex's waterproof Oyster case.
These anniversary boxes are associated with Rolex watches from this period, including Submariners, and surviving examples have become collectable accessories in their own right. Christie's has documented a period Submariner supplied with this same style of 50 Years of the Rolex Oyster presentation box.
