184 Rolex Precious and Esteemed Military Submariner Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, Reference 1680, With Black Matte Dial, made for Libyan Military

Estimate: € 15,000 –⁠ 30,000

Sold € 19,500

Model: Submariner
Reference: 1680
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 1977
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 1575
Case N°: 5110198
Dimensions: 39 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case

The Submariner is among the most iconic—if not The most iconic—timepieces Rolex has ever produced and beyond any doubt one of Rolex’s most coveted models in the history of horology. An important change came with the introduction of the 1680 model in the late 1960s: the 1680 was the first Submariner to be equipped with a date function, marking the completion of the transition of the Submariner line from specialist tool watch to mass-market fashion accessory. The lot offered here is clearly a member of the latter group and its black matte dial feature a closed six on the depth rating and a perfectly centered “L’ in the name ROLEX in respect to the base of the crown symbol. Confirmed as being delivered to Libya in 1977, the Arabic inscription says “Alhanout Alaskari” which translates to Military Surplus store. An unusual and interesting find to add to a Rolex collector of military timepieces.