24 Rolex Extremely Well Preserved and Precious, Submariner, Automatic Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, Black Dial, With Box and Papers, Reference 1680

Estimate: € 50.000 –⁠ 100.000

The Rolex Submariner Date, reference 1680 was introduced in 1969 in both stainless steel and 18k yellow-gold cases: it represented the first ever Submariner to feature a date and a cyclops lens in the plexiglass. Another milestone yet, the ref. 1680 in yellow gold was also Rolex’s first Submariner serially produced to be encased in the precious metal to cater towards the luxury demand followed with professional capabilities. Initially the watch dial featured the metric system with meters first (200m=660ft), however, in approximately 1971 Rolex changed the dial to read feet first (660ft=200m) in order to accommodate the United States, which was becoming the manufacturer’s largest market. In order to provide different solutions to his clients, Rolex old examples were offered with two options: a metallic blue dial with a blue bezel insert or a black dial with a black bezel insert, exactly like the present lot. The case has been preserved in very nice conditions still presenting original deep hallmarks on the lugs and sticker on the back. With the black bezel that stands out from the yellow-gold case and recalls the dial, the present example bears yet another reason for collectors to fall in love with, the coveted “nipple dial”, nicknamed from the round applied gold hour indexes with smaller tritium marker. Offered with its original box, papers and gold bracelet, this is an unmissable opportunity to own a highly appealing and early example of the first luxury diver’s watch made by Rolex.