Rolex Submariner Date "Red Sub"

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REF 1680
Automatic
39 MM
– Show less
SKU AS08176
Article Number 40922559
ref 1680
case size 39 MM
movement Automatic Winding
approximate age 1970s
dial color Black
material Stainless Steel
style Dive
category Vintage
bracelet Metal
lug width 20 MM
Includes Folded link stainless steel Oyster bracelet with signed fliplock clasp with dive extension (9315/280).
overall condition The case is in excellent condition overall showing honest wear from age and use with thick, even lugs and visible factory finishing. Matte black Tritium 'MKVI' dial is in fantastic condition showing even patination to luminous elements with matching handset. Signed crown. Bezel assembly is later. Insert shows lovely, even slate blue fade.
REF 1680
Automatic
39 MM
– Show less
SKU AS08176
Article Number 40922559
ref 1680
case size 39 MM
movement Automatic Winding
approximate age 1970s
dial color Black
material Stainless Steel
style Dive
category Vintage
bracelet Metal
lug width 20 MM
Includes Folded link stainless steel Oyster bracelet with signed fliplock clasp with dive extension (9315/280).
overall condition The case is in excellent condition overall showing honest wear from age and use with thick, even lugs and visible factory finishing. Matte black Tritium 'MKVI' dial is in fantastic condition showing even patination to luminous elements with matching handset. Signed crown. Bezel assembly is later. Insert shows lovely, even slate blue fade.

Why We Love it

In the late 1960s, Rolex made a tiny change to the Submariner that, forty years on, sends ripples through the vintage Rolex collector community. We mean, of course, a single line of red text on the Reference 1680 Submariner, a watch that has gone down in history as the “Red Sub.”

From the late 1960s to the late 1970s, there were seven different dial variations of “Red Sub,” being dubbed by collectors as “Mark I” through “Mark VIII” dials. Generally, these examples vary in the smallest of ways, perhaps the result of being from different printings  - or even from different dial manufacturers altogether - with this example being a so-called Mark "VI".

What unites all of them is that tiny splash of red on the Submariner printing just under the center post.

At the close of the 1970s, Rolex began phasing out this feature. It was a gradual process, from market to market. Additionally, since many of these watches had been purchased by professional divers or servicemen, the dials with the red printing were often exchanged for dials with all-white printing during the course of a routine service.

As a result, examples that survive with the red printing intact are rare and infinitely desirable!

This particular example dates to circa 1970 and features a strong, honest case with holey lugs, a fantastic matte black Tritium dial with a matching handset, both showing a stunning even patina, a gently faded bezel insert, and a matching stainless steel Oyster bracelet with a signed fliplock clasp.

Submariners are not rare timepieces. Vintage Submariners are not particularly rare timepieces. Strong and authentic 'Red Submariners' absolutely are.

Brand Story

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Though much younger than many of its heavy-hitting horological cousins, Rolex has been at the fore of contemporary watch design virtually since its inception in 1905 by founder Hans Wilsdorf. A veritable marketing genius, Wilsdorf understood the power of story, associating his watches with the most notable and intrepid athletes, explorers, soldiers and politicians of the 20th century. His efforts were clearly successful: Today, the word “Rolex” is nearly synonymous in the minds of millions around the word with “watch.”

From the early waterproof Oyster case of the 1920s through to the ultra-complicated Sky Dweller of today, Rolex models and innovations have captivated a global audience and permeated the zeitgeist unlike those of any other brand. Whether it’s a simple, time-only Air King, a function-first Submariner or a complicated GMT Master II for the jet set, a Rolex commands a certain respect on the wrist and says something about the discerning eye of its owner.

From the swimming of the English channel in 1927 to the scaling of Mt. Everest in 1953, Rolex watches have been associated with adventure for the better part of a century. Despite its association since the 1970s more with luxury and status than with commando operations behind enemy lines or sporting achievements, Rolex still makes one of the most robust timepieces available on the contemporary market. And the company continues to support scientific endeavors around the world.

Interestingly, for most of the firm’s history, Rolex largely did not produce its components in-house, including its movements. (Indeed, hand-wound Daytonas sold today at auction for eye-watering prices feature run-of-the-mill Valjoux movements that feature in watches from hundreds of other brands). It wasn’t until the early 21st century that Rolex became the vertically integrated manufacturing behemoth that it is today, purchasing everything from movement manufacturers to bracelet companies. (Notably, the Crown even forges its own gold.)

Whether one is attracted to the rich history of the brand or simply finds its products notable from an investment perspective, Rolex is a company whose wares are guaranteed to remain a benchmark for horological quality forever.

A:S Guarantee

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Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

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Rolex Submariner Date

Rolex Submariner Date "Red Sub"

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Rolex Submariner Date

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