Brand: Rolex

Year: 1969

Reference: 1680 Tropical

Case: Stainless Steel

Movement: Rolex cal. 1570 automatic

Bracelet: Original stainless steel Rolex folded Oyster bracelet ref 9315 end links 280 and clasp code 71

Diameter: 40mm

Price: 41.500€

The Rolex Submariner Date reference 1680 represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Submariner line, introducing the date complication while preserving the essential professional diving DNA of the model. Early examples featuring the red “Submariner” dial text, commonly referred to as “Red Submariners” have become among the most celebrated and historically significant vintage Rolex sports watches. This example belongs to the early Mk2 Meter First production series, identifiable by the depth rating printed in meters preceding feet, a configuration produced only during the earliest years of reference 1680 manufacturing. The presence of a naturally tropical dial further elevates the watch into an exceptionally rare and visually distinctive category. Tropical Red Submariners displaying uniform and stable colour transformation are among the most coveted variations within advanced vintage Rolex collecting.

The watch is further distinguished by its exceptionally preserved case with strong factory geometry, original Fat Font Mk3 bezel insert with attractive bluish ageing, and correct folded Oyster bracelet. The combination of these elements, together with the beautifully aged tropical dial and original tritium luminous material, creates a highly cohesive and historically significant example. Red Submariner Meter First tropical dial examples are increasingly scarce, particularly in such well-preserved and original condition. Their rarity, combined with their importance in the historical development of Rolex professional diving watches, has firmly established them as cornerstone pieces within serious vintage Rolex collections.

Exceptional original Submariner “Red” Mk2 Meter First tropical dial, representing one of the most historically important and visually desirable configurations of the reference 1680. The dial has undergone a rare and highly attractive tropical transformation, with the original matte black surface evolving into a rich, warm brown tone, a phenomenon particularly prized among advanced collectors. The dial displays a beautifully uniform patina, with the tritium hour markers ageing into an elegant vanilla-yellow tonality that remains consistent across all indexes. The red Submariner signature remains crisp and highly legible, positioned over white printing characteristic of early Mk2 Meter First production. These early “meters first” dials, featuring depth rating in meters preceding feet, belong to the earliest production phase of the Submariner Date and are widely regarded as among the most collectible variations of the model. The original tritium hands remain present and unrestored, showing slightly lighter ageing consistent with natural material variation but remaining entirely correct and historically coherent with the dial. The dial surface itself remains free from damage, spotting, or restoration, preserving exceptional originality and rarity, particularly in tropical condition.

The stainless steel Oyster case is preserved in exceptionally strong and substantial condition, retaining impressive thickness and structural integrity, strongly suggesting minimal to no polishing since manufacture. The lugs remain remarkably full, displaying sharp, well-defined geometry with highly pronounced and clearly visible chamfers — a defining and increasingly scarce feature among early Submariner Date examples. The rotating bezel remains in excellent overall condition and retains its highly desirable original “Fat Font” Mk3 insert. The insert exhibits attractive natural ageing, with a subtle bluish patina that enhances the vintage aesthetic while preserving clear and legible graduations. The watch displays only minimal signs of wear, with no significant impacts or structural damage visible. The interior caseback is correctly engraved with the date code “69,” confirming production consistent with the earliest generation of Submariner Date reference 1680 models. Overall, the case presents an outstanding level of preservation and retains the powerful visual presence associated with early professional Submariner watches.

An outstanding collector’s example, combining rarity, visual character, and historical importance, this watch represents one of the most desirable expressions of early Submariner Date production.