Rolex
1971 Rolex Red Submariner (Ref. 1680) "Mk. IV"
The Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 is a stunning classic. First introduced in 1969, the ref. 1680 includes the date, unlike previous Submariners (ie. Ref. 5512 and 5513). The Infamous Red Submariner is also a Ref. 1680 which had the word "Submariner" in red lettering which was produced by Rolex from 1969-1975.
The Mk. IV dial differentiates itself with the following, which can be seen in the text located above the 6 o'clock – starting with a serial number that falls in the correct range for this type of dial. The red lettering on white and distinctive open “6” are the notable characteristics of the Mk. IV Dial. The Mk. IV was the earliest "feet first" red submariner.
| Stock # | RLXSUB721680RED-8 | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Submariner | |
| Model | 1680 | |
| Serial | 26XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | SS | |
| Dial | Matte Black "Red" Mk. IV | |
| Millimeters | 40 | |
| Bracelet | Rolex 9315 Folded-Link Oyster Bracelet W/ 280 End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The strong case has been previously lightly polished and retains very full and symmetrical lugs. The original fat-font bezel insert is in excellent condition showing minimal wear with a very slight fade and retains its tritium pearl at the 12 o'clock position which makes the dial patina. The case retains its original Rolex signed twin-lock crown. The original Rolex 9315 folded-link Oyster bracelet with 280 end pieces is stamped 3/72 and retains 10 links that show light stretch from use.
DIAL & HANDS
The beautiful matte black Mk. IV dial is in excellent vintage condition, there are two very small marks on the dial, one underneath the 1 o'clock lume plot and the other under the "S" in superlative, however, they are very hard to notice and the rest of the dial is very clean. The tritium lume plots have taken on a warm ivory patina and exhibit no degradation when inspected under U.V. light. The original tritium hands have aged one shade darker than the dial and show no degradation under U.V. light inspection. The metallic date wheel is era correct with open 6's and 9's, the "6" of 26 is closed which is era correct.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is keeping time and functioning perfectly, previous service history is unknown.