Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 White 'Full Set' circa 1978

The Rolex Submariner was among the very first dive watches on the market and it quickly became the most iconic. The Sub represents a sort of inflection point for Rolex as a company and how it would go on to become what it is today. Prior to the 1950s, Rolex was making mostly watches that today we'd describe as dress watches or all-purpose watches of one kind or another. Bubblebacks, two-register chronographs, and Datejusts were the brand's core offerings. Yes, these included important innovations like the waterproof Oyster case and the so-called "perpetual" automatic movements, but they weren't proper sport watches as we'd recognize them today. 

It might seem hard to believe today, but it took 16 years before the very first Submariner rolled out of Rolex with a date complication at three o'clock back in 1969 with the introduction of the reference 1680 'Red Letter'. It's worth noting that the earliest Sea-Dwellers, which featured a date from the beginning, came out two years earlier too. It did however use the same caliber as those early Sea-Dwellers, the caliber 1575.

Offered for sale here is an extremely beautiful example of a Rolex Submariner ref. 1680 ‘White’. With serial 52255xx, this piece dates from 1978. The awesome vanilla patina on the lume dots, along with the perfectly matching patina on the hands, contrast with the mint black matte dial.

Not only the dial of this example makes it special, the correct rotating diver bezel is in great condition too. Along with the dial and bezel, this drawer condition 1680 features an unpolished thick case preserving the sharp bevels.

Directly from the first owner, it comes in a complete kit with box and guarantee papers, sold in 1978 by a Spanish jeweler.

It is in full working order as it has just been completely serviced by our watchmaking, guaranteeing a good and safe use for many years to come.

It comes suited on the original Rolex Submariner 93150 oyster bracelet with 580 endlinks.