THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 1680
YEAR: 1973
CASE DIAMETER: 40MM
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

Mk1–3 Red Subs feature “meters first” dials, and these are as rare as hen’s teeth. The watch we have here features the first “feet first” dial, the Mk4. The Submariner text really pops on these thanks to its white backing. It’s easily one of the most handsome Red Subs we’ve ever handled. The case has only been lightly polished before (perhaps once or twice) and remains especially strong, particularly the crown guards. The dial has aged beautifully over the years: the tritium lume on the hands and markers has developed a gentle creamy hue, perfectly complemented by the insert, which has faded to a lovely navy-grey tone.