1973 Rolex Submariner Single Red Stainless Steel 1680 Wristwatch

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1973 Rolex Submariner Single Red Stainless Steel 1680 Wristwatch

About the Item

Vintage * *Complete with: Box & Manuals Only dated 1973 *Case Size: 40mm *Strap: Stainless Steel Oyster *Age: 1973 *Strap length: Adjustable up to 19cm. Please note we can order spare links and alternate length/colour straps if required. For a quote please contact us. ** Condition: The item is in good pre-owned condition and shows some general signs of wear or patina relative to its age. Rolex have famously released rare editions of their Submariners (and other models such as the Explorer) with red writing on the dial. In the Submariner family, several versions of the 6538 had red writing giving them their nickname as the “Red Depth”. This version of the Rolex Submariner 1680 “Single Red” is no stranger to this red-faced fame. Instantly recognisable among its counterparts for it’s red writing this particular piece also features a stunning “ghosted” bezel. This bezel insert has changed colour through natural sun exposure and has faded to an attractive greyish-blue - a sought after and aesthetically pleasing detail. The rest of the bezel remains relatively sharp while the case has seen some wear especially around the lugs where there are a few visible scratches. This is telling of the originality of the matching parts. The crown also features a trip-lock indicated by its 3 dots and is in good condition. The watch features a calibre 1570 in excellent working order with few if any visible witness marks on the calibre suggesting a well looked after movement. The dial is relatively clean other than some paint missing from the outer dial circumference between 4 o’clock and 6 o’clock. The hour markers and dial writing is in good condition with some minor degrading to the lume spots such as 4 o’clock. The serial number dates to 1971. The caseback features a stamp reading I 69 which may refer to the manufacturing of the caseback alone. It is appropriately stamped 1680 coinciding to the serial number dating to 1971 (340,****) The watch comes with manuals and box only, on a good condition oyster bracelet ref. 93150 with 501B end links. Jacob Tomkins is founder and publisher of Twelve: Watch Buyer’s Journal. He is dedicated to horological content and collectors knowledge with a particular interest in rare and unusual timepieces. He has gathered valuable and substantial collecting knowledge over a career-long passion and fascination with the mechanics and variations in watchmaking. ** Gender: Men's *Dial: Black *Glass: Sapphire Crystal *Movement: Automatic *Water Resistance: To Manufacturers Specifications *Case: Stainless Steel *Buckle Material: Stainless Steel Deployant *Strap Width: At Case - 19mm/At Buckle - 15mm ** PLEASE NOTE: ALL INTERNATIONAL ORDERS MAY BE SUBJECT TO LOCAL TAXES AND DUTIES WHICH REMAIN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BUYER. SHOULD AN ITEM BE REJECTED ON THE BASIS OF THESE COSTS WE WILL BE UNABLE TO REFUND OUTWARD & RETURN SHIPPING COSTS. PLEASE CONTACT US SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. ** SERVICE HISTORY * This watch has received a Rolex accredited service in line with our exacting standards. ** PROVENANCE * All of our items undergo checks against a number of databases created in conjunction with the brands and worldwide authorities to ensure authenticity and provenance is ascertained. ** WARRANTY * All of our pre-owned watches have undergone thorough mechanical inspections, including being ultrasonically cleaned, serviced and resealed if appropriate and tested for a minimum of 7 days, to ensure they meet our highest timekeeping standards. Our pre-owned and vintage watches are covered by a full, or a limited twenty-four month warranty. For example, due to their age, some vintage watches should not be subjected to the same conditions as when they were new such as water resistance, which it may no longer be possible to guarantee. Please see our Terms & Conditions for further information. All of our new watches are covered by the warranty from the original manufacturer. Please contact us for further information. ** DELIVERY * UK - We offer a complimentary next day delivery service for all UK orders placed before 3pm. If your order is placed after this time, or during the weekend, your item(s) will be dispatched on the nearest working day. Please be aware that your parcel will require a signature in order to be delivered and tracking information will be supplied on the day of dispatch. We also offer named day delivery options, so please contact us to discuss your requirements. ** International - We offer complimentary delivery on all international orders. If your order is placed before 12pm (GMT) your item(s) will be dispatched on the same day. We aim to get your order to you as quickly as possible, but in rare cases, local customs and excise authorities can introduce delivery delays that are out of our control. We will notify you of any delays where possible and a tracking number will be sent to you on the day of dispatch. ** RETURNS * We're confident that you'll love your purchase from us, but we understand the importance of peace of mind when shopping online. If you decide you would like to return your item, we offer a 30-day returns period from the date of delivery, entitling you to a full refund or exchange.

Creator:
Rolex
Case Material:
Stainless Steel
Case Dimensions:
Diameter: 1.58 in (40 mm)
Place of Origin:
Unknown
Period:
1970-1979
Date of Manufacture:
1973
Condition:
The item is in good pre-owned condition and shows some general signs of wear or patina relative to its age.
Seller Location:
Bishops Stortford, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: W53481stDibs: LU131835407232

Shop All Rolex

Rolex

While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.

Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.

But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.

But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.

Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.

The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.

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