Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Tropical Meters First Wristwatch Ref 1680
View Similar Items
Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Tropical Meters First Wristwatch Ref 1680
About the Item
- Creator:
- Case Material:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1970
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: 347211stDibs: LU30626222
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.
Find vintage Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.
- Bueche Girod Ladies Yellow Gold Carved Wood Lion’s Head WristwatchBy Bueche GirodLocated in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CAThe piece bears French hallmarks and appears to be from the Gay Freres collection, although it is not signed. The lion’s head is artfully carved with beautiful detail and his eyes se...Category
Vintage 1970s Wrist Watches
MaterialsEmerald, Yellow Gold
- Gemstone Diamond Gold Cuff with Butterflies and Flowers MotifLocated in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CAPolished 18k yellow gold cuff bracelet, single hinge design with butterflies kissing the edges of colorful flowers; 1.80 carats of diamonds, combined with custom-cut assorted color g...Category
20th Century Cuff Bracelets
MaterialsDiamond, Sapphire, Ruby, 18k Gold
- Victorian Cabochon Sapphire and Enamel LocketLocated in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CAA perfectly round and mid-size 18k yellow gold locket displaying the complex beauty that is characteristic of late Victorian jewelry. The piece ...Category
Antique 1890s Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsSapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
- 2.20 Carat Tapered Baguette Diamond Bracelet, Signed Kurt WayneBy Kurt WayneLocated in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CAA unique and artistic creation, designed as a row of 18 karat white gold knots intersected by tapered baguette diamonds. The bracelet measures 7 inches long and is signed & numbered by Kurt Wayne. The diamonds weigh 2.20 carats in total and exhibit E-F color with Vs clarity. This piece is strong enough to be worn alone, yet could also be stacked with your other favorite pieces. Kurt Wayne’s fine jewelry...Category
Late 20th Century Tennis Bracelets
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Sapphire and Diamond Dome Cocktail RingLocated in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CAA deep blue centerpiece of graduated sapphires is set perfectly between two rows of brilliant round-cut diamonds. An 18k yellow gold setting brings added dimension to this ring with ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dome Rings
MaterialsDiamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- 51 Carat Aquamarine & Diamond NecklaceLocated in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CAThis stunning pendant was converted from an art deco era clip/brooch and is suspended from an attached diamond chain of more modern manufacture. The pendant is rendered in platinum w...Category
Vintage 1930s Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsAquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Rolex Vintage Submariner Single Red Meter First 1680 Steel Automatic Watch, 1969By RolexLocated in Central & Western District, HKBrand: Vintage Rolex Model: 1680 Year: 1969 Serial number: 22xxxxx Reference: C03596 Case: Show sign of wear with very slight light polish from previous; inner case back stamped 168...Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
$40,000Free Shipping - Rolex Submariner Rare Red Writing Meters First Mark I Dial 1680By RolexLocated in London, GBA 40 mm rare vintage Submariner Date in stainless steel by Rolex. The 1680 was the third Submariner produced by Rolex. Featuring a matte black Mark ...Category
20th Century Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex Submariner 1680 Men's Watch in Stainless SteelBy RolexLocated in New York, NYRolex Submariner 1680 Men's Watch in Stainless Steel SKU: 132596 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Rolex Model: Submariner Country of Origin: Switzerland Movement Type: Mechanical: Automatic...Category
20th Century Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
- Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Men's WristwatchBy RolexLocated in Stamford, CTMen's Rolex submariner stainless steel, oyster band wristwatch. 8.75 Inches. model 16610 circa 1994. Length: 47.27mm Width: 40mm Band width at case: 20mm Case thickness: 12.56mm C...Category
Late 20th Century Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
- Rolex Submariner 116610 Stainless Steel WristwatchBy RolexLocated in Los Angeles, CARolex Submariner 116610 Oyster Perpetual Date Stainless Steel Wristwatch 2015. ABOUT THIS ITEM: Rolex Submariner Black Dial and Bezel...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Vintage Rolex Red Submariner 1680 Stainless Steel Submariner Service Paper, 1971By RolexLocated in San Diego, CAStyle Number: 1680 Serial: 2771*** Year: 1971 Model: RED Submariner Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Black Dial: Black Face: Acrylic Case Size: ...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
$24,995Free Shipping
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Rolex: 13+ Expert Tips
Learn the devious techniques that counterfeiters use to sell inauthentic pieces at authentic prices. Of course, you don't have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where every seller of Rolex watches is highly vetted.
Rolex Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know about Choosing the Right Watch
From understanding the models to choosing among vintage, pre-owned and new watches, here’s our expert advice on finding the best Rolex for you.