Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: TWO Hong Kong Monday, May 30, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1970
    Reference No: 1680
    Movement No: D184419
    Case No: 2'216'296
    Model Name: Submariner
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, 200 mm. maximum length, end link stamped 380
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding twinlock deployant clasp stamped 3.72
    Dimensions: 39 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: With Rolex Guarantee dated 4 July 1970, Official Chronometer Certification, product literature and wallet.
    Literature: For another example of a reference 1680 red Submariner, please see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, page 188.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched circa 1967, reference 1680 was the first Submariner model to be fitted with a date function. Examples fitted with a red Submariner signature are very rare and hard to come by.

    The present watch is fitted with a rare Mk 2 dial, evidenced by the 'meters first' depth rating and very thin script. The dial has aged to a very warm and beautiful brown tone, giving it a 'tropical' look. The patina has spread in a very attractive way, with the center of the watch an impressive chocolate color. The numerals, hands and pearl has aged to an attractive and even ivory color which gives the watch a very charismatic look. The watch is furthermore accompanied with a bracelet from the same period and stamped for the third quarter of 1972, further enhancing its appeal. The case still retains original beveled edges, giving the watch a very appealing look.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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Ref. 1680
A rare stainless steel wristwatch with sweep center seconds, date, 'tropical' dial, bracelet and guarantee

1970
39 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$80,000 - 120,000 

Sold for HK$225,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: TWO

Hong Kong Auction 31 May 2016