The Rolex Submariner has become such an icon that not only can it be considered the benchmark for all future diving watches, but it has also spawned its own scholarly following devoted to every nuance and variation from its first appearance in the Rolex catalogue in 1954 until the present day. The Rolex Submariner reference 1680 was launched in 1967 and was the first Submariner model fitted with a date function (generating a fiery debate about date windows that continues to burn brightly in the watch community).

Of the different iterations of “Red Submariner” dials established by the collecting community, this exceptional example from the first quarter of 1970 is fitted with a pristine Mark III “meter’s first” dial, with the red lettering of Submariner printed directly on the dial, “open” 6s, and a thicker font. The serial number beginning with 2.41 is correct for a Mark III dial, a rare occurrence. The condition of the dial is superb, with the black matte finishing perfectly intact, and the luminous hour markers also perfectly preserved, displaying the characteristic waffle texture and creamy hue.

The "Red Sub" is the ideal contender for a one watch collection – subtle enough not to draw attention, but with a flash of flair with the red "Submariner" print to add interest. Amongst the finest “Red” Submariners Phillips has ever offered, the present example further displays an unpolished case and is a rare and complete treasure, accompanied by its original guarantee and presentation box.