Property of a Japanese Collector
85
Rolex
Ref. 1680
Submariner, “MK 1”
An extraordinarily well-preserved stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, date, “MK 1” dial, bracelet and presentation box
- Estimate
- HK$45,000 - 95,000•€5,200 - 11,000$5,800 - 12,200
HK$152,400
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 1978
- Reference No
- 1680
- Case No
- 5’717’375
- Model Name
- Submariner, “MK 1”
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “93150”, endlinks stamped “580”, max length 200mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “VD”
- Dimensions
- 40mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Rolex green card holder, instruction manual, product literature, hang tag, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
One of the most recognized Anime in Japan, Lupin the Third ルパン三世 by Monkey Punch is the equivalent of the charming James Bond and Arsène Lupin combined. An instant hit domestically and across the globe, the world’s greatest thief Lupin and his sidekick Daisuki Jigen次元 大介’s adventures and sartorial wardrobe captured the hearts of many. A great suit is never complete with a fine watch, artist Kazuhiko Katō (加藤一彦) also accessorized them with the best gadgets. Jigen was also spotted with a diver’s watch, the Submariner ref. 1680.
The present MK I example aged with absolute grace, with lumes that patinated uniformly into a rich yellow hue it created the perfect contrast against the delicious black dial. This time capsule example retaining its Japan import sticker, strong bevels and razor sharp edges, this timepiece is certainly a collectors’ favourite.
The present MK I example aged with absolute grace, with lumes that patinated uniformly into a rich yellow hue it created the perfect contrast against the delicious black dial. This time capsule example retaining its Japan import sticker, strong bevels and razor sharp edges, this timepiece is certainly a collectors’ favourite.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded 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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