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.

Launched around 1967, reference 1680 was the first Submariner model to be fitted with a date function. Early examples, such as the present one, display a ‘meters first’ depth rating, with the ‘Submariner’ script printed in red, hence the name "Red Sub”, while later examples feature white graphics. Red Subs are today extremely sought-after timepieces in virtue of their aesthetic quirkiness and of their historical importance as the first Submariner examples with date. Even within the Red Submariner family of dials, one can notice an evolution of the graphics with 6 variations (Marks). The present early specimen features a Mark III dial, recognizable from the meter first arrangement of the depth rating, a feature shared by Mark I to Mark III dials. Mark III dials are furthermore defined by the thicker font - compared to MK II - used for the depth rating as well as an "open" 6. Mark III dials can be found on examples from about 2.15M serial to 2.45M - alongside MKII dials as both were made at the same time.

The present "Red Sub" is made even more collectible and attractive by its dark chocolate dial, the tropical hue absolutely even throughout the entirety of the dial. A further appeal is given by the "complete" nature of this watch which is accompanied by all of its original accessories: not only the warranty booklet, duly punched with the watch number stamped with the retailer stamp and dated. It furthermore bears the original Chronomètre Certificate - a hardly ever seen rarity.