1004
Rolex
Ref. 1680, repeated inside caseback and “1.70”
Submariner, “Red Sub”, MK IV
A rare and attractive stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, date, MK IV dial, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box
Full-Cataloguing
As seen on this particular timepiece, it displays a “feet first” depth rating and a single line of red “Submariner” script which is only present in the early examples of the 1680, earning it the nickname “Red Sub”. These rare Submariners, with their striking pop of red, are highly coveted among collectors and represent a significant milestone in the evolution of this iconic sports model.
Among the various iterations of "Red Submariner" dials identified by scholars, this example features a Mark IV dial, produced approximately between the 2.45 million and 3 million serial numbers. This dial is characterized by the open 6’s in the depth rating and the red lettering of "Submariner" printed over white graphics. Boasting a well-preserved dial that enhances its vintage appeal, the luminous material has aged beautifully, resulting in a charming light yellow hue. Bearing a serial number of 2.8 million from circa 1971, this exquisite timepiece is further accompanied by its original guarantee and presentation box.
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.