8023
Rolex
Ref. 1680, repeated inside caseback and “I.69”
Submariner, “Red Sub” MK II
A rare and attractive stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, date, MK II dial, bracelet and presentation box
- Estimate
- HK$120,000 - 300,000€15,000 - 37,400$15,400 - 38,500
HK$203,200
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 1969
- Reference No
- 1680, repeated inside caseback and “I.69”
- Movement No
- D422’795
- Case No
- 2’229’178
- Model Name
- Submariner, “Red Sub” MK II
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel Rolex folded Oyster bracelet stamped “9315”, endlinks stamped “280”, max length 175mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “4.69”
- Dimensions
- 40mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Rolex Attestation de Chronometre Officiel, instruction manual, product literature, Rolex service receipt, green plastic wallet, anchor, hang tags, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
- Regarded as one of the most iconic Submariner references of all time, the ref. 1680 was introduced to the public in 1967 as the first in the family to feature a date function.
- Early examples of this reference prominently displayed the “SUBMARINER” signature in red, along with a “meters first” depth rating, earning it the affectionate nickname “Red Sub” among collectors. Produced for only a short period, Rolex later transitioned to an all-white text design.
- The present Rolex Submariner is a handsome and early example of the coveted ref. 1680, showcasing a “Red Sub” MK II dial characterized by its open “6’s” and elongated “F” for its depth rating. Bearing a 2.2 million serial number, this example dates from circa 1969 and features an attractive faded ghost bezel.
- Offered in overall appealing condition, the watch boasts a lovely dial with buttery luminous plots, making it a noteworthy piece that is certainly not to be missed.
- Early examples of this reference prominently displayed the “SUBMARINER” signature in red, along with a “meters first” depth rating, earning it the affectionate nickname “Red Sub” among collectors. Produced for only a short period, Rolex later transitioned to an all-white text design.
- The present Rolex Submariner is a handsome and early example of the coveted ref. 1680, showcasing a “Red Sub” MK II dial characterized by its open “6’s” and elongated “F” for its depth rating. Bearing a 2.2 million serial number, this example dates from circa 1969 and features an attractive faded ghost bezel.
- Offered in overall appealing condition, the watch boasts a lovely dial with buttery luminous plots, making it a noteworthy piece that is certainly not to be missed.
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.
Browse Maker