Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1973 Reference No: 1680 inside caseback stamped with repeated serial number 3'740'512 Movement No: D'592'133 Case No: 3'740'512 Model Name: Red Submariner "FAP" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 185mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped C Dimensions: 39mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee, wallet and presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
A superlative example, the present watch is one of probably only a handful of Red Submariners delivered to the Peruvian Air Force that still retains its original guarantee and presentation box. While it is commonly known that the Peruvian Air Force ordered a number of Cosmograph Daytonas during the 1970s, they had also requested an exceedingly small number of Submariners during this period.
Its state of preservation is absolutely remarkable. Displaying thick bevels, crisp edges and sharp engravings, the present watch is a marvel indeed. The caseback, like all "FAP" watches displays "Fuerza Aérea del Perú" as well as the three digit code "104" on the bottom. Most of these three digit numbers have been rubbed out with general wear, yet this one remains evident. It is interesting to note that there is a small hole on the outer case back, near the "teeth". This hole was used to secure the case back when Rolex stamped the markings. Furthermore, the inside case back is stamped with a repeated inside case back number, another sign of a special order watch.
The dial is also preserved in excellent and extremely attractive condition. The luminous dots have aged evenly with the hands, and now display warm patina. Furthermore, all the graphics remain intact and vivid.
While it is an incredibly rare opportunity to handle such a distinguished timepiece, it's even more extraordinary to have the opportunity to acquire one.
Founded 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.
Ref. 1680 inside caseback stamped with repeated serial number 3'740'512 A highly rare and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with date, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box, made for the Peruvian Air Force
Circa 1973 39mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed