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. The Rolex Submariner reference 1680 was launched in 1967 and was the first Submariner model fitted with a date function. Soon to follow in 1969, Rolex introduced the first Submariner to be produced in 18K yellow gold. The model would eventually be produced with an option of either a blue dial with blue bezel insert or black dial with black bezel insert, like the present model.

Preserved in most probably unpolished condition, the present 1680 in 18K yellow gold is fitted with a so-called “nipple” dial (or “bicchierini”, Italian for “little cups”), for the conical gold markers with a small lume-filled opening at the top. Though the earliest gold Submariners are characterized by a “meters first” dial, beginning around the 2.4 million serial number, the designation was reversed and subsequent dials would be printed “feet first”, like the present watch which bears an early 2.41 million serial number.

Adding interest and rarity, this reference 1680 is accompanied by a very rare 18K yellow gold President bracelet marked “Hecho in Mexico”. Denoting its fabrication in Mexico under the specifications of Rolex, this President bracelet was most certainly a special order at the time of original sale considering the bracelet’s endlinks are perfectly shaped for the case.