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 (generating a fiery debate about date windows that continues to burn brightly in the watch community).

Of the different iterations of “Red Sub” dials established by the collecting community, this 3.8M serial example features a Mark VI dial. Red Sub dials can be divided in six generations (or “Mark”) and two groups. Earlier models are distinguished by the “meters first” depth rating (Mk I to Mk III) and later models (Mk IV to VI) by the “feet first” depth rating. MKVI dials are the last “Red Sub” dials to have been made - before Rolex moved on to fully white graphics - and can be found on serial numbers before 3M but not later than 4M, making this 3.8M examples one of the last one produced. MKVI dials are easily recognised by the fact that among the “feet first” dials, they are the only ones featuring closed 6s in the depth rating.

The condition of the dial is superb, with the black matte finishing perfectly intact, and the luminous hour markers also perfectly preserved, displaying the characteristic waffle texture and a charming ivory hue.

The "Red Sub”, offered complete of all its original accessories, is the ideal contender for a one watch collection – subtle enough not to draw attention, but with a flash of flair thanks to the red "Submariner" print to add interest.