276 . Rolex
A fine and rare stainless steel wristwatch with sweep centre seconds , date , ‘ tropical ’ dial and bracelet
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Manufacturer Rolex Year 1970
Reference No . 1680 Movement No . D416391 Case No . 2 ’ 215 ’ 321 Model Name Red Submariner Material Stainless steel Calibre Automatic , 1570 ,
26 jewels
Bracelet / Strap Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet , 185 mm . maximum length , end link stamped 380
Clasp / Buckle Stainless steel Rolex twinlock deployant folding clasp Dimensions 39 mm . diameter Signed
Case , dial and movement signed
Estimate HKD 96,000-144,000 USD 12,000-18,000
Literature For another example of a reference 1680 Red Submariner meters first , please see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger , page 188 .
This early Red Submariner with meters first dial is from the second version of these early Red Submariners . The red printing is applied over the original white ‘ Submariner ’ with open ‘ 6 ’ s and thin long ‘ f ’ ( ft ). The case back is stamped 1.69 indicating manufacture in the first part of 1969 . Like with other early known meter first dials , the finish of the matte black has begun to turn brown with aging . These early meters first dials are very rare and can only be found in the very early year of production . Rolex switched the depth rating to feet first only a year or so later . The present watch is a very good looking example where the aging to the lumes and hands is consistent and the bezel insert too has faded to a nice brown colour .