ROLEX SUBMARINER DATE — REF. 1680

ROLEX SUBMARINER DATE — REF. 1680
Complete Guide & Authentication Service

The Rolex Submariner 1680 (1969–1979) marked a milestone as the very first Submariner with a date complication and cyclops lens. Collectors know it for its robust Oyster case, plexiglass crystal, and iconic “Red Submariner” dials from the late 1960s to mid-1970s. Below you’ll find a detailed guide with authentication checklist, serial ranges, dial/insert/bracelet variants, and common red flags — plus an easy way to order your preliminary certificate with QR verification.

Get 1680 Certificate Jump to Checklist

24h
Delivery

€39
Starting Price

QR
Verification

Independent
Service

Model Overview
Why the Submariner 1680 Matters

Introduced around 1969, the 1680 added the date function to the Submariner line. Early dials read “Submariner” in red (the coveted “Red Sub”), transitioning to all-white print in later years. Its 40 mm Oyster case with crown guards, acrylic crystal with Cyclops magnifier, and rotating bezel made it the ultimate professional diver of its era. Authenticating a 1680 means checking case engravings, dial print color and style, insert fonts, bracelet codes, and matching the correct caliber 1575 movement with hacking seconds after ~1972.

40 mm Oyster

Steel case with crown guards; plexiglass top-hat crystal with Cyclops.

Cal. 1575

Automatic with date; hacking function on later movements.

Red Sub

Early production (1969–1975) featured “Submariner” in red — key collector variant.

Simple Process
Authenticate Your 1680 in 3 Steps

We combine AI flagging with expert review to deliver a fast, reliable preliminary certificate built for buyers, sellers, and collectors.

1. Upload

Photos of dial, bezel, serial/lug area, movement, caseback, bracelet, clasp.

2. Review

We check serial range, red vs white dial correctness, insert font, hands, and bracelet codes.

3. Certificate

PDF with unique ID + QR for instant verification — trusted in listings and negotiations.

Dial & Hands
“Red Sub” dials (6 main types, 1969–1975) with “Submariner” in red.
Later dials: all-white print.
“SWISS – T < 25” tritium marking; lume plots creamy with age. Hands: Mercedes style; lume tone must match dial plots. Watch for relumed or refinished dials. [/col] [col span="6" span__sm="12" padding="18px" bg_color="rgba(255,255,255,0.05)"] Bracelet & Clasp 7206 rivet (early), 9315 folded link (1970s), 93150 solid (late). Correct end links (e.g., 280, 580). Clasp codes date bracelet; mismatches reduce value. Stretch and polishing affect price. [/col] [/row] [row] [col span="12"] Pro Tip: A Red Sub with original dial and insert is far more valuable. Our certificate flags service parts so pricing can be adjusted fairly. [/col] [/row] [/section] [section label="Serial Ranges" id="checklist" bg_color="rgb(0,0,0)" dark="true" padding="80px 0"] [row h_align="center"] [col span__sm="12" align="center"] Dating the Watch Indicative Serial Windows (’60s–’70s) [gap height="10px"] Ranges overlap — always cross-check with dial type, caseback stamps, and bracelet codes. [/col] [/row] [gap height="25px"] [row] [col span="12"] Serial Range Approx. Year Notes 2.0M – 2.2M 1969–1970 Early “Red Sub” dials, meters first 2.2M – 3.9M 1971–1975 Red Sub continues; feet first 4.0M – 5.0M 1976–1977 Transition to white print only 5.0M – 6.0M 1978–1979 All-white print dials; 93150 bracelet common Bracelet clasp codes refine dating further. [/col] [/row] [/section] [section label="Red Flags" bg_color="rgb(34,34,34)" dark="true" padding="80px 0"] [row h_align="center"] [col span__sm="12" align="center"] Risks Common 1680 Red Flags [gap height="10px"] [/col] [/row] [row] [col span="4" span__sm="12" padding="20px" bg_color="rgba(255,255,255,0.05)"] Redial / Reprint Incorrect red text font/position; lacquer too glossy; “Swiss T < 25” missing. [/col] [col span="4" span__sm="12" padding="20px" bg_color="rgba(255,255,255,0.05)"] Relumed Plots Plots too clean, glowing too brightly; mismatch vs hands. [/col] [col span="4" span__sm="12" padding="20px" bg_color="rgba(255,255,255,0.05)"] Aftermarket Inserts Modern thin fonts on early Red Subs; fake “fuchsia” bezels. [/col] [/row] [row] [col span="4" span__sm="12" padding="20px" bg_color="rgba(255,255,255,0.05)"] Movement Mismatch Wrong caliber (e.g., 3035) inside a 1680 case; incorrect bridges. [/col] [col span="4" span__sm="12" padding="20px" bg_color="rgba(255,255,255,0.05)"] Over-Polished Case Rounded lugs, thin crown guards, re-engraved serials. [/col] [col span="4" span__sm="12" padding="20px" bg_color="rgba(255,255,255,0.05)"] Bracelet Issues Non-coeval bracelets, stretched beyond usability, incorrect clasp codes. [/col] [/row] [/section] [section label="Packages" id="packages" bg_color="rgb(0,0,0)" dark="true" padding="80px 0"] [row h_align="center"] [col span__sm="12" align="center"] Choose Your Speed 1680 Authentication Packages [gap height="25px"] [/col] [/row] [row] [col span="4" span__sm="12" padding="20px" align="center" bg_color="rgba(255,255,255,0.05)"] 24h Preliminary certificate within 24h. €39 [button text="Order Now" color="white" style="outline" radius="10" link="/checkout/?plan=1680-24h-39"] [/col] [col span="4" span__sm="12" padding="20px" align="center" bg_color="rgba(255,255,255,0.05)"] 6h Priority review for urgent deals. €59 [button text="Sold out" color="alert" style="outline" radius="10"] [/col] [col span="4" span__sm="12" padding="20px" align="center" bg_color="rgba(255,255,255,0.05)"] 2h Express service for auctions & calls. €79 [button text="Sold out" color="alert" style="outline" radius="10"] [/col] [/row] [gap height="10px"] [row] [col span="12" align="center"] All packages include unique Certificate ID + QR, email support, and annotated observations specific to your 1680. [/col] [/row] [/section] [section label="FAQ" bg_color="rgb(34,34,34)" dark="true" padding="80px 0"] [row h_align="center"] [col span__sm="12" align="center"] Questions Rolex Submariner 1680 — FAQ [gap height="25px"] Key answers before you buy, sell or list a 1680. [/col] [/row] [gap height="30px"] [row] [col span="6" span__sm="12"] Can you authenticate from photos only? Yes — our preliminary certificate is based on photos. Movement shots improve reliability. Do you verify “Red Sub” authenticity? We check font type, line position, and era coherence — critical for value. Do you check bracelets? Yes — rivet, folded, or solid link bracelets are verified with clasp codes and end links. [/col] [col span="6" span__sm="12"] How fast is turnaround? Standard 24h; expedited 6h/2h available when capacity allows. Are service parts fatal? No — but they affect value. We flag them clearly in your report. Is the certificate trusted? Yes. Buyers can verify online via QR ID — trusted in listings and negotiations. [/col] [/row] [/section] [section label="CTA Final" bg_color="rgb(0,0,0)" dark="true" padding="100px 0"] [row h_align="center"] [col span__sm="12" align="center"] Ready to Verify Your Submariner 1680? Add a trusted, verifiable document to your sale or purchase. It pays for itself in time saved and stronger outcomes. [gap height="16px"] [button text="Start Now – From €39" color="white" style="outline" padding="12px 36px" radius="10" link="#packages"] [button text="How It Works" color="white" style="link" radius="10" link="https://luxurywatchauthentication.com/how-it-works/"] [/col] [/row] [/section]