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Vintage Submariner

Rolex Submariner Model 1680

Launched in 1966, model 1680 was the first Submariner with a date, building on the watch that started it all: the first wristwatch designed for scuba diving.

Vintage Rolex Submariner model 1680
At a Glance
Family
Submariner
Reference
1680
Introduced
1966
Date
Yes
Crown guards
Yes
Successor
16800 (early 1980s)

The Story

The first Submariner with the date feature was model 1680, launched in 1966. In 1974 it became available with all white text printed on the dial, and in certain world markets the word Submariner was printed in red until 1980.

In the early 1980s the Submariner model 1680 was renumbered 16800.

Submariner Timeline

  1. 1953
    Submariner introducedThe first wristwatch designed for scuba diving. Early models had no crown guards and no date.
  2. 1959
    Crown guards arriveProtective crown guards were introduced on the no-date Submariner model 5512, which ceased production in the early 1970s.
  3. 1966
    Model 1680, the first dateModel 1680 was the first Submariner with a date.
  4. 1974
    All white dial textThe Submariner 1680 became available with all white text printed on the dial.
  5. 1980
    Red Submariner dials endIn certain world markets, dials with the word Submariner printed in red were available until 1980.
  6. Early 1980s
    Renumbered 16800The Submariner model 1680 was renumbered 16800.

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