Rolex Submariner Date 1680

FS Rolex Submariner 1680

Available for sale this is a classic example of an early 1972 vintage Rolex Submariner 1680. 

This is a vintage example of an early Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner men's divers watch (3 ^rd quarter 1972)   ref. 1680 with tan patina matching hands and matte dial. 

This piece has an interesting story. It started its 44+ year life as a legendary 1680 Red Mark IV dial (Beyler Dial - Open 6 Feet First) as indicated by its serial number (low 3.058 million). I purchased this watch from its 2^nd owner who owned the watch for most of its lifetime. It wasn't serviced at all but arrived to me in overall great condition. 

It was then sent to Rolex USA for full service in January 2006 (detailed paperwork inclusive of customer invoice and sales receipt will be provided with the watch). Sadly, this is where the story takes a turn for the worse. During the normal factory service, the dial, hands, and bezel were all deemed “used” and replaced with modern NOS parts (Luminova dial and hands). This was fully unacceptable to me and after a lengthy back and forth discussions with Rolex I was unable to have my original parts returned. Needless to say, this was my last customer interaction with Rolex’s service department for any of my vintage timepieces. 

Since then I have sold the Rolex service replacement Luminova dial and hands and replaced them with the current nicely aged 1680 White dial and hands. Following the bad service experience with Rolex US, the watch was brought to my vintage Rolex certified watchmaker for regular service again in 2012. It keeps absolutely great time. 

Case : Overall the case is in very good shape, previously it has been polished at Rolex Service, but the lugs are still fat. There are obvious marks of normal wear but most importantly no serious or deep scratches, dents, or any signs of pitting (best evidenced by the photos). Visible between the lugs both the Reference 1680/0 as well as case serial number 3,058,XXX, dating it back to late 1972. Caseback is marked 1680.

Dial : Very nice feet first matte dial with Tritium luminous markers. Overall in good condition with no scratches whatsoever. Due to the age of the dial the tritium no longer holds a light charge and also has some slightly darker color changes on hands, (best established by the detailed photos). Tritium color matches hands, in a nice light eggshell cream color. No tritium flaking evident otherwise in uniform condition with no evidence of rust or pitting. Clearly visible Swiss-T<25 signage on the bottom of the dial and no rust or chipping on the dial edges. 

Bezel : Rolex period-correct MkIII Fat Font bezel insert no fading with really minimal scratches (for particular details please refer to the photos). Tritium dot was missing and was replaced with Luminous part. 

Crystal : Acrylic Plexi super dome and very clean with minimal if any signs of scratches (for specific details please refer to the photos). 

Bracelet : Period correct Rolex Oyster Reference 93150 solid link with 580 end link pieces. It is noted as the most comfortable wearing bracelet of all vintage Rolex models with great feel and weight. It also offers ease of sizing with link adjustments (remove/add).

Accessories : Rolex Service Papers including: Invoice, Original Service Warranty, Payment Receipt, Job Envelope and Rolex Box including a Rolex Oyster Bracelet (Ref 93150 with 580 end links). 

Price : I am offering it for  $13,950 + S&I OBO .

Shipping & Insurance : I only ship fully insured with ParcelPro and use FedEx Priority. This is calculated based on the delivery address. 

Payment : Money wire and Chase Quickpay only for non-local deals. Cash acceptable for in-person Chicago deals. No PayPal. 

I have plenty of close up photos that can be provided via email to serious buyers. All of the photos are unretouched (no Photoshop just strong natural daylight) which should give you the tools to assess the watch's current level of condition (please do understand and excuse some inadvertent lint or print smudges). 

I am located in Chicago so I would prefer a CONUS deal. Verifiable references are available upon request with the same expected from potential buyers that I have not dealt with before. I reserve the right to offer priority in dealing with people I already know. 

Guaranteed 100% authentic and original Rolex Submariner. 

Return Policy : Items (including both watches and accessories) are always as stated in my ad description and photos state the unaltered and true condition of the goods for sale and are thus sold as-is. In the case of misrepresentation of goods as advertised and/or items not being original I will offer a full refund (minus cost of shipping and insurance) if returned in the same condition as I shipped it within a reasonable time (3-5 days since the original delivery). If you "have a change of mind" or find it “not for you” please understand this is not a valid excuse for a return. 

International buyers, please note that in case of returns I will fully refund you minus the costs of shipping, insurance, currency conversion costs (if any), and import duties (if any) after receiving the watch in the same condition as I shipped it to you. Please note that return shipping and insurance costs are the responsibility of the buyer (I can provide you with a return shipping label if needed). Thanks for understanding.