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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Dive watch

1970 Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 'Mk. IV'

Partially verified

This 1970 Rolex Submariner, reference 1680, is a stainless steel dive watch featuring the 'Mk. IV' dial variant. Characterized by red 'Submariner' lettering on a matte black surface, this iteration is recognized as an early 'feet first' dial configuration. The watch includes a 40mm stainless steel case with symmetrical lugs and is equipped with a Rolex 9315 folded-link Oyster bracelet fitted with 380 end pieces. The rotating bezel insert features a 'fat font' design with a tritium pearl. The movement, housed within the 40mm case, incorporates a date display. The auction description notes the inclusion of original box and papers, specifically identifying the watch as having undergone recent service. The dial and original tritium hands exhibit a uniform golden-yellow patina, and the date wheel retains its distinct open '6' and '9' numerals.

The 1970 Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 'Mk. IV' featuring the red Submariner text and matte black dial.
The 1970 Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 'Mk. IV' featuring the red Submariner text and matte black dial. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Dive watch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
1680
Catalogue / lot identifier
RLXSUB701680RED-3
Source-reported date
1970
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
28XXXXX

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Bracelet Construction

The stainless steel case measures 40mm in diameter and features lugs described as thick and symmetrical. The case shows evidence of light historical polishing while maintaining its profile. The unidirectional bezel is fitted with a 'fat font' insert, which retains its original tritium-filled pearl.

The watch is secured to a Rolex 9315 folded-link Oyster bracelet. This component features 380 end links and is documented to include ten main links plus two supplementary links.

Evidence for this section
  • “The thick and symmetrical lugs have only been gently polished in the past and remain in excellent condition”
  • “The original Mk III "fat font" bezel insert is simply exceptional”
  • “The Rolex 9315 folded-link Oyster bracelet with 380 end pieces has been lightly polished in the past and retains 10 links that show normal stretch”

Dial and Hands

The watch displays a matte black 'Mk. IV' dial, which is identified by its red 'Submariner' text located above the depth rating. This dial is an early 'feet first' variant and features the characteristic open '6' numeral. The hour markers are applied with tritium luminous material that has developed a consistent golden-yellow patina.

The hands are the original tritium-filled set, which match the dial’s aged aesthetic. The date aperture is positioned at 3 o'clock and utilizes a metallic date wheel, which is notable for its open '6' and '9' figures. The dial surface shows no visible damage.

Evidence for this section
  • “The red lettering on white and distinctive open “6” are the notable characteristics of the Mk. IV Dial.”
  • “The stunning matte black Mk IV dial is virtually flawless, showing no age or damage whatsoever.”
  • “The metallic date wheel is original with open 6's and 9's.”

Provenance and Accessories

The watch is accompanied by a suite of original accessories. Additionally, the set contains a Rolex anchor and a hangtag.

According to the vendor, the timepiece has been serviced and is currently functioning correctly.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch comes complete with its original inner and outer boxes, Rolex guarantee paper, Rolex booklets, translation papers, and Rolex anchor and hangtag accessories.”
  • “The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.”

Open research questions

  • What specific production date range characterizes the Mk. IV dial variant within the 1680 reference history?
  • Do the included guarantee papers correspond to the 28XXXXX serial number range?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 1970 Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 'Mk. IV'
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
BrandRolex“Brand Rolex”
Reference1680“Model 1680”
DialMatte Black "Red" Mk. IV“Dial Matte Black "Red" Mk. IV”
BraceletRolex 9315 Oyster Bracelet“Bracelet Rolex 9315 Oyster Bracelet W/ 380 End Pieces”
Date1970“1970 Rolex Red Submariner (Ref. 1680) "Mk. IV" W/ Box & Papers”
Serial Number28XXXXX“Serial 28XXXXX”
Case Diameter40mm“Millimeters 40”

Visible details

  • Tritium plots display golden-yellow patina
  • Open 6 and 9 numerals on the metallic date wheel
  • Rotating bezel insert with tritium pearl
  • Folded-link Oyster bracelet with 380 end pieces

Research qualifications

  • Patina uniformity and U.V. response are reported by the vendor but cannot be independently verified
  • Exact range of serial number is obscured by X characters

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی غواصی Rolex Red Submariner رفرنس 1680 مدل Mk. IV سال ۱۹۷۰

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record db3d1f0ad6

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Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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